Historic Cruise with Welcome Drink

Cruise along the Danube on board a historic-style paddle steamer and enjoy clear views of Budapest’s landmarks from the water. With a welcome drink and a multilingual audio guide on your phone, this experience offers an informative and relaxed way to explore the city’s riverside sights.
Savor a glass of welcome drink
Savor a glass of welcome drink
Listen to the online audio guide on your phone
Listen to the online audio guide on your phone
Enjoy the historical ambience and the beautiful panorama
Enjoy the historical ambience and the beautiful panorama
Heated area and blankets
Heated area and blankets
Historic paddle steamer
Historic paddle steamer

Details

Experience Budapest from the Danube aboard a historical paddle steamer, complete with a welcome drink served upon arrival. As the ship glides along the river, take in panoramic views of the city while listening to an online audio guide that shares interesting facts about the landmarks you pass.

You will board either the Kisfaludy Paddle Steamer or the Hableány Paddle Steamer. These sister vessels are faithful recreations of 19th-century paddle steamers, featuring similar designs and historical character. Both ships offer the same sightseeing route and viewing experience as they cruise past Budapest’s most iconic riverside highlights.

The audio guide is available via a QR code on board and can be accessed directly on your phone. It includes both audio and text content in 30 languages, allowing you to follow the commentary in the format you prefer. For the best experience, guests are advised to bring their own smartphone and earphones. Assistance is available from the crew if needed.

Seating on board is unassigned and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. All guests are expected to follow safety regulations and crew instructions throughout the cruise. Any behavior that disturbs other passengers is not permitted.

Important Info

Not suitable for

• Wheelchair users

What to bring

• Headphones
• Charged Smartphone

Know before you go

• Our historical cruises operate with two boats. The specific vessel used depends on the number of bookings.
• Seating is guaranteed but not assigned. It’s first-come, first-served, so arriving early will help you secure a preferred spot
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Return to the excursion

Online Booking

What is included in activity

Welcome drink (premium Tokaj Frizzante or orange juice)
Guaranteed seating
Audio guide in 30 languages
Heated area and blankets
Free Wi-Fi
Restrooms
Umbrellas and sunshades
1 hr
Private tour, group size up to 20 persons
Mobile ticket
English
Children allowed
Full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund

River cruise ship

Tour program

Please note that the program and conditions are subject to change.
Liberty Statue
Liberty Bridge
Gellért Baths
Hotel Gellért
Budapest University of Technology and Economics
Bálna Budapest
Central Market Hall
Elizabeth Bridge
Chain Bridge
Gresham Palace
Hungarian Parliament Building
Margaret Bridge
Fisherman's Bastion
Buda Castle
Castle Hill
Elizabeth Bridge

Meeting point

Meet near the Elizabeth Bridge (white suspension bridge) on the Pest side. Look for Duna Cruises. To get to the departure point, take tram 2, get off at Március 15 square and walk to Dock 10.

Reviews by travellers

4.9 out of 5
1476 reviews
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Rebecca
The boat was beautiful and quaint. Staff were friendly.
10 months ago
Cheryl
Very pleasant. We were welcomed into the waiting area and shortly afterwards, onboard the vessel with a nice glass off bubbly. Although it was chilly outside, we stayed warm on the glazed mid deck with great views of Budapest. A smooth and really pleasant way to spend an hour and see some of the famous sights of the city from the Danube.
about 2 months ago
Fiona
The staff were extremely friendly and you can use your own phone and AirPods (if you have them) if not you can listen to the guide direct from the app on your phone. Overall a lovely trip up and down the Danube seeing all the major attractions.
about 2 months ago
Mark
A relaxing way to explore the River Danube. the paddle boat is fun and unique. it doesn't feel crowded as everyone has their own table and exceptional views. Go for the evening trips to enjoy the lights!
about 2 months ago
Rachel
Great value! I loved how small the group was and how cozy the boat was. Definitely the most beautiful boat on the river. Love that you could get cozy inside and move outside for the photos when you wanted to. We decided on this one compared to dinner cruises as the group was small, the boat was beautiful, and the value was unbeatable!
about 2 months ago
Geeth
Welcomed with sparkling wine to the boat. Boat ride was amazing with beautiful views all around. Inside the boat was also beautiful with wooden tables and chairs. Definitely gave the vibe of a vintage boat and since the boat is small, it’s not crowded as well.
2 months ago
Jan
Very nice cruise on the Danube with fabulous views of the city. For families this is highly recommended!
2 months ago
Laura
Great experience with a a relaxed feel that was not at all overcrowded. The welcome drink was lovely, facilities were clean and well looked after, while the audio guide was useful without being intrusive. All round, a recommended experience for visitors to Budapest.
2 months ago
SAYAK
Excellent traditional paddle boat with great and cozy set up both inside and outside. Blankets and choice of drinks was excellent. Being small in size, it felt really personal and not crowded at all. Very well arranged. Great choice to explore both sides of Danube river at sunset and as darkness sets in.
2 months ago
Andrew
Very nice river cruise. Smaller boat so not as crowded as some of the big ones. Indoor or outdoor seating.
3 months ago
Route details changed.
More info
Starting point of the tour
Meet near the Elizabeth Bridge (white suspension bridge) on the Pest side. Look for Duna Cruises. To get to the departure point, take tram 2, get off at Március 15 square and walk to Dock 10.