Historic Cruise with Welcome Drink

Name: Historic Cruise with Welcome Drink
Start: 2026-06-27T13:00:00.000+03:00
End: 2026-06-27T14:00:00.000+03:00
Location: Budapest

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

Listen to the online audio guide on your phone

Enjoy the historical ambience and the beautiful panorama

Heated area and blankets

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.

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

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Departure: Budapest Jane Haining rakpart 10. Dock 10, 1052 Hungary

On map

Duration: 1 hour

Group size up to 20 persons

Children allowed

English

Mobile ticket

Full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund

River cruise ship

Change time

Kisfaludy or Hableány

The Kisfaludy Paddle Steamer is a rebuild of the first steamboat on Lake Balaton, originally built by Count István Széchenyi. This unique boat showcases a 19th-century design and is reminiscent of the Hungarian Reform Era. The original Hableány was built by Count Ödön Széchenyi, son of Count István Széchenyi, and became one of the highlights of the 1867 Paris World Fair. Among its famous guests were Emperor Napoleon III and Jules Verne, who was partly inspired by Széchenyi Ödön’s historic journey from Budapest to Paris when writing his novel The Danube Pilot.

Open deck

A bar

Audio guide

Shaded area

Life jackets

Enclosed deck

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

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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.

Still have a question? Contact guide

Reviews by travellers

4.9 out of 5

1600 reviews

828

112

Rebecca

The boat was beautiful and quaint. Staff were friendly.

6 months ago

Gisela G.

It was a very lovely tour. We enjoyed it. The Sightseeing was good with well placed informations about the main spots.

3 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.

5 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.

5 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!

5 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!

5 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.

6 months ago

Jan

Very nice cruise on the Danube with fabulous views of the city. For families this is highly recommended!

6 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.

6 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.

6 months ago

Route details changed.

More info

Historic Cruise with Welcome Drink

Details

Important Info

Online Booking

What is included in activity

River cruise ship

Tour program

Meeting point

Reviews by travellers

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