Budapest Boat Tour

Discover Budapest from the Danube

We understand that exploring a new city can be daunting, especially when you are unfamiliar with the language or the culture… This is why Purpleliner is your one-stop solution for exploring the beautiful and historic city of Budapest! We are a brand new provider of Budapest boat tours that allow you to enjoy the city in comfort and style from the river Danube.

Sightseeing Cruise

From € 12 / person
BOOK YOUR SEAT

60 Minutes

Perfect duration to see the sights without fatigue.

Batthyány Square

Easy departure point right opposite the Parliament.

Audio App

Learn the history with our smart phone guide.

Our sightseeing cruise is a 60-minute Budapest boat tour departing from Batthyány Square. On this tour, you will have the opportunity to take in the stunning architecture and beauty of Budapest from the water, as well as learn about the fascinating history of the city. Our phone application guide will provide you with interesting facts, making this tour both educational and entertaining.

Budapest boat tour
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Audio Guide Details

Languages Available

🇬🇧 English 🇩🇪 German 🇭🇺 Hungarian 🇮🇹 Italian 🇫🇷 French 🇪🇸 Spanish 🇸🇰 Slovak 🇷🇺 Russian 🇰🇷 Korean

Important Information

📱
Free App Downloadable application
🎧
Earphones Please bring your own
🤳
Your Device Commentary plays on phone
🔋
Battery Arrive fully charged

Get the App

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Schedule

Schedule
Departure End of tour
16:55 17:55
18:15 19:15
19:35 20:35
20:55 21:55
Departure place:
Dock 1/B
1011 Budapest Batthyány square
GPS coordinates: 47.50585,19.039657

Sights which we cover on our tour:

  • 1. Batthyányi square
  • 2. Matthias church
  • 3. Fisherman’s Bastion
  • 4. Buda Palace
  • 5. Castle Garden Bazaar
  • 6. Elisabeth Bridge
  • 7. Rudas Bath
  • 8. Gellert Hill
  • 9. Gellert Bath
  • 10. Petőfi Bridge
  • 11. The “Whale”
  • 12. Central Market
  • 13. Chain Bridge
  • 14. Bronze Shoes Memorial
  • 15. Parliament
  • 16. Margaret Island

Our tours are designed to provide you with an unforgettable experience that you will cherish for years to come. So, whether you’re a local or a tourist, come join us for a journey through the heart of Budapest that you won’t forget!

Boat tour Budapest

Budapest River Cruise

A Magical Budapest Panorama – A View Only Possible from the Middle of the Danube

There’s a secret that only those who have experienced it understand. Budapest is breathtaking in every season—anyone can see that by strolling along the riverbanks or climbing up Gellért Hill. But there is another Budapest. A hidden perspective that most people never truly see: the city as it unfolds before you from the middle of the Danube.

A river cruise is not just an entertaining tourist activity—it’s a magical journey through time that allows you to see the capital from a fresh perspective. As the boat glides slowly past the Parliament, Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge, everything suddenly feels different. The noise fades away, the hum of traffic turns into a distant murmur, and you feel as though you are standing inside a painting.

A Different Perspective, A New Experience

We all know Budapest’s iconic buildings—or at least we think we do. But have you ever looked up at the lions of the Chain Bridge directly from the water? Have you seen the gilded dome of the Parliament without anything obstructing the view? From the middle of the Danube, every building reveals itself in a new way. While walking along the embankment, we naturally see only one side of the city’s architecture, but from a boat, the entire city unfolds before us in all its grandeur.

Moreover, the water serves as a mirror: at sunset, the shimmering buildings reflect on the river’s surface, creating a scene so stunning it feels as if Budapest exists in its own little universe, only visible from the heart of the Danube.

The Magic of the Moment: Day, Evening, and Night

In the morning, as the city slowly awakens, floating on the Danube can be a meditative experience. The golden sunlight gently kisses Gellért Hill, joggers pass by on the promenade, and locals sip their first coffee in cozy riverside cafés.

During the day, the city is alive with energy: passing under the bridges, you can see the vibrant life of the riverbanks, the yellow trams running alongside the promenade, and Fisherman’s Bastion perched atop the hill like a fairytale castle.

It is in the evening that Budapest reveals its true magic. As the city lights begin to glow, the Danube shimmers in golden reflections. One by one, the illuminated bridges light up, and from the boat, it feels as if you are witnessing a secret, special celebration. They say Paris is the romance capital of Europe, but anyone who has ever cruised through Budapest on a starry night knows that the Hungarian capital is a worthy rival. Join us for a Budapest evening cruise!

The Best Seat in the House

From the river, Budapest shows a different side of itself. You don’t need luck to get the best view of the city’s most stunning panorama—because from the middle of the Danube, the view is always perfect. Whether you choose a daytime cruise or a magical evening sail, one thing is certain: everyone should experience Budapest from this perspective at least once.

Because you may know the city from the riverbank—but only from the middle of the Danube can you truly feel Budapest breathing.

Frequently Asked Questions – Budapest Boat Tour

The Purpleliner Budapest Boat Tour lasts 60 minutes, which is the perfect amount of time to explore Budapest’s most beautiful Danube panorama in a relaxed and comfortable way. During the cruise, you will sail along the city’s iconic river sections while having time to relax, take photos, and listen to the audio guide commentary.
The boat departs from Dock 1/B at Batthyány Square. Address: 1011 Budapest, Batthyány Square. The dock is located directly on the Danube riverbank, making boarding quick and straightforward.
From the middle of the Danube, you can admire Budapest’s most famous landmarks, including the Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, Chain Bridge and Margaret Island. You will also see Gellért Hill, Várkert Bazaar, the Rudas and Gellért Thermal Baths, the Central Market Hall and many other iconic riverside buildings.
Yes. The Budapest Boat Tour includes an audio guide available via a mobile application, presenting Budapest’s history and interesting facts in a clear and engaging way. The audio guide is available in English, German, Hungarian, Italian, French, Spanish, Slovak, Russian and Korean.
The audio guide is played on your own smartphone using a free downloadable mobile application. Please bring your own earphones, as earphones are not sold on board, and we recommend arriving with a fully charged device.
Yes. A bar is available on board, offering a selection of drinks and snacks. Bringing your own food or drinks on board is not permitted, but full service is provided throughout the cruise.
Yes, advance booking is recommended, especially on weekends, holidays and evening cruises. Online booking guarantees priority boarding.
Yes. Children aged 0–3 years can join the Budapest Boat Tour free of charge.
Sightseeing boats depart several times a day. Exact departure times depend on the selected date and are shown during booking.
For safety reasons, the company reserves the right to cancel the Budapest Boat Tour in case of extreme weather conditions, unforeseen events or technical issues. A minimum number of participants is required.
Yes. Alcoholic beverages and cocktails are available on board. Alcohol is served only to guests aged 18 and over.
No. The sightseeing boat is not wheelchair accessible and is not suitable for guests with limited mobility.
Yes. We are a dog-friendly service and welcome both pets and service animals on our vessel. We simply ask that they remain under your supervision throughout the trip for their safety.
Bookings can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before departure, with a full refund.
The Budapest Boat Tour is ideal for first-time visitors, returning guests, Hungarian visitors looking for a new perspective, as well as couples, families and groups of friends.
Purpleliner offers modern, custom-built boats, a comfortable and safe cruising experience, friendly and helpful staff, a multilingual audio guide and one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Budapest from the Danube.