Last updated: May 11, 2023
Author: Adam Dimitrov — Budapester, Hungarian & City Expert/Guide
🏆 Editor's #1 Choice
✔️ tested by author
Tried and tested, I recommend Hungaria Koncert's folklore-themed dance and music buffet libre dinner cruise for an unforgettable experience in Budapest.
If you're looking for the best dinner cruise in Budapest, you're in the right place.
I tried out cruise #1 on this list and can wholeheartedly recommend it.
For the rest, I used my extensive experience with boat tours and research to give you an accurate picture.
I hope it's helpful in making the right choice!
Disclaimer: This website uses affiliate links. I get paid a small commission if you buy anything through my links. It costs you nothing and makes my job sustainable. Cheers!
Watch this video to get an idea what to expect on a dinner cruise.
✔️ Buffet Libre — this dinner cruise is a great way to taste various Hungarian dishes.
✔️ Two Welcome Drinks — you can choose from various alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
✔️ Great Atmosphere — you feel like you're on the Titanic and forget about the outside world for 2 hours.
✔️ Folk Dance and Music Show — features one of the best live folklore music and dance shows with authentic and award-winning performers.
✔️ Full Danube Circuit — the cruise covers everything worth seeing, from Margaret Island all the way down to the National Theatre/Palace of Arts.
✔️ Long Cruise — the cruise lasts 1.5-2 hours, which gives ample time to eat, drink and see the sights at night.
❌ Not Great for Sightseeing — the views from the ship are mediocre (no 360°, fences blocking the view), spaces for sightseeing are both few/small, the dinner and folk show are more interesting so you'll focus on that and won't see the sights.
❌ Not Fine Dining Quality —The food is fine, but mid-range restaurants (and up) serve better quality food.
Number #1 on the list is Hungaria Koncert’s dinner cruise. This is a unique dinner cruise with live folklore music and dance performances. There's an unlimited buffet of various Hungarian dishes and a vibe that’s comparable to being on the Titanic.
Hungaria Koncert is a cruise operator and organizes different touristic activities. They've been operating since (at least) 1995.
What's included:
Cruise duration:
Price:
Folklore and operetta performance:
The ship:
✔️ High-end & elegant vibe — James Bond movie feel
✔️ Gourmet food — 4-course dinner for adults or 3-course for children
✔️ Welcome drink — a glass of champagne, wine, beer, a soft drink, or mineral water
✔️ Best for couples — with 2-sized candlelit tables
✔️ Features live music show — the music is more contemporary, aka not folklore themed
✔️ Lasts around 2.5 hours
❌ "It'll cost ya"- the basic ticket is the most expensive option in the dinner cruise category
❌ Only 1 drink included - you have to pay extra for drinks
❌ Small portions - don't expect a buffet libre
A romantic candlelit evening dinner cruise for couples - with live music, a 4-course catered dinner, and gourmet food. No traditional Hungarian vibes, food, or folklore music.
Legenda is the oldest and most reputable cruise company in Budapest. They’ve been operating since (at least) 1990 and are still going strong.
What's included:
Cruise duration:
The ship:
✔️ Gourmet food - 3 or 6-course dinner with a mix of Hungarian and international cuisine.
✔️ The food is prepared on-site in the ship's kitchen.
✔️ Features an excellent live folklore music show with authentic and award-winning performers.
✔️ Lasts around 3 hours.
❌ Bad value for money/overpriced.
❌ Welcome drinks are not included — tickets with unlimited drinks are available.
Another unique dinner cruise with live folklore music entertainment with 3 or 6-course catered gourmet dinner.
Silverline is a solid company operating since (at least) 2011. They have a decent range of cruise offerings, and run popular cruises in the sightseeing category.
What's included:
Cruise duration:
The ship: