Is it worth booking river cruise tickets in advance?

Yes — it's worth it. You can purchase tickets in person, but I recommend reserving your ticket in advance to ensure your place on the ship.

How long is a river cruise in Budapest?

Most river cruises are 1-1.5 hours long, while dinner cruises are 1.5-3 hours long. 60-minute cruises are fine, but it may end up being +/-10 minutes in either direction. Seventy minutes feels just right. Dinner cruises of about 1.5-2 hours are ideal. Anything above 2 hours is overkill.

Which sights are covered on a Budapest boat tour?

Most standard cruises cover the distance between Margaret Bridge and just after Liberty Bridge, including major sights of Budapest. Legenda's daytime and dinner cruise circles Margaret Island, while the Mahart-BKK public service cruise touches the southern half. Some rides go down the river as far as the National Theatre/Palace of Arts.

What is the best river cruise to go on?

It depends on your preferences. Sightseeing cruises (0-20$) are perfect for enjoying the gorgeous sights for 60-90 minutes. Dinner cruises ($50-$100) offer a unique dining experience and Hungarian folklore entertainment. Booze, party, or food cruises ($20-$40) are focused on those aspects rather than sightseeing.

Can I buy drinks or food on Budapest river cruises?

Yes, snacks and drinks are usually available at the ship's kitchen bar, but food is seldom included on cheap cruises. Dinner cruises, brunch cruises, or lunch cruises are specifically designed for dining experiences.

What is the best time to go on a river cruise?

The best seasons for river cruises are May-June to September-October, avoiding the crowded and hot summer months. Most river cruises in Budapest are held in the evening when the attractions are beautifully lit. Daytime cruises are great in the summer to escape the heat.

How to have the best seats on a river cruise?

Arrive early for the cruise to secure your desired seat. Reserving specific seats is usually only available for certain high-end cruises.

How to prepare for a river cruise in the winter/summer?

Summer: Have sunscreen, water, an umbrella, and sunglasses at hand for daytime cruises in the warmer months. In rainy weather, the open-air deck is closed. In stormy weather, cruises are canceled. Winter: The windows in the heated cabin are prone to fog up, thus blocking the views, depending on how well the windows are insulated. Cold weather and winds make open-air sightseeing less pleasant during the winter. Wear warm clothing, dress in layers, and protect your face.

How to avoid overcrowding on river cruises?

Summer is the high season - everything will be swarming with tourists, including boat tours. Apart from coming in shoulder or off-season, one thing you can do to avoid the crowds is opt for slightly more expensive cruises.

How to have the perfect views and Instagram-worthy photos on a river cruise?

Choose the ships with the best sightseeing facilities. In other words, choose ships with large, spacious open-air decks with unobstructed 360° panorama for perfect views and Instagram-worthy photos. Legenda and Portum both meet this requirement.

How to have the best audio guide experience on a river cruise?

If you absolutely want an audio guide, I found Legenda's to be the best executed, but I still experienced some technical issues. Most cruises don't offer audio guides. Common issues with audio guides include un-synced commentary, irrelevant sights/details mentioned, and infrequent or inaudible audio.