❓ Should I book river cruise tickets in advance? Is it worth it? 💡 Yes — It's worth reserving your ticket in advance to ensure your place on the ship, although you can purchase tickets in person.
This is Budapest's only boat tour offering an authentic 19th-century historic cruise experience. The ship is a replica of the Hungarian paddle steamer, the Kisfaludy, which operated between 1847 and 1887 on Lake Balaton thanks to the initiative of István Széchenyi.
Thecruise includes a welcome drink and an English audio guide (via loudspeakers).
The ship features an open-air panorama deck at the front (the best place for 360° views), a semi-covered rear area, and a small top deck near the captain's cabin.
There's also a must-see maritime museum on the bottom deck.
In summary, this cruise provides a high-quality sightseeing experience infused with historic flair you can't get elsewhere in Budapest.
🗺️ Use tram line 2 to arrive at Széchenyi István tér or Március 15 tér stop. Go towards Elizabeth bridge (white suspension bridge) and look for Duna Cruises.
Like on any boat tour in Budapest, the cityscape is breathtaking throughout the trip. The best spot for sightseeing on this cruise is the front panorama deck, where you board the ship.
The Ship
The boat tour offers an authentic historical experience aboard a replica of a 19th-century paddle steamer, the Kisfaludy, that once sailed Lake Balaton.
19th Century Maritime Museum
On the lower deck, there is a captivating maritime museum that displays the lifestyle of 19th century sailors.
The Drinks
The cruise includes a complimentary welcome drink of your choice - water, prosecco, orange juice or beer.
The Top Deck
The small top deck has four tables, but the chimney and captain's cabin somewhat block the view.
The orientation of half the tables is perpendicular to the Danube, so one side of the city is always behind your back. The main deck doesn't have this issue.
The Main Deck
The main deck has a front open-air area with a 360° panorama. Additionally, there is a roof-covered rear area with equally splendid views.
You can take a closer look at the paddle wheel in the middle or visit the maritime museum on the bottom deck.
You can also find free umbrellas, which they likely hand out during rainy weather.
The Audio Guide
During the cruise, you can enjoy an English-speaking audio guide through loudspeakers.
The guide was synchronized with the attractions we passed by and provided brief introductions, trivia, and historical information about the landmarks.
Sometimes loudspeakers can get drowned out by the noise of a crowd, which makes them hard to hear. I didn't experience this during my daytime cruise, but it may be more challenging to hear during the more popular night cruise.
In between the narration, there's a pleasant classical piano music playing.