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Reviews calculation: I am using the total review count of the activity from GetYourGuide, Tripadvisor and Viator.
Dinner Cruise Itinerary & Landmarks
To truly immerse yourself the breathtaking beauty of the city, there's no better way than embarking on a river cruise. During such cruises, you'll be treated to a captivating array of iconic landmarks and attractions in Budapest, including:
- Hungarian Parliament
- Buda Castle
- Matthias Church
- Fisherman’s Bastion
- Gellert Hill/Citadella
- Gellért Spa
- Budapest University of Technology and Economics
- A host of historic bridges, including the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, Margaret Bridge, Liberty Bridge, and Petőfi Bridge
- Margaret Island
- Palace of Arts
- National Theatre
Most cruises follow a circular route that starts from the southern end of Margaret Island at Margaret Bridge and ends just south of Liberty Bridge. This route covers most of the significant landmarks.
Detailed Breakdown — 6 Best Dinner Cruises in Budapest
1. 4-Course Romantic Candlelit Dinner Cruise With Live Lounge Music
Pros:
✔️ 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, but suitable for groups as well.
✔️ Features live music show — Contemporary music performed by pianist-singer/singer duo.
✔️ Lasts around 2.5 hours
Cons:
❌ Not the cheapest — Legenda is pricy, but the memorable, top-notch dinner cruise experience makes it worth the price.
❌ Additional drinks not included — They are available for purchase separately.
Cancel up to 48 hours in advance for a full refund.
Summary
If you're looking for a romantic dinner cruise in Budapest (detailed review here), look no further than Legenda City Cruises. They offer the best experience for couples or small groups seeking an extraordinary night out.
You're in for a romantic treat with an accommodating and professional staff, an elegant and luxurious ambiance, breathtaking views of the Danube and the beautiful cityscape of Budapest, a delicious 4-course catered dinner, and live lounge music.
It's the perfect setting for a romantic and/or fun night out in Budapest.
If you want a captivating 2.5-hour experience, this cruise is the perfect choice.
Note: For safety reasons, the candles at the tables are electric.
Click here to read my detailed, first-hand review of Legenda's candlelit dinner cruise here.
🎥 Video: Watch this 15s Tiktok video of Legenda's candlelit dinner cruise to get an idea what it's like.
📷 Instagram: Check out reels and photos of Legenda City Cruises.
About Legenda City Cruises
Legenda is the oldest and most reputable cruise company in Budapest. They’ve been operating since (at least) 1990 and are still going strong.
2. 4-Course Dinner Cruise with Welcome Drink Without Show (New!)
Pros:
✔️ Budget-Friendly Elegance — It's the most affordable elegant and gourmet dinner cruise, making it great value for money.
✔️ Gourmet Food — Includes a four-course meal and a welcome Prosecco.
✔️ Friendly Service — The staff was helpful, and food/drinks were served promptly.
✔️ Intimate Atmosphere — The upper deck offers a cozy, less crowded, familial feeling.
✔️ Scenic Route — The two-hour cruise passes all major landmarks between the Margaret Bridge and the Athletics Stadium.
✔️ Fresh food — the food is prepared on-site in the ship's kitchen.
✔️ Lasts 2 hours.
Cons:
❌ No Live Show — Entertainment is limited to pleasant background music in exchange for a lower price.
❌ Extra Costs — Specific dishes require an additional charge.
❌ Minor Food Improvements — There are one or two minor areas where the food could be improved.
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Summary: A Review of Silverline's Budget-Friendly Dinner Cruise
In a world of rising costs, the smart team at Silverline created a sophisticated yet budget-friendly dinner cruise.
They achieved this by eliminating the live performance, which makes this offer highly appealing to those who are perfectly happy with pleasant background music instead of a stage show.
The boat departed right on time at 7:00 PM. The two-deck vessel hosted the folk show dinner on the lower level. Me and co-testers were situated on the upper deck where the smaller area created a more intimate, familial atmosphere, which we considered a positive; it never felt overcrowded.
The windows can be slid open for taking photos or enjoying the fresh air during the summer months. The lower deck is more spacious and can accommodate more guests, and there are open-air areas both at the bow and the stern.
The cruise traveled up and down the river, passing every major landmark between the Margaret Bridge and the Athletics Stadium.
The staff was friendly and helpful. They served the appetizer right away, which helped manage our hunger, and our welcome drink was also delivered quickly.
In summary, I enjoyed a quality evening on the boat, complete with an elegant, pleasant environment, great service, and delicious gourmet food. I recommend it!
🎥 Video: Watch this teaser video of Silverline Cruises' dinner cruise to get a better idea of what you can expect.
About Silverline Cruises
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.
Arriving to Location
- The Silverline dock is located in the city center, right next to the Elizabeth Bridge. After a quick ticket check, we boarded the boat, walking across a small bridge and then over the gangway to get on. The ship departed on schedule.
The Ship
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- The dinner takes place on the upper deck where you're seated at 2 or 4-person tables. The folklore music show takes place on a small stage.
Dinner Venue / Seating / Vibe
- The ship's first deck features a large-capacity area that hosts the dinner program with the folklore show.
- Also on this deck, you'll find open-air sections both at the bow (front) and the stern (back) of the ship. The restrooms are located on this level as well in the back.
- The atmosphere on the upper deck was cozy and familial, comfortable, and not too crowded. The champagne and appetizer arrived quickly. For taking pictures or fresh air, the windows can be slid open.
Dinner Cruise Menu
- The dinner menu allows us to choose from one appetizer, two types of soup, three main courses, and three desserts. Please note that certain dishes require an extra charge on the boat.
Appetizer
- Appetizer: Caponata Schiacciata (Homemade Italian-style toast with a creamy eggplant topping)
Soups
- Chicken Dumpling Soup with Tarragon: The tarragon flavor was distinctly noticeable. It was one of the best we've had in a long time, featuring fresh, crisp vegetables that were not overcooked.
- Cauliflower Cream Soup with an authentic Hungarian preparation with a spicy, cheesy twist.
Main Course
- Pesto Chicken Roulade with Risotto Bianco: The chicken was divinely tender with a pesto filling and spicy Parmesan. The risotto was slightly runnier than ideal but still very good. The portion was medium-sized, and the overall flavor profile was 10 out of 10.
- French Pork Chop with Dijon Mustard Potato Gratin: The Dijon mustard was too strong for a typical European palate. However, the portion was large, and the potato gratin was an excellent pairing.
- Crusted Cod Fillet with Porcini and Wild Mushroom Gnocchi: The mushroom crust sauce added a much-needed spicy flavor to the otherwise unseasoned fish. The gnocchi was average, and it is important to specifically request the fish separately if you don't want the just a gnocchi dish.
Dessert
- Pistachio Tiramisu (Extra charge of +2460 HUF): It was delicious but not worth the additional cost.
- Avocado Chocolate Mousse: Tasted primarily like chocolate mousse, with the avocado flavor undetectable.
- Coriander Lemon Curd Mascarpone Sweet Crumble: A simple creamy dessert where the lemon flavor was very subtle.
The Views / Itinerary 🔭
- During the two-hour boat trip, we can admire all of Budapest's main sights, sailing between Margaret Island and the National Athletics Center (or Athletics Stadium).
Staff & Service 🧑
- The staff was friendly and helpful. They served the appetizer right away, which helped manage our hunger, and our welcome drink was also delivered quickly.
Quick Facts
- 📅 Schedule: every day at 19:00
- 🎟️ Ticket type: mobile or printed
- ✔️ Onboard wi-fi: yes
- ✔️ Open air deck: yes
- ✔️ Air conditioning/heating: yes
- ❌ Pets allowed: no, only service animals
- ✔️ Smoking: yes, outside
- ❌ Wheelchair accessible: no
- ✔️ Baby stroller accessible: yes
- ✔️ Infant/children discount: free for infants (age 0-3).
How to Get There
- 🗺️ Meeting point: Budapest, Jane Haining Rakpart, Dokk 11, 1052
- ✔️ Centrally located, easy to find and arrive.
- 📘 Use tram line 2 to arrive at Széchenyi István tér stop. You can find Silverline Cruises closest to Elisabeth Bridge.
3. 4-Course Gourmet Dinner Cruise With Folk Operetta Show
Pros:
✔️ Gourmet food — 4-course dinner with a mix of Hungarian and international cuisine.
✔️ Fresh food — 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 2 hours.
Cons:
❌ Minor Food Improvements — There are one or two minor areas where the food could be improved.
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Summary
Are you looking for an authentic folklore dinner cruise experience in Budapest? Look no further than Silverline Cruises! They offer an incredible dinner cruise experience with a Hungarian operetta and folk show for guests looking for a fun-filled night.
Get ready for an amazing adventure with a welcoming crew, a lively cabaret ambiance, and a captivating folk operetta performance.
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Danube River and the magnificent cityscape of Budapest, followed by a mouth-watering dinner featuring a selection of three or six courses.
If you're searching for an unforgettable two-hour adventure to enjoy with your partner, loved ones, or colleagues, this cruise is an ideal choice.
🎥 Video: Watch this teaser video of Silverline Cruises' dinner cruise to get a better idea of what you can expect.
About Silverline Cruises
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.
Detailed Breakdown
🛳️ Key Differences Among Silverline Dinner Cruises
- Silverline offers 3 similar dinner cruises.
- To ensure this section is useful and avoids repetition, the following parts will focus on the key distinctions among the Silverline options:
- the onboard entertainment
- the dining deck location
- the specific dates/availability
- and the price.
- the onboard entertainment
- For full details on the common elements—including the meeting point, food, ship, itinerary, and views—please click here to be taken to Item #2.
Dinner Venue / Seating / Vibe
- The folklore show dinner takes place on the lower deck. Guests here are in a more spacious area than upstairs, which is an advantage; however, it also means that not every guest will have a window seat, which requires an additional fee.
- The chairs here are slightly more decorative than on the upper deck, but the difference isn't significant.
Folk Operetta Performance & Music Show
- The show is performed on a stage located in the bow of the ship. A multi-member, authentic Gypsy band performs more traditional Hungarian songs here, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of this fascinating country.
- Throughout the evening, folklore dancers also perform, presenting a highly memorable folk dance show.
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- There is an interactive dance segment where guests are welcome to join in.
Quick Facts
- 📅 Schedule: every day at 19:30
- 🎟️ Ticket type: mobile or printed
- ✔️ Onboard wi-fi: yes
- ✔️ Open air deck: yes
- ✔️ Air conditioning/heating: yes
- ❌ Pets allowed: no, only service animals
- ✔️ Smoking: yes, outside
- ❌ Wheelchair accessible: no
- ✔️ Baby stroller accessible: yes
- ✔️ Infant/children discount: free for infants (age 0-3)
How to Get There
- 🗺️ Meeting point: Budapest, Jane Haining Rakpart, Dokk 11, 1052
- ✔️ Centrally located, easy to find and arrive.
- 📘 Use tram line 2 to arrive at Széchenyi István tér stop. You can find Silverline Cruises closest to Elisabeth Bridge.
4. 4-Course Gourmet Dinner Cruise With Piano Battle Show
Pros:
✔️ Gourmet food — 4-course dinner with a mix of Hungarian and international cuisine.
✔️ Fresh food — the food is prepared on-site in the ship's kitchen.
✔️ Features an excellent live piano music show with authentic and award-winning performers.
✔️ Lasts around 2 hours.
Cons:
❌ Minor Food Improvements — There are one or two minor areas where the food could be improved.
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Summary
💡 The Silverline Piano Show cruise happens concurrently as the previously mentioned option without the live show. The only difference is that a live piano show performance is included, which is why the ticket costs more. Otherwise, all other elements of the two dinner cruises are the same.
Enjoy a delightful piano dinner cruise in Budapest with Silverline Cruises. They offer an exceptional experience complete with a lively atmosphere and captivating piano music performance for those who prefer more contemporary music.
You can expect to be greeted by a friendly crew, an enjoyable atmosphere, and an enthralling piano performance that will leave you captivated.
Experience Budapest's magnificent cityscape and breathtaking Danube River views while indulging in a mouth-watering dinner featuring a selection of three or six courses.
This three-hour adventure is perfect for couples, loved ones, or colleagues looking for an unforgettable experience.
🎥 Video: Watch this teaser video of Silverline Cruises' dinner cruise to get a better idea of what you can expect.
About Silverline Cruises
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.
- Silverline offers 3 similar dinner cruises.
- To ensure this section is useful and avoids repetition, the following parts will focus on the key distinctions among the Silverline options:
- the onboard entertainment
- the dining deck location is the same as 2# (on the upper deck).
- the onboard entertainment
- For full details on the common elements—including the meeting point, food, ship, itinerary, and views—please click here to be taken to Item #2.
Piano Music Show
- Enjoy a captivating piano "battle" performance where two skilled musicians compete in a thrilling display of musical talent along with a female singer.
Quick Facts
- 📅 Schedule: every day at 19:30
- 🎟️ Ticket type: mobile or printed
- ✔️ Onboard wi-fi: yes
- ✔️ Open air deck: yes
- ✔️ Air conditioning/heating: yes
- ❌ Pets allowed: no, only service animals
- ✔️ Smoking: yes, outside
- ❌ Wheelchair accessible: no
- ✔️ Baby stroller accessible: yes
- ✔️ Infant/children discount: free for infants (age 0-3)
How to Get There
- 🗺️ Meeting point: Budapest, Jane Haining Rakpart, Dokk 11, 1052
- ✔️ Centrally located, easy to find and arrive.
- 📘 Use tram line 2 to arrive at Széchenyi István tér stop. You can find Silverline Cruises closest to Elisabeth Bridge.
5. All You Can Eat Buffet Dinner Cruise With Folk Music and Dance Show
Pros:
✔️ 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 in an early 20th century cabaret 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.
Cons:
❌ 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.
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Summary
Hungaria Koncert offers the most popular dinner cruise experience in Budapest (based on number of reviews) that includes a live performance of Hungarian folk music and dance.
The dinner cruise ship offers a wide range of Hungarian cuisine options (buffet libre) and has a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of a cabaret from the early 1900s.
If you're looking for a captivating two-hour experience to share with your spouse, family, or friends/colleagues, then this cruise is perfect for you.
🎥 Video: Watch my video summary of Hungaria Koncert's dinner cruise to get a feel for this dinner cruise.
About Hungaria Koncert
Hungaria Koncert is a cruise operator and organizes different touristic activities. They've been operating since (at least) 1995.
Detailed Breakdown
What's Included
- You get to enjoy the show of award-winning music and dance performers who are going to give you an amazing time.
- You get access to a buffet libre of a variety of Hungarian dishes. Meals include goulash soup, stuffed cabbage, beef stew, somlói Galuska, a variety of strudels, and more.
- The quality of the food is good but isn’t Michelin 2-star grade. Even so, it’s a great way to try out a variety of Hungarian dishes at once.
Dance and Music Performance
- On the top deck, there are folklore dance and music performances for dinner guests only.
- The music gave the trip an early 20th century cabaret vibe.
The Ship
- The interior of the ship has a classical and luxurious feel, including chandeliers, a teak wood interior, custom-made floor carpet, intarsia decorated walls, and more.
- There are two symmetrical indoor sections on the top deck and a total of four outdoor areas - two on the sides and two at each end of the ship.
- The outdoor side areas are available for sightseeing guests; the rest of the level is reserved for dinner guests.
- The sides have 180° views, while the front and back are 360°, but fences obstruct the view.
- The lower deck has the same look and feel as the rest of the ship. There is only one area accessible - immediately to the right of the entrance. This area is for people with non-dinner tickets. It includes a bar with reasonable prices, tables with chairs, and a folklore trio performance.
Dinner cruise menu
Soups
- Goulash soup
- Seasonal vegetable cream soup
Hot Main Course
- Chicken fillet cooked in gravy with ragout
- Beef stew with Villány red wine
- Stuffed cabbage from turkey
- Oven-baked vegetables
- Vegetable couscous
Side Dish
- Rice
- Dumplings
- Roast potatoes with parsley
Dessert
- Variation of strudel
- Somlói Galuska
- Fruit bowl (only on request for those unable to eat other desserts)
Salad
- Mixed salad with pesto
- Pasta salad with yoghurt
Extra Side
- Cucumber salad with sour cream
Quick Facts
- 📅 Schedule: every day at 19:00
- 🎟️ Ticket type: mobile or printed
- ✔️ Onboard wi-fi: yes
- ✔️ Open air deck: yes
- ✔️ Air conditioning/heating: yes
- ❌ Pets allowed: no, only service animals
- ✔️ Smoking: yes, outside
- ❌ Wheelchair accessible: no
- ✔️ Baby stroller accessible: yes
- ✔️ Infant/children discount: free for children (age 0-5)
How to Get There
- 🗺️ Meeting point: Budapest, Id. Antall József rkp., 1051
- ✔️ Centrally located, easy to find and arrive.
- 📘 Use tram line 2 to arrive at Széchenyi István tér stop. You can find Hungaria Koncert next to Széchenyi Chain bridge.
6. Also-Great All-Around 4-Course Dinner Cruise With Folk Show
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Pros:
✔️ 4-Course Hungarian Feast — A chance to delve into authentic Hungarian cuisine, with options even for special diets.
✔️ Gypsy Musical Extravaganza — Sets the cruise apart with traditional gypsy music and dance performances.
✔️ Ideal Duration — 1.5 hours is the sweet spot: long enough to enjoy the views, food, and entertainment, but not so long that it feels excessive.
✔️ Upper Deck Views — The upper deck offers a 360-degree panorama, perfect for soaking in the Budapest skyline.
✔️ Central Meeting Point — Conveniently located, getting to the dock shouldn't be a problem.
Cons:
❌ Limited Accessibility — The ship is not wheelchair-accessible, making it a challenging option for those with mobility issues.
Summary
Experience a wonderful evening of traditional folk music and dance while cruising along the Danube River in Budapest with Eurama.
Their dinner cruise promises a lively atmosphere and a captivating gypsy performance, ensuring an unforgettable experience.
Enjoy the stunning cityscape of Budapest and the breathtaking views of the Danube River while treating yourself to a delicious four-course dinner.
This 1.5-hour adventure is ideal for couples, loved ones, or colleagues seeking a memorable experience.
🎥 Video: Watch this teaser video of Eurama's dinner cruise to get a better idea of what you can expect.
About Eurama
Eurama has been running a tour agency since at least 2003, and they offer a variety of tours in addition to their dinner cruise.
What's Included
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- Enjoy a tasty 4-course dinner meal catered to your taste buds, featuring authentic Hungarian dishes. They also cater to special diets, with detailed menu options provided below.
Gypsy Music and Dance Show
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- Enjoy a delightful dinner cruise while being entertained by traditional Gypsy music and dance performances.
Dinner Cruise Menu
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- 4-course dinner for adults, depending on which tier you choose. Additional packages are available with drinks and window table.
- Traditional Hungarian Menu 1: Goulash soup, Roast duck leg with oniony crushed potatoes and stewed cabbage, Apple, sour cherry strudel with cinnamon dressing
- Traditional Hungarian Menu 2: Clear chicken soup „Újházi style” with vegetables, Veal stew with egg noodles, Somlói galuska
- Vegetarian Menu: Green pea cream soup, with cilantro cottage cheese dumplings, Grilled goat cheese with sweet potatoes and raspberry vinegar salad, Traditional Gundel pancake
- SPECIAL Gluten free Menu: Goulash soup (of course without bread), Roast duck leg with oniony crushed potatoes and stewed cabbage, Chia Seed pudding with strawberry pith
- SPECIAL Lactose free Menu: Goulash soup, Roast duck leg with oniony crushed potatoes and stewed cabbage, Chia Seed pudding with strawberry pith
Cruise Duration
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- The cruise will take 1.5 hours, which may seem shorter than other cruises that last 2-3 hours. However, in my experience, anything over 2 hours can be excessive.
- Nonetheless, 1.5 hours is enough time to enjoy the food, music performance, and beautiful scenery.
The Ship
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- The show and gypsy music band is main deck, so choose your seats accordingly. Seating depends on the size of your group. Both decks have ample space to move around, and the upper deck offers a stunning 360-degree view.
Quick Facts
- 📅 Schedule: every day at 20:00
- 🎟️ Ticket type: mobile or printed
- ✔️ Onboard wi-fi: yes
- ✔️ Open air deck: yes
- ✔️ Air conditioning/heating: yes
- ❌ Pets allowed: no, only service animals
- ✔️ Smoking: yes, outside
- ❌ Wheelchair accessible: no
- ✔️ Baby stroller accessible: yes
- ✔️ Infant/children discount: none
How to Get There
- 🗺️ Meeting point: Budapest, Jane Haining rkp., Dock 6, 1051
- ✔️ The meeting point is conveniently located in the center and easily accessible.
- 📘 To get to Vigadó tér tram stop, you can either take tram line 2 or walk. Eurama is located near the BBKK-Mahart kiosk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth booking a dinner cruise 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 dinner cruise in Budapest?
While ordinary river cruises are 1-1.5 hours long, most dinner cruises are usually 1.5-3 hours long.
What are the best dinner cruises in Budapest?
The best dinner cruises according to my personal experience and research are:
- Budapest Dinner Cruise with Buffet Libre, Folk Dance & Music
- Budapest Romantic Candlelit Dinner Cruise with Live Music
- Gourmet Dinner Cruise With Folk Operetta Show (3 or 6-course)
- Gourmet Dinner Cruise With Piano Battle Show (3 or 6-course)
- Dinner Cruise With Hungarian Food and Folk Music Show (3-course)