Hungary · BUDAPEST CITY TOURS

Budapest City Tours: 15 Ways to See Both Banks

71 tours  ·  from $4 a head

The city is two cities glued together by bridges, and a good first tour covers both. These 15 range from hop-on buses to small-group walks, priced and clear about how much of Buda they actually reach.

Budapest: City Highlights Cruise with Welcome Drink - The river route, landmark by landmark
Budapest City Tours, Budapest Tours, Danube River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Budapest: City Highlights Cruise with Welcome Drink

1.City Highlights Cruise with Welcome Drink

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 35,610 reviews · from $14Our pick

Board at Dock 42 for a one-hour Danube cruise past Parliament, Buda Castle, Várkert Bazár and riverside landmarks. You get one welcome drink, a choice of indoor or open-air seating, and an onboard bar. There is no live guide or audio commentary, so bring your own curiosity and aim for dusk if you want to see the city lights.

“It started late. But that wasn’t a bad thing. Just something to note. Gorgeous view, great price, must do.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Budapest: Nighttime or Daytime Sightseeing Cruise - Boarding at Dock 1/B on the Buda bank
Budapest City Tours, Budapest Tours, Danube River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Budapest: Nighttime or Daytime Sightseeing Cruise

2.Nighttime or Daytime Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 21,062 reviews · 1 hour · from $14

Board Purpleliner at Dock 1/B on the Buda side for a one-hour Danube cruise past the Chain Bridge, Parliament, the Royal Palace, Gellért Hill, and more. Choose daylight for architectural detail or dusk and evening for illuminated landmarks. You can view the city from covered seating or head outside for photos, with drinks and snacks available to buy.

“Definitely get your moneys worth. The boat didn’t look all that when we got on at the start, but it takes you on an hour or so tour up and down the Danube, with the option to sit down inside at river level, or go onto the top of the boat for a better view. Food and drink available on it, would recommend”

Check availability →Read our full review

Budapest: 1-Hour Evening Sightseeing Cruise with Drink - The Chain Bridge and the view between the banks
1-Hour Experiences, Budapest City Tours, Budapest Tours, Danube River Cruises, Evening Experiences, Tour Reviews

Budapest: 1-Hour Evening Sightseeing Cruise with Drink

3.1-Hour Evening Sightseeing Cruise with Drink

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 8,330 reviews · from $28

Board Legenda City Cruises at Dock 7 for a one-hour evening sail between Buda and Pest. A multilingual audio guide introduces sights including the Chain Bridge, Parliament, and Buda Castle, while your included drink can be champagne, wine, beer, a soft drink, or mineral water. Free Wi-Fi is available onboard.

“Good value for money and pleased the lights were dimmed to reduce photo glare. Outdoor seating would have been ideal (but freezing). A bit of a free for all when boarding, especially from other nationalities. Budapest looks stunning light up at night. Liked that it was only 1 hour.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Budapest By Night Sightseeing Cruise - Parliament, Chain Bridge, and the Buda skyline
Budapest City Tours, Budapest Tours, Danube River Cruises, Evening Experiences, Tour Reviews

Budapest By Night Sightseeing Cruise

4.Budapest By Night Sightseeing Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 5,835 reviews · from $16

Cruise the Danube for 50 minutes with Mahart Cruises, passing the illuminated Parliament, Chain Bridge, Buda Castle, and Liberty Bridge. Departures are listed from Vigadó Dock 5 or Batthyány tér Dock 1, depending on the option you book. There’s a bar on board, but no audio guide at present, so use the short history guide below to put the sights in context.

“It was a lovely cruise that highlighted the beauty of Budapest at night”

Check availability →Read our full review

Budapest: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour & Extras - The walking tour fills in the gaps
Budapest City Tours, Budapest Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Budapest: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour & Extras

5.City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour & Extras

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 4,337 reviews · 1 - 3 days · from $41

See Budapest from a flexible hop-on hop-off bus, with a 15-language audio guide and an English walking tour that covers central sights beyond the bus route. Choose a 24, 48 or 72-hour pass, then use 20 stops for landmarks from Heroes’ Square to Buda Castle. The Danube cruise is no longer included for new bookings, but bus-ticket holders can buy one at a reduced price.

“The free Danube river cruise after. We were able to see more of Buda and Pest than if we drove (parking hassles…etc) as well as it was much cheaper.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Budapest: Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise - Parliament, bridges and the Buda hillside
Budapest City Tours, Budapest Tours, Danube River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Budapest: Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise

6.Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 4,215 reviews · 1h 10m · from $23

Cruise between Buda and Pest for 70 minutes, passing Parliament, Buda Castle, the Chain Bridge and Elisabeth Bridge. You’ll get a multilingual audio guide, free Wi-Fi, a welcome drink and Duna Bella lemonade or seasonal tea. In summer, some departures allow an optional stop at Margaret Island.

“Fantastic river cruise. The weather wasn’t great, but the experience and hospitality along with the great photo opportunities, made it an occasion to remember.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Budapest Danube River Sightseeing Night Cruise with Drink - Boarding at Jane Haining rakpart
Budapest City Tours, Budapest Tours, Danube River Cruises, Evening Experiences, Tour Reviews

Budapest Danube River Sightseeing Night Cruise with Drink

7.Budapest Danube River Sightseeing Night Cruise with Drink

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,553 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $30

Board a glass-topped boat at Legenda City Cruises’ central Budapest pier for an evening Danube ride past Buda Castle, Parliament, and the city’s lit bridges. The one-hour cruise includes one drink and recorded commentary in 30 languages. Choose an evening departure, then decide between indoor comfort and limited open-deck seats.

“It was a very pleasant evening cruise on the Danube. All the sights were clearly visible. Drinks were served and tasted good. Unfortunately, it was a bit cold on the boat; it could definitely be warmer. However, the waiting area was warm, and we didn't have to wait in the cold like at other docks. I would recommend this tour to everyone and would book it again anytime.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Budapest: Floating Bus Tour by Land and Water - Meeting at Széchenyi István Square
Budapest City Tours, Budapest Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Budapest: Floating Bus Tour by Land and Water

8.Floating Bus Tour by Land and Water

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 3,342 reviews · 50 minutes - 1.5 hours · from $28

Meet at Széchenyi István Square for a guided ride through central Budapest, then stay aboard as the amphibious bus enters the Danube and returns to shore. A live guide speaks English and German, with recorded commentary in 13 languages. Expect a memorable transition from road to river, but do not count on reaching Parliament or the Chain Bridge.

“We left on time. Meeting place was easy to find. Commentary was through earphones given by guide at start of journey. Most languages are available. Enjoyable experience splashing into the Danube. Friendly driver and guide.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Budapest: Premium Sightseeing Cruise with Tokaj Frizzante - A refurbished boat with two ways to watch
Budapest City Tours, Budapest Tours, Danube River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Budapest: Premium Sightseeing Cruise with Tokaj Frizzante

9.Premium Sightseeing Cruise with Tokaj Frizzante

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 2,510 reviews · 1 hour · from $12

Duna Cruises takes you past Budapest’s riverside landmarks on a one-hour sightseeing cruise, with a welcome glass of Tokaj Premium Frizzante or orange juice. Choose the open terrace or an air-conditioned cabin, then use the QR-code audio guide on your phone. Bring your own earphones, and arrive early if you want first pick of seats.

“Excellent value for money - truly relaxing - great views - comfortable and glorious weather for October - We couldn't have asked for better.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Budapest: 1-Hour Highlights Cruise with Welcome Drink - The river route, landmark by landmark
1-Hour Experiences, Budapest City Tours, Budapest Tours, Danube River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Budapest: 1-Hour Highlights Cruise with Welcome Drink

10.1-Hour Highlights Cruise with Welcome Drink

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 2,388 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $18

Board at Dock 42 for a roughly one-hour evening cruise past Buda Castle, the Parliament Building, Margaret Bridge, and other Danube landmarks. Your ticket includes one alcoholic or non-alcoholic welcome drink and onboard Wi-Fi, but no guide or audio commentary. Seats are unassigned, so arrive early if you want a place on the open deck.

“Very nice expirience! I was hasitating to do IT in Winter, but it was ok - I had Jacket, gloves and hat on. Ship was Going Not that fast. No big difference with normal winter weather. I recommend to do that, in the evening. Your Trip to Budapest will BE Not full without it. IT Wörth IT.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Budapest: Grand City Tour with Parliament Visit - Buda’s Castle District: views, with limited time
Budapest City Tours, Budapest Tours, Hungarian Parliament Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Budapest: Grand City Tour with Parliament Visit

11.Grand City Tour with Parliament Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 1,598 reviews · 4.5 hours · from $70

In 4.5 hours, a multilingual guide takes you from Buda’s Castle District to Heroes’ Square and along Andrássy Avenue, then leads a one-hour Parliament visit. You’ll see the Crown Jewels and major city landmarks without having to arrange a Parliament ticket separately.

“Very Interesting Tour and worth the money. May I suggest that the Tour Leader to have a microphone since there were few instances when she could not be heard properly due to the noise outside.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Budapest: 3-Hour Grand City Tour and Castle Walk - At a glance: the useful details
3-Hour Experiences, Buda Castle Tours, Budapest City Tours, Budapest Tours, Budapest Walking Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Budapest: 3-Hour Grand City Tour and Castle Walk

12.3-Hour Grand City Tour and Castle Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 1,437 reviews · 3 hours · from $49

This three-hour Budapest tour links Pest’s Heroes’ Square and grand avenues with a guided walk to Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church on Castle Hill, plus a Gellért Hill photo stop. You’ll travel by air-conditioned bus and hear live commentary in English, German, Spanish, French, or Italian. Guides such as Klara, Dora, and Maria have led tours, though your guide is not guaranteed.

“Our guide Maria was so amazing, and very knowledgeable. It was an excellent tour and well done! She took care of us like we were one of her own family members.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Budapest Historical Sightseeing - Free Walking Tour - Through the Jewish Quarter and toward the Basilica
Budapest City Tours, Budapest Tours, Budapest Walking Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Budapest Historical Sightseeing – Free Walking Tour

13.Budapest Historical Sightseeing – Free Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,302 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $3Best value

This 2.5-hour English walking tour crosses central Pest, from Kálvin tér to the Danube, linking the National Museum, Jewish Quarter, Liberty Square, Parliament and Shoes on the Danube Bank. Guides have included Peter, Victoria, Elizabeth, George and Sabi, though your guide may differ. The listed price is $3.63 per person, with tips extra.

“Victoria was an excellent guide, who gave us a very good insight into the varied history of Hungary, and the city of Budapest. It was an excellent introduction to Budapest, and a good tour to do on the first day of your stay in Budapest. I would not hesitate to recommend this tour to anyone.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Budapest: Skyline Sightseeing Cruise with Parliament View - Bridges that frame the city
Budapest City Tours, Budapest Tours, Danube River Cruises, Hungarian Parliament Tours, Tour Reviews

Budapest: Skyline Sightseeing Cruise with Parliament View

14.Skyline Sightseeing Cruise with Parliament View

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 1,183 reviews · from $14

Board a Silverline Cruises boat at Dock 11 on the Pest side, near Elizabeth Bridge, for a one-hour Danube sightseeing cruise. Pass Gellért Hill, the Chain Bridge, Buda Castle and Parliament, with views from the water and an open upper deck. The fare includes a downloadable audio guide, but you’ll need your own phone and earphones.

“No guide but I knew that when I booked. Lovely cruise with nice glass of wine. No frills but again, I knew that when I booked. Good value for money.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Budapest: 3-Hour Live Guided Sightseeing Tour - Starting near Parliament and heading toward Buda
3-Hour Experiences, Budapest City Tours, Budapest Tours, Guided, Tour Reviews, Tours

Budapest: 3-Hour Live Guided Sightseeing Tour

15.3-Hour Live Guided Sightseeing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 1,041 reviews · 3 hours · from $35

In three hours, travel by minibus between Buda and Pest, walk through the Castle District, cross Elizabeth Bridge, and stop at Heroes’ Square. A live English- or Spanish-speaking guide covers Hungarian history and city life. Guides have included Ben, Sylvia, and Balázs, though your guide may differ. Entry fees are not included.

“Ben was an experienced, knowledgeable and engaging guide. He gave us great insights into Budapest, its history, its people and contemporary life. Highly recommend for an overview of the city.”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Budapest City Tours

★ 5.0All day city tour in Budapest6 reviews
★ 5.08 days European Highlights PRIVATE TOUR from Budapest including Budapest Vienna Prague and BratislavaFrom $3,5063 reviews
★ 5.0Half day Budapest city tour by car / minivanFrom $14125 reviews
★ 5.0Budapest Walking Tour with Your Private Guide: 20+ Highlights7 reviews
★ 4.0Budapest Sightseeing with Drink IncludedFrom $2268 reviews
★ 5.0FoolsCode: EscapeRoom/Sightseeing tour with Actor TourguideFrom $203 reviews
★ 5.0Full Day Budapest City Tour with Lunch, Wine & DessertFrom $2124 reviews
★ 5.0Private Sightseeing Tour by carFrom $13831 reviews
★ 5.0Private Photoshoot & SightseeingFrom $1176 reviews
★ 4.9Private 3-hour Guided City Tour by Bus21 reviews
★ 4.1Half-Day Highlights Small Group Private TourFrom $2235 reviews
★ 4.8Highlights & Hidden Gems Walking TourFrom $3523 reviews
★ 4.9Budapest Highlights Bike Tour with a local guideFrom $3466 reviews
★ 4.8Guided E-Bike Sightseeing TourFrom $5651 reviews
★ 5.0Budapest in a Day Private Luxury Sightseeing Tour77 reviews

Keep browsing

Budapest Walking Tours85Budapest Bike Tours29Budapest Segway Tours29Budapest E-Scooter Tours10Tuk-Tuks9Budapest Private Tours28
Scroll to Top

Explore Budapest

Pick a bank, a bath or a boat.

Afloat

River CruisesDinner CruisesDanube BendSzentendre

Landmarks

Buda CastleParliamentSt. Stephen’s BasilicaMatthias ChurchFisherman’s Bastion

Paprika and Tokaji

Food WalksWine TastingsCraft BeerCooking ClassesMarket Hall

After dark

Ruin BarsPub CrawlsConcerts & ShowsEscape Rooms