Vienna Boat Cruises and Rides

The Danube River is an impressive creation of nature that crosses ten European countries, among which Austria stands out. This not only makes it easy to see the Austrian capital in a different way, but also to get to know other cities through its waters, such as Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna. In addition, on board you can enjoy live entertainment while appreciating different monuments overlooking the city.

It is one of the best things to do in Vienna, especially if you are looking to connect with folk music or join gastronomic experiences with a charming atmosphere. On the other hand, these types of activities also offer you the possibility to venture to the outskirts of the city for a couple of hours or for several days. You won't have to worry about meals, lodging or transfers, since you will have access to several amenities. Here is a list of the options you can take advantage of.

At nightfall, the Danube is transformed into dazzling landscapes surrounded by a contagious energy. That's why evening dinner cruises on the Danube are considered one of the top outdoor activities in Vienna. The experience usually combines a wonderful evening that skirts the city and offers a demonstration of the majestic combination of traditional and modern architecture.

While strolling along the river, on board the catamaran it is possible to experience a live sampling of classical music concerts and Viennese dinners. The rhythms will create a relaxing atmosphere with pieces of Austrian folk and classical music. In addition, these experiences often include a taste of the local cuisine, with dishes such as schnitzel or apple strudel.

These cruises usually last for at least three and a half hours, during which time you can watch the sunset and appreciate the Danube Tower and the local opera house. If you are interested in admiring the Vienna Palaces, from here you can also see the facade of Schonbrünn Palace.

Interesting details

• Price: from 59 € per person.
• Duration: approximately three and a half hours.
• Advantages of this option: includes an enriching experience with dinner and Viennese music included.
• Disadvantages of this option: depending on the time of year, the weather may affect the cruise experience, as adverse weather conditions may limit outdoor activities.

From the water, Vienna looks more impressive than ever. Monuments such as the Parliament and St. Stephen's Cathedral look impressive from this angle. For this reason, many people take advantage of an electric boat ride to learn about the local history and architecture. But there are also those who prefer to relax, organize picnics on board or just take in the sights of the capital.

If you are curious about the local churches and cathedrals, this tour will surely be satisfactory, because you will see the unmistakable green dome of St. Peter's Church. It is also possible to see part of the Prater amusement park and the iconic Vienna Ferris Wheel, which is blurred among the city's buildings.

Please note that you can usually choose the schedule that best suits your itinerary. Consider that the electric boats depart between 10:00 and 20:00. Also, their availability tends to be seasonal, being more advisable to discover the city in spring. Or, if you plan to visit Vienna in summer.

Another important point is to consider that on the Vienna Danube you can choose between traditional electric boats and electric island boats.

Traditional electric boat

It is a boat model without many novelties, with an ecological and functional design for navigating on rivers like the Danube. You will have to drive it on your own and familiarize yourself with the steering and speed controls. It offers a relaxing and conventional experience, as it does not move that much. It is recommended for small families due to its suggested capacity of four to six people. If you like this plan, try to rent in advance, at the rental port the prices are usually higher.

In addition, you will probably have to pay a deposit of 100 €, which will be refunded at the end of the ride. It is an ideal experience to enjoy Vienna in August, when the weather offers more favorable conditions.

Electric boat floating island

If you are looking for something more special, you can enjoy a luxury experience on an electric boat. This ride will take you out of the routine aboard a water transport, whose design recreates the elements of an island so you can have your own floating version. You will be able to share with up to 8 people, which makes it ideal for family groups. They are characterized by being quiet and offer enough space for you to carry baby strollers, snacks and other light and necessary things.

They are easy to handle, so after a short driving lesson, you will be ready to set foot and enjoy the Danube for up to an hour. It is even versatile and is among the options to enjoy rainy days in Vienna, as it has a cover that can be activated in case of unfavorable weather conditions.

Before booking, consider that for this type of experience a deposit of approximately 100 € is requested, which is returned at the end of the ride.

Details of interest

• Price: a traditional electric boat can be rented for between 50 and 70 € per hour, with capacity for up to six people. Meanwhile, the island-shaped electric boats start at 123 € per hour, for a group of up to eight people.
• Duration: both experiences last about an hour, depending on the option you book.
• Differences: the traditional boat offers higher speed and a more economical price. The island boat is ideal for larger groups looking for a social experience on the Danube. The latter also stands out for its additional amenities such as tables, seats, sound, among others.

During your trip you will find plenty of activities to enjoy, such as a dinner cruise on the Danube. However, not everyone is up for evening plans in Vienna. Alternatively, you can join a midday tour to appreciate the city in full light. You will pass close to the trendy neighborhoods and other facades that tower over the canal. It may include informative commentary on board, so you won't miss any details.

Its highlight is the chance to select a two-course lunch and a stop to enjoy street art. Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for the Spittelau waste incineration plant (which, although the name doesn't suggest it, has a very special design), as well as the Urania Observatory.

Details of interest

• Price: from 30 € per person. If you plan to visit Vienna with children, you can take advantage of the fact that children under the age of ten get in free of charge.
• Duration: about one hour.
• Advantages of this option: lunch is usually included in the package, which guarantees comfort and convenience. This way, you won't have to worry about looking for restaurants to eat at.
• Disadvantages of this option: the free children's ticket does not usually include the lunch menu, if you wish to include it, you will have to pay the cost on board.

The Danube is a river that extends beyond Vienna. For this reason, through its course you can make excursions to cities near the Austrian capital One of them is Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, which is about an hour away. You can plan a visit on your own aboard the Twin City Liner ferry, which offers daily departures.

However, there are guided options that show you both ways to connect to Bratislava. They are distinguished by the fact that the outward journey is made by bus and the return trip by high-speed catamaran, designed to optimize time. During your stay in the neighboring capital you will probably have free time to get to know it at your own pace, as well as the company of an expert guide.

In this way, you will discover Slovak sights such as Michael's Gate or St. Martin's Cathedral.

Interesting details

• Price: The ferry from Vienna departs to Bratislava three times a day and offers fares from about 40 € per trip. If you take a guided tour you can find alternatives from 96 € per person, with several amenities included.
• Duration: eight to eleven hours.
• Advantages of this option: traveling to Bratislava from Vienna is the cheapest way to get to know two capitals, without having to invest large amounts in accommodation and transfers.
• Disadvantages of this option: if you plan to visit Vienna in 1 day, the times are probably not convenient and it is preferable to prioritize other local activities.

If you are planning to visit Vienna at Christmas, you can't miss the opportunity to take a cruise. These experiences are unique, as between November and December they decorate the canal with lights, fireworks and festivals.

Sometimes these cruises cross the entire Danube, so you can spend days on board and make short stops in the most important cities through which it passes as Bratislava, Budapest and Vienna. Due to logistical issues, they do not usually sail on Christmas Eve or during important celebrations. This activity is focused on touring the Christmas markets of the mentioned places that are installed weeks before on the shores. Undoubtedly, it is a great alternative to visit the city in winter.

Details of interest

• Price: from 700 € per person, this price usually includes meals, lodging and stops between cities.
• Duration: 5 to 7 days, with itineraries that include stops in several cities along the Danube.
• Advantages of this option: you will enjoy the festive atmosphere and you will be able to see different cities decorated during the Christmas season.

A long Danube cruise allows you to explore one of Central Europe's most iconic river routes, crossing several countries and historic cities without constantly packing and unpacking.

If you can extend the length of your itinerary and accommodate your budget, then take advantage of enriching stops, as well as learn about the gastronomy of each location. You will be in a cabin with all the amenities, live entertainment and access to common areas.

If you plan to spend at least 5 days in Vienna you can choose from several options:

• 4-day cruise: pass through Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava.
• 5-day cruise: Vienna, Melk, Budapest and Bratislava.
• 6 to 7 days cruise: discover Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, Linz and Belgrade.
• 14-day cruise: visit Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Esztergom, Visegrád, Melk, Linz, Passau, Bamberg, Regensburg and Würzburg.

Details of interest

• Price: the range can vary from 700 € to 3000 €, depending on factors such as comfort, duration and cities to be visited.
• Advantages of this option: on board you will find cultural activities and a very complete experience.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is a more expensive and time-consuming alternative.

Taking a Danube cruise allows you to explore another side of Vienna. You can cruise for a couple of hours and see the facades that stand out everywhere. It's ideal for those looking for different experiences, as well as opportunities for gastronomic sightseeing in the city and live entertainment. But these types of experiences can also create a relaxing atmosphere for you to enjoy the scenery.

These experiences are recommended if you want to enjoy a planned route, where you only have to worry about having a good time. Additionally, they are an excellent option for those visiting the city for the first time.

The best time to do this experience will depend on several factors. If you want to take advantage of the good weather, and even get a tan, you definitely have to book this cruise in summer. You can also enjoy good temperatures and low tourist crowds during the spring. In both seasons the Danube absorbs the joy of festivals celebrating the return of sunny days, so you may witness festivals and flea markets.

If you plan to visit Vienna in autumn, get out your jacket and come out to see the colors of this picturesque season. While the weather still maintains low temperatures, the Danube dresses up for your vacation postcards with few tourists on board. On the other hand, if you want to save money, consider that in the low season months (January, February and March) prices are lower.

Among so many options and conditions, it is difficult to make the right decision. In general, all experiences are rewarding, but you should choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences. Here are some tips for traveling to Vienna and booking a successful cruise.

• Book early: if you are planning your trip to Vienna, be sure to book this experience in advance. Searching for options at the port can be more expensive and rentals are usually subject to availability.
• Choose the type of cruise: as you can see, there are different experiences, but to have a good time it is important to choose the one that suits your tastes. According to your itinerary, you can select from short one-hour cruises to multi-day cruises. In addition, you should consider factors such as live entertainment, food and duration, which vary from one option to another.
• Try the local dishes: if you have the opportunity to join a cruise with a dining experience included, take the opportunity to try both sweet and savory dishes.
• Arrive early: cruises are usually punctual, considering that they offer several schedules and cannot be delayed.
• Wear appropriate clothing: prepare your most comfortable sneakers and clothes suitable for the season. Also, wear sunglasses and use sunscreen.