Vienna Boat Cruises and Rides

The Danube River is an impressive creation of nature that flows through ten European countries, including Austria. 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. On board, you can also enjoy live entertainment while appreciating different monuments overlooking the city.

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

At dusk, the Danube transforms into dazzling landscapes surrounded by an infectious 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 marvellous evening skirting the city and offering a demonstration of the majestic combination of traditional and modern architecture.

While cruising along the river, on board the catamaran it is possible to experience a live sampling of Viennese 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 an insight into the local gastronomy, 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, you can also see the facade of Schonbrünn Palace from here.

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, organise picnics on board or just take in the sights of the capital.

If you're curious about the local churches and cathedrals, this tour is sure to satisfy, as you'll see the unmistakable green dome of St Peter's Church. You can also see part of the Prater amusement park and the iconic Vienna Ferris wheel, which blurs between the city's buildings.

Keep in mind 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, making them more suitable for discovering the city in spring. Or if you plan to visit Vienna in summer.

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

Traditional electric boat

It's 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 familiarise yourself with the steering and speed controls. It offers a relaxing and conventional experience, as it doesn't 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, as prices are usually higher at the rental port.

Also, you will probably have to pay a deposit of €100, which will be refunded at the end of the ride. It's an ideal experience to enjoy Vienna in August, when the weather conditions are more favourable.

Electric boat floating island

If you're looking for something a little 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 can share with up to 8 people, making it ideal for family groups. They are characterised by being quiet and offer enough space for you to carry baby prams, snacks and other light, necessary items.

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

Before booking, please note that for this type of experience a deposit of approximately €100 is required, 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 a maximum capacity of 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 around an hour, depending on which option you book.
• Differences: The traditional boat offers higher speed and a cheaper price. The island boat is ideal for larger groups looking for a social experience on the Danube. The island boat also offers additional amenities such as tables, seating, sound and more.

During your trip you'll find plenty of activities to enjoy, such as a dinner cruise on the Danube. However, not everyone is up for a night out in Vienna. Alternatively, you can join a midday tour to see the city in full light. You'll pass by trendy neighbourhoods and other facades towering 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 for 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.

Interesting details

• 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: approximately 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 finding 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 for it on board.

The Danube is a river that stretches far beyond Vienna. For this reason, you can take trips along its course to cities close to 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 of connecting to Bratislava. They differ in that the outward journey is by bus and the return journey by high-speed catamaran, designed to optimise time. During your stay in the neighbouring capital you will probably have free time to explore 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 leaves for Bratislava three times a day and offers fares from around €40 per trip. If you take a guided tour you can find alternatives from €96 per person, with various amenities included.
• Duration: eight to eleven hours.
• Pros: Travelling to Bratislava from Vienna is the cheapest way to see two capitals, without having to spend large amounts on accommodation and transfers.
• Disadvantages of this option: If you plan to see Vienna in 1 day, the timing may not be convenient and you may prefer to prioritise other local activities.

If you're planning to visit Vienna for 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 it passes through, such as Bratislava, Budapest and Vienna. For logistical reasons, they do not usually sail on Christmas Eve or during important celebrations. This activity focuses on a tour of the Christmas markets in the aforementioned places, which are set up weeks beforehand on the banks of the river. Without a doubt, it is a great way to get to know the city in winter.

Interesting details

• Price: from 700 € per person, this price usually includes meals, accommodation and stops between cities.
• Duration: 5 to 7 days, with itineraries including stops in several cities along the Danube.
• The advantages of this option: you will enjoy the festive atmosphere and get 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, passing through 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 stopovers, as well as getting to know the gastronomy of each place. You'll 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: see Vienna, Melk, Budapest and Bratislava.
• 6-7 day 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: theprice range is between 700 € and 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 façades 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 first-time visitors to the city.

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 should definitely book this cruise in summer. You can also enjoy good temperatures and low tourist traffic 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 your jacket out and see the colours of this picturesque season. While the weather still maintains low temperatures, the Danube dresses up for your holiday postcards with few tourists on board. On the other hand, if you're looking to save money, consider that in the low season months (January, February and March) prices are lower.

With so many options and conditions, it is difficult to make the right choice. In general, all experiences are rewarding, but you should choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences. Here are some tips on how to travel to Vienna and book a successful cruise.

• Book in advance: If you are planning your trip to Vienna, make 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 taste. 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 that includes a dining experience, take the opportunity to sample both sweet and savoury dishes.
• Arrive early: cruises are usually punctual, considering that they offer several schedules and cannot be delayed.
• Wear the right clothes: pack your most comfortable trainers and clothes suitable for the season. Also, wear sunglasses and use sunscreen.