Danube river cruise in Budapest: which one to choose

Who it suitsFirst-time visitors who want one boat trip and want it at the hour the riverfront looks its best. Also the safest pick on reviews: 8.6 from 17,606.

Pick something else ifSkip it if your plans might change inside two days, since the refund window is 48 hours; the Silverline sunset departure has a 24-hour window. Families with small children are better off on the daytime cruise.

Who it suitsPeople who want to see what they are looking at in daylight, and anyone who likes the idea of using the boat as a ride to Margaret Island. The island stop runs from March to October and depends on the water level.

Pick something else ifSkip it if you are choosing one cruise for the views alone; the evening cruise from the same dock is the stronger sight. If you take the last departure of the day and get off on the island, the listing says you make your own way back at your own cost.

Who it suitsBudget travellers and groups where nobody wants the included drink. From €12 it covers a longer stretch of river than the Legenda boats, turning at Margaret Island and running south towards Rákóczi Bridge past the National Theatre.

Pick something else ifSkip it if reviews matter to you: 6.6 from 520 is well below the Legenda cruises. It is also listed as not accessible for wheelchair users or people with reduced mobility, and the operator does not allow dogs other than service animals.

Who it suitsCouples and groups who want dinner, a folk orchestra and the river in one booking and would otherwise pay for a restaurant that night anyway.

Pick something else ifSkip it if you mainly want to look at the city: you are indoors at a table for most of the sailing and there is no commentary. Take the evening cruise from €25 and eat on land. Also note the title says buffet while the description and the operator both describe a served set menu chosen at booking.