The 8 Vienna River Cruises That Earn Their Price

1.Skip-the-Line Entrance Ticket to the Danube Tower

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,303 reviews · 1 day · from $21Our pick

Use your one-day ticket to ride the Danube Tower’s express lift to 150 meters and take in 360-degree views over Vienna, the Danube, and nearby hills. Walk through Danube Park, visit the rotating cafe, or book the restaurant separately. The slide costs extra and is not included.

“Was a little concerned about the lift but laughed at the little surprise! Rotating restaurant worth a visit. Views hindered by the weather but that was unavailable and the experience was still worth it.”

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2.Danube Valley Day Trip from Vienna

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 1,576 reviews · 8 to 9 hours (approx.) · from $141

Travel by coach from Vienna through the Wachau Valley, pause in Dürnstein, cruise the Danube from Spitz toward Melk in warmer months, and visit Melk Abbey if selected. Guides such as Tommy, Claudia, and Eric have led especially well-received departures.

“Waste of time and money. Guide wasn't pleasant, too much free time, they probably wanted us to spend time on the boat restaurante instead enjoying the river, towns was nice”

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3.Wachau Valley, Melk Abbey Tour with Danube Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,413 reviews · 8h 30m · from $151

Travel from Vienna through the Wachau Valley by air-conditioned coach and summer boat. Stop in Krems and Dürnstein, then explore Melk and its Baroque abbey. English and Spanish guides, such as Tommy, Ava, and Eric, have led recent departures. Choose carefully: summer boat and abbey access depend on the package.

“Fabulous day trip. Well organised. The guide Tommy and the bus driver Ben were great. Melk and the Abbey are wonderful Would highly recommend.”

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4.Evening Cruise Along The Danube

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 1,280 reviews · 3 hours · from $55

Spend three hours aboard the MS Vindobona, MS Blue Danube, or MS Wien as Vienna’s canals and Danube glow at dusk. Relax on the upper deck, watch live camera images, and order freshly prepared Viennese food, including house-breaded schnitzel. Food and drinks cost extra.

“The boat was older, we had just done a dinner cruise in Prague....no comparison! This was soooo expensive! We were only able to book the cheaper dinner and the better dinner was available for $40 more. The food was ok, the service was excellent! Our server was kind and attentive! I asked for something that wasn't on the menu, and he was able to get a little bit for me. The onlt area to go outside was the rear and it was small and full of smokers. I would not do this again.”

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5.3.5-Hour Grand Danube River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 · 1,151 reviews · from $51

Cruise Vienna aboard the MS Wien or Hundertwasser-designed MS Vindobona. In 3.5 hours, you pass the Prater, Danube Island, Danube Tower, Millennium Tower, canal locks, and central landmarks. Food and drinks are available to buy onboard, but are not included.

“We sat outside and no commentary although not very much too see. Highlight was going through the lock systems as I’ve never done that before.”

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6.Danube River Cruise w/ optional Viennese Specialties

★★★★★★★★★★3.0 · 1,017 reviews · from $36

Cruise from the DDSG Blue Danube ticket office through modern Vienna, passing the Danube Tower, Millennium Tower, Nussdorf lock, and Danube Canal. Choose the shorter route or continue toward Prater and Danube Island, with optional Viennese specialties served on board. English and German assistance is available.

“Excellent! The food was delicious, the boat, crew, journey and views were fantastic. I would recommend this excursion. ☀️😝😁”

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7.Bratislava Day Trip from Vienna With Catamaran Cruise on Danube

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 723 reviews · from $115

Travel from Vienna to Bratislava by air-conditioned coach, then follow a local guide through the Old Town, St. Martin’s Cathedral, Michael’s Gate, the palaces, and major squares. You get several hours to explore alone before returning to Vienna by Twin City Liner catamaran, weather and river conditions permitting.

“Tour was in two languages not just English, slowed down the tour, to finish at 12 and return at 6.30 was difficult for a 6.5 hour wait. I was so exhausted that i cancelled my Sunday tour and lost my money of $230 not impressed”

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8.2-hour Danube Panorama Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 · 332 reviews · 2 hours · from $45

Board the MS Vienna at Pier 6 for a two-hour loop on the Danube. You will see Vienna from the water, relax in a comfortable setting, and buy freshly prepared food from JP Donau Catering, including house-made schnitzel. Several departures run daily.

“The ride was smooth with pretty views of the sky and water but not much else of Vienna. The staff said they had table service but they barely stopped by. Once at the beginning and then at the end to close the bill. They were polite yet seemed annoyed with our presence. I think they are used to an empty boat because there was barely anyone on the ride. The dark haired lady who checked my tickets and welcomed us seemed genuine though. There was nothing much of note in terms of sightseeing and what there was to see, the guide offered only a few seconds worth of information so…”

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