Vienna’s boat tours and cruises offer practical ways to see the city from a different angle. The best options include: floating down the blue Danube on an intimate private island boat (perfect for avoiding crowds), and the excellent Wachau Valley cruise, which combines medieval villages with vineyard views. For efficiency-minded travelers, the 48-hour hop-on hop-off pass smartly bundles bus tours, walking tours, and river cruises into one ticket. Budget-conscious travelers should consider the evening dinner cruise – while the buffet is basic, the nighttime views of illuminated landmarks make it worthwhile.
Let’s explore the specifics of our favorite Vienna boat tours.
Key Points
- The E-Boat Rental on the Danube offers a private floating island experience with wheelchair and stroller accessibility, starting at $128.18 per group.
- The Grand Wachau Cruise provides a half-day scenic cruise through the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley, featuring on-board dining options.
- The Bratislava Day Trip with Catamaran Cruise includes a walking tour of Bratislava’s Old Town and a high-speed catamaran return journey.
- The 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Tour in Vienna offers a pass for a hop-on hop-off bus, guided walking tour, and river cruise, with audio commentary in 13 languages.
- The Vienna Evening Sightseeing Cruise features a 3-hour buffet-style dinner cruise with live music and stunning views of the illuminated city skyline.
Vienna: E-Boat Rental on Danube: Private Floating Island
Oftentimes, visitors to Vienna can enjoy a private floating island experience on the Danube River via the E-boat rental activity.
This 1-hour private tour provides a cozy boat for your group, with a host greeting you before the activity. The E-boat rental includes wheelchair and stroller accessibility, though it’s not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or serious medical conditions.
Pickup and drop-off at the meeting point of Laberlweg 19 are included, and food and drinks can be requested. A caution of 100€ in cash is required at the office.
This 5-star rated experience costs from $128.18 per group of up to 1 person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Vienna: E-Boat Rental on Danube: Private Floating Island Review
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Grand Wachau Cruise Krems – Melk – Krems
Embarking from the DDSG Blue Danube Schiffahrt GmbH in Krems, the Grand Wachau Cruise takes travelers on a half-day journey through the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley along the Danube River.
Passengers can admire scenic views and historical landmarks like Gottweig Abbey, Schönbühel Castle, and the ruins of Dürnstein Castle.
The air-conditioned vessel offers two levels and outdoor deck seating, catering to travelers’ comfort. Those interested can dine at the onboard restaurant, with options like pork schnitzel and burgers.
The cruise accommodates up to 20 passengers, including children and service animals.
While no refunds are offered for missed departures, the experience is highly praised for its scenic landscapes and relaxing atmosphere.
Read our full review: Grand Wachau Cruise Krems – Melk – Krems Review
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Bratislava Day Trip From Vienna With Catamaran Cruise on Danube
The Bratislava Day Trip from Vienna with Catamaran Cruise on the Danube provides travelers with an excellent opportunity to explore the charming capital of Slovakia.
The day trip includes hotel pickup or meeting at the Vienna State Opera, followed by a walking tour of Bratislava’s Old Town with a local guide. Travelers can admire the Grassalkovich Palace, Primates Palace, St. Martin’s Cathedral, and Bratislava Castle.
The tour also includes a high-speed catamaran cruise on the Danube River for the return journey.
While the tour receives mixed reviews, with some concerns about guide clarity and tour organization, it remains a popular way to discover the historic city of Bratislava from Vienna.
Read our full review: Bratislava Day Trip From Vienna With Catamaran Cruise on Danube Review
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48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off With Guided Walking Tour and River Cruise
For travelers seeking a comprehensive way to explore Vienna, the 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off with Guided Walking Tour and River Cruise offers an excellent solution.
The tour includes a 48-hour pass for the hop-on hop-off bus, a guided inner-city walking tour, and a river cruise. With audio commentary in 13 languages and free WiFi, it provides a flexible and informative experience.
The walking tour starts at 11:30 am from the Opera stop, while the river cruise times may vary due to weather. Priced at $59.13 per person, the tour features a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off With Guided Walking Tour and River Cruise Review
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Big Day Out in Vienna: Big Bus, Giant Ferris Wheel & River Cruise
On a Big Day Out in Vienna, visitors can experience the city’s top attractions with a bundled ticket that includes a Big Bus tour, a ride on the Giant Ferris Wheel, and a River Cruise.
The ticket is valid for 24 hours, and travelers can enjoy free Vox Digital Walking Tours and audio commentary in 13 languages, plus free WiFi.
The River Cruise offers breathtaking views of Vienna, while the Giant Ferris Wheel provides a unique perspective of the city.
Hotel pickup and drop-off are provided, and service animals, strollers, and wheelchairs are accommodated.
While reviews are mixed, the convenience and informative audio commentary of the Big Bus tour are praised.
Read our full review: Big Day Out in Vienna: Big Bus, Giant Ferris Wheel & River Cruise Review
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Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off – Optional Guided Walking Tour, River Cruise & Night Tour
Visitors can explore Vienna’s top attractions with the Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off tour. The tour offers 24-hour or 48-hour ticket options, with the latter including a live guided city walking tour.
Upgrade options include a Danube River cruise or a ride on the Giant Ferris Wheel. The tour provides audio commentary in 8 languages and free WiFi.
Covering 15 stops with 37 points of interest, the Red Route takes approximately 1 hour 50 minutes. The Blue Route connects Schönbrunn Palace with 10 stops and 8 points of interest.
The Non-Stop Panoramic Evening Tour lasts 1 hour 30 minutes. Buses run every 20-30 minutes, with the full circuit taking around 110 minutes.
Read our full review: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off – Optional Guided Walking Tour, River Cruise & Night Tour Review
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Vienna Evening Sightseeing Cruise With Music and Dinner
Embarking on the Vienna Evening Sightseeing Cruise with Music and Dinner, travelers can enjoy the enchanting ambiance of the Danube River at night.
This 3-hour experience offers a buffet-style dinner featuring traditional Austrian dishes, accompanied by live Viennese Schrammelmusik performances. The cruise showcases stunning views of the illuminated city skyline, though some guests have reported language barriers and issues with food quality.
With a maximum capacity of 40 travelers, the cruise give you an intimate setting, though overcrowding has been a concern for some.
Read our full review: Vienna Evening Sightseeing Cruise With Music and Dinner Review
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Vienna River Cruise, Walking Tour With St. Stephan Cathedral
The Vienna River Cruise and Walking Tour with St. Stephan Cathedral offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s highlights.
Accompanied by a 5-star licensed guide fluent in the chosen language, visitors can opt for a 2 or 3-hour walking tour of the Old Town. The tour includes free admission to St. Stephan’s Cathedral and tickets to paid parts of the cathedral.
Following the walking tour, guests enjoy a 1-hour 15-minute boat cruise along the Danube Canal, with complimentary drinks and snacks.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and most travelers can participate. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience, with a pay-later option available.
Read our full review: Vienna River Cruise, Walking Tour With St. Stephan Cathedral Review
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Private Transfer: Vienna to River Cruise Dock Nuremberg – Port/Harbor Transport
Traveling from Vienna to the River Cruise Dock in Nuremberg is made effortless with a private transfer service.
The air-conditioned, clean, and comfortable vehicle is driven by a qualified local English-speaking driver. Passengers can enjoy a lunch break along the way.
The pickup is flexible, allowing you to choose from provided options, while the drop-off is conveniently located at the River Cruise Dock in Nuremberg.
Pricing starts at €282.36 per person, varying by group size, and includes all taxes, fees, and bottled water.
The service is available daily from 10/10/2019 to 12/12/2025, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
Read our full review: Private Transfer: Vienna to River Cruise Dock Nuremberg – Port/Harbor Transport Review
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Common Questions
Are Life Jackets Provided on the Boat Tours?
Life jackets are typically provided on boat tours for safety purposes. Guests can expect to receive a life jacket before boarding the vessel, ensuring their well-being during the excursion. The availability of life jackets is a standard practice for reputable boat tour operators.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Most boat tour companies allow passengers to bring their own food and drinks on board. However, it’s best to check with the specific operator beforehand to confirm their policy on outside items.
Are the Boats Wheelchair Accessible?
Many boat tours and cruises are wheelchair accessible, allowing passengers to easily board and enjoy the experience. Operators typically provide accommodations for those with mobility challenges, ensuring an inclusive and comfortable journey.
Do the Tours Operate in Inclement Weather?
The tours generally operate in inclement weather, though conditions may impact availability or routing. Many boats have covered areas to provide shelter, but it’s best to check with the tour operator for specific weather policies and any potential disruptions.
Are Dogs Allowed on the Boat Tours?
Dogs are typically not allowed on boat tours for safety and sanitation reasons. However, some operators may make exceptions for service animals with proper documentation. It’s best to check the policies of each tour provider before booking.
The Sum Up
Vienna offers a variety of boat tours and cruises for visitors. From private floating islands to Danube River cruises, there’s something to suit every preference. Travelers can explore the city’s landmarks, enjoy a scenic cruise, and even take a day trip to Bratislava. With options for walking tours, hop-on hop-off buses, and evening sightseeing, Vienna’s boat tours provide a unique and convenient way to experience the city.