Vienna is a city built around water. The Danube River runs through it, and the city’s waterways offer a fresh perspective on its iconic sights. Whether you’re cruising past the Hofburg Palace or getting a bird’s-eye view from the Skyline Skywalk, boat tours in Vienna provide a relaxing way to see the city. We particularly like the Vienna River Cruise with St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which combines a scenic boat ride with a walk through the historic Old Town, and the Culinary Cruise from Bratislava to Vienna, for those interested in combining food and scenery. These trips add a different dimension to your visit, offering tranquility and stunning views that are otherwise missed in crowded streets.
Vienna’s water-based offerings aren’t limited to big boat rides: there are full-day excursions to the nearby lakes and towns, such as Hallstatt and Wachau. Each of these tours offers a unique experience—whether it’s the peaceful lake cruise in Hallstatt or a comprehensive small-group tour with Skywalk and salt mine—ensuring there’s an option for every traveler. Below, you’ll find a detailed look at each of the top boat tours and cruises in Vienna, so you can pick the one that matches your interests and schedule.
1. Vienna: Hallstatt Day Trip with Boat Ride Option
At number 1, this full-day trip takes you from Vienna to the breathtaking town of Hallstatt, a place that looks like it’s straight out of a fairy tale. The tour features spectacular views of the Austrian Alps and UNESCO-listed Salzkammergut, with plenty of photo stops—including the wedding bridge of Schloss Ort. The optional boat ride across Lake Hallstatt is a highlight, providing tranquil waters and incredible mountain scenery. The tour also includes free time to explore the charming town streets and enjoy lunch.
What makes this trip stand out is the combination of alpine vistas, historic sites, and the flexibility of optional boat riding. The 13-hour itinerary is paced well, with scenic drives and picturesque stops, making it perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive day of natural beauty and cultural charm. Reviewers love the “spectacular views” and the chance to stroll through the quaint streets. The only caveat: it’s a long day, but the scenery is worth it.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking a scenic, full-day escape with the option to enjoy a peaceful boat cruise on one of Austria’s most iconic lakes.
2. Vienna to Bratislava Tour by Bus and Boat
Number 2 on our list offers a seamless blend of guided city exploration and river cruising. Starting with a bus ride from Vienna, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Bratislava’s old town, soaking in sights like Michael’s Gate and St. Martin’s Cathedral. After exploring, you’ll have time for lunch or shopping. The highlight is the return trip on the Twin City Liner, a high-speed boat that glides across the Danube back to Vienna, giving you a chance to relax and admire the river landscapes.
This tour is praised for its straightforward logistics and the opportunity to see two capitals in one day. The scenic boat ride provides a refreshing change from walking, and the free time in Bratislava allows for personal discovery. One reviewer called it a “great day” with “plenty of sightseeing and shopping.” It’s a good choice for travelers who want a balance of guided information and free exploration without a very long day.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a mix of city sightseeing and cruising, especially if you’re short on time but want to see Bratislava from a different angle.
3. From Vienna: Durstein and Wachau Cruise
Number 3 offers a relaxing boat cruise along the Danube through the Wachau Valley, renowned for its lush vineyards and historic towns. Departing from Vienna on the MS Kaiserin Elisabeth II, the trip includes sightseeing from the water, with chances to spot local flora and fauna and enjoy onboard food options. The highlight is the visit to Durnstein, a medieval town famous for its fortress and connection to Richard the Lionheart.
Guests love the combination of a scenic boat ride and an independent exploration of Durnstein. The cruise lasts about a day, with reviews noting the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views, although some felt there was limited time in Durnstein. The region’s vineyards, castles, and riverside villages make this an excellent choice for lovers of slow travel and stunning landscapes.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting a tranquil boat trip combined with a visit to a picturesque medieval town.
4. Vienna: Hop-on Hop-off, Ferris Wheel, and River Cruise
This versatile combo ticket allows you to explore Vienna in one day using a hop-on hop-off bus, enjoy a ride on the iconic Riesenrad Ferris Wheel, and relax with a Danube river cruise. It’s a fantastic way to see the city’s top landmarks—like Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and the Hofburg—at your own pace. The ferris wheel not only offers spectacular views but also a bit of fun, especially during sunset.
The beauty of this package is the flexibility it offers; you can hop off at attractions, then hop back on later. Reviewers appreciate the convenience of combining land and water sightseeing, which makes for a relaxed day. It’s particularly suited for first-time visitors who want a rundown with memorable photo opportunities.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who want a full, flexible overview of Vienna’s highlights in one day, with the added fun of a Ferris Wheel ride.
5. Bratislava Day Trip from Vienna With Catamaran Cruise on Danube
Number 5 features a guided day trip to Bratislava with the added thrill of a high-speed catamaran cruise back across the Danube to Vienna. You’ll tour Bratislava’s main sights, including Michael’s Gate and St. Martin’s Cathedral, then enjoy some free time for lunch and shopping. Afterward, the high-speed boat whisks you across the river, offering a smooth, scenic return journey.
Reviews mention the “very helpful guide” and the pleasant “scenic boat ride,” although some noted that free time can feel a bit limited. This tour is ideal for those who want to visit two countries in a single day and appreciate a quick, comfortable cruise experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you want efficient transport, guided sightseeing, and a speedy, scenic river cruise in one package.
6. Vienna: Small Group Tour Hallstatt with Skywalk, Boat, Mine
This small-group tour offers an intimate experience of Salzkammergut, with round-trip transportation in a comfortable minivan. It covers Gmunden, Hallstatt, and includes optional visits to the salt mine and Skywalk. A highlight is the boat ride on Lake Hallstatt, which provides peaceful waters and panoramic mountain views. The entire trip is carefully paced, with an emphasis on quality over quantity.
Reviewers praise the driver’s knowledge and the absence of rushing—”everything from start to finish was excellent,” one says. The tour is best for travelers who prefer fewer crowds and a more relaxed pace, with flexible options to visit specific sites like the salt mine or Skywalk.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking a personalized, small-group experience with scenic lake cruises and cultural highlights.
7. From Vienna: Day Tour to Hallstatt and Salzburg with Boat Ride
Number 7 combines visits to Hallstatt and Salzburg in one long but rewarding day. Starting with the Hallstatt village, you can enjoy the Skywalk and the salt mine, then head to Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace, with its charming streets and fortress. The boat cruise on Hallstattsee adds a peaceful, scenic element before returning to Vienna.
Many reviewers find the day long but worth it, praising the guide’s knowledge and the scenic boat ride. It’s best suited for travelers eager to see multiple iconic Austrian sights, but with a willingness for a packed schedule.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want an extensive day of culture, scenery, and multiple UNESCO sites, including an immersive boat experience.
8. Vienna River Cruise, Walking Tour with St. Stephan Cathedral
Number 8 offers a combination of a walking tour of Vienna’s Old Town with a river cruise along the Danube. Starting at Wien Museum musa, your private guide takes you past the Rathaus, St. Peter’s Church, and the St. Stephen’s Cathedral, followed by a 1-hour 15-minute boat cruise showing Vienna from the water.
This personalized experience is highly praised, with one reviewer calling the guide “articulate and informative.” It’s suited for travelers who want a detailed, intimate look at Vienna’s core landmarks, with the added calm of a boat ride.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history buffs and those who prefer a private, detailed, and relaxed exploration.
9. 24-hour Hop-On Hop-Off with River Cruise
This 1-day ticket allows you to see Vienna’s main sights from the open-top bus, with the convenience of a river cruise on the Danube. The audio commentary and Wi-Fi make it easy to plan your day, hopping off at landmarks like Schönbrunn Palace or the City Hall, then returning to the boat for a peaceful cruise.
Reviewers appreciate the flexibility, calling it a “great way to see the city without rushing.” It’s ideal for first-timers wanting an overview with the added bonus of river scenery.
Bottom Line: Best for visitors seeking a flexible, all-in-one touring solution with water views.
10. Best of Vienna Pass: Schönebrunn, Belvedere, Big Bus & Cruise
Number 10 offers a multi-attraction pass for seven days. It includes Schönbrunn Palace, the Belvedere, and a Big Bus hop-on hop-off plus a river cruise. This is a good value for travelers who want to explore at their own pace, with multiple water and land experiences.
Reviewers mention the convenience of pre-booked tickets, and the ferris wheel and river cruise are among the popular add-ons. It’s perfect for those who favor flexibility and want to maximize their time.
Bottom Line: Excellent for independent travelers who prefer a self-paced, multi-day itinerary with varied water experiences.
11. Vienna: City Cruise with Optional Lunch
This 75-minute boat trip along the Danube offers a relaxed way to see Vienna from the water, with optional onboard food. The cruise provides a quiet atmosphere to enjoy views of historic buildings and contemporary districts.
Reviewed as “very peaceful,” this trip is ideal for those wanting a short, easy activity with a scenic backdrop and no fuss.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers seeking a quick, relaxing water experience in the city.
12. Vienna: City Cruise
A simple, 75-minute cruise that loops along the Danube Canal. It’s praised for its relaxing atmosphere and the opportunity to enjoy apple strudel and hot drinks onboard. It’s a straightforward way to see Vienna from the water without much planning.
This cruise works well for those with limited time or as a gentle break from sightseeing.
Bottom Line: Best for those who want a short, peaceful cruise experience with optional treats.
13. Culinary Cruise from Bratislava to Vienna
Number 13 is a long, 14-hour culinary journey that combines sightseeing with fine dining. It offers views of Bratislava, Devin, and Hainburg, along with stops in Vienna’s main landmarks. The highlight is the food and wine onboard the Harmonia, making it a feast for both eyes and palate.
Currently, reviews are limited, but this cruise is suited for food lovers who want a leisurely, gastronomic experience with scenic river views.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a full-day, gourmet cruise with sightseeing and culinary delights.
14. From Vienna: Hallstatt Day Tour with Lake Cruise
Number 14 offers another day trip to Hallstatt with round-trip transportation and a lake cruise. The cruise gives a chance to view the village from the water, adding a peaceful element to the visit. It’s ideal for travelers who want a shorter, more intimate experience of Hallstatt’s beauty.
The tour is praised for its scenic drive and the opportunity to enjoy a quiet cruise across Hallstatt Lake. It’s suitable for those short on time but eager to enjoy the region’s landscapes.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers seeking a scenic, half-day escape with the bonus of a peaceful lake cruise.
How to Choose the Best Boat Tour or Cruise in Vienna
When selecting the right water experience, consider your budget, available time, and personal interests. For history and city views, the Vienna River Cruise with St. Stephen’s or the Hop-on Hop-off with Ferris Wheel are perfect. If scenery and a peaceful atmosphere are your priorities, the Wachau cruise or Hallstatt lake trips shine. Those wanting to combine culinary delights should explore the Gourmet cruise from Bratislava to Vienna. Lastly, if you’re tight on time but want a taste of both worlds, the Bratislava day trip with catamaran offers a quick, scenic escape.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular trips like the small-group Hallstatt tour or the full-day Salzburg and Hallstatt trip, which fill quickly.
In summary, Vienna offers a wide variety of boat tours and cruises to suit different interests—from short city cruises to full-day scenic adventures and cultural explorations. For a relaxing day, the Vienna river cruise or hop-on hop-off tour are excellent choices. For those eager to see regional towns and lakes, the Hallstatt and Wachau cruises are hard to beat. Whether you’re after a scenic ride, a cultural experience, or a culinary journey, book early and enjoy the water in Vienna—the city always looks better from the river.