River trips · WORLDWIDE

15 Night Cruises Worth Flying For

24 sailings  ·  boarding from $6 a head

Some cities are built to be seen lit: Budapest’s Parliament, Shanghai’s Bund, the lanterns on the river at Hoi An. These 15 night sailings are priced and timed for the lights.

Prague: Vltava River Night Cruise with Buffet - Charles Bridge, Petřín, and the first views
Buffet Experiences, Night River Cruises, Prague River Cruises, River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Prague: Vltava River Night Cruise with Buffet

1.Vltava River Night Cruise with Buffet

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 7,338 reviews · 3 hours · from $81Our pick

Board near Prague’s Old Town for a three-hour evening cruise on the Vltava. You’ll pass Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Dancing House, Vyšehrad, and the Rudolfinum while enjoying a Czech and international buffet, live music, Wi-Fi, and a welcome drink. Tables seat six, and drinks beyond the welcome glass cost extra.

“the experience was amazing, the views and food fantastic. Staff were really friendly and helpful and the entertainment was great. The only thing I wish they considered more were couples, on the booking it stated we maybe be put onto a table for 6 being seated with other people, which was fine but when we arrived their were plenty of empty tables for 2 on the boat and we still were still seated with another group on table for 6.”

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Budapest Danube River Sightseeing Night Cruise with Drink - Your welcome drink: useful extra, not a Champagne cruise
Budapest River Cruises, Danube River Cruises, Night River Cruises, River Cruises, River Sightseeing Cruises, River Sightseeing Cruises in Budapest, Tour Reviews

Budapest Danube River Sightseeing Night Cruise with Drink

2.Budapest Danube River Sightseeing Night Cruise with Drink

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,553 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $30

Board a glass-topped Legenda City Cruises boat near Jane Haining rakpart for a one-hour evening ride along Budapest’s illuminated riverbanks. You’ll see Parliament, Buda Castle, the Chain Bridge, Liberty Bridge, Elizabeth Bridge, and Margaret Island, with a welcome drink, 30-language audio guide, Wi-Fi, and indoor or limited open-air seating.

“We had a beautiful experience, the cruise is very well organised with no waiting time at all and no queuing! Trust me the queues for the evening cruises are endless. Very clean boat and the staff are very polite!! They offer you drink of your choice and you can have a seat inside or outside on the top of the boat.”

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London: River Thames Evening Cruise with Bubbly and Canapés - From Tower Millennium Pier to the city lights
London River Cruises, Night River Cruises, River Cruises, Thames River Cruises, Tour Reviews, UK River Cruises

London: River Thames Evening Cruise with Bubbly and Canapés

3.River Thames Evening Cruise with Bubbly and Canapés

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 2,493 reviews · 2 hours · from $37

Spend two hours on the Thames from Tower Millennium Pier, watching London brighten at dusk with a glass of sparkling wine and canapés. Choose the open-air deck or air-conditioned saloon, enjoy live chill-out pop, and pass Tower Bridge, the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, and Canary Wharf. This is a scenic evening cruise, not a narrated history tour.

“it was wonderful having live music. everyone on the cruise was so friendly and helpful. the boat was clean and we had a fantastic time looking at London while enjoying a bottle of champagne and absolutely wonderful appetizers. it was easy, and a great way to relax during the evening.”

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Hoi An : Hoai River Boat Trip by Night and Floating Lantern - The five-minute walk to the Thu Bon River
Hoi An River Cruises, Night River Cruises, Night River Cruises in Hoi An, Night River Cruises in Vietnam, River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Vietnam River Cruises

Hoi An : Hoai River Boat Trip by Night and Floating Lantern

4.Hoai River Boat Trip by Night and Floating Lantern

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 1,988 reviews · 20 min · from $8

Meet your English-speaking guide at the Kazimierz Kwiatkowski bust on Tran Phu Street. You’ll walk five minutes to the dock, board a private wooden boat for up to five people, and release one paper lantern per person with help from the rower. The ride lasts 10 to 15 minutes and is scenic rather than narrated.

“This was well worth booking… the normal queue for the boats was long and chaotic. My guide messaged me earlier in the day with meeting point, so met there and he escorted us down to the river and immediately onto a boat. No messing around, was great experience”

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Paris: Happy Hour Evening Cruise on the Seine River - Boarding in central Paris
Night River Cruises, Paris Seine River Cruises, River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Paris: Happy Hour Evening Cruise on the Seine River

5.Happy Hour Evening Cruise on the Seine River

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 1,673 reviews · 1h 30m · from $18

Spend 90 minutes on the Seine with Paris Canal, passing the Louvre, Notre-Dame, Île Saint-Louis, and the Eiffel Tower. Choose a covered seat or panoramic terrace, buy rosé, beer, or champagne at the bar, and enjoy music as Paris shifts from daylight to city lights. Commentary varies by departure, so check your expectations before booking.

“The tour was great even though the Siene was flooded the captain of the boat still made sure we saw all the beautiful sights. One minor suggestion is the directions to the boat were not easy to follow. We wound up making the left once we reached the bottom of the steps as stated in the directions but it should have been a right. All in all, a lovely boat ride!”

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Vienna: Evening Cruise Along The Danube - Watching Vienna change from daylight to city lights
Austria River Cruises, Danube River Cruises, Night River Cruises, River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Vienna River Cruises

Vienna: Evening Cruise Along The Danube

6.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 fades into evening. You’ll cruise through the city and along the Danube, with an upper deck, live camera feed, and fresh Viennese food available from Roman Loos’s onboard restaurant. Food and drinks cost extra, and there is no regular sightseeing commentary.

“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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Budapest Evening Cruise with Entertainment and Drink Options - Choosing the right drink package
Budapest River Cruises, Night River Cruises, River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Budapest Evening Cruise with Entertainment and Drink Options

7.Budapest Evening Cruise with Entertainment and Drink Options

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,272 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approx.) · from $21

Cruise the Danube for about 90 minutes to 2 hours with live music from the Rajko Folk Orchestra. Choose a basic drink, wine tasting, beer, cocktail, or open-bar option, then watch Parliament, Buda Castle, Chain Bridge, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Gellért Baths glow at night.

“Large boat mainly indoors.we went for drinks only package but would recommend having the meal which looked nice and then you are where entrainment is are guaranteed a seat and can also go out when you want. Good value”

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Da Nang: Han River Local Cruise by Night - The river route from ticket booth to Dragon Bridge
Da Nang River Cruises, Night River Cruises, Night River Cruises in Vietnam, River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Vietnam River Cruises

Da Nang: Han River Local Cruise by Night

8.Han River Local Cruise by Night

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 1,152 reviews · 50 - 90 minutes · from $6Best value

Spend 50 to 90 minutes on Da Nang’s Han River, passing the Sunworld Wheel, Love Lock Bridge, and Dragon Bridge. Choose a simple cruise or add dinner upstairs. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the boat positions near Dragon Bridge for its 9 PM fire and water show. Clear WhatsApp instructions from Phuoc or Thao help with boarding.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the river cruise. Da Nang is an amazing city and it is even more magical at night steeped in all the amazing colours. Dragon Bridge alone is worth the cruise, it's some sight. For such a small price, I would highly recommend this cruise to anyone.”

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Cologne: 2-Hour Evening Cruise on the Rhine River - Choosing between the open deck and indoor windows
2-Hour Experiences, Germany River Cruises, Night River Cruises, Rhine and Spree River Cruises, River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Cologne: 2-Hour Evening Cruise on the Rhine River

9.2-Hour Evening Cruise on the Rhine River

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 797 reviews · 2 hours · from $34

Spend two hours on the Rhine as Cologne’s lights come on. You’ll pass the cathedral, St. Kunibert, Groß St. Martin, St. Maria Lyskirchen, and major bridges, with open-deck or window seating, live lounge music, and a bar serving drinks and snacks. There is no spoken commentary, so come for the views and easy evening mood.

“It would be great if we could get information about the buildings, bridges, canals, and rivers we see along the way. The DJ was very good, he knows a lot of musics trends. But it would have been even nicer if he had interacted verbally with us as passengers. The water in the toilet was empty, so I couldn't wash my hands. 😉 Overall, our experience was very good. Thank you.”

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Chicago by Night River and Lake Cruise - The harbor lock adds a real engineering lesson
Chicago River Cruises, Night River Cruises, River Cruises, Tour Reviews, USA River Cruises

Chicago by Night River and Lake Cruise

10.Chicago by Night River and Lake Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 791 reviews · from $45

This 1.5-hour evening cruise takes you from the Chicago River through the Chicago Harbor Lock and onto Lake Michigan. You’ll see Buckingham Fountain, Willis Tower, Navy Pier, Museum Campus, and the lit skyline while guides such as Olivia, Jacob, and Josh share lively Chicago stories. Bring a jacket and snacks.

“Nice informative, calm, and relaxing. Enjoyed going through the lock to go out on the lake too. Thanks!”

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Huangpu Night Cruise: Cozy Vibe & Modern Shanghai Glow - What you see during the 45-minute route
China River Cruises, Li River and Yangtze Cruises, Night River Cruises, Night River Cruises in China, River Cruises, Shanghai River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Huangpu Night Cruise: Cozy Vibe & Modern Shanghai Glow

11.Huangpu Night Cruise: Cozy Vibe & Modern Shanghai Glow

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 520 reviews · 1 day · from $21

Cruise the Huangpu River for about 45 minutes, passing the Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and other riverside landmarks. Choose a daytime or evening departure, then select indoor, semi-open, or open-air viewing areas. English-speaking staff are available on major boats, but you must exchange your voucher for a paper ticket at the pier.

“An exellent view on the night city especially if you get a place on the upper deck. Tasty dishes.”

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Da Nang: Han River Night Boat Trip with Show on Weekends - Finding the boat at 36 Bach Dang Street
Da Nang River Cruises, Night River Cruises, Night River Cruises in Vietnam, River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Vietnam River Cruises

Da Nang: Han River Night Boat Trip with Show on Weekends

12.Han River Night Boat Trip with Show on Weekends

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 · 455 reviews · 1h 30m · from $6

Take a 90-minute evening cruise from Bach Dang Street along Da Nang’s Han River. Enjoy city lights, a dance performance, and access to a bar and restaurant at your own cost. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday departures, the boat pauses near Dragon Bridge for its fire and water show. English and Vietnamese assistance is available.

“We did not have a guide or transportation option, but the boat was fantastic & we had front row seats to see the Dragon Bridge show. It was wonderful.”

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Da Nang: Scenic Han River Night Cruise On My Xuan Cruise. - Key points to know before boarding
Da Nang River Cruises, Night River Cruises, Night River Cruises in Vietnam, River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Vietnam River Cruises

Da Nang: Scenic Han River Night Cruise On My Xuan Cruise.

13.Scenic Han River Night Cruise On My Xuan Cruise.

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 175 reviews · 1 day · from $6

Board My Xuan Cruise at 26 Bach Dang for a 45-minute evening ride on Da Nang’s Han River. You’ll see the Dragon Bridge, Love Bridge, Sun Wheel, and city lights, with fruit, bottled water, local dancing, and music included. Choose 8:15 pm on Friday through Sunday for the best chance to catch the Dragon Bridge fire and water show.

“It was very easy to find, and the staff spoke great English, so it was very easy, and we had the best dancer of all the other boats, the most authentic!!”

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Cochem: KD Panoramic Evening Cruise on the Moselle River - What the two-hour route gives you
Germany River Cruises, Night River Cruises, Rhine and Spree River Cruises, River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Cochem: KD Panoramic Evening Cruise on the Moselle River

14.Cochem: KD Panoramic Evening Cruise on the Moselle River

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 76 reviews · 2 hours · from $30

Board the MS Moselprinz beside Cochem’s old town for a two-hour evening cruise on the Moselle. You’ll pass Reichsburg Castle, Imperial Castles, vineyards, the promenade, and the Pinneberg chair lift. Food and drinks cost extra, and a DJ plays lounge music on the open deck in good weather.

“Super Partyabend mit toller Stimmung. nettes Personal. Wir hatten total Spaß”

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Chongqing: Two Rivers Night Cruise- Yangtze & Jialing Rivers - The 45-Minute Route Along Two Rivers
China River Cruises, Li River and Yangtze Cruises, Night River Cruises, Night River Cruises in China, River Cruises, Tour Reviews

Chongqing: Two Rivers Night Cruise- Yangtze & Jialing Rivers

15.Two Rivers Night Cruise- Yangtze & Jialing Rivers

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 64 reviews · 1 day · from $38

Board near Hongyadong Pier for a 45-minute evening cruise on Chongqing’s Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. You’ll see the city’s illuminated towers, river junction, Grand Theatre, and natural riverbanks from the water. Onboard commentary adds context, though English announcements are not guaranteed. Bring your passport and arrive early for the best place to stand.

“The cruise was very nice and I would recommend to buy the vip package for 80 Yuan on board.”

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Newly added: Night River Cruises

★ 3.7Da Nang By Night & Han River Dragon Cruise with a local foodFrom $623 reviews
★ 4.4Chengdu: JinJiang River Night Cruise TicketsFrom $382 reviews
★ 5.0Bosphorus Evening Cruise: Dinner, Shows and Private TableFrom $297 reviews

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