Best Day Trips from Budapest: Cities, Nature and Cultural Escapes
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Budapest is an incredible city, rich in history, architecture, thermal baths, and unforgettable views. But Hungary goes far beyond its capital. If you have a few extra days in your itinerary, setting aside one day to explore the countryside is one of the best ways to enrich your trip.
Hungary is culturally diverse and surprisingly compact, which makes it ideal for short excursions. From charming historic towns and artistic villages to wine regions, royal palaces, lakes, and natural landscapes, there are countless options just a short journey away from the city.
That’s why exploring the best day trips from Budapest is such a great idea!
Whether your travel style leans toward culture, food and wine, nature, or slow-paced experiences, you’ll find at least one destination on this list that fits perfectly into your plans. In this guide, we’ll show you some of the best day trips from Budapest and explain what makes each one special, including when they are best visited.
Lake Balaton
Tihany beach
Often called “the beach of Hungary”, Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe and one of the most popular summer destinations in the country. For decades, it has been a favorite getaway not only for Hungarians, but also for visitors from Germany, Austria, and neighboring countries.
Balaton is especially popular during the summer months, when warm temperatures and long sunny days turn the lake into a lively holiday spot. People come here to swim, relax by the water, enjoy lakeside restaurants, and take advantage of the many beach clubs and public beaches spread along the shore.
Because it offers a mix of water activities, nature, food, and charming towns, Lake Balaton is one of the best day trips from Budapest!
Main beach areas around Lake Balaton
Lake Balaton has several beach towns, each with a slightly different vibe. Some beaches are free, while others are paid and offer facilities like lockers, sunbeds, playgrounds, and restaurants. It’s always a good idea to check the official website of each beach for rules, opening hours, and entrance fees.
Some of the most popular areas include:
- Balatonfüred: a classic resort town with a promenade, beaches, and restaurants;
- Tihany: known for its historic abbey and panoramic views of the lake;
- Siófok: lively beaches, beach clubs, and a younger, party-oriented atmosphere.
Who is Lake Balaton best for?
Lake Balaton is a great choice for families, thanks to its shallow waters and beach infrastructure, but it also works very well for groups of friends and couples. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed beach day, a social summer vibe, or a romantic lakeside walk, Balaton offers something for every travel style.
Eger
Eger is one of the most charming historic towns in Hungary and an excellent option if you’re looking for a cultural day trip from Budapest.
Known for its well-preserved baroque architecture, thermal baths, and relaxed atmosphere, the city feels elegant without being overwhelming.
One of Eger’s main highlights is its castle, which offers panoramic views over the town and plays an important role in Hungarian history. Walking through the old town, you’ll find colorful buildings, small squares, cafés, and a slower rhythm that feels very different from Budapest.
Eger is also famous for its wine region, especially the full-bodied red wine known as Egri Bikavér. Wine cellars and tastings are available year-round, making the city appealing in all seasons.
This is a great day trip at any time of the year. In summer, the streets are lively and perfect for strolling; in autumn and winter, Eger feels quieter and more atmospheric, ideal for culture lovers and wine enthusiasts.
Szentendre
Szentendre is one of the easiest and most popular day trips from Budapest, especially for travelers who enjoy art, charming streets, and a relaxed pace.
Located just north of the city along the Danube, it feels like a small artistic village rather than a typical tourist destination.
The town is known for its colorful houses, cobblestone streets, galleries, museums, and cafés. Szentendre has a strong artistic identity, shaped by painters, sculptors, and artisans who settled here over the years, and that creative atmosphere is still very present today.
Szentendre works well in every season. During spring and summer, it’s perfect for walking around, sitting at outdoor cafés, and enjoying the Danube views. In December, the town hosts a cozy Christmas Market, making it especially charming in winter. Outside the holiday season, it remains calm and cultural, ideal for a slower day away from Budapest.
Because it’s compact and easy to explore, Szentendre is a great choice for couples, solo travelers, and families, and it’s an excellent option if you want a short, low-effort day trip that still feels special.
@budapestfortourists Day trip from Budapest? Take the train to Szentendre! In 30 minutes you’re in a cute little town by the Danube, with Cafés, art, cobblestone streets and river breeze. Perfect for a slow afternoon escape! #creatorsearchinsights #hungarytravel #budapestbudapestdaytrip #szentendre ♬ Optymistyczny nastroj (Czterdziestolatek) - Jerzy 'Dudus' Matuszkiewicz
Gödöllő
Gödöllő is best known for being home to the Royal Palace of Gödöllő, one of Hungary’s most important historic residences and a former favorite retreat of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, also known as Sisi. Located just a short trip from Budapest, it’s an easy and rewarding cultural day trip.
The palace is the main attraction and can be visited year-round. Inside, you’ll find beautifully restored rooms, exhibitions about royal life, and insight into Hungary’s imperial past. Outside, the palace gardens are ideal for a relaxed walk, especially in spring and summer.
Gödöllő is a great option if you’re interested in history and architecture and prefer a calm, focused visit rather than a full day of sightseeing. Because of its proximity to Budapest and straightforward itinerary, it works well for couples, families, and travelers with limited time who still want to explore beyond the capital.
Lillafüred
Lillafüred is one of the most scenic day trips from Budapest, especially for travelers who want to experience Hungary’s natural landscapes. Located in the Bükk Mountains, this small resort area is known for its dramatic setting, combining forested hills, a lake, waterfalls, and historic architecture.
Lillafüred is a beautiful destination in every season. In spring and summer, the area is lush and ideal for outdoor walks; in autumn, the forests turn colorful; and in winter, snow often transforms the landscape into one of the most photogenic scenes in Hungary.
@budapestfortourists Looking for the perfect autumn day trip from Budapest? Lillafüred is a fairytale village just outside Miskolc. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Hungary, surrounded by forests and mountain views. You’ll find a beautiful lake where you can rent a boat, caves, a chairlift, and even a forest train running through the woods. To get there, take a train from Budapest Keleti to Miskolc Tiszai, then tram 1 + bus 15 to reach Lillafüred. The whole trip takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. #creatorsearchinsights #budapest #budapestdaytrip #lillafüred ♬ WOODLAND TRAIL - Cavendish
To get there from Budapest, you’ll need to take a train to Miskolc, and then continue by local bus to Lillafüred. While the journey is longer than some other day trips, the scenery and atmosphere make it well worth the effort.
This is a great choice for couples, nature lovers, and anyone looking to balance city sightseeing with a slower, more scenic escape outside Budapest.
Visegrád
Visegrád is one of the most popular and scenic day trips from Budapest, especially for travelers interested in medieval history and panoramic views of the Danube. Set in the heart of the Danube Bend, the town is best known for its hilltop citadel and its dramatic natural surroundings.
The main attraction is the Visegrád Citadel, which offers some of the most impressive viewpoints in the region, overlooking the river and surrounding hills. Visiting the fortress combines light hiking with history and photography, making it a rewarding half- or full-day trip.
Visegrád can be visited year-round, but it’s particularly beautiful in spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and the landscape is at its best. In summer, it’s lively and green, while winter visits tend to focus more on the views than outdoor walking.
This destination works well for couples, history lovers, and nature enthusiasts, and it’s often combined with nearby towns like Szentendre or Esztergom for a full day exploring the Danube Bend.
Esztergom
Esztergom is one of the most important historic cities in Hungary and a great cultural day trip from Budapest. Located along the Danube, near the Slovak border, the city is best known for its religious and architectural significance.
Its main landmark is the Esztergom Basilica, the largest church in the country. Dominating the skyline, the basilica can be seen from afar and offers impressive views both from inside and from its terrace overlooking the Danube Bend. Climbing to the dome rewards visitors with panoramic views of the river and surrounding landscape.
Esztergom can be visited year-round and is often combined with nearby Visegrád in a single day. It’s an excellent option for travelers interested in history, architecture, and scenic river views, all within easy reach of Budapest.
Hollókő
Hollókő is one of the most authentic and traditional day trips from Budapest, ideal for travelers who want to experience rural Hungary and local traditions. This small village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserved as an open-air example of traditional Hungarian countryside life.
Walking through Hollókő feels like stepping back in time. The village is known for its whitewashed houses, folk architecture, and strong cultural identity, with traditions that are still actively practiced by the local community. It’s a peaceful destination, perfect for slow travel and cultural curiosity.
Hollókő can be visited throughout the year, but it truly stands out during Easter, when the village hosts one of Hungary’s most famous traditional celebrations. Visitors can see locals in folk costumes, watch cultural performances, and experience customs that are unique to this region.
Outside of Easter, Hollókő remains a charming and quiet destination, best suited for travelers interested in history, traditions, and a glimpse of Hungary beyond its cities.
Mohács
Mohács is a very specific but fascinating day trip from Budapest, best known for hosting one of Hungary’s most unique traditional events: the Busójárás Festival. This destination is ideal for travelers interested in folklore, local customs, and cultural celebrations rather than classic sightseeing.
The Busójárás takes place at the end of winter, usually in February or early March, and features costumed participants wearing carved wooden masks, traditional clothing, music, and street celebrations. The festival has UNESCO recognition and is deeply rooted in local tradition, making it one of the most distinctive cultural experiences in Hungary.
Outside of the festival period, Mohács itself is a quiet town and may feel less rewarding as a standalone day trip. For that reason, it’s best visited specifically during Busójárás, when the city comes alive and offers a rare chance to witness Hungarian folk traditions in an authentic setting.
Final thoughts
Exploring the best day trips from Budapest is a great way to see how diverse Hungary really is. From historic towns and royal palaces to wine regions, traditional villages, and natural landscapes, these destinations show that there’s much more to discover beyond the capital.
If you’re planning a trip and want to make the most of your time, combining Budapest with one or two day trips can add depth, variety, and unforgettable experiences to your itinerary.
And if you’re still planning your time in the city, don’t miss our complete guide to the must-see and must-do experiences in Budapest, with essential sights, local tips, and ideas to help you plan the perfect trip.