16 Best Day Trips and Tours from Budapest

Budapest has history, sights and monuments to discover, and hiring a guided tour to explore every corner of the city is without doubt one of the essential things to do on your trip to Budapest. With same-day round-trip tours, you can explore the surrounding area, which has even more to offer visitors.

Since I'm a fan of city tours, this guided walking tour of Budapest is one of my favourites as, being longer than average (three hours as opposed to the usual two), it not only covers more areas of the city, but also a greater number of stories about the city and its customs.

This tour is ideal if you're looking for a comprehensive overview of the city's main sights without focusing on any one particular aspect.

What's included

A local guide will pick you up from your hotel to start this sightseeing bus tour of Budapest. Along the way the guide will show you the different sights of the city, explaining the significance of each and taking advantage of key locations to tell you about Hungarian customs.

This bus tour of Budapest lasts two hours. There will be several stops along the way where you will be able to get off the bus for a closer look and take photos. At the end of the tour the bus will drop you off at a central point and from there you will return to your hotel on your own. This option is ideal to get a first overview of the city, including the places that are further away from the centre, before visiting the city at your own pace.

What's included

The Gödöllo Palace is located in the hinterland of Budapest about half an hour away from the city centre. When you book this guided tour of Gödöllo Palace and choose the day you want to take it, you will receive an email with information about the meeting point where your air-conditioned vehicle will depart from in the centre of Budapest. There you will meet the driver, the rest of the group and an expert guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.

The Gödöllo Palace tour lasts approximately three hours, is available in English, Spanish, French, German and Italian and, in addition to the transfer and the services of the guide, includes entrance fees.

What is included

What will you see at the Gödöllo Palace?

Impressive manicured gardens and luxurious rooms decorated in the style of the Hungarian aristocracy of the 18th century, but more important than what you will see is what you will learn. This palace is known for being the favourite palace of the Queen of Hungary and Empress of Austria, Sissi. History has brought this character down to the present day surrounded by a multitude of anecdotes, including her love for Hungary, her beauty and her desire for freedom, but there are many more.

During the tour of the Gödöllo Palace you will learn about that part of Sissi's story that does not appear in period films: the tragedy that befell her with the death of her daughter, the fights with the emperor's mother, the lovers in her marriage and her problems with food. If you are not yet familiar with the story of this non-conformist empress, you will end this tour absolutely fascinated by her figure.

The best part of this tour is the stories you will learn about the Empress Sissi, considered one of the most important historical myths in Europe.

The Jewish tradition in Budapest is very strong and throughout the city there are different tributes to all the Jews who were killed during the Second World War. This walking tour of Budapest's Jewish Quarter, lasting approximately two and a quarter hours, focuses on the history of the Jewish people.

In Budapest's Jewish Quarter you will see monuments such as the Great Synagogue (one of the largest in Europe) and the Tree of Life memorial, on whose silver leaves are written the names of the victims of the Holocaust. However, one of the most moving tributes to this people is not in this neighbourhood but on the banks of the Danube; it is a long row of shoes sculpted in iron representing the murder of thousands of victims.

This tour is ideal if you are interested in the history of the Jewish people and the Second World War, as, beyond the tour itself, the real value of this tour lies in the explanations of the guide.

What is included

The Hungarian Parliament is a landmark in the city of Budapest. Located on the Pest bank of the Danube River, it is the largest building in Hungary and one of the most emblematic buildings both for its impressive architecture and its significance. This tour of Budapest with visit to the Parliament focuses on the visit to the Parliament (entrance fees included) and its surroundings.

The guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the entrance of the Parliament, where you will enjoy a guided tour of one hour and a half. In addition to information about the building itself, you will also learn about Hungarian politics and enjoy historical narrations that will make this city even more exciting. You must see the illuminated Parliament at some point during your trip.

The great thing about this tour is that it allows you to get close to a very important part of the city's history that would be difficult to get to know on your own.

What's included

Many times we visit a big city and wonder what the surroundings of the country are like, what the Hungarian landscape is really like and the way of life of the inhabitants who do not live in the capital. With a trip to Szentendre you will discover all this and I assure you that the result will not leave you indifferent.

Why this village and not another one? Szentendre is one of the most visited villages in Budapest and is known for the craftsmen who make and sell their products here. The centre of the village is certainly set up for visitors, but if you go a little further afield you can discover a beautiful lake, mountain scenery and traditional Hungarian houses.

If you go in winter you'll be surprised how few people are in the streets, which is due to the low temperatures. Don't miss the opportunity to chat with the artisans and shopkeepers; most of them understand English and are extremely friendly. The best thing about this tour is the intimate contact you will have with the local artisans, especially if you go in winter when there are fewer tourists on the streets.

What's included

Lake Balaton is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Hungary. Situated approximately two hours drive from Budapest, it is well worth the trip. Both the lake and its surroundings are a fairytale landscape, making this excursion to Lake Balaton one of the best options for appreciating the beauty of the country outside its cities and buildings.

Lunch is on your own and is not included in the 65 euro tour price; you can take it in any restaurant in Balaton or bring a picnic to eat while you look out over the lake. The tour is available in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish and French. The highlight of this tour is the contrast between the breathtaking scenery of Lake Balaton and the stately streets of Budapest.

What is included

During your trip to Budapest you have probably seen monuments that have left you speechless and discovered legends that have made you want to know more about this city and its culture. In that case, this excursion to the Puszta with horse show in the Hungarian Great Plains area is the perfect option to learn that extra lesson about Hungarian life and customs. How? By getting to know closely one of its main traditions: the equestrian exhibitions.

During all these activities a professional guide will accompany you on your day trip to the Great Hungarian Plains or Puszta Plains from the fixed meeting point in the centre of Budapest (you will be informed by email after booking). The total price of this experience is 65 euros. The best thing about this tour is that it is a great way to have a closer contact with the traditions of Hungary and the people who still maintain them today.

What is included

Three hours away from Budapest is the city of Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. This is a city of orange roofs, cobbled streets and huge castles, and its size makes it easily accessible on a day trip to Bratislava and back from Budapest. You won't regret getting to know it with this private Bratislava tour, which also includes a private local guide who will show you the secrets of Bratislava.

You'll also have free time to explore the city at your leisure before returning to Budapest and visiting the historic centre while listening to street musicians or enjoying a drink on one of the outdoor terraces. The best thing about this tour is the personalised service of the guide (I advise you to ask him everything you want and "make the most" of it) and the possibility of getting to know a different city and a different country in a comfortable private transfer.

What's included

Hungary is a country of great traditions, and folklore is one of them. With this night tour, you will enjoy a traditional show accompanied by a dinner with typical Hungarian dishes. In addition, you will tour the main illuminated monuments of Budapest in a panoramic vehicle.

This tour is a unique way to immerse yourself in Hungarian culture and gastronomy while enjoying the magic of the city by night. If you are looking for an authentic experience, this dinner and show tour is an excellent choice.

What's included

Budapest is divided into two separate parts by the Danube: Buda and Pest. This walking tour focuses exclusively on the Buda side, the more historic and quieter part of the city, allowing you to explore it in more detail and depth.

During two hours, you will walk through some of the most emblematic points of this part of the city, such as the Fisherman's Bastion, the Matthias Church and the Buda Castle. If you want to get to know this area in depth, I recommend this guided tour of Buda, an ideal experience for those who enjoy exploring on foot.

What's included

This tour combines the best of both worlds: a walking tour through the centre of Budapest and a cruise on the Danube. It is the ideal way to see the main sights of the city from different perspectives.

The tour includes stops at landmarks such as the Parliament, St. Stephen's Basilica and Buda Castle, and the boat trip offers spectacular views of the city from the river. For those who are short on time and want to see it all, this combination tour of Budapest is a perfect option.

What's included

When night falls, Budapest is transformed. Its illuminated monuments create a magical atmosphere worth seeing at leisure. On this night-time walking tour, an expert guide will take you to the city's most impressive sights while you learn about its history and curiosities.

From the Parliament to the Chain Bridge, via the State Opera House, this tour will allow you to admire the city at its most spectacular. If you are looking for a different experience, I recommend this night tour of Budapest, ideal to see the city in a different light.

What's included

With this tour you can visit the Gödöllo Palace, the former residence of Empress Sissi, and enjoy an impressive horse show that pays homage to the Hungarian tradition of horsemanship.

In addition to the tour of the palace, the experience includes a visit to a traditional farm, where you can see superbly trained horses up close and taste local snacks. If you are passionate about Hungarian history and culture, this horse show tour is a must-do experience.

What's included

If you want to discover the area around Budapest, this day trip takes you to three historic towns along the Danube Bend: Esztergom, Visegrád and Szentendre. Each has its own charm, from the grand basilica of Esztergom to the panoramic views from the citadel of Visegrád.

During the tour, you will walk through these beautiful Hungarian landscapes with an expert guide who will explain the history and culture of the region. In addition, if you travel between May and September, you can enjoy a boat trip on the Danube back to Budapest. For the full experience, I recommend this excursion to the Danube Bend, a great way to see more than just the capital.

What's included

If you prefer a more exclusive tour, this private Danube Bend tour is the best option. Accompanied by a personal guide, you will visit Esztergom, Visegrád and Szentendre at your own pace, with the flexibility to stop at the points that interest you most.

In addition to private transport and lunch included, if you take the tour between May and September, you can enjoy a boat trip on the Danube. For those looking for comfort and a personalised experience, this private Danube Bend tour is the best alternative.

What's included

What to bring

Even if you visit Budapest in summer, temperatures are usually cool and most of the city's tours are on foot. As well as comfortable shoes, I recommend packing a good coat so you won't be tempted to abandon the tour in the middle for a hot chocolate in a café.

Always hire official guides

In central parts of Budapest, it is common to find tours of the city offered by locals. A local can give you interesting tips about your visit, but be aware that many of them are not specialised guides who can put you in the historical context of the city. In addition, some are not fluent in other languages and there comes a point in the tour when this can be frustrating. It is best to make sure you book your tour in advance.

Enjoy the food

Finally, I recommend you ask your guide for recommendations, especially when it comes to food. It's very cheap to eat well in Budapest, but the names of the dishes aren't exactly intuitive; your guide will be happy to make recommendations based on your tastes, something you'll be very grateful for when you sit down to eat in a restaurant. Also in the city, dealing with street names can be a chore even with Google Maps. And, of course, get to know all the customs before your trip.

Getting to know the surroundings of the city of Budapest is a great plan for when you've made the most of the Hungarian capital, but have you done it? Be sure to plan excursions during your visit, but don't forget that there's much more to Budapest than meets the eye. Check out all the essential things to do on your trip to Budapest.

If you also want to complete your trip with the most iconic experience of Budapest, which is also super relaxing, I recommend you to visit the Spas of Budapest.