Day Trips and Excursions: Exploring Beyond Budapest's Borders

If you're in Budapest and want a change of scenery, or if the city's charm has ignited your curiosity about the rest of Hungary, then you're in for an adventure. Day trips and excursions outside of Budapest are an excellent opportunity to explore Hungary's rich heritage, picturesque landscapes, castles, fascinating history, and thriving wine regions. There's a whole world beyond the city's borders waiting to be discovered, and this article will guide you through your options.

Cityplanet is a well-reputed company that offers a variety of tours and excursions in Hungary and allow you to book your local sightseeing with ease. You can check out what they have to offer here.

Eger: The City of Heroes

First on the list is the historic town of Eger (Erlau in German), located in northern Hungary. Eger is famed for being the site of the successful defense against the invading Ottoman Empire, earning it the title, ‘City of Heroes’. The town is also known for its thermal baths, Baroque buildings, and of course, the Eger wine region, which produces the famous Egri Bikavér ‘Bull's Blood of Eger’.

Szentendre: The Artists’ Village

Szentendre, known as the ‘Artists’ Village’ due to its long association with the arts and artists, is a charming riverside town located only 20 kilometers from Budapest. It's a perfect fusion of Hungarian and Serbian culture, filled with Baroque houses, Orthodox churches, and numerous art museums and galleries. After exploring the charm of this historic town, a boat trip back to Budapest can make for an enjoyable conclusion to this excursion by Cityplanet.

Lake Balaton: Hungary’s Sea

Often referred to as the ‘Hungarian Sea’, Lake Balaton is the largest freshwater lake in Central Europe. Its crystal-clear water, beautiful beaches, and vineyards in the hilly region of Badacsony make Balaton a perfect summer retreat. The lake is also home to the historic Tihany Abbey, and Balatonfüred, a popular resort town with some magnificent villas. Cityplanet can organise an unforgettable trip to this charming destination.

Holloko: The Living Village

Another place worth visiting is Holloko, a beautifully preserved traditional village that can transport you back in time. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an illustration of rural life in the 17th–19th centuries before the agricultural revolution. The old-style houses, craft workshops, and museums exhibiting folk costumes and furniture give a glimpse into life hundreds of years ago.

Pecs: The Cultural Capital

Last but not least, consider a visit to Pecs, the fifth-largest city of Hungary. It was named the European Capital of Culture in 2010. The rich history of the city is evident in its Roman and Turkish architectural influence and its 600-year-old university, one of the oldest in the world. The Pecs trip can be an absorbing experience for any history and culture enthusiast.

To summarize, don’t limit yourself to the borders of Budapest. With countless treasures scattered throughout the country, there's so much to explore in Hungary. Although Budapest alone offers much to the curious traveler, venturing outside of it with well-planned day trips and excursions can promise a richer and all-round Hungarian experience. Start planning and book your excursions with Cityplanet now. Happy travels!