Székesfehérvár:

Located between Lake Balaton and Budapest, Székesfehérvár is one of the oldest towns in Hungary. During the Middle Ages, it was the capital of the country, and it is home to an iconic cathedral with parts dating back to 1235. This is a very colorful, interesting town with stunning baroque buildings and a plethora of interesting cultural attractions to explore including the Toy Museum, the King St Stephen Museum, and the Istvan Csok Art Gallery. Bory Castle, located just outside the town center, is definitely worth stopping by. Built in the early/mid-1900s as a gift for the wife of sculptor and architect Jeno Bory, the castle features both Gothic and Romanesque styles and is set in stunning gardens with an array of sculptures. 

Lake Velence:

Although Lake Balaton is the largest lake in both Hungary and Central Europe, it’s quite far from Budapest, making it difficult to get to on a day trip. If you really want to see Lake Balaton, it’s worth including it on your itinerary with Firebird Tours. However, Lake Velence is just forty-five minutes away from Budapest by car, making it a really ideal day-trip location for those who want to enjoy some serene countryside. In the summer months, shallow waters of the lake reach a temperature of 26-28 degrees Celsius, and there are several beaches along the shore where you can spend the day relaxing, fishing, or bike riding. 

The Danube Bend:

Located to the North of Budapest, the Danube Bend is the most scenic stretch of the second-longest river in Europe. There are plenty of boat trips that are perfect for exploring this area, and the best time to go is during the high tide between May and September. On your journey from the capital, you will travel through some amazing scenery with gorgeous riverbanks and stunning peaks. Some of Hungary’s oldest settlements are located on the west bank including Renaissance palace ruins and a 13th-century hilltop. 

Vienna, Austria:

Thanks to the extensive train network in Central Europe, day trips outside of Hungary are becoming much easier to plan. If you want a change of scenery, you can take a Budapest to Vienna train and explore the capital city of Austria in a day. Vienna is a city known for its rich history with classical music, opera, and brilliant art, so there is a lot to see in the city. Spend the day exploring the Museum of Fine Arts or the House of Music or admiring the amazing architecture at Schonbrunn Palace or St. Stephens Cathedral, for example.