10 alluring destinations for a summer day trip in Hungary

Summer is the perfect time to explore new corners of the country you have never seen before. In many cases, you do not even need to book a week-long vacation; a well-planned day trip can be just as rewarding. Here are some excellent ideas if you want to plan a day trip in Hungary.

Travelo has put together a collection of destinations that visitors can explore in a day or enjoy over several – and they would be a shame to miss.

Budapest from a new perspective: St Stephen’s Basilica and a Hungarian Japanese Garden

For those who are not afraid of heights, the Panoramic Terrace of St. Stephen’s Basilica is an unmissable experience in Budapest. The Basilica is one of the tallest buildings in the city, with its 65-metre-high panoramic platform offering a magnificent and very unique perspective of the capital’s beauty. One adult ticket for the panoramic terrace costs HUF 4,300 (EUR 10.90), and for children under 18 and students, a discounted ticket is available for HUF 3,400 (EUR 8.62).

Another gem in Budapest is the recently renovated Japanese garden in the courtyard of the Márton Varga School of Horticulture and Geodesy, the first of its kind in the country. The Zugló Japanese Garden has a 95-year history, designed and built by Márton Varga in 1928. The Japanese Garden has extraordinary flora, which is sure to stun all visitors. And for those planning a special event, the garden is also available as a wedding venue.

For nature lovers: the Esterházy Castle rose garden and the Folly Arboretum

The Esterházy Castle is a must-see for a summer day trip in Hungary, but the Margaret Cziráky Rose Garden within the castle grounds offers a particularly special experience. Home to over 300 varieties of roses and around 8,000 pots, the garden bursts into colour when the flowers are in bloom. Ticket information is available on the castle’s website at this link.

The Folly Arboretum, on the other hand, is home to an impressive collection of evergreens. Known as the “living pine museum,” it takes its name from the Folly family, who have cultivated unique pines, cedars, and cypresses for over a century. Open year-round, the arboretum offers individual and guided tours, and its restaurant features locally-produced wines.

Exploring history: Füzér Castle, Szombathely Village Museum, and Túristvánd Water Mill

Nestled at the northeastern tip of the country, the settlement of Füzér and its 13th-century castle in the Zemplén Mountains transport visitors back to historic times in Hungary. In addition to the Castle of Füzér, the area offers excellent mountain hiking. The castle serves as the venue of the annual Castle Days, which will take place this year from 18 to 19 August. More details can be found on the castle’s website here.