The Best of Buda: the Side of Budapest You Need to Explore this Autumn

Last year, Hungary's tourism sector welcomed more than 20 million guests staying at hotels and Airbnbs, making it a record-breaking year and surpassing the previous national record set in 2024, reported by Hungary’s tourism board. Budapest remained the country’s most visited destination, attracting more than 8.1 million visitors in 2025 and generating 18.5 million overnight stays. 

While most travellers who come to Budapest rarely go outside of the capital. Kimpton BEM Budapest encourages its guests to go beyond the city and visit Lake Balaton, Szentendre and Eger. From historic towns and renowned wine regions to scenic lakes and nature escapes, these destinations offer travellers the opportunity to experience Hungarian culture, regional cuisine and local wines. 

Located on the quieter, residential side of Budapest, the Buda side, Kimpton BEM Budapest sits just a two-minute walk away from the Danube promenade, and within walking distance of iconic landmarks, including Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion. Staying in Buda offers an immediate sense of escape, especially during the busy months: fewer tour groups, quieter streets, and most importantly, access to an abundance of local shops, cafes, artwork. 

Lake Balaton 

Often referred to as the “Hungarian Sea”, Lake Balaton is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Central Europe. Stretching 77 kilometres, it offers swimming, sailing, lakeside dining and renowned wineries, including  Figula Winery. 

One of the most popular towns on the northern shore is Balatonfüred, a historic spa town with its yacht harbour, leafy promenades and relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can explore nature attractions such as Lóczy Cave and the Tamás Hill walking trail, which offers panoramic views across Lake Balaton. For keen hikers, the Balatonalmádi–Sümeg section of the Mária Road is an excellent walking route. Passing through Balatonarács, the route connects beautiful churches, lookout points and natural landmarks.

How to get there: 

It takes around 90 minutes by car or take a train from Budapest-Déli (15 minutes tram away from Kimpton BEM Budapest) to Balatonfüredwhich takes around 2 hours by direct train

Szentendre

Located just 20 kilometres north of Budapest. Known for its colourful architecture, lively restaurants and rich Serbian heritage, it is one of the most popular day-trip destinations from the capital. 

The town is home to Skanzen, one of Hungary’s largest open-air museums, located just outside Szentendre. Offering visitors the chance to step back in time, the museum showcases traditional village life, historic Hungarian architecture and rural crafts through immersive exhibitions and reconstructed settlements.

 At the heart of the town lies its main square, surrounded by colourful 18th-century merchant houses, cafes and the striking Serbian Orthodox, Blagovestenska Church. Beyond the square, a maze of narrow alleyways invites visitors to explore independent art galleries, souvenir shops and local handicraft boutiques.

How to get there: 

The easiest way to get to Szentendre is by taking H5 HÉV railway from Batthyány tér station (a 5-minute walk away from Kimpton BEM Budapest) directly to Szentendre, which takes around 40 minutes or alternatively, in the summer months, travellers can take a scenic Danube River cruise from Budapest to Szentendre. 

Eger 

Hungarian wine remains one of the country’s best-kept secrets, with many wineries producing only small quantities and keeping their finest bottles within Hungary’s borders. Located around 133 kilometres north-east of the capital, near the Bükk Mountains and Bükk National Park, Eger is renowned for its thermal baths, exceptional wine culture and rich history such as the heroic 1552 siege against the Ottoman Empire. 

One of the region’s most famous wine destinations is the  Szépasszony Valley, also known as the “Valley of the Beautiful Woman”, a unique area unlike anywhere else in Hungary. The valley is home to over 200 cellars, many of which welcome visitors for tastings in a relaxed and traditional setting. Whether travellers prefer white, red or rosé wines, they will find a wide variety of local styles to explore. 

Eger’s most iconic wine is Egri Bikavér, also known as "Bull's Blood". This deep-coloured, full-bodied red wine is known for its rich, dry character and complex flavour profile. The blend is regulated and made from a combination of at least three grape varieties selected from an approved list of twelve. 

How to get there:

Eger is located approximately 134 kilometres from Budapest, and can be reached in around  90 minutes by car. Travellers can also take a direct train from Budapest Keleti station (25-minute tram away from Kimpton BEM Budapest), with the journey taking approximately two hours. 

Ends

Editors notes

About Kimpton BEM Budapest

The opening of Kimpton BEM Budapest in September 2024 marked Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants’ first boutique luxury hotel in Hungary and their first property in Eastern Europe. Set within a restored 19th-century mansion on the Buda side of the Danube, the 127-room property – including 8 suites – has been designed by Dutch visionary Marcel Wanders (one of just ten fortunate hotels he’s designed in the last two decades of his career, with Kimpton BEM Budapest being his final project). The hotel’s interiors draw inspiration from Hungarian folklore and yet are contemporary in design, with features ranging from upside-down egg-shaped reception desks to a glass atrium showcasing a golden stag. 

 Kimpton BEM Budapest offers views across the river to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and places guests within easy reach of the UNESCO-listed Castle District, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Budapest’s famed bathing culture. Three inventive dining concepts form part of the experience, underpinned by a strong sustainability ethos that incorporates energy-efficient systems, waste reduction measures, and a commitment to local sourcing. Their restaurant AGOS has been awarded two Toques by Gault&Millau, and is amongst the Top 35 Restaurants in Hungary.  Wellness is also central to the hotel, with a tranquil spa and treatments influenced by the city’s thermal history and heritage. 

As part of IHG’s Low Carbon Pioneer program, Kimpton BEM Budapest leads the way in sustainable hospitality with energy-efficient systems, eco-certified suppliers, and a deep commitment to local sourcing and environmental responsibility. They have also been awarded One MICHELIN Key in 2025 and have been chosen as Tripadvisor’s number one Luxury Hotel in Hungary. 

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@kimptonbembudapest | @agos.restaurant | @barhuso | @fennen.skybar 

UK Press Enquiries:

Charlotte Williams, Elinor Fresson, and Magda Maslanka at Lemongrass Travel PR

E: KimptonBEMBudapest@lemongrassmarketing.com

T: +44 (0)1865 237 990