Other Hungarian cities

I haven't gotten to Eger yet; it will be part of my next Hungarian itinerary.

Pecs is an especially good destination for folks interested in decorative arts. It's the home of the Zsolnay ceramics company, which was responsible for the colorful architectural ceramics you see in Hungary and some other cities in the area of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Another good option would be Gyor, which has a very pretty historic center, a number of small museums (most art-related) and is near the Pannonhalma Abbey.

All three of those destinations are doable by train or car in similar time frames. I didn't check the train schedules for frequency, however.

acraven nailed those two. Eger is about wine. So unless wine interests you .... no, there is a little more but thats the bulk of it. Three others you might research are:

Tihany
Kecskemét
Lillafüred

But you didnt say for how long. Day trips are
Szentendre
Esztergom
Visegrad

And of course time of year will matter.

Good options. Pécs and Eger are both solid picks, and easy by train or car from Budapest.

Pécs: Known for the Zsolnay ceramics company, whose colorful architectural tiles show up on buildings across Hungary and the old Austro-Hungarian Empire region. Good pick if you like decorative arts.

Eger: Mostly known for wine. If that's not a big draw for you, there's less to pull you there specifically.

Other ideas worth researching:

Győr: Pretty historic center, several small art museums, close to Pannonhalma Abbey.
Tihany, Kecskemét, Lillafüred: Worth a look depending on your interests.

Easy day trips from Budapest:

Szentendre
Esztergom
Visegrád

Safe travels!

The highlight of Pécs for us was the early Christian necropolis.

HK both times I went it was dead

Sorry, that was bad humor

We all threw out a lot of names without much recommendation or why. The time of year might matter a little. I looked at another post so I am assuming September. Great time to be in the region. Here is another thread with more detail: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/hungary/other-hungarian-towns-outside-of-budapest-to-spend-time-in

First since most RS folks are “of a certain age” a reminder that the trains are free for those over 65. If you want a seat reservation you do have to purchase that. I think its 600 Ft. or about $2.

Eger if you like wine, and the old fort and the Old Town is interesting as well. 2.5 hours by train. It’s really an over night trips to be fair.

Szentendre is a day trip. You take the commuter train up and the boat back. About 45 minutes each way.

Győr can be a day trip. I would rather do an over night because the Old Town is sort of nice in the evening. You take the train up in about 90 minutes, then go straight to the archabbey at Pannonhalma by bus or taxi (taxi), then back to Győr to look around. If you stay the night the old converted monastery Klastrom Hotel is a good choice.

Esztergom is a good day trip or overnight. For some reason Esztergom has a Michelin Star restaurant now. Takes about an hour on the train.

Some try and do Szentendre, Visegrad and Esztergom together as a day trip. There are some guided tours for that too. Too much in one day for my taste.

Lillafüred I think is one of the best secrets from American tourists. Definitely one or two nights to do the train, the caves the lake and just enjoy the environment. The hotel Palota of course.

Then using a package tour any of the Puszta tours is worth the time. Look on Viator.

Pecs, sure, good. An overnight trip.

Into wine? Do a day long winery tour or an overnight tour. Some of the wineries have amazing accommodations. I know a guide if you are interested.

Heck, I forgot the best one: Uzhhorod. https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/hungary/9-august-sub-carpathians-from-budapest Yes, its a long trip, but its very affordable and the payback is outstanding. I sent you a PM with a link that does have some information about it and the others mentioned.