Day trips out of Budapest - which one?

A bit of additional information: The wife doesn't drink alcohol, is the tour to Eger still worth the trip or Eger is just about wine?

balaton

I met a guy on the plane who is from Budapest and I asked him the exact question. He said Visegrom (?).

I just got back from Hungary 2 days ago. I spent 5 days in Budapest and 2 days in Eger. I loved Eger and it is NOT just about wine. In fact, I didn't have time to tour the wineries at all. But I did have a glass of Bull's Blood and the most wonderful Tokaji Aszu. I was kept busy (but at a most relaxing pace) just visiting the Lyceum's library and its Astronomical Museum, the cathedral, the Minorite church,the grounds of the castle, the minaret, the market hall, walks around town and hanging out on the square. If I had chosen to rush, I would have seen the Marzipan Museum and done the thermal baths (I did that in Budapest). I'm sure there are many wonderful towns outside of Budapest. Eger is one of them.

Thanks for the answers, they decided to pick Lake Balaton and they really liked it, especially they talked a lot about the winery they have been taken too ;)... Thanks for all your help.

Visegrad is the name of the place that guy mentioned. The Danube Bend is not that easy to do on your own, as you have to use a mix of buses and trains. You can do one or 2 of the towns in a day easily by public transport, but Esztergom, Visegrad and Szentendre is not really possible, unless you start at 6AM ;).
We did Budapesting's Danube Bend Tour and it has been a great day, the guides were very helpful and knowledgeable about the history and the current state of Hungary. We are returning in September for the Wine Festival.

Out of Budapest,
Eger with a night's stay at the hotel Senator. My wife describes it as a Disney land for adults. This city has it all, plus wine. Castle overlooks the city, large church on main square, flower/vegetable market. we have been there in December and in July. The December trip was a day trip. We took the bus there and returned by train. The bus drops you at the church just outside the town center, and it has doors so big... The train was late evening maybe 11 PM. It was a bit dark, in oh so many ways on the walk to the station. But the bar across from the station had friendly people. The next trip we drove and spent several days. Visegrad was OK, but the walk into town was in a March rain, so that shaped our experience. And Sentendre, both in December and then later in March wasn't worth the trip. An "artists" community, well maybe it was really neat 30 years ago. Eger is where we will return.
wayne

Thank you, now I feel sad about not visiting Eger, though Lake Balaton was very nice too. Next time, as I surely will come back to beautiful Hungary..

just to spread the word, here's the email address you can get in touch with budapesting for the tours: [email protected]

Wayner, could you share a link to Hotel Senator? I found several hotels with the same name and not sure which one is that...

Hi,
The Senator Haz Hotel and restaurant I recommend is facing Little Dobo Square. fax 36 411 711, or [email protected], or www.senatorhaz.hu.

Hope this helps

Senator has been a great hotel for Eger, I also recommend it!

I confirm, the Senator is a great place to stay!

Thank you for the tip! We just booked the Senator also!

My wife and I have been to Budapest 3 times (so far) and recommend Szentendre as a good day trip. It's only about 45 minutes by train from Budapest, leaving you plenty of time to sightsee. Szentendre is a quaint and artistic community with plenty to keep you occupied during your visit.

We had a wonderful time in Budapest, we stayed at the Izabella's Dream apartment, and did Budapesting's Balaton and Danube Bend Tour. BEst value for money. Highly recommend them for those, who want to explore the "real thing".