Lake Balaton Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Lake Balaton. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Private Tour From Budapest to a Top Hidden Treasure Region of Europe: Lake Balaton

• Sailing at Lake Balaton

• See the Hungarian Sea: Lake Balaton

• Lake Balaton & Cruise

• Private Lake Balaton Experience with an Unforgettable Wine Tasting

It’s free to visit Lake Balaton, but many travelers choose to explore the area on a tour. Shared boat trips start at around US$128, while more personalized experiences with a combination of private round-trip transportation and boat rides across the lake can cost upwards of US$207.

Yes, Lake Balaton is worth visiting, especially for travelers interested in experiencing Hungary's lakeside scenery, beaches, and relaxed resort towns outside of Budapest. The lake is popular for swimming, sailing, and cycling during the warmer months. Guided day trips to Lake Balaton are a great option because they often include round-trip transportation from Budapest, and some also feature boat rides and visits to lakeside towns once you get there

Per one customer who booked Sailing at Lake Balaton, "Second time going sailing with him and we keep coming  back! The experience is amazing, end to end. He adapts the plans to the weather and your wishes. He knows the lake like the palm of his hand! You can feel safe and enjoy a great sailing experience! He will be happy to teach you as well!"

Popular activities in the Lake Balaton area include cycling, touring, and wine-tasting at local vineyards and visiting the Benedictine Abbey of Tihany. Other popular activities include visiting the spa town of Balatonfüred and touring the Herend Porcelain Manufactory. You can book tours and some activities in advance online.

Lake Balaton is a popular spot for non-motorized watersports, including stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, and windsurfing. However, motor-powered watercraft are not allowed on the lake. Other popular activities at the lake include swimming (when the weather permits) and cycling along the path that encircles the lake.

The best time of year to visit Lake Balaton is during the summer when the weather is ideal for swimming and watersports, and clear days result in scenic views. Winter is also a fun time to visit when the lake sometimes freezes enough to ice skate on it.

Yes, there are boat tours available on Lake Balaton. While many people just take a boat tour, others opt for a full-day tour of the region, including stops at other attractions, such as wineries and historic sites. The best way to secure tickets is by booking online.

There are many dining options along the shores of Lake Balaton, particularly in popular tourist destinations such as Siófok and Balatonfüred. Many serve traditional Hungarian dishes such as goulash and cabbage rolls and local specialties like seafood stew, often paired with regional wines.

The easiest way to get to Lake Balaton from Budapest is to join a tour or rent a car and drive yourself. Parking is available, but you may have to pay in some instances. You can also catch a train from Budapest Deli or Budapest Kelleti Railway Station to the lake.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting Lake Balaton. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in and around Budapest:

• House of Parliament

• Budapest Danube River

• Buda Castle

• Széchenyi Thermal Baths

• Matthias Church

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Budapest.