After Balaton the Top 3 Locations for Local Travellers in Hungary are Budapest, Siófok, Eger
- 9 Feb 2026 5:51 AM
Lake Balaton remains the favorite destination for domestic travelers, according to Szallas.hu's analysis of 2025 booking trends, with Budapest, Siófok, and Eger topping the list of most popular municipalities. More than a quarter of the total value of online bookings went through SZÉP cards.
The booking portal reported that 22% of its 2025 reservations were for the Lake Balaton area, followed by 18% for Northern Hungary. Budapest and its surroundings came third at 12%, with Western Transdanubia and the Southern Great Plain close behind. The Northern Great Plain ranked sixth (9%) and Southern Transdanubia seventh (8%).
Over half of domestic bookings (56%) were valued at up to 70,000 forints. Another 31% ranged from 70,000 to 170,000 forints, 8% from 170,000 to 270,000 forints, and higher amounts made up less than 5%.
SZÉP cards covered nearly 27% of the platform's online bookings that year.
Short trips dominated: one- or two-night stays accounted for 70% of reservations, three nights for 17%, four nights for 8%, five nights for 3%, and six nights or more for just 2%.
Hotels drew 31% of bookings, especially three- and four-star options. Apartments followed at 29%, guesthouses at 21%, boarding houses at 13%, and other types at 6%.
Most trips were for two people (50%), with 14% for three, 13% for four, and 10% for five or more.
Popular draws included major spas like Zalakaros Spa, Hungarospa in Hajdúszoboszló, and Sárvár Spa and Wellness Centre, plus sites such as Eger Castle, the Festetics Palace in Keszthely, and Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden.
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