From Budapest: Puszta Horse Show and Countryside Visit

Imagine swapping Budapest’s bustling streets for the rolling Hungarian Plains, known as the Puszta—a landscape famous for its wide-open spaces, horse culture, and authentic rural charm. For around $116 per person, you can enjoy a well-rounded 8-hour tour that combines traditional entertainment, delicious cuisine, and scenic exploration. Led by expert guides with varied language options, this experience offers a taste of Hungary’s countryside that balances fun, education, and local flavor.

Two things we really appreciate about this tour are the spectacular horse show followed by a horse-drawn carriage ride, and the chance to savor a generous Hungarian lunch with wine. These highlights go beyond the typical sightseeing, giving you a real connection to the culture. However, a possible drawback is that the day involves quite a bit of bus travel—about 3 hours total—so if you prefer exploring on foot or dislike long rides, that’s worth considering.

This tour suits travelers who want an authentic rural experience away from Budapest’s urban buzz. It’s perfect if you enjoy horse-related entertainment, local food, and small-town charm, as highlighted by glowing reviews from past participants.

Key Points

• Authentic Horse Show: Spectacular performances and a horse-carriage ride provide a memorable glimpse into Hungarian equestrian traditions.
• Delicious Traditional Lunch: Enjoy a three-course meal with goulash, grilled chicken, and milk pie, paired with a glass of white wine.
• Cultural & Scenic Stops: Visit Kecskemét for a quick tour and explore the rural landscape with scenic drives and farm visits.
• Expert Guides & Multilingual Options: Guides are knowledgeable and the tour is available in several languages, making it accessible for many travelers.
• Long Day, Good Value: At 8 hours, it’s a full immersion that combines sightseeing, entertainment, and regional cuisine at a reasonable price.
• Some Bus Time: About 3 hours of travel by air-conditioned coach means plenty of comfort, but it also requires patience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect: An In-Depth Look at the Experience

A trip to the Hungarian Plains is a wonderful way to see a side of Hungary that often gets overshadowed by Budapest’s historic sites. From the moment you meet your guide at the Eurama office, you’ll notice that this tour is thoughtfully curated to give you a balanced taste of the countryside’s sights, sounds, and flavors.

The Journey Begins

Your day starts with a comfortable bus ride lasting about 1.5 hours. During this time, your guide—possibly a multilingual expert—will set the scene, sharing insights into the Puszta’s landscape, agriculture, and cultural significance. Past travelers mention guides like Maria, who are entertaining and informative, making the drive fly by.

Kecskemét: A Charming Town

Your first stop is Kecskemét, a pretty town known for its art nouveau architecture and lively town square. Here, you’ll get about an hour to walk around, snap photos, and perhaps grab a quick coffee. Some reviews note that access to certain sites can be limited if you arrive during Sunday mass, but there’s still plenty to enjoy. Guides often point visitors toward local restaurants or attractions for further exploration.

Farm Visit & Horse Show

Next, you’ll head to a traditional horse farm in Lajosmizse. The horse show is widely praised—spectacular performances that showcase the skills of Hungarian horsemen. Past reviews highlight it as “spectacular,” and many visitors appreciate the horse-drawn carriage ride afterward, which offers a relaxed way to appreciate the scenic landscape.

Visitors also mention the small petting zoo and the chance to see horses up close, adding a touch of personal connection. As one reviewer says, it’s a great fun experience, especially if you love animals and traditional horsemanship.

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Authentic Hungarian Lunch

The included lunch is a highlight—hearty, well-prepared, and generously portioned. Expect classic dishes like goulash soup, grilled chicken in “Puszta” style with potatoes, rice, or vegetables, and a milk pie for dessert. A glass of white wine and mineral water round out the meal. Past guests emphasize the quality and abundance—this isn’t a hurried snack but a proper, flavorful meal.

Scenic Drive & Cultural Insights

After lunch, a scenic drive takes you through the countryside back toward Budapest, giving you ample opportunity to relax and take in the views. The guide’s commentary helps you understand the landscape’s significance and how it shapes Hungarian culture.

Final Stop & Return

Your day concludes with a return journey of about an hour back to Budapest, ending at the same meeting point. The overall travel time, including stops, totals approximately 8 hours—a full but rewarding day out.

Authenticity and Comfort

One of the biggest draws of this tour is its focus on authentic rural experiences. The horse show, traditional cuisine, and visits to small towns like Kecskemét are genuine, not touristy fluff. Past travelers note the quality of the entertainment and the friendly nature of the hosts at the farm.

Transportation is by air-conditioned bus, ensuring comfort during the long drives. Still, the total travel time means you’ll want to be prepared for some time sitting—perfect if you enjoy relaxed, scenic journeys but less ideal if you prefer brisk walking or minimal transit.

Analyzing the Value

At $116, this tour offers a solid value considering the all-inclusive nature—transport, meals, entertainment, and guide service. The quality of the horse show and the delicious lunch provide tangible memories, and the visits to Kecskemét and the farm add regional flavor.

Many reviews praise the guides for their knowledge and enthusiasm, enhancing the experience. The inclusion of multiple languages and flexible booking options make it accessible and adaptable to different travelers’ schedules.

The only caveat is the long bus rides, which might be tiring for some, especially if traveling with young children or mobility issues. However, the overall balance of entertainment, scenery, and culture makes this a compelling choice for those wanting to step outside Budapest and see more of Hungary’s authentic countryside.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect if you’re interested in Hungarian culture, especially horse traditions and rural life. It suits travelers who enjoy hearty regional cuisine and scenic drives, and who don’t mind a full day of sightseeing and travel. It’s especially good for families, couples, or groups that appreciate a blend of entertainment, education, and authentic local flavor.

If you’re looking for a relaxing escape from the city with opportunities for great photos, tasty food, and memorable performances, this tour ticks all those boxes. Conversely, if you prefer a shorter, more active excursion, you might find the bus time a bit excessive.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, if you select the option, your driver will pick you up from your hotel or apartment in Budapest, typically 15-30 minutes before departure.

How long is the bus ride?
The journey to the countryside and back totals approximately 3 hours, split into segments of about 1.5 hours and 30 minutes, making the drive relatively comfortable with air conditioning.

Can I join the tour if I don’t speak the language?
Absolutely. The tour is available in English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish, with guides providing commentary in these languages.

What does the lunch include?
The meal is a three-course traditional Hungarian lunch with goulash soup, grilled chicken, and milk pie for dessert. It includes a glass of white wine and mineral water.

Are there any physical restrictions?
The tour isn’t suitable for non-folding or electric wheelchairs, and walking at each stop can be moderate in difficulty, especially in the town of Kecskemét.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, allowing for flexible planning.

Final Thoughts

For anyone eager to experience Hungary’s rural traditions beyond Budapest’s vibrant streets, this tour offers a well-rounded combination of entertainment, scenery, and regional flavor. The horse show alone makes it worth considering, and the included lunch and visits add depth to the day. It’s a good fit for those who enjoy authentic cultural experiences and don’t mind a bit of bus travel to get there.

While the long coach rides might be a downside for some, the quality of the activities and the friendly guides help make up for it. If you want a meaningful taste of Hungarian country life with memorable performances and delicious food, this day trip from Budapest is a worthwhile adventure.

Happy travels!

You can check availability for your dates here: