Keszthely, Hungary: What To See & Do In This Lovely Town

What To See In Keszthely

Balaton Museum

The Balaton Museum is one of Hungary’s most fascinating attractions, where history, nature, and culture come together. Situated in Keszthely, it’s regarded as a true treasure of the Balaton region. Inside, you’ll find archaeological discoveries, an impressive ethnographic collection, and exhibitions that highlight the ecological and cultural significance of Lake Balaton. Everything is presented in a modern, accessible way, making it appealing for history lovers and families with children alike.

A visit here feels like more than just learning facts. It’s an immersive experience that brings the past to life. You’ll see how the lake’s shores were formed, how local communities once lived, and how Lake Balaton has shaped the region over the centuries.

Festetics Palace

Festetics Palace, located in the heart of Keszthely, is one of the most impressive Baroque palaces in Hungary and the third largest in the country. In the early 18th century, construction was started by the wealthy Festetics family, and over the centuries the residence grew into a vast complex with more than one hundred rooms. Entering the palace, you immediately feel the aristocratic atmosphere. Here you will see ornate halls, crystal chandeliers, frescoes, and elegant furniture that let you step into the luxurious life of the nobility.

Inside, there is also an impressive library with more than 80,000 old books, ceremonial halls and galleries where banquets and receptions once took place. As a book lover, I was especially fascinated by the library – it felt like a world of its own.

It is worth stopping by the Hunting Museum, which exhibits a trophy collection from Europe, Africa, and Asia. No less attractive is the Carriage Museum, introducing visitors to 19th–20th century travel culture and displaying more than sixty authentic carriages. Smaller exhibitions are also worth exploring – for example, the marzipan figurine collection or the wax museum.

The park surrounding the palace is an oasis of peace and beauty with alleys, flower beds, fountains, and ponds. In summer it becomes a venue for cultural events and concerts, attracting both locals and tourists. Even if you do not go inside the palace, a walk in the park is a memorable experience.

Opening Hours & Tickets: The palace is usually open daily, but please check the exact opening hours on the official website before your visit. Ticket prices for adults start from €10 (4200 HUF), depending on what you choose to see.

Toy Museum

Vidor Toy Museum is a true treasure trove, home to an impressive collection of around 15,000 toys from different eras. Here you’ll find everything from porcelain dolls and the very first Barbies to antique wooden blocks, toy cars, board games, and even mechanical toys that were once considered technological wonders. As you walk through the museum halls, you’ll feel that each exhibit tells not only the story of childhood, but also of social change.

Exploring the displays feels like a journey back in time. Each showcase reveals how children’s worlds and pastimes evolved. You’ll see that toys are not just entertainment, but also part of cultural memory, reflecting the spirit of different times. If you’d like to spark your curiosity, dive into nostalgic memories, and discover how even the smallest objects can have stories to tell, this museum is definitely worth a visit.

Opening Hours & Tickets: The museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Ticket prices are €5.50 (2200 HUF) for adults and €4.30 (1700 HUF) for children.

Keszthely Promenade

The Keszthely Promenade is a lively pedestrian street that connects the old town with the central square and other parts of the city. It stands out for its clean surroundings, cozy outdoor cafes, and small shops offering everything from local souvenirs to modern goods. It’s especially pleasant to stroll here in summer, when the promenade comes alive with musicians, street performers, and markets.

The promenade is one of the most popular spots for an evening walk, attracting both locals and visitors. During the day, it invites you to enjoy a coffee or dessert on one of the outdoor terraces, while in the evenings it buzzes with lights, live music, and events. The surrounding buildings reflect the prosperity of the 19th and 20th centuries, making this place appealing both to history lovers and to anyone simply looking for a relaxing stroll.

Keszthely Main Square

A visit to Keszthely is hard to imagine without a walk through the central square, Fő tér. It is the heart of the town, where history, culture, and local life intertwine every day. Located right in the middle of the old town, the square offers pedestrian areas, cafe terraces, and small shops.

Architecturally, this space fascinates with its variety of buildings – from old facades to more modern 20th-century reconstructions. The main landmark of the square is the parish church of Our Lady of Hungary, whose tower has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Keszthely. Nearby you’ll also find the statue of Count Festetics – he’s seated on a bench, so you can sit right beside him and snap a photo.

The square is especially cozy in the evening, when the lanterns are lit and the old town takes on a special charm. It’s a pleasant place to sit at a cafe terrace, enjoy Hungarian cuisine, or simply watch locals and tourists. I visited in the late afternoon, and the square felt very cozy to me. I spent a good hour there just observing local life.

Butterfly & Exotic Reptile Exhibition

Keszthely can surprise you not only with grand sights like the Festetics Palace or the Balaton Museum, but also with smaller, unexpected attractions. One of them is the Butterfly and Exotic Reptile Exhibition, located just off the central square. Here you can see more than a thousand butterfly species from five continents, complemented by a live reptile section featuring turtles, lizards, and other exotic animals.

The butterfly collection is especially impressive: in the showcases you can admire the vibrant blue Morpho butterflies from South America, the well-camouflaged species from Asia, and striking specimens from Africa and Australia. Each one is fascinating in its own way, featuring wing patterns that look like paintings and colors that leave a lasting impression.

The exhibition is not very large, so a visit takes about half an hour, but if you’re traveling with children, it can be a fun little break.

Opening Hours & Tickets: The exhibition is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and until 7:00 p.m. on weekends. Ticket prices are €5 (2000 HUF) for adults and €2.5 (1000 HUF) for children.

Keszthely Mini Train

Hop aboard the colorful mini tourist train that winds through the streets of Keszthely. It offers a comfortable way to see the town’s main sights – from the Festetics Palace to the lakeside promenade.

The ride doesn’t take long, but it provides a fun opportunity to experience the town from a different perspective. Families with children especially enjoy it. For children, the ride itself is the attraction; for parents, it’s a convenient way to save energy.

The train runs daily during the warm season, usually from morning until evening. Departures start from this point. It’s an inexpensive and playful way to get to know Keszthely.

Keszthely Waterfront

About a 15-minute walk from the old town center brings you to the lakeside promenade with its pier and beaches. This is a popular area where both locals and visitors enjoy the relaxed Balaton atmosphere.

The waterfront features a pier with a small pavilion, offering beautiful views over the lake. It is especially photogenic in the evening, when the sunset reflects in shades of orange and pink on the water. Along the promenade you’ll find cafes, ice cream shops, and terraces – perfect places to pause and relax on a warm day.

Keszthely’s main beaches are also located here. The most popular is Municipal Beach, offering swimming, water activities, and several food options. For a quieter setting, Helikon Strand is a good choice. In summer, the waterfront often hosts concerts and leisure events, creating a lively holiday atmosphere.

Shopping In Keszthely

Keszthely is not a big city, so you won’t find huge shopping malls here. Instead, you’ll come across small shops and cozy little boutiques. Walking along the pedestrian street from the Festetics Palace toward the lake, you’ll notice windows filled with souvenirs, handicrafts, vintage-style toys, and local treats.

Here you can buy traditional Hungarian wine, paprika, handmade ceramics, and textile products. Many of the items reflect the old Balaton resort spirit, when visitors would come for their holidays and take home small gifts for their loved ones.

For me, this part of Keszthely left a pleasant impression precisely because of its simplicity. There’s no rush or glitter – just charming little shops worth stepping into, even if you don’t buy anything.

Snail Parliament

Hidden in a small corner of Keszthely lies one of the town’s quirkiest attractions – the Snail Parliament. At first, it might sound a bit strange, but this tiny museum showcases a truly one-of-a-kind artwork: a detailed replica of the Hungarian Parliament made entirely out of snail shells.

The model was created by Laszlo Marton, a local craftsman who spent fourteen years carefully gluing more than 4.5 million snail shells together to bring his vision to life.

Visiting the Snail Parliament doesn’t take long, but it’s definitely worth stopping by if you enjoy unusual curiosities. It’s one of those places that make you smile, reminding you how creativity can turn even the simplest things, into something extraordinary.

Opening Hours & Tickets: The museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets cost €5.5 (2200 HUF) for adults.

Festetics Lookout Tower

If you’re looking to see Keszthely and Lake Balaton from a different perspective, head to the Festetics Lookout Tower, tucked away in the forested hills of Gyenesdias on the edge of town. This wooden structure offers a peaceful escape into nature, surrounded by fresh air and birdsong just above the lakeside bustle.

Climb to the top and you’ll be rewarded with one of the most stunning views in the area. On clear days, the panorama stretches far across Lake Balaton, and the sunsets here are simply breathtaking. The area around the tower also features several hiking trails and picnic spots with tables, making it a lovely place to slow down, take in the view, and enjoy the calm of the forest.

How To Get To Keszthely

Keszthely is one of the main towns on the western shore of Lake Balaton, making it easy to reach from Budapest or other parts of Hungary. The most convenient options are by train, bus, or car.

By Train

Regular trains run from Budapest Déli Railway Station to Keszthely, with the journey taking around 3 hours. Some trains run directly, while others require a quick transfer at Balatonszentgyörgy, just a short distance from Keszthely. Once you arrive, the town center is about a 10–15-minute walk from the station. Tickets can be purchased at the station or online.

By Bus

Intercity buses to Keszthely depart from Budapest Népliget Bus Station. The trip takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and stops in the lakeside towns along the way. The Keszthely bus station is located near the town center, within walking distance of the main attractions such as Fő tér Square, Festetics Palace, and the promenade. Taking the bus is also a convenient option if you’re traveling from other Balaton resorts.

By Car

The distance from Budapest to Keszthely is about 190 km, and the drive takes roughly 2 hours. Follow the M7 motorway towards Lake Balaton, then take Route 71 along the eastern shore. In Keszthely, you’ll find both paid and free parking areas near the palace, the waterfront, and the main square.

Tip: If you’re driving from Budapest, make a short stop in the charming towns of Tihany and Tapolca along the way.

Where To Eat In Keszthely

Keszthely is known for its cozy cafes and restaurants that combine traditional Hungarian cuisine with modern interpretations. The main dining areas are the Old Town around Fő tér Square and the Lake Balaton waterfront.

One popular spot near the town center is John’s Pub, loved for its friendly atmosphere and generous portions. Here you’ll find both traditional Hungarian dishes such as goulash or pörkölt, as well as international favorites.

Near the town center, Tulipán Kávéház is a cozy cafe and restaurant known for its homemade desserts, light meals, and friendly atmosphere. You can enjoy fresh pastries, salads, and snacks, along with a selection of local wines and coffee specialties. It’s a pleasant place to relax after visiting the nearby sights or taking a walk by Lake Balaton.

For a taste of authentic Balaton flavors, Halászcsárda, located just a short walk from the lake, is a must-visit, especially for its famous fish soup halászlé. The restaurant serves a variety of dishes made with fresh local fish, and its rustic charm combined with views of the lake captures the true spirit of Balaton.

Where To Stay In Keszthely

Although Keszthely is not a large town, it’s best to choose accommodation either near the center or along the shores of Lake Balaton. This way, you can easily reach the main sights on foot and enjoy the resort atmosphere. The town offers a variety of options – from simple, budget-friendly hotels to cozy apartments and more luxurious places with lake views.

• Kristály Hotel Keszthely – modern hotel just a few minutes’ walk from the Lake Balaton waterfront. It offers comfortable rooms, a spa area with a sauna and hot tub, and an on-site restaurant.
• Hotel Bacchus – charming family-run hotel in the town center, known for its wine cellar and traditional Hungarian dishes. Its authentic atmosphere and proximity to Fő tér Square make it a great choice for those who enjoy the charm of the old town.
• Hotel Helikon – recently renovated 4-star hotel located right on the shore of Lake Balaton. It features a spacious terrace, stunning lake views, modern rooms, and plenty of leisure activities. It’s an ideal choice for couples or anyone seeking a luxurious stay with a lake view.
• Sirius Hotel****Superior – stylish and contemporary hotel set by the lake, offering elegant rooms, many with balconies and panoramic views. You can enjoy an extensive wellness area with multiple pools and saunas, fine dining at the on-site restaurant, and a private beach for complete relaxation.