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Keszthely

Hungary · Coast · HUF · 46.770000, 17.250000
Family friendly 7.8/10 · Rank 181 of 2 709
Best season: May-September

Best for

Suitable for lake holiday lovers, families with children, and those wanting to combine beach holidays with palace visits and wine tasting.

Best season

May-September

Daily budget
$108.00 (≈ 9 063 ₽ · ≈ 38 880 HUF)
For 7 days
$756.00 (≈ 63 444 ₽ · ≈ 272 160 HUF)
Keszthely is a scenic town on the western shore of Lake Balaton, known for its magnificent Festetics Palace and extensive park. The city is an important cultural centre with museums, a university, and numerous festivals. Keszthely is an excellent base for exploring the western part of Lake Balaton.
Summer
35.0°C
Winter
-2.5°C
Sea
28.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

moderate

Pace of life

moderate

Local character

Keszthely residents are friendly and used to tourists. The town is known for its cultural traditions and hospitality.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Scenic location on Lake Balaton
  • Magnificent Festetics Palace
  • Sandy beaches with clear water
  • Diverse entertainment for children
  • Proximity to Hévíz thermal lake

Cons

  • Many tourists in high season
  • Limited nightlife
  • Transport needed to get around
  • High prices in season
  • Cool water in spring and autumn
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
22.3°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
27.5°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
35.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
0.3°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
3.5°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
-2.5°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
24.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
28.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
May-June
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
golden
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gradual
Waves
Level of waves
weak
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
clear
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Keszthely City Beach
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
No
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
No
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
Yes
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
None
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
None
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
low
Note

Lake Balaton beaches are safe for swimming, the water is clean and warm in summer. Supervise children near the water.

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins are not found in Lake Balaton

Corals and reefs — details

  • No coral reefs in Lake Balaton

Jellyfish — details

  • No jellyfish in Lake Balaton

Sharks — details

  • No sharks in Lake Balaton
Attractions

Festetics Palace

Magnificent 18th-century Baroque palace with a museum, library and park

Lake Balaton

Central Europe's largest lake with beaches and water sports

Balaton Museum

Museum with exhibits on the history and nature of Lake Balaton

City Beach

Popular beach with a sandy shore and clear water

Lake Hévíz

The world's largest biologically active thermal lake, 10 minutes away

Best areas

City Centre

Close to Festetics Palace, the museum and main attractions

Balaton Waterfront

Scenic waterfront with beaches, cafes and restaurants

Hévíz Area

Quiet area near the thermal lake, popular with holidaymakers

Must-try food

Goulash

Traditional Hungarian beef soup with paprika

Paprikash

Braised chicken in paprika sauce with sour cream

Lángos

Fried flatbread with garlic, sour cream and cheese

Halászlé

Fisherman's soup with paprika, popular in the Balaton region

Balaton Perch

Fresh perch from Lake Balaton, grilled or breaded

Where to go next

Hévíz

Thermal lake and spa resort, 10 minutes by car

Sümeg

Town with a medieval hilltop castle, 30 minutes by car

Badacsony

Volcanic hill with vineyards and panoramic views, 30 minutes by car

Balaton Uplands National Park

Reserve with volcanic hills and geysers, 30 minutes by car

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
moderate
Getting there
Nearest airports
Будапешт имени Ференца Листа (BUD).
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Visa
Visa requirements
required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
May-September
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$18.00
≈ 1 511 ₽ · ≈ 6 480 HUF
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽ · ≈ 28 800 HUF
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$130.00
≈ 10 910 ₽ · ≈ 46 800 HUF
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$200.00
≈ 16 784 ₽ · ≈ 72 000 HUF
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽ · ≈ 54 000 HUF
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$65.00
≈ 5 455 ₽ · ≈ 23 400 HUF
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽ · ≈ 2 160 HUF
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$18.00
≈ 1 511 ₽ · ≈ 6 480 HUF
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽ · ≈ 900 HUF
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽ · ≈ 720 HUF
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽ · ≈ 360 HUF
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 2 880 HUF
Burger
Average price for a burger
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽ · ≈ 2 520 HUF
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$3.50
≈ 294 ₽ · ≈ 1 260 HUF
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$5.50
≈ 462 ₽ · ≈ 1 980 HUF
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽ · ≈ 28 800 HUF
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$1.50
≈ 126 ₽ · ≈ 540 HUF
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 1 800 HUF
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽ · ≈ 16 200 HUF
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 3 600 HUF
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 9 000 HUF
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽ · ≈ 7 200 HUF
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 18 000 HUF
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 14 400 HUF
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 4 320 HUF
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$20.00
≈ 1 678 ₽ · ≈ 7 200 HUF
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Frequently asked questions
Keszthely: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is May-September. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Keszthely: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +35.0°C, during the day — up to +27.5°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Keszthely: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +-2.5°C, during the day — up to +3.5°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Keszthely: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +28.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Keszthely: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on May-June. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Keszthely: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "sand" surface, golden sand, clear water. The most popular beaches: Keszthely City Beach. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Keszthely: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as low — you can swim and enjoy water sports without worry. Lifeguards are on duty on the beaches.
Keszthely: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $108.00 (≈ 9 063 ₽ · ≈ 38 880 HUF) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Keszthely: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $18.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $80.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $130.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $200.00 per night, an apartment — $65.00 per night, a villa — $150.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Keszthely: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $6.00, dinner at a restaurant — $18.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.50, a 0.5L beer — $2.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.00. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Keszthely: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $80.00, a single public transport ticket — $1.50, a short taxi ride — $5.00, car rental — $45.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Keszthely: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Festetics Palace — Magnificent 18th-century Baroque palace with a museum, library and park; Lake Balaton — Central Europe's largest lake with beaches and water sports; Balaton Museum — Museum with exhibits on the history and nature of Lake Balaton; City Beach — Popular beach with a sandy shore and clear water; Lake Hévíz — The world's largest biologically active thermal lake, 10 minutes away. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Keszthely: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Goulash — Traditional Hungarian beef soup with paprika; Paprikash — Braised chicken in paprika sauce with sour cream; Lángos — Fried flatbread with garlic, sour cream and cheese; Halászlé — Fisherman's soup with paprika, popular in the Balaton region; Balaton Perch — Fresh perch from Lake Balaton, grilled or breaded. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Keszthely: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: City Centre — Close to Festetics Palace, the museum and main attractions; Balaton Waterfront — Scenic waterfront with beaches, cafes and restaurants; Hévíz Area — Quiet area near the thermal lake, popular with holidaymakers. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Keszthely: is a visa required?
Visa: required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Keszthely: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Будапешт имени Ференца Листа (code BUD). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $80.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Keszthely: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — HUF. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $108.00 (≈ 9 063 ₽ · ≈ 38 880 HUF). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Keszthely: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Keszthely: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as moderate. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Keszthely: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Hévíz — Thermal lake and spa resort, 10 minutes by car; Sümeg — Town with a medieval hilltop castle, 30 minutes by car; Badacsony — Volcanic hill with vineyards and panoramic views, 30 minutes by car; Balaton Uplands National Park — Reserve with volcanic hills and geysers, 30 minutes by car. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

7.8/10
Overall rank: 181 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 111

Best season

May-September

Useful information

Currency: HUF
Coordinates: 46.770000, 17.250000