The Best Bars In Balaton.

TXTNB5 Drining refreshing rose wine over Lake Balaton in Csopak Hungary
TXTNB5 Drining refreshing rose wine over Lake Balaton in Csopak Hungary | © Bernadett Pogácsás-Simon / Alamy Stock Photo
Barbara Boda

For years, Balaton has reigned as a beloved spot for unforgettable holidays. Today, this picturesque destination boasts a collection of high-toned lakeside towns that proudly hold their own on the European stage of holiday resorts. With a myriad of activities to indulge in around the enchanting lake, and a treasure trove of excellent restaurants awaiting discovery, Balaton promises an all-encompassing experience that lingers in the hearts of travelers. Join us as we delve into the allure of Balaton, where leisure, adventure, and culinary delights merge to create a vacation like no other.


Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Figula Wine Bar

Family winery on a popular promenade

Usually, the best wineries are to be found on the steep hillsides around Lake Balaton, so it can sometimes be hard work securing a glass of the area’s most famed produce. On the other hand, this wine bar is set in a very popular promenade, close to the city center and the lake, so you can just walk in and sit down without effort. Run by the Figula family, you can be sure that you will be served with the greatest attention, whatever you may choose from the extensive list of quality wines.

Price: Mid-range

Watch out for: Wines

Karolina Café & Cocktail Bar

Homemade pastries, wines and cocktails

Karolina is a true gem on the North Shore of Lake Balaton. All the pastries are homemade, following family recipes that are the secret behind their quality. You can sit inside in a very elegant environment or take a seat outside on the patio, from which you can observe the silver boats of the nearby yacht club. Moreover, you can enjoy all sorts of wines and cocktails, and don’t forget about pálinka.

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 8am-1am

Price: Mid-range

Watch out for: Desserts, wines and cocktails

Larus Café Bar

Great café in an intimate place

Another great place in the same spot in Balatonfüred, here you can enjoy special coffees and teas, lemonades, patisseries, desserts and sandwiches. Should you get here later in the day, you can treat yourself to a nice cocktail or premium wine. This is an ideal place for an intimate chat or for getting in the mood for a long night out. If the weather is nice, you can even smoke a cigar at one of the outside tables.

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 8am-2am, winter 9am-11pm

Price: Mid-range

Watch out for: Wide range of drinks

BÁRmikor

A cool bar on the beach

A cool bar for hot summer days: BÁRmikor (which basically means “bar whenever you want”) can be found on the beach, complete with cozy outdoor seats. It can be accessed during the day through the beach gates, and from the street and the water during the evening. If you have ever heard of fröccs, a tasty mixture of soda water and wine, you are welcome to have a sip here – it is definitely worth a try. You can choose from several side dishes that go nicely with the wide variety of fröccs beverages. Weekend concerts lift the mood during the summer.

Opening hours: Sun-Thurs 10am-12pm, Fri-Sat 10am-2am; winter Fri 4pm-12pm, Sat 4pm-2am

Price: Mid-range

Watch out for: Fröccs

Málnás Fruit Bar

Healthy meals and a good variety of drinks

Located in Siófok’s main square, this teeny tiny shop offers a great variety of drinks and cakes. Those who prefer healthy eating can find paleo cakes here, which are like crunchy coconut cookies, but they also have gluten-free dishes on the counter too, like the lavender chocolate cake. Choose from the long list of smoothies, syrups, sorbets and ice creams and you will certainly be smiling when you leave.

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 9am-9pm

Price: Budget

Watch out for: Paleo and gluten-free dishes

Vinoteca Cocktail Bar & Fröccs Terrace

Boho design and various programs

Set in the beautiful panoramic part of Keszthely and close to the lake, this bar with its boho design and colorful programs certainly attracts many people. Not only you can participate in wine tasting evenings, but there are lots of concerts and parties organized here. It might be advisable to make a quick call in advance – the opening times are not advertised on the web, so it is worth checking, just in case.

Call for opening hours

Price: Mid-range

Watch out for: Programs

Terazza Bistro & Bar

Panoramic view from the castle

Situated in beautiful and historical Sümeg, in the Káli basin, this bar captures the charm which is so tangible across the whole area. Káli basin is famous for its climate and its resemblance to Tuscany. If you feel fit enough to climb the steep hills of the Castle, your reward will not only be the beautiful panoramic view, but you will find this fine dining bar tucked away at the top. If you fancy a top-notch dish surrounded by an amazing view, then certainly try Terazza Bistro.

Opening hours: Wed-Thurs 12am-9pm, Fri-Sat 12am-12pm, Sun 12am-9pm

Price: Mid-range

Watch out for: Fine dining

Stég Bar

Romantic spot for a sunset drink

The address certainly sounds romantic: not many places are located at the end of a pier, even on Lake Balaton. This location allows guests to enjoy the most awesome views both by day and by night. Not much can top watching a sunset from here, with a tasty cocktail in one hand and a good book in the other. With nice lounge music, big armchairs and, in the background, the murmur of Balaton itself, Stég Bar will beguile you again and again.

Opening hours: Mon-Sun 10am-2am (seasonally, usually from May until September)

Price: Mid-range

Watch out for: Relaxing environment

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
close-ad
Edit article