Enjoying a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Budapest

Photo Credit: MikeDotta

Budapest, the enchanting capital of Hungary, is renowned for its stunning architecture, rich history, and breathtaking views. But there's no better way to experience the city's beauty than from the sky, floating gracefully in a hot air balloon.

If you have a short itinerary in the city and are seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with panoramic vistas of the "Pearl of the Danube," an aerial tour is the perfect way to experience the city. This is your guide to a hot air balloon adventure over Budapest while staying at a BudaHome Apartment.

Five Reasons to Add a Hot Air Balloon Ride to Your Itinerary

Mesmerizing Scenery

Budapest boasts an extraordinary landscape, with iconic landmarks like the Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge forming an unforgettable skyline. A hot air balloon ride takes you above the city’s verdant green spaces and lets you appreciate landmarks like Heroes’ Square and the Danube River from a unique perspective.

Balmy Weather and Ideal Conditions

Budapest's climate offers fantastic conditions for hot air ballooning, with relatively calm winds and mild temperatures, making it a year-round attraction.

A Great Overview of the City on a Short Itinerary

If you only have a weekend itinerary in Hungary’s capital, this is the most expeditious way to take in the sights. As you take off in the open-air basket above the city above the tourist attractions, you’ll save yourself the time of a walking tour covering the whole city in a matter of a few delightful hours.

Cultural Experience from Above

Soaring above the city offers a fascinating glimpse into Hungarian culture and history as you observe the architectural wonders and historical sites from the comfort of your hot air balloon basket.

Romantic Ambiance

Budapest's charming atmosphere becomes even more magical during sunrise or sunset hot air balloon rides, making it an ideal choice for couples seeking a romantic adventure.

Hot Air Balloon Tours in Budapest

Photo Credit: Geza Kurka_Hungary

Ultimate Budapest

  • Website: ultimatebudapest.com
  • Address: Budapest, Wesselényi u. 32, 1077, Budapest
  • Pricing: Tickets are around 214.00€ per person.

Ultimate Budapest is a provider that brings all sorts of Budapest activities together in one place! In this case, you can use them to book a private hot air balloon experience above the Hungarian countryside.

The pilot for this 1-hour flight will be a highly skilled professional race pilot, who will take you across Hungary's Nógrad county, known for its gothic churches and medieval stone castles, between Budapest and the Slovakian border.

You can choose between a sunrise (5:30) or sunset (18:00) balloon experience. All experiences come with return transfers from the Budapest city center, a celebratory glass of champagne, and a souvenir video of your flight so that the experience can stay with you forever!

MolnAir

  • Website: molnair.hu/en
  • Address: Duna u. 8, 1029, Budapest
  • Pricing: Tickets are around 58,000 HUF for adults and 38,000 HUF for children, and include pictures!

MolnAir's hot air balloon flights make it a pleasure to wake up early in the morning (if you opt for the sunrise flight, that is!). This tour is a great choice if you visit Budapest during hot air balloon season from April through October. The provider will meet you and return you to the designated location before and after your flight.

Ensure you leave time in your schedule as the entire experience is a 3 to 4 hour program. You'll spend approximately one hour in the air, with the remainder of the time preparing to fly, drinking celebratory champagne and receiving your flight certificate! Their pleasure flights can hold 6 to 8 people at a time.

Hőllégballon

  • Website: holegballon.com/karacsony-arak
  • Address: Balázs u. 64, 1147, Budapest
  • Pricing: Tickets are around 58,000 HUF/adult and 38,000 HUF/child.

Hollegballon delights in providing hot air balloon rides around the Velence Lake area (it's an easy, approximately 40-minute train ride to Velence Lake from Budapest). You can experience a 45 to 70 minute ride, and the balloon can hold three to six passengers.

BalloonFly (Városliget)

  • Website: balloonfly.hu
  • Address: Budapest Mimóza domb, Városliget, 1148, Budapest
  • Pricing: Tickets are around 8500 HUF per person for adults, while children under the age of 14 can enjoy the experience at a discounted rate of 5,000 HUF. You can purchase a family ticket for 20,000 HUF!

Do you have a busy schedule or a stiff budget? The hot air balloon ride at BalloonFly at Városliget is both accessible and swift. Thanks to the Liget Budapest Project, this popular attraction debuted 120 years ago and has just recently returned to popular tourist itineraries in the park.

This experience begins at the heart of City Park (Városliget), a beloved park in Budapest, and will take you to a maximum height of 150 meters. The balloon ride takes approximately 15 minutes, during which you'll be captivated by the sheer beauty of the Hungarian capital from a bird's-eye perspective.

After your ride, experience the Városliget sights in person, whether you're soaking in the historic Széchenyi Thermal Bath, strolling through the courtyards of Vajdahunyad Castle, or boating/ice skating on the lake (depending on the season.

Please note that the hot air balloon rides are subject to weather conditions, so be sure to check in advance and plan accordingly.

Activities to Explore if the Weather is Rainy

Rainy day? While the hot air balloons may not be an option, Budapest offers many unique activities to enhance your stay.

Danube River Cruise

Embark on a romantic cruise along the Danube River, admiring the city's landmarks illuminated at night. Budapest's wine cruises allow you to witness the city's illuminated beauty from the water while indulging in delectable local wines and delicious dishes.

Széchenyi Thermal Baths

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and unwind in one of Budapest's most renowned thermal baths. Széchenyi Baths, located in City Park, offers a chance to soak in soothing, mineral-rich waters amid stunning Neo-Baroque architecture. It's a serene and therapeutic experience, especially during winter, when the outdoor pools are enveloped in a cloud of steam. You can even opt for a rejuvenating thermal beer spa experience, where you can soak in beer-infused thermal water while sipping on refreshing local brews.

Soviet Trabant Tour

Step back in time and experience Budapest from a vintage perspective – a Trabant car! Join a Soviet Trabant tour to explore the city's hidden corners and hear fascinating stories about Hungary's past, all while cruising in an iconic car from the communist era.

Caving Under the City

Delve into Budapest's underground labyrinth of caves and tunnels on a caving adventure. Discover the secrets of these natural formations and get a unique glimpse into the city's geological history. You can either do a casual cave walk or a more intensive spelunking adventure (not recommended if you are claustrophobic).

Hospital in the Rock

Explore the eerie Hospital in the Rock, an underground hospital and nuclear bunker from World War II. Wander through its rooms and corridors to get a glimpse of life during wartime.

Escape Room Adventures

Test your wit and teamwork in Budapest's diverse array of escape rooms. Solve puzzles, uncover mysteries, and race against the clock to break free from these immersive challenges. The Mystique Room is a great option!

Float Over Budapest

Budapest's hot air balloon rides provide an unparalleled opportunity to witness the city's splendor from a birds-eye view. So, if you're seeking an extraordinary escapade amidst stunning vistas and rich history, Budapest is the ultimate destination for your next hot air balloon adventure.

Are you ready to book your Budapest adventure? View our BudaHome Apartments today!