Fam trip Budapest – a visit from the UK
When you want people to fall in love with a destination, you don’t just show them the sights — you let them feel it. That was our goal with the Fam Trip Budapest, organised in collaboration with the Budapest Convention Bureau. Over the course of four days, we welcomed international corporate travel managers to discover Budapest and Lake Balaton, mixing business with authentic Hungarian experiences.
Day 1 — First impressions matter
After arrival, guests checked into the stylish 5-star Kozmo Hotel. We started our tour by exploring the City Park. A quick walk through the Museum of Ethnography highlighted its stunning architecture and flexible event spaces. We also included the House of Music in the tour, and not by accident. The House of Music is more than a museum — it’s a sensory journey through sound and architecture. Designed by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, the building’s floating roof and glass walls create a seamless connection between nature and music. For event planners, it’s not only a must-see attraction but also a versatile venue: from intimate concerts and networking receptions to creative workshops, the House of Music offers a modern, world-class backdrop that impresses international audiences.
House of Music I Photo: PestBuda.hu
We closed Budapest’s cultural chapter with a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts and the National Museum Conservation and Storage Centre. Later, we explored the Pullman Budapest, where a cocktail workshop turned a hotel tour into a fun, hands-on activity. It’s precisely the kind of twist that transforms a “site inspection” into a memory. From there, we strolled along the iconic Andrássy Avenue towards the Budapest Marriott Hotel, where a rooftop welcome drink overlooking the Danube set the mood. A short house tour followed before dinner at the DNB restaurant.
Photo: Pullman Budapest
Day 2 — The best of Budapest in motion
The day began with a city tour that included a visit to the Parliament and Buda Castle, as well as a stop at Castle Garden Bazaar for a VEG technical demonstration, showcasing how heritage venues can be equipped with modern event technology. Later, we continued our tour by visiting the fabulous W Hotel.
Hotel W
At Margaret Island, we slowed the pace with a refreshing walk through the green oasis before visiting the Ensana Thermal Hotel. Wellness is central to Hungary’s identity, and for planners, it serves as proof that relaxation can be seamlessly integrated into incentive programs. From there, we hopped on tram line 2, often called one of the most scenic rides in Europe, and then shifted gears with a Danube river cruise.
Margaret Island
Finally, at Dorothea Hotel, bites and drinks carried us into the evening. The dinner at the Paprika Revue House was anything but ordinary: think five courses of Hungarian classics, free-flowing drinks, and a dazzling revue show that had everyone clapping along. It’s the kind of all-in-one experience that makes Budapest unforgettable for incentive groups.
Day 3 — Lake Balaton, but make it incentive-ready
The next day we headed straight to Lake Balaton, where the group visited the lively local market and the aromatic Lavender House, exploring lavender distillation and sampling local treats at Rege Confectionery, which boasts breathtaking views.
Photo: Tihany.hu
From there, private sailing boats carried the group across to Balatonfüred. Lunch was hosted at the Vinifera Hotel, accompanied by insights into new venues and hotels set to open in 2026. A visit to the Balatonfüred Congress Centre underscored the region’s growing capacity for large-scale MICE events.
The evening, which was held at the Figula Winery, offered our guests an authentic taste of Balaton’s terroir. Known for its fresh, mineral-driven whites and elegant blends, Figula is a family-run winery. It represents the very best of Hungary’s modern winemaking. For planners, it’s an inspiring incentive stop. Wine tastings paired with breathtaking lake views provide a setting that’s both relaxing and memorable. At the same time, the winery’s intimate atmosphere makes it an ideal venue for small to medium-sized corporate groups.
Day 4 — Until the next fam trip!
After breakfast and a brief period of downtime, the group departed for the airport. Hopefully, they carried with them not just memories but also inspiration for future events!
Budapest is a versatile stage — compact, yet endlessly surprising. And with Lake Balaton just an hour away, the destination offers a duality few European cities can match. We look forward to welcoming more guests to experience this magic firsthand!