Budapest, Hungary’s vibrant capital, offers a wealth of attractions, but venturing beyond its boundaries reveals a treasure trove of experiences. From picturesque towns steeped in history to scenic landscapes and world-renowned wine regions, the surrounding areas provide perfect escapes for those seeking to explore more of Hungary’s rich culture and natural beauty. These day trips offer a diverse range of activities, from exploring medieval castles to relaxing in thermal baths, all within easy reach of the city.
Szentendre: baroque architecture and artistic haven
Just a short journey north of Budapest, Szentendre is a charming town that has long been a magnet for artists and creatives. Its cobblestone streets, Baroque architecture, and vibrant art scene make it an ideal destination for those seeking a blend of history and culture. The town’s proximity to the Danube River adds to its picturesque appeal, creating a perfect setting for a leisurely day out.
Marzipan museum and szamos confectionery
One of Szentendre’s unique attractions is the Marzipan Museum, housed within the Szamos Confectionery. Here, visitors can marvel at intricate marzipan sculptures, including a life-sized Michael Jackson and scenes from Hungarian folklore. The museum offers a sweet insight into the art of marzipan-making, and you can even try your hand at crafting your own marzipan creation.
Kovács margit ceramics museum
Art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Kovács Margit Ceramics Museum. This museum showcases the work of one of Hungary’s most renowned ceramic artists, known for her distinctive style that blends folk art with modern influences. The museum’s collection spans Margit’s entire career, offering a comprehensive look at her artistic evolution.
Szentendre skanzen village museum
For a deeper dive into Hungarian rural life, visit the Szentendre Skanzen Village Museum. This open-air ethnographic museum features reconstructed buildings from various regions of Hungary, providing visitors with a glimpse into traditional architecture, customs, and crafts. It’s an immersive experience that brings Hungary’s rural heritage to life.
Main square (fő tér) and serbian orthodox church
The heart of Szentendre is its Main Square, surrounded by colorful Baroque houses and quaint shops. Here, you’ll find the Serbian Orthodox Church, a testament to the town’s historical Serbian community. The church’s ornate interior, with its gilded iconostasis, is a sight to behold.
Visegrád: medieval citadel and danube bend views
Visegrád, perched dramatically above the Danube Bend, offers a journey back to medieval times. This small town played a significant role in Hungarian history and boasts some of the country’s most impressive medieval architecture. The panoramic views of the Danube Bend from various vantage points in Visegrád are simply breathtaking.
Visegrád castle and solomon tower
The crown jewel of Visegrád is its 13th-century castle complex. The Upper Castle, situated atop a steep hill, offers panoramic views of the Danube Bend. The Lower Castle includes the Solomon Tower, a six-story hexagonal residential tower that now houses a museum detailing the castle’s history. Climbing to the top of the tower rewards visitors with stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape.
Royal palace of visegrád
At the foot of the castle hill lies the Royal Palace, once a summer residence for Hungarian kings. Although much of it was destroyed during Ottoman occupation, extensive reconstruction has brought back its Renaissance splendor. The palace grounds host medieval festivals and tournaments during the summer months, offering visitors a vivid glimpse into Hungary’s royal past.
Zsitvay lookout tower
For those seeking the best views of the Danube Bend, a visit to the Zsitvay Lookout Tower is a must. Located on the Nagyvillám Mountain, this tower provides a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding area, including the Visegrád Castle, the Danube, and the picturesque towns dotting the riverbanks.
Visegrád bobsled track
For a dose of adrenaline, try the Visegrád Bobsled Track. This all-season attraction offers a thrilling ride down the mountainside, with riders controlling their own speed. It’s a unique way to enjoy the natural beauty of the area while adding some excitement to your day trip.
Eger: wine tasting and thermal baths
Eger, a historic town in northern Hungary, is renowned for its baroque architecture, thermal baths, and most notably, its wine production. The town’s rich history, coupled with its gastronomic offerings, makes it a popular destination for both culture enthusiasts and food and wine lovers.
Eger castle and dobó istván square
Eger Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the town, is famous for its successful defense against the Ottoman invasion in 1552. The castle now houses several museums, including the István Dobó Castle Museum, which showcases the town’s history and the castle’s strategic importance. Below the castle, Dobó István Square serves as the town’s main plaza, surrounded by beautiful baroque buildings and lively cafes.
Valley of the beautiful women (szépasszony-völgy)
No visit to Eger is complete without a trip to the Valley of the Beautiful Women, home to numerous wine cellars carved into the rock face. This is where you can taste Eger’s famous Bull's Blood (Egri Bikavér) wine, a full-bodied red blend. Many cellars offer guided tastings, allowing visitors to sample a variety of local wines in a traditional setting.
Eger thermal bath and turkish bath
Eger’s thermal waters have been enjoyed for centuries, and today visitors can experience them at the Eger Thermal Bath. For a more historical bathing experience, visit the Turkish Bath, built during the Ottoman occupation in the 16th century. Its domed ceiling, adorned with colored glass, creates a mesmerizing atmosphere as you soak in the thermal waters.
Minorite church and lyceum
The Minorite Church, with its ornate Baroque facade, is one of Eger’s architectural highlights. Nearby, the Lyceum houses the Eszterházy Károly University and features a beautiful library and an astronomical museum. Don’t miss the Camera Obscura, or magic tower , which projects a live image of the city onto a white table in a darkened room.
Lake balaton: hungary’s seaside retreat
Often referred to as the “Hungarian Sea,” Lake Balaton is Central Europe’s largest freshwater lake and a beloved holiday destination. Its shores are dotted with charming towns, beaches, and vineyards, offering a diverse range of activities for day-trippers from Budapest.
Tihany peninsula and benedictine abbey
The Tihany Peninsula, jutting out into Lake Balaton, is home to the picturesque village of Tihany and its iconic Benedictine Abbey. Founded in 1055, the abbey offers stunning views of the lake and houses a museum detailing its history. The surrounding lavender fields add a fragrant touch to the landscape during the summer months.
Balatonfüred promenade and tagore walk
Balatonfüred, known as the capital of the northern shore, boasts a beautiful promenade along the lakeside. The Tagore Walk, named after the Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore who visited in 1926, is lined with statues and offers a pleasant stroll with views of the lake. The town is also famous for its carbonated mineral water springs, believed to have healing properties.
Szigliget castle and badacsony wine region
For a combination of history and wine, visit Szigliget Castle and the nearby Badacsony wine region. The 13th-century castle ruins offer panoramic views of Lake Balaton and the surrounding hills. Afterward, explore the Badacsony region, known for its volcanic soil and distinctive wines, particularly the Kéknyelű grape variety.
Hévíz thermal lake
While not directly on Lake Balaton, the nearby town of Hévíz is home to the world’s largest biologically active natural thermal lake. The lake’s warm, mineral-rich waters are said to have therapeutic properties, making it a popular destination for those seeking relaxation and wellness.
Gödöllő: royal palace and grassalkovich estate
Just a short distance from Budapest lies Gödöllő, home to the magnificent Gödöllő Royal Palace. This Baroque palace, once a favorite retreat of Empress Elisabeth of Austria (known as Sisi), is Hungary’s largest Baroque manor house. Visitors can explore the opulently decorated rooms, including Sisi’s private apartments, and learn about the fascinating history of the Habsburg monarchy in Hungary.
The palace is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, perfect for a leisurely stroll. The Gödöllő Arboretum, part of the former royal estate, showcases a diverse collection of trees and plants, offering a tranquil escape into nature. For those interested in equestrian culture, the Royal Stables and Riding Hall provide insights into the long-standing Hungarian tradition of horsemanship.
The Gödöllő Royal Palace stands as a testament to Hungary’s royal heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Habsburg era.
Hollókő: UNESCO world heritage village
Hollókő, a small village in northern Hungary, is a living museum of rural life and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This picturesque settlement, with its traditional whitewashed houses and narrow streets, offers visitors a step back in time to experience authentic Hungarian village life.
The village is divided into two parts: the Old Village, which preserves the traditional Palóc ethnographic architecture and lifestyle, and the New Village, where more modern amenities can be found. In the Old Village, visitors can explore the Hollókő Village Museum, which showcases traditional crafts, costumes, and customs of the Palóc people.
Perched on a hill above the village, Hollókő Castle offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Although mostly in ruins, the castle has been partially restored and houses exhibits on medieval warfare and castle life. The village is particularly lively during Easter when it hosts a festival featuring traditional egg painting, folk dance performances, and local culinary specialties.
Hollókő’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage extends to its gastronomy. Visitors can sample traditional Palóc dishes in local restaurants, many of which use recipes passed down through generations. The village also hosts workshops where you can learn traditional crafts such as embroidery or pottery, offering a hands-on experience of Hungary’s rich folk traditions.
Hollókő stands as a living testament to Hungary’s rural heritage, offering an authentic glimpse into a way of life that has largely disappeared elsewhere.
Each of these day trips from Budapest offers a unique perspective on Hungary’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re interested in exploring medieval castles, sampling fine wines, relaxing in thermal baths, or experiencing traditional village life, these destinations provide unforgettable experiences just a short journey from the capital. By venturing beyond Budapest, visitors can gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse attractions that make Hungary a truly captivating destination.