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Budapest is one of those cities you instantly fall in love with, with its grand architecture, the ruin bars, and history everywhere you turn. But if you’re hanging around for a bit longer and want to see what else Hungary has to offer, you’re in luck. Within an hour or two from the capital, you’ll find storybook villages, medieval castles, lakeside towns, and some of Europe’s best wine regions.
So, if you're wondering where to go for a quick escape from Budapest, this guide has you covered. Let's dive into the best day trips, how to get there, and why each one is worth your time.
How to get to Budapest's nearby towns
By train
Affordable, mostly reliable, and gets you to places like Eger, Esztergom, and Gödöllő without much effort. Trains leave from Keleti, Nyugati, or Déli stations. You can get tickets at the station or on the railway company's website.
By bus
Great for spots that don’t have direct train connections, like Hollókő. Buses leave from Népliget Bus Station, and you can check schedules at Volánbusz.
By car
If you want to mix and match places or visit smaller villages and wineries, renting a car gives you more flexibility. You can find several rental services available at Budapest Airport and in the city.
By boat
If you’re feeling fancy, you can take a scenic journey on the Danube to places like Szentendre or Visegrád. Check out Mahart PassNave for boat schedules.
Where to store your luggage in Budapest
You can safely store your bags with LUGGit and enjoy your day trip from Budapest worry-free! LUGGit will pick up your luggage wherever you are for the ultimate convenience. Use code BLOG10 for a 10% discount.
1. Day trip to Szentendre
Distance: 40 min by train
Best for: Art and Culture
Szentendre is a picturesque little town along the Danube, just a quick train ride from Budapest. It’s got that fairytale vibe with colorful buildings, baroque architecture, and cobblestone streets. The town has an active art scene, so you’ll come across local artisans selling their work, art galleries, and small museums at every corner.
What to do in Szentendre
- Wander the Main Square – This square is the heart of Szentendre, lined with cute cafés and souvenir shops
- Visit the Hungarian Openair Museum (Szentendrei Skanzen) – The biggest outdoor museum in the country, where you’ll find representations of Hungary’s countryside from past centuries.
- Szamos Marzipan Museum - A museum filled with marzipan sculptures, including a near-life-sized Michael Jackson.
2. Day trip to Visegrád
Distance: 40 minutes by train
Best for: Castles and History
If you love history and breathtaking views, Visegrád is the place to go. This small town was once a royal residence and has a hilltop castle overlooking the Danube with one of the most beautiful views of Hungary. You can pair Visegrád with a visit to Szentendre if you want a full day of exploration.
What to do in Visegrád
- Climb to the Citadel – Hike up the hill to this medieval castle and enjoy the stunning panorama of the Danube Bend and several historical exhibitions.
- Check out the Royal Palace – A Renaissance palace that was once the official seat for Hungarian kings.
- Visit the Solomon Tower - A medieval watchtower with exhibitions on the town’s history.
3. Day trip to Esztergom
Distance: 1h05 by train
Best for: History and Religion
Esztergom is home to Hungary’s largest basilica, making it a common pilgrimage site. It’s one of the country’s oldest settlements, sitting right at the Slovakian border, and was once the country’s capital, remaining a treasure trove of history and culture.
What to do in Esztergom
- Visit the Esztergom Basilica – One of the biggest churches in Europe with stunning Neoclassical architecture. Some of its attractions include an Egyptian-style crypt and the Cathedral treasury.
- Explore Esztergom Castle - Right next to the Basilica, you’ll find this 11th-century castle that was once a royal residence, said to be the birthplace of King Stephen I.
- Cross Maria Valeria Bridge into Slovakia – If you’re up to walking, you can cross this 500-meter bridge for a unique way to visit another country!
4. Day trip to Eger
Distance: 1h50 by train
Best for: Wine and History
Eger is famous for its castle, baroque architecture, and the legendary "Bull’s Blood" wine. If you love history, thermal baths, and wine tasting, this is a perfect day trip from Budapest.
What to do in Eger
- Explore Eger Castle - A 13th-century castle where the Hungarians famously defeated the Ottoman in 1552.
- Relax in Eger Thermal Baths - Relax in these healing hot springs.
- Wine tasting in Valley of the Beautiful Women - Try some Egri Bikavér ("Bull’s Blood"), the town’s signature red wine in a place with around 200 wine cellars.
5. Day trip to Lake Balaton
Distance: 1h40 by train
Best for: Beaches and Wine
Lake Balaton is Central Europe’s largest lake, often called "Hungary’s sea”, and known for beautiful beaches and top-tier white wine. Balaton is best visited in summer when the weather is perfect for swimming and the water is warm. Be aware that a lot of the beaches have an entry fee.
What to do in Lake Balaton
- Visit the Tihany Peninsula – A historic area with the best lake views, where you can also visit the Benedictine Abbey of Tihany.
- Wine-tasting in Badacsony - Try some wine in one of Hungary’s top wine regions, known for its rich volcanic soils.
6. Day trip to Hollókő
Distance: 2h by bus or 1h10 hours by car
Best for: Folk culture
Hollókő is a living museum, a traditional Hungarian village preserved as it was during the 17th and 18th centuries and showcasing rural life in Hungary. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a perfect escape if you love folklore, history, and countryside life.
If you want to truly experience Hungarian folk culture, visit Hollókő during Easter when traditional celebrations take place.
What to do in Hollókő
- Walk through the old village - Take a walk through the village to feel like you’re traveling back to the 20th century, before the agricultural revolution.
- Visit Hollókő Castle - A hilltop fortress with fantastic views.
7. Day trip to Gödöllő
Distance: 40 min by train
Best for: History and Royal Palaces
Gödöllő is home to Hungary’s largest baroque palace, once a favorite retreat of Empress Sisi. Gödöllő is an easy half-day trip and it's very close to Budapest, which is great if you’re short on time!
What to do in Gödöllő
- Tour the Royal Palace of Gödöllő - Explore the baroque mansion’s royal chambers and exhibits.
- Take a walk through Erzsébet Park- Built in honor of Queen Elizabeth after her death and very accessible from the palace.
8. Day trip to Pannonhalma
Distance: 2h20 by bus or 1h20 by car
Best for: History, religion and wine
Pannonhalma is home to Hungary’s oldest abbey and one of Europe’s most stunning monasteries. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was founded in 996 AD and still has monks living in it today.
Top things to do in Pannonhalma
- Tour the Benedictine Abbey – Visit the church, crypt, and library filled with ancient manuscripts.
- Wine tasting at the Pannonhalma Archabbey Winery – The monks produce some of Hungary’s best wines, so don’t leave without tasting their white blends.
- Walk through the lavender fields – If you visit in summer, the hillsides are covered in purple blooms.
Need to store your luggage on your day trip?
Dragging your luggage around isn’t a fun way to experience your day trip. LUGGit will pick up your luggage wherever you are in Budapest and store it, so you can enjoy your day without worries. Use code BLOG10 for a 10% discount.
