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10 Amazing Day Trips from Budapest

The city of Budapest straddles the Danube River and is also known as the ‘Queen of the Danube’ due to its placement alongside the river.  Budapest is Hungary’s epicenter, as well as a lively cultural center. The city’s layout has parts of the city interconnected by bridges. Its rich history in economy, architecture, as well as its terrain makes for an exciting ,place to visit. Here are 10 amazing day trips from Budapest that will give you more insight into the city while ensuring that you have a good time.

1. Szentendre

Street in Szetendre- by Jakub Hałun- Wikimedia Commons

Szentendre will have you, right at the sight of its cobbled streets and church towers that peer above the baroque houses. The houses are very colorful and instantaneously cheer you up! Szentendre is Budapest’s most popular day trip destination thus you should allow yourself the opportunity to experience it! It takes about 40 minutes from Budapest by train or about one and a half hours by boat.

This city exudes vibrancy stemming from the many artists and creatives that settled there since the 1930’s. The museums and galleries that are spread across the town as well as the open air one on the towns’ outskirts are all captivating. These museums will have you learn about the Serbian Community that existed there back in the 18^th century.

On this trip you could stop by Szent,Andre’s main square to visit the magnificent Serbian Orthodox BlagoveÅ¡tenska Church which boasts Baroque archways and immaculate frescoes.

Be sure to tour the markets for a souvenir or two of famous arts and other sethe sentimental objects.

2. Hollókő

Main Street in Hollókő by Batomi- Wikimedia Commons

This city offers exploration into the rich Han Hungarian culture, and is one of the most fascinating cities in Hungary.  Hollókő is an actual depiction of rural communal Hungarian life from centuries past. This is also well preserved in Skanzen which has an open air museum. You are in luck should your trip coincide with Easter as you will witness a festival that is all things Hungary- from the traditional food, clothes and artisanal crafts.

Hollókő was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site; its rich culture makes it very deserving of this honor you should experience it! A day trip to Hollókő is about just an hours’ drive from Budapest.

3. Eger

Eger Downtown- by Ivanhoe- Wikimedia Commons

The quaint and absolutely beautiful Eger is worth the several hours’ train ride day trip from Budapest. This city is one of Europe’s most stunning cities. There’s plenty to see and do in Eger- you can actually take a thermal bath that is rather relaxing after visiting one of its many Baroque Churches. Alternatively you can watch the sunset at the Cathedral and central plaza in, a relaxed afternoon.

The charming old town in Eger will have you sold as you simply take a walk in its narrow streets sightseeing and imagining life in Hungary through its buzzing market place. The medieval castle and Basilica offer amazing views and captivate with their architecture. Do not miss out on the church of St. Anthony as well.

4. Gödöllő Palace

Godollo Palace- by Andres rus- Wikimedia Commons

Gödöllő Palace takes the title of the finest Baroque palaces in Europe. Fit for a king, Gödöllő Palace is said to have been Emperor Franz Joseph’s favorite summer getaway. The palace more than adequately showcases Hungary’s beautiful Baroque architecture, and was inhabited by many infamous counts and reigning monarchs.

Hungary has done a good job at preserving this palace- it is impeccable, ready for your day trip. You also can walk through its immaculate gardens and stables as well as the vast park that surrounds the palace. Furthermore, Gödöllő Palace is only 30 kilometres from Budapest!

5. Lake Balaton

Frozen Balaton Lake- by Chmee2- Wikimedia Commons

A trip to Lake Balaton will make you feel like you actually are on vacation. The Balatonfüred resort is the ideal accommodation for this trip. Here you will have a clear and close view of the yachts docked at the small marina overlooking the Tihany peninsula. The boat trip around the lake from the jetty is also enjoyable.

This choice accommodation is proud of the visitors it has had over time- the names of artists, writers, scientists and many other celebrated visitors are inscribed on placards and emb,embedded into the walls of the Pantheon.

The trip from Budapest to Lake Balaton is two hours by road. You just may be tempted to adjust your trip to Lake Balaton to several days as opposed to the day trip that it is.

6. Kecskemét

Great Church in Kecskemet- by GT1976- Wikimedia Commons

Stunning Kecskemét lies in the middle of Greece. The ornate and colorful buildings of the city echo the Budapest vibrant colors, but it is set apart from Budapest in its serenity and remoteness.

This city moves at a different, more relaxed pace- it shows what Hungarian life is like when there is time and space to relax. You have the choice of touring the Great Plains or visiting the popular Bugac horse show.

7. Aggtelek National Park

Cave at Aggtelek National Park- by Horvabe- Wikimedia Commons

A trip to see the Aggtelek National Park is very rewarding- an average of 200 square kilometres of unique flora and fauna isn’t shabby at all. A trip here through the many marked paths guarantees exploration in nature to your hearts’ content.

The Aggtelek National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Baradla Cave at the park is an attraction that you should see- it is one of the longest and largest stalactite caves in Europe. Additionally, Aggtelek’s special surface formations and caves are very intriguing.

8. Koszeg

Kőszeg- by Philipp Hütter- Wikimedia Commons

Koszeg is renowned for its historical and insanely 1400’s beautiful building, the Church of St. James. This church was built from the remains of a Romanesque church, with influences from an array of time periods including Baroque, Gothic and Medieval.

While a day trip to Koszeg’s main attraction is the church, the pa,paintings that adorn its walls and the statues are intriguing and hold their own even without the church building. The church’s architecture also presents a fascinating merging of architectural styles which religion helped bring together.

Koszeg is just about 200 kilometres from Budapest.

9. Velence Lake

Lake Velence with City backdrop- by Susulyka- Wikimedia Commons

Velence is the third largest Lake in Europe and also the third warmest.  Its sandy beaches and warm water make the day trip worth your while. You can visit this lake all year round as there will be something for you to do both in summer and winter. Swimming and walking along the beach are exchanged for skating across the frozen water in winter.

While on this day trip spare some time to hike or cycle around the lake for unbelievable sights. Velence Lake is small and intimate, a welcome respite from crowds in the city and in other lakes.

10. Visegrád

Visegrád and surroundings by Bojana Wiki PG- Wikimedia Commons

Visegrád is a small town that sits one hour from Budapest. If for nothing else, the views from the Börzsöny Hills and on the bend in the river should have you taking the day trip to Visegrád. Indeed, day trips to this small towns’ main attraction is the spectacular views. You might however have to work extra hard for them by hiking up rocky woodland paths! However, don’t despair if hiking is not your cup of tea- there are taxis available going up the historic site.

Visegrád actually offers multiple transportation options that will enable you see and navigate the sites. You could arrive by boat, by bus, or by train and ferry across to the river.

Besides the unique Visegrád views, romantic ruins of the Renaissance palace that was once King Matthias’ is open for viewing. Visit the museum there to have a taste of Hungary’s famous fr,uit brandy, pálinka and learn of its makings.

These 10 amazing day trips from Budapest will ensure that you appreciate the city’s natural beauty., albeit at a somewhat laid back pace. Hungary’s hills found in the West of the Country meet the plains that stretch to the east and south making for awesome views and picturesque settings. These day trips will leave you feeling refreshed.