Budapest is incredible, but Hungary has so much more to offer just beyond the capital. With charming towns, historic castles, and peaceful lakes, the best day trips from Budapest give you the chance to see another side of the country.
These are my favourite destinations for a day trip from Budapest. While this list is based on my personal experiences and recommendations, it’s by no means limited. Hungary is full of amazing places to visit, and each offers something unique.
As a Hungarian, I’ve explored these spots many times and can’t wait to share not only the must-sees but also practical tips for getting there and making the most of your time.
For practical travel info, don’t miss my full Hungary Travel Guide and detailed Budapest Itinerary.
Top Day Trips from Budapest
These are not just random picks, they’re my carefully chosen favourites as someone who grew up in Hungary and knows the area well. From storybook towns and hilltop castles to peaceful lakesides, each of these trips shows you a different side of the country, all just a short journey from Budapest.
1. Szentendre: The Artist’s Town on the Danube
A charming riverside town just north of Budapest, Szentendre is famous for its cobblestone streets, colourful baroque houses, and vibrant art scene. Once home to Serbian settlers, it later became a hub for Hungarian painters and sculptors. Today, it’s one of the most popular day trips from Budapest, loved for its relaxed vibe and galleries.
Highlights
- Stroll the cobblestoned Old Town and take photos in the colourful umbrella street
- Visit the Open-Air Ethnographic Museum (Skanzen). Note: ideally, you will need a half day to see it properly, it’s huge!
- Explore art galleries and quirky museums dotted around town
- Stop for pizza at Passata or enjoy a coffee by the Danube
- We visited during a day-and-night art & jazz festival in August. The whole town turned into an open-air celebration with wine, pálinka, cocktails, traditional produce, live music, and art everywhere. It was a wholesome day, and we loved the creative vibe
How to get there
One option is to take the suburban train (HÉV) from Batthyány Square to Szentendre (40 minutes). Trains run every 20 minutes. The other option is arriving by boat along the Danube River in summer for a scenic trip. That is exactly what we did and highly recommend it!
Stay Overnight in Szentendre
If you fall in love with the town’s creative vibe like we did, consider staying the night. Once the day-trippers leave, Szentendre becomes calm and even more charming. Stroll the quiet cobblestone streets, enjoy dinner by the Danube, and soak up the atmosphere without the crowds.
2. Visegrád: Castles and Danube Views
North of Budapest lies Visegrád, a small town best known for its medieval castle and spectacular panoramas of the Danube Bend. Once the seat of Hungarian royalty, it’s the perfect mix of history and nature, making it one of the most rewarding excursions from the capital.
Highlights
- Climb up to the Visegrád Citadel, a fortress with sweeping views over the Danube Bend, especially stunning at sunset
- Explore the Royal Palace of Visegrád, once a lavish Renaissance residence of King Matthias Corvinus
- Try some outdoor activities: hike through the surrounding hills, visit the local bobsled track (it’s a must do, so much fun!), or unwind at the town’s thermal spas
- Wander the quiet streets and enjoy traditional Hungarian food with a view of the river
How to get there
Visegrád is located about 40 km north of Budapest. The easiest way is by bus from Újpest-Városkapu train station (around 1 hour). You can also combine it with a Danube river cruise in summer for a scenic journey.
Stay Overnight in Visegrád
If you’d like more time to explore the Danube Bend, Visegrád makes a great base. Spend the day hiking or visiting nearby towns, then relax at a riverside hotel or spa resort.
3. Esztergom: Hungary’s Spiritual Heart
Esztergom is one of Hungary’s oldest cities, and it was once the royal capital. Today, it is best known for the Esztergom Basilica, the largest church in Hungary and one of the most important in Central Europe (third largest).
Highlights
- Step inside the Esztergom Basilica and explore its grand interior
- Climb the 400 steps to the dome’s viewing platform to get 360-degree views over the Danube and Slovakia’s skyline
- Venture into the crypt below the church. It houses the remains of famous archbishops like József Mindszenty. It’s cool down there and rich with history
- Discover treasures in the Church Treasury, including the relocated Renaissance‑era Bakócz Chapel
- Cross the Maria Valeria Bridge into Slovakia for another angle of the basilica and river
- Visit the Castle Museum to learn about the town’s royal past
- Stroll around Széchenyi Square, the town’s main square, filled with cafés and a relaxed vibe
Our Day in Esztergom
We visited Esztergom on a day trip from Győr and loved every moment. The day began with coffee in Széchenyi Square, followed by time exploring the basilica and the old castle. The climb up the hill rewarded us with sweeping views of the Danube and the bridge to Slovakia. Inside the basilica, the crypt’s cool silence and the treasury’s golden treasures felt like stepping back in time. It was a full but relaxed day, and we really enjoyed the mix of history, riverside charm, and peaceful atmosphere.
How to get there
Esztergom is about 60 km from Budapest. You can take a direct train from Budapest, Nyugati Station, in around 1 hour and 15 minutes, or drive in just over an hour.
Stay Overnight in Esztergom
If you fall for its riverside calm or want to see the basilica lit up at night, consider staying.
4. Danube Bend Tour: Szentendre, Visegrád & Esztergom in One Day
If your time in Hungary is limited, you can combine Szentendre, Visegrád, and Esztergom into one amazing day trip. This region, known as the Danube Bend, is one of the most scenic parts of the country, where the Danube River curves dramatically between hills and historic towns.
You’ll get a taste of everything:
- Art and cobblestone streets in Szentendre
- Castles and hilltop views in Visegrád
- The Basilica and river panoramas in Esztergom
It makes for a busy day, but also a rewarding one if you want to see the highlights beyond Budapest. You can do this on your own by car, but the easiest way is to join an organised Danube Bend tour from Budapest. Many of these also include a short Danube River cruise, which is a beautiful way to end the day.
5. Eger: Castles, Thermal Baths & Wine Region
Just 2 hours from Budapest lies Eger, a charming historic town that blends castles, thermal baths, and world-famous wines. If you’re looking to escape the city and wander through Hungary’s wine region, this is one of the most worth visiting day trip destinations.
Highlights
- Step inside the dramatic Castle of Eger, where history comes alive and you can enjoy sweeping views of Eger from the ramparts
- Relax in one of Eger’s thermal baths and Turkish baths — perfect for unwinding after a morning of sightseeing
- Stroll through the Old Town of Eger, visiting the Basilica, Minaret, and picturesque squares
- Taste the local wines in the Valley of the Beautiful Woman (Szépasszony-völgy), including Egri Bikavér and Egri Csillag, in atmospheric cellar bars
How to get there
There are direct trains and buses from Budapest that take around 2 to 2.5 hours. For a more relaxed experience, many organised tours include transport, wine tastings, and guided sightseeing.
Stay Overnight in Eger
While it’s possible to visit as a day trip, Eger is best enjoyed at a slower pace. Stay overnight to soak in the atmosphere, spend an evening cellar-hopping in the wine valley, and unwind in the thermal baths after a day of sightseeing.
6. Lake Balaton: Hungary’s Summer Playground
Lake Balaton (also known as the Hungarian Sea) is the largest lake in Central Europe and Hungary’s favourite summer destination. With beaches, sailing, vineyards, and cycling paths, it’s the perfect place to escape the bustle of Budapest.
Planning a trip? Don’t miss my upcoming Complete Lake Balaton Guide for detailed tips on what to see, do, and eat around the lake.
Highlights
- Relax on the lakeside beaches or take a boat trip across the water
- Explore the Tihany Peninsula, famous for its lavender fields and the historic Benedictine Abbey of Tihany
- Visit Balatonfüred, our favourite spot on the lake. We wouldn’t miss a stroll along its lively promenade every year, especially during the Wine Festival in August
- Cycle part of the 200 km Balaton bike path that circles the entire lake
How to get there
From Budapest, take the train (direct) to Balatonfüred or Siófok (around 1.5–2 hours). Both make great bases for exploring the lake. In summer, frequent trains and buses make it easy to plan a trip.
Stay Overnight at Lake Balaton
While it’s possible to visit as a day trip, Lake Balaton is best enjoyed at a slower pace. Stay overnight to enjoy sunset by the water, morning walks along the promenade, and maybe a wine tasting in one of the lakeside villages.
7. Tata: The “City of Lakes”
Less than 40 minutes from Budapest by fast train, Tata is a peaceful town often called the City of Lakes. Its top attraction is the Old Lake (Öreg-tó), where the medieval Tata Castle stands right on the water’s edge.
Highlights
- Walk around the Old Lake for peaceful views and plenty of photo stops
- Visit Tata Castle, once a royal residence, now home to a small museum
- Explore the Fényes Nature Trail, a wooden boardwalk over bubbling springs and marshland, perfect for a peaceful walk in nature
- Spot birdlife, especially in late autumn, when tens of thousands of wild geese gather here during migration
- Enjoy the relaxed vibe, far less touristy than other day trip destinations near Budapest
How to get there
Tata is just under an hour by direct train from Budapest’s Keleti Station, or an easy drive if you rent a car. Once there, the lake and castle are within walking distance of the town centre.
Stay Overnight in Tata
If you’d like to experience the town at a slower pace, consider spending the night. An overnight stay gives you time to walk the lake at sunset and enjoy dinner in a cosy local restaurant.
8. Gödöllő: Sisi’s Royal Palace
Only about 30 minutes from Budapest by train, Gödöllő is one of the easiest cultural day trips you can take. The town is famous for its Royal Palace of Gödöllő, a stunning Baroque residence that was once the favourite retreat of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, better known as Sisi.
Highlights
- Tour the Royal Palace of Gödöllő, with its lavishly decorated rooms, Sisi memorabilia, and beautiful gardens
- Learn about the palace’s role in Hungarian history, from Habsburg times to its later use during the Communist era
- Stroll through the surrounding park and gardens, especially pleasant in spring and summer
How to get there
Trains run frequently from Budapest Keleti Station to Gödöllő, taking around 30 minutes. Once you arrive, the palace is within walking distance (15 mins) of the station.
9. Győr: The City of Rivers & Baroque Charm
Known as the City of Rivers, Győr sits at the meeting point of the Danube, Rába, and Rábca rivers. It’s also my hometown, so this one is especially close to my heart. The city is full of history and charm, with baroque squares, colourful façades, and cosy cafés that make it one of the most beautiful places in Hungary.
Why Visit Győr
- Wander the baroque Old Town, where cobblestone streets lead to pretty squares like Széchenyi Square
- Admire landmarks such as the Town Hall, the Bishop’s Castle, and the Cathedral of the Assumption, home to the treasured Herm of Saint Ladislaus
- Relax by the riverside promenades or enjoy Győr’s vibrant café culture
How to get there
Győr is perfectly located halfway between Budapest and Vienna, just 1.5 hours by train from either city. Trains are frequent, making it one of the easiest towns to add to your Hungary itinerary.
Make It More Than a Day Trip
While you can see the highlights in one day, I always recommend staying overnight. The city truly comes alive at night, with buzzing cocktail bars, cosy terraces, and even street music or weekend festivals filling the squares. And if you have extra time, don’t miss Pannonhalma Archabbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just 20 minutes away, known for its thousand-year-old monastery and hillside vineyards.
Practical Tips for Day Trips from Budapest
Transport
Getting around Hungary is easy, and many towns near Budapest are well-connected.
- Trains: The fastest option for most destinations. Direct trains run from Budapest Keleti and other main stations in Budapest. A quick train ride takes you to places like Esztergom, Gödöllő, or Tata. Book on the MAV official website or via the MAV app
- Buses: Volánbusz services cover smaller towns. For example, the bus from Újpest-Városkapu station reaches Visegrád in about an hour
- Boats: In summer, Danube River cruises connect Budapest with Visegrád, Szentendre, and Esztergom. It’s a scenic way to travel, though slower than trains or buses
Budget
- Expect to spend £50+ per person, depending on where you go and what you do
- Many Budapest day trips are affordable if you take the train from Budapest or book tickets in advance
Best Time to Visit
- Spring & Autumn: Ideal for most day trips. Mild weather, fewer tourists, and beautiful scenery
- Summer: Best for Lake Balaton and outdoor activities along the Danube Bend. Expect crowds and higher prices
- Winter: Great for cultural towns like Gödöllő, Esztergom, or Szentendre, where you can explore museums, churches, and indoor venues. It’s also a magical time to enjoy Christmas markets near Budapest. Winter is perfect for warming up in the famous thermal baths in Budapest and nearby towns, a classic Hungarian experience
How Long to Spend
- Some destinations work as half-day trips, like Gödöllő
- Others need a full day or more, like Lake Balaton. In fact, you could easily plan a relaxing day trip southwest of Budapest or spend a weekend at Balatonfüred or Tihany
- If you plan several stops in the Danube Bend, you’ll want a long day or even an overnight stay
Organised Tours
If you’re short on time, consider a guided Danube Bend tour from Budapest. These combine Szentendre, Visegrád, and Esztergom into one day, making it one of the easiest day trips to take if you prefer everything arranged for you.
Final Thoughts on Day Trips from Budapest
Day trips are the best way to experience a completely different side of Hungary beyond the capital. From riverside towns and royal palaces to rolling hills and the shores of Lake Balaton, each place shows a new layer of the country’s history and culture.
I’ve always loved exploring smaller towns, because it feels like stepping into another world. Quieter streets, local traditions, and landscapes that make you slow down. Whether you’re into history, nature, or just want a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of Budapest, there’s a destination nearby that will surprise you.
If you’re planning your adventure, don’t miss my other guides for more tips and inspiration:
- Best Things to Do in Budapest
- 3 Day Budapest Itinerary
- Hungary Travel Guide
- Lake Balaton Travel Guide
Get Inspired
Want a glimpse of Hungary beyond Budapest? Watch our video journey through historic towns, cultural gems, and stunning landscapes — including places like Szentendre, Esztergom, and Lake Balaton. It’s the perfect inspiration before planning your own day trips from the capital.
Watch now and start exploring Hungary!
