The 10 Best Day Trips from Budapest

Ah—the wonder and intrigue of Budapest. As a city that’s defined both by its past and present, the capital of Hungary offers travelers a glimpse into how a city can rebuild itself after war. With the dreamy River Danube running through the town, you’ll find the hills of Buda on one side and the flat cobblestone streets of Pest on the other. Every traveller should have a chance to wander through the winding alleys, walk across the Chain Bridge, and spend an afternoon touring through the expansive food market and Trinity Square to admire all of the beauty.

Another perk of this central capital is its easy access to other captivating spots in the area, making a wide range of delightful day trips from Budapest. From medieval castles and lakeside towns to volcanic canyons and stalactite caves, here are the best day trips from Budapest.

Eger

Travelers rave about this 11th-century town that’s one of the most popular day trips from Budapest. Your first stop should be the famous Eger Castle, dating back to the 1200s. Relive its incredible history, notably the 1552 defeat of the Turkish army, with a tour around the grounds. Inside, you’ll find a history museum, an ancient dungeon, a cathedral, a labyrinth of underground casements and an art gallery. But best of all is the panoramic view of Eger from the castle walls. 

After you take in Eger's history for a few hours, you can make your way into the heart of the city, Dobó Square, sure to impress with its beautiful baroque architecture. Eger is also widely known for its thermal baths, dating back to the Turkish occupation, if a day of relaxation is more your thing.

Still not convinced? The only thing that Eger is potentially more famous for than the baths and the hilltop castle is its wine. Just 20 minutes outside of the main square is an area known as the “Valley of the Beautiful Women,” home to over 200 wine cellars (of which a few dozen are open to the public). Stop in at a cellar or two (or more) and try the finest wines Hungary has to offer, including the famous egri bikavér or "Bull’s Blood"—legend has it that during the famous siege of Eger Castle, the Turkish invaders believed the fortitude of the Hungarian soldiers was due to their mixing of actual bull’s blood with their wine. No matter what your varietal, we can't think of a better way to cap off a day trip from Budapest than wine with a mountain view.

Distance from Budapest: About 80 miles, less than 2 hours by train or bus

How to get there: Coach buses (they are clean and comfortable and even have) from Puskás Ferenc Stadion to Eger leave every half hour and the journey lasts about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Trains from Keleti Station to Eger leave every 2 hours and the journey takes about 2 hours. Or see it on a custom tour from Budapest!

Gödöllő Palace

As the second-largest Baroque castle in all of Europe (and famed for being the favorite place of Queen Elizabeth of Hungary), it’s no wonder Gödöllő has a solid spot on the list of the best day trips from Budapest. First built in the 1760s, it was enlarged as a summer retreat for the emperor a century later. A journey to the famous palace today will allow you a peek into 32 rooms, including Sissi’s (Queen Elizabeth’s nickname) private apartments, which have been restored to their imperial glory. Also notable, is the Ornamental Hall, the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Hall (where you can learn about her assassination), and a chapel.

Distance from Budapest: 20 miles, 45 minutes by bus or train

How to get there: Take the 45-minute bus from Stadion bus station or the 45-minute HEV train from Örs vezér tere station.

Szentendre

Szentendre sits just north of Budapest on the Danube River. A popular day trip from Budapest, you have to be careful to avoid tourist traps, but it’s well worth the trouble. Defined by its quaint cobbled streets, colorful houses, Baroque churches, and its main square (Fő Tér), the small city is perfect for casual strolling. Some notable sites are the Danube Promenade, a waterfront walkway with a beautiful view; Bükkös Brook, a shallow stream running through the city; Blagovestenska Orthodox Church; and Belgrade Cathedral.

Most notable and unique, however, is Szentendre’s art scene. The city takes great pride in its rich history as the center of Hungarian art, a tradition that can be seen in its varied museums and galleries. A few spots to check out are the Ferenczy Museum, Szentendre Gallery, or ArtMill, for those into more contemporary pieces.

Distance from Budapest: 12 miles, 40 mins by train

How to get there: Take the 40-minute HÉV train from Battyány tér to Szentendre. For a more scenic option, you can also take a 90-minute ferry from Vigadó Square in Budapest (only 50 minutes on return).

Aggtelek National Park

For those who are looking for a more nature-forward day trip from Budapest, you’ll want to add this UNESCO World Heritage Site to your itinerary. Located in the northern park of Hungary, the 200-square kilometer park is famous for its unique flora and fauna as well as the incredible Baradla Cave. The unique stalactite cave is the largest in Europe, and there are numerous routes visitors can take through the system, from easy to adventurous. While this site is a bit far from Budapest, we think it's well worth it.

Distance from Budapest: 140 miles, 2 hours and 40 minutes by car

How to get there: The most efficient way by far is to drive the 2 hours and 40 minutes to Aggtelek. For those without a car, an early start is required. A bus from Stadion station  or a train from Keleti Station will take about 4.5 hours each way.

Lake Balaton

Hungarian locals and tourists alike flock to this gorgeous freshwater lake, especially in the summer when the lake is perfect for swimming and water sports. However, we think it’s one of the best day trips from Budapest (or perhaps weekend getaway) year-round thanks to the varied terrain and plethora of activities. The area truly has something for everyone—vineyards, volcanic mountains, thermal spas, historic towns, and even a lively nightlife. 

Depending on your interests, there’s an itinerary to suit anyone’s fancy. In the summer, the lake is a great sailing destination, and cyclists will want to check out the 93-mile bike trail encircling the coastline. Hiking is also popular, with a number of trails through the rolling hills and even up an extinct volcano. For those looking for a little less action, the many towns around the lake offer plenty to explore. Check out the thermal lake in Heviz, Festetics Palace, the lake caves, the vineyards of Badacsony, or the stunning fortress in Szigliget. 

Distance from Budapest: 84 miles, 1 hour and 20 minutes by car

How to get there: We recommend a car for travellers wanting to visit more than one location on the lake. Otherwise, take the train from Keleti with stops at Badacsony or Siófok.

Esztergom

The capital city of Hungary until the 13th century, and also the seat of Hungary’s Catholic Church, Esztergom is packed with historical sites and activities. With so much to do, it makes for a full day trip from Budapest, so we suggest an early start. A visit to the city should definitely include the Esztergom Basilica, the largest church in Hungary with an impressive dome and the largest painting in the world.

The ruins of the Hungarian Royal Palace, now part of the Castle Museum, is another noteworthy stop, showcasing Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Ottoman architecture. The palace chapel itself is impressive with frescoes dating back as far as the 1100s. Just below the castle is the Víziváros neighborhood, where visitors can take in the Öziçeli Hacci Ibrahim Mosque and the Museum of Christian Art. Round out your trip with a stop in Szechenyi Square, the central plaza of the city that is surrounded by Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical buildings. Nature lovers should also carve out time for the Duna-Ipoly National Park, home to the gorgeous limestone Pilis Hills, Pulpit Rock, and the volcanic canyon of Rám-Szakadék.

Distance from Budapest: About 40 miles, 1.5 hours by bus or train

How to get there: Take the train from Nyugati Station or the bus from Árpád Híd Aitobus Station.

Vác

On the “Danube Bend,” this charming town is a romantic and quaint spot that makes it perfect for a day trip from Budapest. The town is filled with 18th century bridges, plazas, and churches—an idyllic setting for a laidback stroll. The beautiful central square is also filled with exquisite sweet shops and even a couple of wine cellars that would make for a truly enjoyable and relaxing afternoon. Another option would be a river cruise, a relaxing way to take in views of several Danube Bend towns.

Distance from Budapest: 20 miles, 30 mins by train

How to get there: Take the 30-minute train from Nyugati station or a 45-minute bus from Árpád Híd station. A trip to Vác is also easily combinable with other Danube Bend towns, including Szentendre and Esztergom, with frequent trains or buses running between them.

Hollókő

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hollókő will take you back in time to the rural Hungary of centuries ago. Deliberately preserved, the Old Village is a living picture of traditional Palócz architecture and agriculture. The one-street village now houses museums and craft shops dedicated to the community. 

Distance from Budapest: 60 miles, 1 hour by car

How to get there: A quick 1 hour drive from Budapest will have you in Hollókő. Or, visitors can take a 2.5-hour bus from Puskás Ferenc Stadion.

Kecskemét

In the Great Plain of Hungary, between the Danube and Tisza Rivers, lies Kecskemét, an impressive city known for its colorful buildings, vineyards, and its equine history. The art nouveau and Secessionist architecture alone is worth the day trip from Budapest, notably the beautiful City Hall, Otthon Cinema, and the Ornamental Palace.

Other highlights include the Museum of Hungarian Naive Artists, which contains folk and contemporary art, the Bozsó Collection, which displays period furniture, folk art, and other objects collected by painter János Bozsó, and the Folk Art Collection. Another unique experience is the Bugac horse show, highlighting the area’s rich history in horsemanship.

Distance from Budapest: 50 miles, 1 hour and 20 minutes by train

How to get there: Take a train from Nyugati station or a coach bus from Népliget.

Pécs

The mountainside city is not only beautiful but also holds the distinction of being an epicenter of multiculturalism. Despite being the fifth largest city in Hungary, it still feels like a relaxing day trip from Budapest. The city dates back more than 2,000 years—the Roman Empire influence can be seen in its early Christian Necropolis (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Turkish influence can be seen in the Mosque of Pasha Qasim, and the impressive Pécs Cathedral is a gorgeous example of 11th century architecture.

Once you take in these impressive sites, check out the Zsolnay Museum to learn about the tradition of the famous Zsolnay ceramics in the oldest house in the city. Even the main tourist drag, Király Street, has its own charm. The pedestrian thoroughfare has plenty of galleries, restaurants, and cafes to fill a leisurely afternoon, with the added bonus of some gorgeous Neoclassical architecture. 

Distance from Budapest: 120 miles, 2 hours and 45 mins by train

How to get there: Take the almost 3-hour train from Keleti Station to Pecs.

For your time within Budapest city limits, check out all of Context's private or small group tours in Budapest!