Day trips from Budapest that you can't miss while staying in the Hungary's capital

Not everyone knows, but Budapest is one of the places where there are many options for day trips. Thanks to the fact that this city is surrounded by small towns and beautiful lakes, day trips from Budapest abound everywhere, hence it is very interesting to know more about the subject. 

We are talking about genuine opportunities to live unique experiences that no other place can offer you. In fact, the Danube River, which runs through the city, deserves special mention and can make any expedition in which it is included more spectacular. 

The only thing that may be complicated is choosing the best place to suit your preference. Therefore, we will talk about all these places where you can make some day trips out of Budapest, mentioning the most important details of each, helping you to choose your favorites for your next holiday. So, buckle up, because we're going on an information expedition.

The small cities that are part of the Danube River

The first thing you need to know is that, if you want to tour, your first choice of accommodation should be one of the NH Hotels in Budapest that offer easy access to the Danube River, as this area is the number one destination for Hungarian hikers. 

The explanation for this is quite simple, as this place is world-renowned for having several historical sites and incredible landscapes inside it. 

The highlights are the small cities located within it, of which it is important to talk in-depth because it is precisely where you should take an excursion. 

Visegrád

In the north of Budapest, on the right bank of the Danube River, you can find Visegrad, a prominent point of interest due to its cultural and historical background. 

By visiting it, you can have a unique opportunity to get to know the Fortress of Visegrad. This ancient monument was built at the orders of King Béla IV in the middle of the Middle Ages. Besides the impressive first-hand sight, it offers privileged views of the Danube. It is a day trip from Budapest that you will not want to miss. 

Similarly, you can also visit the Royal Palace of Visegrad, a construction of the 14th century, which had the honour of being one of the favourites of King Matthias Corvinus during the Renaissance. It is also one of the most representative examples of the 14th-century architectural style. 

In addition, you can also visit the Mehmed Pasha Sokolović Bridge, one of the most interesting examples of the realms of Ottoman civil engineering, which dates to the 16th century. 

Esztergom

Another of the small towns that make up the Danube River is Esztergom. As it is typical of these cities, Esztergom is of great cultural and historical importance, which is reflected in all its tourist attractions. 

Your first stop to check this out should be the Basilica of Esztergrom, such an imposing building that has the honor of being among the largest basilicas in Europe. Inside you can see a multitude of artworks of great cultural value and impressive beauty. 

Similarly, the basilica allows you to observe the Danube from a specific point, which will allow you to relax and clear your mind as you connect with nature and the past equally. 

Another building full of history that you can discover in this small town is the Royal Palace and Archbishopric of Esztergom. When you visit it, you will discover much of the city's past, as this place had a crucial importance in the past, since it was placed at a strategic point that allowed it to function as a commercial and cultural center of Esztergom, which is evidenced in its architecture. 

In this respect, it should be mentioned that in the past this small city was the capital of the Grand Principality of Hungary and the Kingdom of Hungary. In other words, it is not just a tourist destination, but a crucial point to learn more about the history of the country. 

In fact, it was here that St. Stephen I, the founding king of the Hungarian state, was born. 

Tata

Another beautiful perfect place to make day trips from Budapest is Tata, a city in Komárom-Esztergom County. You can get to it through the north of the country, in the Danube Recode. 

This place is home to Tata Castle, a fortress dating back to the 14th century that has the power to make you feel like you have travelled in time once you cross its walls. In addition, it is in front of a beautiful lake, which gives it a very special touch and makes it different from other castles of its kind. 

If you're going on this excursion with children, you can also visit the English Park here. This park is filled with beautiful landscapes and dates to the 18th century and features unique architectural elements that make it different from any other park. 

It blends the local culture with a rather quiet environment, making it one of the places for day trips out of Budapest that are perfect for spending a long time in the company of the whole family living with nature. 

Mátrafüred: the most mountainous spot

Located in the middle of the Mátra mountain range in northern Hungary, Mátrafüred is a city that enjoys great cultural and historical wealth, to the point that it houses the country's largest peak. This is called Kékestető and has an incredible height of 1014 meters above sea level, a figure more than impressive. 

Clearly, from a mountainous point like this, you can get views that are not comparable to those of any other area we recommend for excursions. In addition, there is also the youngest volcanic area in Europe. This creates a combination of a place where you can learn a lot while enjoying its unique landscapes. 

The mountain formations are also very varied. For a moment you can find yourself immersed in a deep forest of Fagaceae and soon after you can end up discovering colossal formations of vineyards in a forested mountain. 

However, this does not mean that this is an area that is limited to just offering you to enjoy nature. The cultural richness of the city also makes an act of presence for its architectural diversity and the traditions of the palóc, the name with which the region's inhabitants are known. 

So, this is a good place for you to buy some souvenirs from your trip by buying local crafts. You can also learn a lot about the local culture by visiting the palóc museum in Balassagyarmat. 

Szentendre

The last city on the Danube that we need to talk about is Szentendre. This tourist destination, like the ones mentioned above, stands out for its artistic, cultural, and historical richness. It has an architecture of marked Roman roots, the time when the city was built. However, unless you have extensive knowledge of architecture, you will find it difficult to notice, as the most marked is the imprint of Serbian refugees who settled in the city since the 17th century. 

This has given rise to an interesting mixture of Western and Eastern culture in the city. It is therefore a region rich in culture, where two very different worlds coexist peacefully. 

You can appreciate all this not only by living with the inhabitants but also by attending the many art galleries, workshops, and museums that exist there. Also, acquiring some of the objects that local craftsmen have for sale, is something you can take advantage of to get some souvenirs that will remind you of the good memories from your trip. 

It should be noted that the theme of coexistence between Eastern and Western culture present in Szentendre has made it earn its recognition as the “most open people of Hungary”, for the high levels of tolerance that its inhabitants have towards other cultures. 

As a result, you will likely feel at home here, no matter where you come from. It is almost magical how tolerance and respect form an intrinsic part of the citizen culture of this region. A detail that, although it may seem small, will make your expedition much more rewarding. 

Lake Balaton: a place you can't miss

The Danube River and the cities that surround it are not the only things worth mentioning when it comes to places that you can visit around Budapest. It happens that Lake Balaton is so important that it deserves its own mention. 

You need to know that this is the largest lake in Central Europe. It is also an almost compulsory tourist visit due to its magnitude and how it combines historical and cultural attractions in a sublime synergy. 

Its size is so extensive that you may never have encountered a lake of this magnitude before, as it has a coastline length of 236 km and an area of 594 km2. In addition, during the entire journey, you can appreciate beautiful landscapes that underpin its value as an ideal tourist destination for day trips from Budapest. 

It is worth noting that, if you are a lover of good wine, you will be pleased to know that the local climate of Lake Balaton has made the area one of the most recognized places for practicing viticulture within Hungarian territory. Therefore, you will surely taste a good local wine if you decide to visit this area. 

On the other hand, the “Hungarian Sea”, as it is popularly called because of its extent, is a very beautiful place to enjoy in the company of the whole family. Beyond its beautiful landscapes, the place has a lot of activities to offer, allowing everyone to have fun. 

You can play water sports, attend local festivals, and even cycle. 

You can also learn a bit of local history and culture by visiting the nearby coastal cities such as Badacsony, Balatonfüred, and Siófok, which is an ideal complement to the lake tour.

Things You Should Know Before Your Day Trip

Before embarking on an excursion to any of the incredible places mentioned above, it is important to keep in mind that you will need to rent a car to access most. 

However, if you are looking for an alternative, there are some you can choose from: 

● Bus tours: Some agencies in Budapest offer day trips, by bus, to the cities that are part of the Danube River, such as Esztergom, Visegrad, and Szentendre. 

● Boat Tours: Another option, which can be extremely exciting due to the panoramic views it involves, is to select a cruise that will go to visit the cities that can be accessed from the river. 

● Private transportation: A middle point between renting a car is to hire the service of those agencies that offer excursions with private transportation. These have professional guides who will personally take care of touring you around the most prominent places next to you. 

In conclusion, beyond Budapest, there is a wide variety of tourist destinations that, although they may be less well-known, they do not cease to be exciting. The Hungarian capital is also an ideal starting point for all hiking lovers who are eager to experience new adventures and discover new cultures. 

No matter which of our day trips from Budapest recommendations you choose, we are sure you will love it and you will be able to have an unforgettable experience. Plan your trip carefully and choose the mode of transportation that is most convenient according to your circumstances. Have a nice trip!