Budapest is a vibrant city, but its surrounding areas offer just as much charm and adventure. Here are some unforgettable day trips from Budapest that you shouldn’t miss.
The Danube Bend
Take a day trip from Budapest to explore the Danube Bend. You won’t regret it! You will experience some of Hungary’s most scenic and historic towns along the river’s graceful curve. Leaving the city behind, you can either drive, join a guided tour, or hop on a boat for a leisurely ride up the Danube. As you travel north, the landscape shifts from urban sprawl to rolling hills, charming villages, and river views that invite you to relax and savor the journey.
Esztergom
One of the most popular stops along the Danube Bend is the town of Esztergom, known for its massive basilica perched high above the river. Climb to the dome for panoramic views of the river and the surrounding countryside. Marvel at the grand architecture, visit the treasury filled with religious relics, and explore the Christian Museum’s impressive collection of medieval art.
Nearby, the riverside promenade offers a peaceful place to stroll and enjoy the views across the water to Slovakia. Walk across the Maria Valeria Bridge into Slovakia for a unique cross-border experience.
Esztergom is located just over an hour from Budapest by train and is a wonderful day trip. Catch a direct MÁV regional service from Budapest‑Nyugati station and enjoy a scenic ride.
Denis Barthel, CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/, via Wikimedia Commons
Visegrád
Further along the bend, visit the medieval town of Visegrád. Check out its medieval fortress perched high above the Danube Bend. Hike up to the castle for stunning panoramic views of the river and surrounding hills. Explore the ruins of the Royal Palace, where Hungarian kings once resided, and experience medieval life through archery, jousting shows, and traditional feasts. Down by the river, the town’s charming cafes provide a perfect place to relax.
Visegrád is located just an hour north of the Budapest and makes a terrific day trip. The easiest way to make the 40 km journey from Budapest to Visegrád is via train + ferry. Take a MÁV regional train (Z70/G70) from Budapest Nyugati station to Nagymaros–Visegrád. Then hop on a ferry across the Danube into Visegrád.
Szentendre
Szentendre is a picturesque town known for its colorful Baroque buildings, cobbled streets, and vibrant art scene. Stroll through narrow alleys lined with charming shops, visit galleries like the Kovács Margit Ceramic Museum, and immerse yourself in Hungarian culture at the Open-Air Ethnographic Museum. Enjoy a riverside meal at a cozy café and don’t forget to try the local marzipan treats at the Marzipan Museum.
Just 40 minutes by train, Szentendre is easy to visit on a day trip from Budapest. Take the HÉV suburban railway (Metro M5) from either Batthyány tér (served by Metro 2) or Margit híd–budai hídfő. Be sure to buy two tickets—a Budapest city one and a “Békásmegyer–Szentendre” supplement for leaving the Budapest Zone.
Alternatively, from May to early autumn, you can take a scenic boat ride from Vigadó tér or Batthyány tér. It takes up to 1½ hours, but it is a lovely way to travel. For the best of both worlds, take the ferry there and the train on the return trip! For a more active journey, try cycling along the riverside bike path. It is only 25 km each way!
Guided Tours
You can make your way to these places on your own. But honestly, after three busy days of touring and self-navigation, it might be nice to let someone else deal with the logistics and simply take a guided tour. Organized tours typically include two – and sometimes all three cities – in one day. There are several other Danube Bend tour options to choose from including this Hiking Tour, a Biking Tour, or a Combination Bike and Canoe Tour. You don’t cover all the sites with these active adventures but they are a fun way to enjoy the great outdoors!
Lake Balaton: The Hungarian Sea
Day trips to Lake Balaton from Budapest offer the perfect escape. Known as the “Hungarian Sea,” Lake Balaton is Central Europe’s largest freshwater lake. And it’s just 90 minutes southwest of the capital by car or train. Visitors can catch a direct train to resort towns like Balatonfüred or Siófok, which are popular entry points to the lake. These charming towns boast a beautiful lakeside promenade, cozy cafés, and excellent swimming spots.
Once at the lake, the day can unfold in many ways. You might stroll through Balatonfüred’s shaded tree-lined streets, take a dip in the shallow, warm waters, or rent a bike to ride along the scenic shoreline. History lovers can visit the Benedictine Abbey in Tihany. In Siófok, the lake’s liveliest town, you’ll find bustling beaches and waterfront restaurants. Wherever you go, the lake’s relaxed atmosphere offers a welcome contrast to Budapest.
A single day only scratches the surface of what Lake Balaton has to offer, but it’s enough to recharge and experience Hungary’s beloved holiday region. With frequent train connections and well-developed infrastructure, it’s a rewarding and stress-free addition to any Budapest itinerary.
Getting There
Getting to Lake Balaton from Budapest is simple and convenient. The most popular and hassle-free option is the direct train from Budapest Déli Railway Station, with frequent departures to major Balaton towns like Balatonfüred, Siófok, or Keszthely—the journey takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on your destination. Tickets are affordable and can be purchased at the station or online.
As easy as it is to visit by train, the easiest way to enjoy Lake Balaton day trips from Budapest is on a tour. That way someone else takes care of all the logistics and you can just enjoy the day. Guided tours to the lake leave daily in the summer. Or, you can always go the private tour route if you want complete flexibility. Or consider this Tapolca Cave Lake and Tihany Balaton private tour for a little cave action!
Holloko & Eger: Baroque Beauty & Bull’s Blood Wine
Day trips from Budapest to the charming village of Hollókő and the historic town of Eger offer a unique blend of Hungary’s rural traditions and rich cultural heritage. Begin your morning in Hollókő, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the Cserhát Hills. This preserved 17th-century Palóc village features whitewashed cottages, wooden porches, and cobbled streets. Explore the Palóc Doll Museum or the Post Museum, chat with locals dressed in traditional attire, and hike up to Hollókő Castle for sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.
In the afternoon, continue east to reach Eger, one of Hungary’s most historically significant cities. Wander through its elegant Baroque streets. Visit the imposing Eger Castle and climb the minaret, a striking remnant of Ottoman rule. Don’t miss the grand Eger Basilica or the chance to relax in one of the town’s cozy wine cellars. Sample the region’s famous Egri Bikavér (Bull’s Blood) red wine. Hollókő and Eger, though very different in style, complement each other perfectly—offering a glimpse into both rural tradition and urban splendor, all within a single rewarding day.
Getting There
Getting to Hollókő and Eger from Budapest is quite feasible, but perhaps a little complex via public transportation if you wish to do both in one day. For a stress‑free experience, consider booking a private guided tour. If you are into wine and are OK to skip Holloko, you might prefer this Winetasting Tour to Eger.
Veronika.szappanos, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Puszta Horse Show: The Hungarian Plains
A day trip from Budapest to Kecskemét for a traditional horse show is a delightful escape into Hungary’s rural heart. Your day begins with an early morning journey through the gentle rolling landscape of the Great Hungarian Plain. Upon arrival in the Baroque‑chic town of Kecskemét, you’ll enjoy a stroll past notable landmarks like the ornate Art Nouveau town hall, theater, and 6 iconic churches, breathing in the contrast between urban architecture and pastoral peace.
Next, make your way to a rustic “csárda” farmhouse near Lajosmizse, where the Puszta’s traditions come alive. Begin with a warming welcome of local barackpálinka (apricot brandy) and pogácsa savory scones. Then enjoy a leisurely carriage ride across the sweeping plain to the highlight of your day. Enjoy a thrilling horse show by Csikós horsemen. These are the horsemen of the Hungarian Plains (the Puszta). They will showcase galloping drills, daring stunts, and centuries‑old equestrian skills under the open skies of the Puszta.
Round out the experience with a hearty three‑course Hungarian lunch served in the farmhouse’s cozy restaurant, accompanied by gypsy music and local wine.
Getting There
Getting to Kecskemét from Budapest is both easy and affordable. The problem with going this way is that you need to make all your arrangements for the show and get to the farmhouse on your own. For greater convenience consider a guided tour. Then you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!
Vienna: Imperial Grandeur & Cultural Richness
Savor Vienna, Austria’s Baroque palaces, manicured gardens, opera, and art scene. Start your visit in the city center with a stroll along the Ringstrasse, where iconic landmarks such as the Vienna State Opera, Parliament, and Hofburg Palace showcase the city’s opulent past and architectural beauty. If time permits, or you are a return visitor to the city, you might venture outside the city center to the opulent Schönbrunn Palace.
No visit to Vienna is complete without experiencing its café culture and artistic heritage. Pause for coffee and a slice of Sachertorte at a historic café like Café Central. Then check out the Belvedere Palace, home to masterpieces by Gustav Klimt’s iconic “The Kiss.”
If you prefer a more relaxed pace, wander through St. Stephen’s Cathedral, shop in the Graben and Kohlmarkt, or enjoy the music of Mozart and Strauss floating from street performers and concert halls alike.
Though one day only scratches the surface, day trips to Vienna from Budapest are a richly rewarding adventure. Trains and buses run frequently throughout the day, offering flexibility for both early risers and evening returners.
Getting There
The most popular way to go to Vienna is the direct train from Budapest Keleti or Budapest-Nyugati stations to Vienna Hauptbahnhof, with a journey time of about 2 hours 20 minutes. If you want to leave the logistics to an expert, then consider this private guided tour. Sometimes it pays to spend a little money so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your day trips from Budapest.
Bratislava: A Charming Capital on the Danube
Day trips from Budapest to Bratislava offer a delightful glimpse into Slovakia’s charming capital. This compact city is perfect for a quick escape, blending a rich medieval history with a vibrant modern vibe. Start your exploration in Bratislava’s Old Town. Narrow cobblestone streets wind past colorful Baroque buildings, cozy cafés, and lively squares like Hlavné námestie (Main Square). Don’t miss the iconic Michael’s Gate, the only preserved medieval city gate, and the Primate’s Palace.
For panoramic views, make your way up to Bratislava Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the Danube River. The castle grounds offer both history and fantastic photo opportunities. Check out the museum inside detailing the city’s past. Afterward, take a leisurely walk along the Danube promenade. Enjoy a drink at a riverside café and watch boats sail by. If time allows, consider visiting the quirky UFO Observation Deck on the SNP Bridge. It provides a futuristic contrast to the city’s historic charm.
Getting There
Getting from Budapest to Bratislava for day trips is easy and straightforward. There are loads of ways to travel, but the most popular choice is the direct train from Budapest-Nyugati station to Bratislava Hlavná stanica. With journey times ranging from 2.5 hours to 3, trains run multiple times daily. As with all day trips from Budapest, the easiest way to get there is with a private guided tour. But in this case, the train is quite simple and there aren’t just a ton of logistics to work out.
Which Day Trips Do You Want to Take from Budapest?
Each of these destinations offers a unique experience, making them perfect day trips for your Budapest itinerary. Pack your bags, hop on a train, and let the adventures begin!
