A small but amazing country with an interesting, dramatic history occupies an extraordinarily picturesque area, with diverse landscapes, abundant natural wealth, and extraordinary musicality. One of Europe’s most majestic rivers, the Danube, flows through Hungary, into which all Hungarian rivers flow. While in the Hungarian capital, Budapest, you can make day trips to interesting places in Hungary and neighboring countries. So, let’s tell you where you can go from Budapest for one day on your own.
Eger
130 km from Budapest lies the ancient town of Eger, whose authentic appearance allows you to immerse yourself in the ancient history of the country. Today, Eger has become a place of tourist pilgrimage, thanks to its famous baths, developed wine culture, and abundant rare attractions. To get a vivid impression of this wonderful corner of the country, you should see the following sights:
- Eger Castle – a unique monument of heroic history related to the Mongol invasion (1241) and the Turks (1552). Now the castle, which is a museum, looks very picturesque, and a tour of it is a dive into the glorious past of this amazing country.
- Eger Basilica – a Catholic church, the beautiful building of which is built in the neoclassical style, officially named after St. John the Apostle and Evangelist, and today it is the cathedral of Eger. Visiting the church leaves a deep impression.
- Valley of the Beautiful Women, famous for its wine cellars and wonderful local wines – a beautiful suburb of Eger – a true paradise for wine connoisseurs and simply tourists. Here, they are treated to the best varieties of wine with delicious national dishes in a romantic setting created by the performances of virtuoso musicians playing stirring gypsy melodies. It is believed that the place got its name because many beautiful women visited it.
- The Minaret Church, located on Istvan Dobo Square, captivates with its lush baroque beauty both outside and inside. The clock chimes three times a day on its two bell towers (minarets), the frescoes (16th century) are very impressive, and the sculpture of St. Anthony is amazing.
Aggtelek National Park
In Tokaj, famous for its wine, there is the no less famous Aggtelek National Park with unique karst caves (200 objects) and an amazing surrounding landscape. The flora and fauna of the reserve are unique: trees and shrubs grow here that you won’t see elsewhere, and 400 species of rare birds inhabit the area.
The extraordinary beauty and amazing natural design of the caves attract a huge number of tourists, among whom are many professional and amateur speleologists. The reserve is a real treasure for archaeologists, who have found that the mysterious caves were used as dwellings by people 7,000 years ago. Today, the park has a sanatorium where respiratory diseases are treated based on the special microclimate. The unique views of the reserve and the otherworldly beauty of the caves bring peace of mind and joyful delight.
Esztergom and the Maria Valeria Bridge
The small ancient town, which has seen Celts, Romans, and Germans within its borders, can be called a historical stoic. The town, which survived barbaric destruction and devastation by the Turks and Nazis, rose from the ashes like a Phoenix and is now a symbol of the great history of the state, embodied in its architectural and religious monuments. Here, the first Hungarian king, Stephen I, was born, who was later canonized (his image is immortalized in a majestic monument).
The main attraction is the St. Adalbert Basilica – a colossal structure (height 71.5 m, width 40 m, length 118 m), visible from afar. The majestic temple is built on a site consecrated by previous churches and is the third-largest sanctuary in Europe, striking with its scale, architectural beauty, and spiritual fullness. Below, in the crypt, lie the remains of great historical figures, and the treasury holds ancient church items and priestly vestments – valuable rarities.
Like Esztergom itself, the bridge named after the daughter of Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph is a symbol of resilience. Built in 1895, it was destroyed twice (1920, 1945) and rebuilt. The 500-meter span of the bridge, picturesquely spanning the majestic Danube, connects Esztergom with the Slovak town of Štúrovo (a very convenient crossing). Visiting the Archbishop’s Palace, a magnificent neoclassical building, will enrich you spiritually and aesthetically. The exhibitions of the Christian Museum will captivate you with the wealth and variety of Hungarian art, Renaissance Italian paintings, and other unique exhibits.
Székesfehérvár
“Alba Regia” – as this city was beautifully called in Latin, was founded in 970 by Hungarian Prince Géza among impassable swamps. The city was destined to become the cradle of Hungarian statehood and Hungarian kings (30 coronations were held here), the first capital of Hungary. Traveling through Székesfehérvár, you are convinced that this is a city-museum, where monuments and memorials are found at every step.
On the main square, Városháza, stands the beautiful Bishop’s Palace, and opposite it, “The Orb” – a huge monument of royal power, crowned with an elegant crown and an inscription glorifying St. Stephen. Climbing the observation deck (at the edge of the square), you can see a stunning panorama of the “royal city.” The main city cathedral of St. Stephen (baroque style) amazes with its richest decoration and outstanding works of great masters adorning the church’s interiors.
Nearby are two more churches worth visiting. The mushroom-shaped building – Bory Castle – the most unusual architectural structure in the city, created by the imagination of local architect and sculptor Jenő Bory, makes an indelible impression with its appearance. Elements of Romanesque, Gothic, and Scottish castle styles are whimsically intertwined in it. The castle can be admired endlessly.
Szentendre + Visegrád
If you don’t visit the charming Hungarian town of Szentendre, located in the picturesque bend of the Danube, you cannot fully get to know the history of this unique country. This lovely town reflects the history of the Serbs who sought refuge in Hungary from the brutal Turkish invasion. Everything here, inherited from them, is done in Serbian traditions: narrow cobblestone streets, facades painted in different colors with baroque decorations, red-tiled roofs – all very picturesque, like in children’s drawings.
Szentendre is the unofficial art capital of Hungary – many galleries and museums here display paintings and sculptures by numerous masters of brush and chisel. Each house, every building is a structure with an original design, from which it is difficult to take your eyes off. A walk through the picturesque streets is immensely enjoyable, as is a visit to the unique Marzipan Museum.
The town of Visegrád, located next to Szentendre, originated from the Visegrád Fortress, built on top of a mountain in the 13th century as a defensive structure. To this day, only one watchtower (Solomon’s Tower) has survived in its entirety, where, according to legend, the infamous Count Dracula was imprisoned. Near the banks of the Danube, you can see the ruins of the famous architectural masterpiece made of red marble (15th century) – the Palace of King Matthias Corvinus. It impressed everyone with its irresistibly beautiful appearance and was considered the most luxurious in Europe. The restoration of the palace as an invaluable cultural and historical monument continues today.
Gödöllő
The town of Gödöllő is particularly interesting to visit because it houses a luxurious royal palace with an adjacent cozy park where the beloved Sisi – Empress Elisabeth, wife of Franz Joseph – once walked. A graceful sculpture of a slender, noble-looking girl under an umbrella, proudly gazing at the magnificent estate, has been erected in her honor; the park is named after her.
A tour of the palace’s interior rooms is an exhilarating journey through the halls and bedrooms of the imperial family, shining with dazzlingly beautiful interiors, exquisite stucco, and other decorations. An inspection of Sisi’s personal rooms, the items, and things that surrounded this extraordinary woman during her life, is particularly awe-inspiring. A trip to Gödöllő offers a wealth of romantic impressions!
Hévíz
Three hours’ drive from Budapest is the no less famous Lake Hévíz and the eponymous resort. It is worth coming here for one day to see the enchanting beauty of nature surrounding the thermal lake, rich in healing mud and various types of mineral water. You can enjoy truly magical landscapes, equally beautiful at any time of the year, drink healing water, and walk around the town, which is immersed in a floral kaleidoscope of various shades.
The town of Hévíz embodies a rich historical past, which is why there are many interesting historical attractions. After a walk, you can relax in one of the many taverns, try local wine, and have a delicious snack with Hungarian dishes before returning to Budapest.
Bratislava
Given the wide range of transport connections between Budapest and Bratislava, it is definitely worth taking advantage of it and visiting the beautiful city that has literally “blossomed” as the capital of Slovakia. A vast number of restored medieval architectural monuments, churches, and squares have made Bratislava a popular destination for tourists from around the world.
It is impossible to see all the interesting places in one day, but you must visit the Main and Franciscan Squares, see the Jesuit Church of the Holy Savior, the Town Hall, and the Slovak National Theater. From afar, you can see the Castle Hill with the Bratislava Castle, popularly called the “upside-down table.” Visiting the Gothic cathedral (St. Martin’s Dome) and the Michael’s Gate will take you back to the 14th-15th centuries. The most exciting and unforgettable impressions will remain from a trip to beautiful Bratislava.
Pannonhalma Abbey
Located on the top of St. Martin’s Hill, the Catholic Pannonhalma Abbey is the second largest in the world with Hungary’s oldest monastery, whose history embodies the entire history of the state. The abbey buildings have been rebuilt many times, resulting in a blend of various architectural styles in their appearance.
The most famous attraction of Pannonhalma Abbey is the basilica-monument (13th century). After multiple reconstructions, the ancient church amazes with the luxurious beauty of its interiors. The monastery library, which houses a collection of 360,000 volumes, including priceless folios, is impressive in its scale. A visit to the abbey is an amazing immersion into the great and dramatic history of the Hungarian state.
Lake Balaton
It is unlikely that any tourist traveling through Hungary has not visited the famous lake. Balaton is as famous as Baikal, although much smaller. A web of romantic legends is woven around the unique lake, which was popular even with the ancient Romans due to its natural wealth and stunning scenic beauty.
In the vicinity of Balaton, there is a national park located on the Balaton Uplands with a unique volcanic relief. Here you can see ancient craters, dormant volcanoes, and erupting geysers. Even the air here has healing properties, so people come here to treat respiratory organs. The surrounding vineyards and various attractions make the trip to Balaton a pleasant and beneficial one-day journey.
Pécs
The cultural capital of Europe – the city of Pécs, established during the ancient Roman times, is famous for its Zsolnay porcelain factory, the earliest Christian burial site in Europe (on St. Stephen’s Square), which is included in the UNESCO list, and its unique attractions. On Széchenyi Square is the Parish Church of Belváros and the Holy Trinity Column.
Opposite the majestic administrative building stands a monument to the outstanding military commander (15th century) János Hunyadi. On Kossuth Square, interesting objects include the Town Hall and the Synagogue; on Cathedral Square – the Romanesque St. Peter and St. Paul’s Cathedral. It is impossible to see all the monuments in one day as there are so many of them.
Zagreb
Croatian Zagreb attracts tourists with its special color, unique charm of certain places, and the tranquil beauty of its streets, buildings, and squares. Tourists note the extraordinary cleanliness of the sidewalks, where you won’t see a discarded cigarette butt or plastic bottle – the residents of Zagreb love their city. Here, where many styles of architecture are intertwined, there is much to see, and exploring it may take several days.
A one-day trip to Zagreb should be spent in the most atmospheric area – Donji Grad, which reflects Croatia’s historical and Catholic past, cultural development, and modern trends. The square of Ban Josip Jelačić (a monument to him is erected here), surrounded by picturesque buildings, is the liveliest place in the city. Here, youth meet for dates, tourists gather, parents stroll with children, and evening concerts are held where street musicians compete in virtuosity.
In a local restaurant or bar (there are many of them), you can taste national snacks and dishes. At the farmer’s market (next to the square), there is a bright abundance of vegetables, fruits, and cheeses. As a symbol of the country’s agrarian nature, at the entrance to the “fruit and vegetable paradise,” a not-so-feminine mighty sculpture of a Peasant Woman with a huge basket on her head welcomes everyone – embodying hard work and the generosity of the land. The Catholic Zagreb Cathedral, which underwent a complete reconstruction after the 1988 earthquake, is extraordinarily beautiful here. The huge glass monolith of the “Dubrovnik” hotel in a modern style is also of interest. From a visit to Zagreb – only pleasant memories!