Weekend & Day Trips from Budapest

Location:

Aggtelek National Park, Hungary

Highlights:

Planning a trip from Budapest? We’ve got a gem for you—Aggtelek National Park is just under three hours away and absolutely worth the journey. Whether you're a nature lover or an adventurer at heart, this UNESCO World Heritage Site will blow you away with its underground wonders and peaceful trails.

We Recommend This For:

Outdoor enthusiasts, caving adventurers, families, and anyone curious about Hungary’s natural heritage.

What we Love:

The Baradla Cave system with its dramatic rock formations, thrilling underground tours, and the peaceful vibe of the surrounding forests and countryside.

• Explore over 1200 caves hidden beneath what looks like a quiet rural landscape, including the spectacular Baradla Cave—Hungary’s longest stalactite cave.
• Take a guided tour of the Baradla Cave or opt for an extreme caving experience in more remote parts of the system.
• Enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities like horseback riding, hiking, biking, and seasonal guided nature walks through the park.
• Visit the park's visitor center to plan your perfect day of exploration.

Distance from Budapest:

Expect the drive to take around 2 hours and 45 minutes.

How to Get to Aggtelek National Park:

From Budapest, take Route M3 east toward Miskolc, then follow signs to Kazincbarcika and Aggtelek. Scenic countryside roads will guide you to the park entrance.

Location:

Debrecen, Hungary

Highlights:

Looking for a lively city escape from Budapest? Debrecen is the perfect blend of history, culture, and family fun—all just under three hours away. Whether you're into grand architecture or hands-on science, this city has something for everyone.

We Recommend This For:

Families, architecture buffs, foodies, and travelers eager to explore one of Hungary’s most dynamic cities.

What we Love:

Stunning historical landmarks, interactive science and wildlife attractions, and the chance to dive into Hungary’s culinary heritage.

• Admire the iconic Debrecen Reformed Church and the elegant Main Building of the University of Debrecen, set among tree-lined avenues and historic streets.
• Wander through the Old Town along Piac Street and Kossuth Square, where local culture and history meet.
• Entertain the whole family at the Agora Scientific Adventure Center, Debrecen Zoo and Amusement Park, and the playful Water Tower Adventure Center.
• Taste your way through local dishes on a Debrecen on Food Tour and learn about Hungary’s rich culinary traditions.

Distance from Budapest:

Expect the drive to take just under 3 hours.

How to Get to Debrecen:

Take the M3 highway eastbound from Budapest, then connect to Route 4 or continue on to Debrecen via direct train service from Budapest-Nyugati Station.

Location:

Diósgyor Castle, Miskolc, Hungary

Highlights:

Planning a quick escape from Budapest? Step back in time at Diósgyor Castle, a medieval fortress just two hours away, where history comes alive through immersive tours and restored towers.

We Recommend This For:

History lovers, families, medieval buffs, and travelers who enjoy castles with a story.

What we Love:

Guided tours with costumed interpreters, an impressively restored castle interior, and a tower left untouched to show its true age.

• Discover the 12th-century origins of this imposing fortress and its role throughout Hungarian history.
• Join an English-language guided tour led by docents in full period costume for an authentic, engaging experience.
• Explore the contrast between restored chambers and an intentionally unrestored tower, highlighting the castle’s transformation.
• Enjoy a mix of legend, architecture, and storytelling in the scenic town of Miskolc.

Distance from Budapest:

Expect the drive to take around 2 hours.

How to Get to Diósgyor Castle:

Take the M3 motorway northeast toward Miskolc, then follow signs to the Diósgyor district. The castle is located at Vár u. 24, 3534 Miskolc.

Location:

Eger, Hungary

Highlights:

If you're craving a quick escape filled with history, charm, and culture, Eger is just the place. Only two hours from Budapest by train, this Baroque gem is perfect for a day of exploration and storytelling.

We Recommend This For:

History buffs, architecture lovers, day-trippers, and anyone interested in Hungary’s heroic past and vibrant local culture.

What we Love:

A castle packed with legends and dungeons, the storybook charm of the old town, and an indoor market full of flavor and personality.

• Visit the famous Eger Castle, where 2,000 locals famously held off a massive Ottoman army in 1552—explore its museums, towers, and underground dungeons.
• Stroll through the Baroque Old Town, with its pastel buildings, cobblestone streets, and vibrant cafés.
• Browse the bustling indoor market for local cheeses, meats, and traditional Hungarian snacks.
• Learn about the town’s shifting history, from heroic resistance to Ottoman rule, all within a compact and walkable setting.

Distance from Budapest:

The train ride takes around 2 hours.

How to Get to Eger:

Take a direct train from Budapest Keleti Station to Eger—once there, the town is easy to explore on foot.

Location:

Esztergom, Hungary

Highlights:

Feel like escaping the city for a deep dive into Hungary’s past? Esztergom is one of the oldest—and most scenic—cities in the country, just a quick trip from Budapest.

We Recommend This For:

History lovers, architecture fans, Catholic pilgrims, and anyone craving a mix of riverside beauty and cultural heritage.

What we Love:

The massive Esztergom Basilica with Danube views, ancient ruins, and the charming streets of Watertown filled with Baroque gems.

• Explore the Esztergom Basilica, the third largest church in Europe, with its impressive dome and panoramic river vistas.
• Wander through the ruins of the Royal Palace and learn about Esztergom’s royal and religious past.
• Discover Vizivaros (Watertown), a riverside district filled with historic churches, cobbled streets, and layered history.
• Travel by train or even by hydrofoil on the Danube for a scenic approach to this storied city.

Distance from Budapest:

Expect the journey to take around 1.5 hours by train or hydrofoil.

How to Get to Esztergom:

Take a direct train from Nyugati Station in Budapest, or opt for a seasonal hydrofoil cruise along the Danube for a more scenic arrival.

Location:

Fertod, Hungary

Highlights:

Love palaces with a bit of drama and musical flair? Fertod is home to the spectacular Esterházy Castle—nicknamed the “Hungarian Versailles”—and it’s absolutely worth the trip from Budapest.

We Recommend This For:

Architecture admirers, classical music fans, history lovers, and anyone drawn to grand European estates.

What we Love:

Lavish Rococo architecture, lakeside setting, ties to composer Joseph Haydn, and a deep sense of cultural history in every room.

• Visit Esterházy Castle, an 18th-century masterpiece with ornate halls, frescoed ceilings, and a history of royal entertainment.
• Learn about composer Joseph Haydn, who lived in the castle’s servant quarters and composed music performed here centuries ago.
• Join a guided tour to explore the estate and gardens—English-language materials are available to enrich your visit.
• Relax by nearby Lake Ferto, a scenic UNESCO-listed area on the border with Austria.

Distance from Budapest:

Expect the drive to take about 2.5 hours.

How to Get to Esterházy Castle:

Drive west on M1 toward Gyor, then follow Route 85 to Fertod. Public transport is limited, so a car is recommended for ease and flexibility.

Affordable Day Trips from Budapest:

Location:

Gödöllo, Hungary

Highlights:

Need a royal escape without straying far from Budapest? Gödöllo Palace is just a short ride away and offers a regal journey through Hungary’s baroque and imperial past.

We Recommend This For:

History lovers, fans of royal architecture, Queen Elizabeth admirers, and travelers seeking an elegant day trip close to the city.

What we Love:

Lavishly restored interiors, deep ties to Hungarian royalty, and the peaceful palace gardens open for everyone to enjoy.

• Tour 32 beautifully restored rooms including the Ornamental Hall, the Queen’s Reception Room, and the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Exhibit.
• Explore the palace chapel, rare Baroque Theater, and WWII-era Horthy’s Bunker tucked beneath the estate.
• Learn about Empress Elisabeth (“Sisi”), her assassination, and why this palace was her favorite retreat.
• Stroll the expansive palace grounds, which are open to the public daily and ideal for a peaceful walk or picnic.

Distance from Budapest:

The trip takes about 40 minutes by train or car.

How to Get to Gödöllo Palace:

Take the suburban HÉV train from Budapest’s Örs vezér tere station directly to Gödöllo. The palace is just a short walk from the station.

Location:

Gyor, Hungary

Highlights:

Looking for somewhere a bit off the beaten path? Gyor is a lesser-known gem just over an hour from Budapest—perfect for a relaxed day trip filled with Baroque beauty and local character.

We Recommend This For:

Architecture fans, curious wanderers, culture seekers, and travelers eager to discover Hungary beyond the big cities.

What we Love:

The charming Old Town, winding cobblestone alleys, an impressive mix of religious and cultural landmarks, and a surprising peek into Hungary’s automotive industry.

• Wander the cobbled streets and picturesque squares of the Old City, soaking in beautifully preserved Baroque architecture.
• Explore the Episcopal District of Káptalan Hill, a quiet maze of historic churches, synagogues, and hidden courtyards.
• Discover a wide range of cultural attractions including museums and art galleries tucked into every corner of town.
• Visit the Audi Exhibiting Center for a sleek and modern twist to your historical tour.

Distance from Budapest:

The drive or train ride takes just over 1 hour.

How to Get to Gyor:

Take a direct train from Budapest Keleti or Déli Station, or drive west on the M1 motorway toward Vienna—Gyor is clearly signposted along the route.

Location:

Hollóko, Hungary

Highlights:

Want to step into a real-life folk tale? Hollóko is a beautifully preserved UNESCO village just 100km from Budapest, where tradition, architecture, and community spirit are alive and well.

We Recommend This For:

Culture enthusiasts, families, folk architecture fans, and travelers seeking an authentic slice of Hungarian heritage.

What we Love:

Traditional whitewashed houses, hands-on cultural museums, hearty regional cuisine, and the dramatic 13th-century castle nearby.

• Wander through the Old Village to admire 58 traditional houses dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries—still home to local residents today.
• Visit the Village Museum and Doll Museum to learn about Palóc traditions and rural Hungarian life.
• Dine in one of the charming village restaurants serving up rich, authentic regional specialties in beautifully preserved interiors.
• Hike up to the Castle of Hollóko, a 13th-century stronghold offering panoramic views and tales of medieval defense.

Distance from Budapest:

Expect the drive to take around 1.5 hours.

How to Get to Hollóko:

Driving is the easiest option—head northeast on Route 21 from Budapest. Public transport is available but involves transfers; a car offers the most flexibility for exploring the area.

Location:

Hortobágy National Park, Hungary

Highlights:

Need a breather from Budapest’s packed museums and palaces? Hortobágy National Park is your chance to slow down, breathe fresh air, and experience Hungary’s rural soul in motion.

We Recommend This For:

Culture buffs, wildlife lovers, bird-watchers, and anyone curious about Hungary’s pastoral heritage and cowboy traditions.

What we Love:

Puszta horse shows, rare native livestock, immersive rural experiences, and Jeep rides across the sweeping steppe.

• Watch a live performance by the Puszta—Hungarian cowboys showing off their horsemanship and age-old riding techniques.
• Tour the park by Jeep to see ancient Hungarian animal breeds like the Raka sheep with their dramatic V-shaped horns.
• Explore the cultural landscape of Hungary’s oldest national park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site preserving centuries of pastoral life.
• Bring your binoculars for world-class birdwatching, especially during migration seasons on the Great Plain.

Distance from Budapest:

The drive takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.

How to Get to Hortobágy National Park:

Drive east toward Debrecen, then follow signs for Hortobágy. Trains also run from Budapest to Debrecen, followed by a short regional connection or local taxi to the park area.