15 Amazing Day Trips From Budapest (Under 3 hours)

When you live in Budapest long enough—especially through a pandemic—you start to realize how small the city can feel. I’d walked the same streets a hundred times, memorized which trams screech the loudest, and had officially run out of excuses not to explore the rest of Hungary.

So I did. With my Schengen dreams on pause, I started taking day trips—sometimes solo, sometimes with local friends—to see what lay beyond the comfortingly cosmopolitan bubble of Budapest. Spoiler: it’s a whole different world out there. Fewer tourists, more pálinka, and a refreshing amount of actual quiet.

If you’re living in Budapest and looking for a quick reset—or just need a break from the same old ruin bars—these are my favorite day trips to shake off city fatigue and get a taste of the “real” Hungary.

Still working on your bearings in the city itself? Here’s how to spend a well-planned 48 hours in Budapest before you start plotting your escape routes.

Day Trips From Budapest within Hungary

1. Lake Balaton

Distance: 1.5–2 hours by car or train
How To Get There: Take a direct train from Déli Station to Siófok; trains run every 30 minutes. For Tihany, take a train to Balatonfüred, then transfer to a local bus heading to Tihany village. Both options are affordable and efficient.

No surprises here—first up is the Hungarian Sea itself. If you’ve spent a single sweaty July in Budapest, you’ll understand why locals escape to Lake Balaton the second temps rise above 25°C. It’s the largest lake in Central Europe, and while no one’s surfing here, it still manages to offer a little something for every kind of traveler.

Tihany is where I go when I want to feel like the main character in a slow European indie film. The abbey view is objectively beautiful, but what really got me was the quiet hum of village life—the way people actually pause to sniff lavender, not scroll Instagram. I went on a Tuesday afternoon and stumbled into a sleepy café that served lavender lemonade and lavender ice cream (sounds cursed, tastes oddly divine).

Siófok, on the other hand, is chaos with a suntan. Think spring break energy, Hungarian edition: inflatable flamingos, EDM by the water, and at least one guy named Norbi who’s had too much pálinka. I people-watched from the promenade with a cold fröccs and tried to convince myself I had one party night left in me. I did not. But if you do? This is your scene.Tihany or Siófok? Go for both—just know one smells like wild herbs and the other smells like sunscreen and regret. Balance.

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2. Hollóko

Distance: 1.5 hours by car
How To Get There: Take a bus from Budapest Stadion Bus Terminal to Szécsény (about 2 hours), then a taxi or local bus to Hollókő.

If you’ve ever wanted to time-travel to a medieval village without the plagues and gender inequality, Hollókő is your girl. Tucked into the hills of northern Hungary, this UNESCO World Heritage site is the kind of place where you hear birdsong instead of car horns, and your phone signal politely bows out so you can be present.

I visited during the Harvest Festival in autumn, and it felt like I’d walked onto the set of a Hungarian folktale. The entire village was dressed up in traditional Palóc costumes, there was pálinka being poured with zero restraint, and lots of folk dances and short plays that I didn’t understand a single word of but it was still fun!The castle on the hill is equal parts scenic and surreal—like someone Photoshopped a medieval fantasy backdrop into real life. But what really stuck with me were the small things: handmade crafts, wooden shutters creaking open, and the way locals offered free wine shots like it was water. Hollókő might not be packed with tourists, but it’s packed with charm—and probably a little hungover.

3. Szentendre

Distance: 30 minutes by train or car
How To Get There: Take the HÉV suburban train (H5 line) from Batthyány tér in Budapest directly to Szentendre (about 40 minutes). You can also take a scenic ferry along the Danube (twice daily; covered by the Budapest transport pass). Or, for the ambitious: bike there via the Danube Trail—it’s a flat, pedestrian-friendly route that starts near Romai Part and takes about 2–2.5 hours. You can always take the train back if your legs betray you.

Szentendre is charming, yes—but let’s be honest, it knows it. Art galleries on every corner, pastel buildings begging for a photo op, and more day-trippers than you’ll find at any actual Hungarian village. It’s touristy, but it wears it well.

This little town of cobbled streets and pastel buildings is best known as an artists’ haven—and yes, it leans into that hard. Think: galleries on every corner, quirky ceramics, and the kind of shops where you will end up buying something hand-painted you don’t need. It’s charming, sure, but don’t expect a hidden gem. Thanks to its easy access from the city, Szentendre is very much on the day-tripper circuit.

I first visited on a bike trip with a friend—an easy ride out of the city, with enough riverside views to keep you distracted from your questionable decision to do cardio in summer. Another time, I took the boat, which is by far the more romantic option (minus the sunscreen sweat). Either way, once you arrive, the vibe is unmistakable: slow, scenic, and meant to be savored.

4. Eger

Distance: 1.5 hours by car or 2 hours by train
How To Get There: Take a direct train from Keleti Station to Eger. Trains run frequently and take around 2 hours. Buses from Népliget Bus Terminal also head there, but they take a bit longer.

Eger has range. You show up expecting cute cobbled streets and maybe a castle view or two, and somehow end up neck-deep in baroque churches, thermal baths, and wine cellars with names like “The Bull’s Blood Pit.” It’s Hungary’s answer to: why not just do everything in one place?

The castle is worth the climb—not because it’s the most impressive fortress in Europe, but because it does a good job of setting the mood. The kind of place that invites you to wander around imagining siege battles and questionable 16th-century hygiene. And the views over the town are great. 

Then there’s the Valley of the Beautiful Women, which sounds like a Renaissance Tinder experiment but is actually a laid-back wine district with rows of family-run cellars. You’ll drink Egri Bikavér (“Bull’s Blood”), probably too much of it. 

To wrap up, I hit the Turkish Baths, which—full disclosure—weren’t mind-blowing, but did their job. Warm water, domed ceilings, the faint smell of history and chlorine. After a long day of walking and wine, it felt like a good pause before the trip back.

If you’re short on time, Eger works well as a long day trip. But if you’ve got the flexibility, it’s the kind of place that rewards an overnight stay, especially if you’re in no rush to stop sipping wine underground.

Get a taste of the best Hungarian wines in this Wine Tour to Etyek just a short distance away from Budapest.

5. Visegrád

Distance: 1–1.5 hours by car, boat, or bus
How To Get There: Take a bus from Árpád Bridge station or hop on a scenic ferry ride from Vigadó Square in Budapest (seasonal). Driving is another convenient option for this quick getaway.

Visegrád is an easy day trip with good views, a hilltop fortress, and just enough hiking to justify a lángos afterward. The citadel sits above the Danube Bend and offers one of the better panoramas near Budapest. The path up is short but steep—nothing serious, but you’ll want proper shoes if it’s been raining.

The fortress itself is more about the scenery than the structure, but it’s worth the climb. I also tried archery while I was there, mostly because it was available and I had 15 minutes to kill. Let’s just say I won’t be taking up a second career in historical combat.The Renaissance Palace is nearby if you’re into royal aesthetics, but I preferred walking around the trails and taking in the riverside views. If you want to make a full day of it, Visegrád pairs well with Szentendre or Esztergom, depending on your route.

You can also take a tour that combines both Szentendre and Visegrád into one trip.

6. Gödöllő

Distance: 30–40 minutes by train or bus
How To Get There: Take the HÉV train from Örs vezér tere to Gödöllő, or catch a bus from Stadion Bus Terminal. Both are cheap and frequent.

Gödöllő is all about royal leftovers. The Grassalkovich Palace—summer residence of Empress Elisabeth of Austria (aka Sisi)—is its main draw. It’s the largest baroque palace in Hungary, and while that sounds grand, the experience is more subdued than Versailles-level hype. Which is a good thing.

The rooms are elegant without being over the top, and the exhibits actually provide some solid context on Hungarian aristocracy. The gardens are also surprisingly nice for an unassuming town like this—lots of green, seasonal flowers, and way more butterflies than expected.

Outside of the palace, there’s not much going on, but that’s sort of the point. Gödöllő makes for a laid-back, low-effort escape from the city when you want something cultural but calm.

7. Esztergom

Distance: 1.5 hours by car or bus
How To Get There: Take a bus from Árpád Bridge station directly to Esztergom. There are also train connections, but the bus is faster and less of a hassle.

Esztergom doesn’t try to do too much. It just sits there quietly, with one giant basilica dominating the skyline. And honestly? That’s enough. The cathedral is the largest in Hungary and absolutely massive. It feels like it was designed to impress invading armies and Instagrammers alike.

You can climb to the top of the dome for views across the Danube and into Slovakia. Inside, there’s a decent mix of frescoes, marble, and that faint church smell you either love or tolerate.

Beyond the basilica, the town is small but pleasant—think riverside cafés, a few low-key museums, and walkable streets. If you want something peaceful with actual historical significance, Esztergom is a good pick.

8. Bükk National Park (near Miskolc)

Distance: 2.5 hours by car or bus
How To Get There: Take a train from Keleti Station to Miskolc, then transfer to a local bus toward the park. Driving is more efficient if you’re trying to cover more ground.

If you want to get out of the city and actually hear nature again, Bükk National Park is a solid choice. It’s one of Hungary’s largest protected areas, and while it’s not the most dramatic terrain you’ll ever see, it’s peaceful, green, and refreshingly quiet.

I went for a simple hike—nothing too ambitious—and ended up at a lookout with rolling hills and the kind of breeze that makes you consider deleting your email app. The park is also home to caves, limestone formations, and some wildlife if you’re lucky (or patient).If you’re looking for adventure, there are deeper trail networks and cave tours like Anna Cave, which are guided and surprisingly informative. Not a life-changing destination, but a solid one if you’re craving trees and solitude.

9. Pécs

Distance: 2.5–3 hours by car or train
How To Get There: Take a direct train from Keleti Station to Pécs. It’s a longer ride, but doable as a day trip if you leave early.

Pécs is a university town through and through. Thanks to the medical school—one of Hungary’s most popular with international students—it has a young, multicultural vibe that feels distinctly different from most other Hungarian cities. Think: lots of cafés, late-night food options, and entire conversations in English that aren’t just for tourists.

The city itself is visually pretty, with Ottoman and Roman ruins sprinkled between baroque buildings. There’s also a proper art scene and the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter, which is worth a visit if you’re into ceramics or cool repurposed industrial spaces.

Full disclaimer though, a lot of the historic attractions feel oddly quiet or a little underwhelming in person. The famous mosque in the main square is now a church, which is historically fascinating but also kind of anticlimactic if you’re expecting grandeur. While it’s a bit of a stretch as a day trip (early start required), it’s doable—and worthwhile—if you want something that blends history, art, and a lively, student-friendly atmosphere. It’s not a hidden gem, but it is one of Hungary’s most dynamic cities outside Budapest.

10. Tata

Distance: 1.5 hours by car or 2 hours by train
How To Get There: Take a train from Déli Station to Tata. Trains are frequent and direct, making it an easy day trip from Budapest.

Tata gets tossed around in Budapest day trip lists like it’s some lakeside gem, but honestly? I don’t get the hype.

Yes, there’s a castle. Yes, there’s a lake. But unless your idea of a fulfilling trip is walking one loop and calling it a day, you’ll probably leave wondering if you missed something. I didn’t—it’s just that underwhelming.

The Old Lake and Tata Castle make a nice first impression, especially if you catch them in golden hour. But that charm fades fast once you realize that’s… it. The rest of the town is pleasant but painfully quiet, and the kind of place where you keep checking Google Maps for “other things to do” and come up empty.

If you’re local and just want a peaceful stroll, sure. But if you’re coming from Budapest hoping for depth, history, or even a half-day of engagement? You can skip this one guilt-free.

Bonus Side Trip: Bokodi Floating Village

Combine with Tata, if you’re feeling optimistic
Bokodi is one of those places that thrives on aesthetics and suffers from expectations. From the right angle, it looks like a tiny floating village—rows of wooden fishing cabins built on stilts over a foggy lake, connected by narrow boardwalks that appear tailor-made for moody photography. It’s all very “peaceful retreat” until you realize there’s a power plant humming in the background.

I visited Bokodi on a tour that combined it with Tata. In hindsight, it might’ve been more enjoyable with my own wheels—the kind of place where showing up for sunrise or misty winter fog makes the biggest difference. Midday, it’s… a lake with some photogenic piers and not a lot else.

To be fair, it does deliver exactly what the internet promised: one perfect photo. And if you’re the type who enjoys quiet lakeside wandering or chatting with the odd fisherman, it can be a calm little detour. But once you’ve got your shot? That’s kind of it.

Pro tip: Access to the boardwalks has become trickier in recent years due to private property signs and utility company restrictions, so you may only be able to admire it from afar. Bring a zoom lens and low expectations.

11. Debrecen

Distance: 2.5–3 hours by car or train
How To Get There: Take a direct train from Nyugati Station to Debrecen. Buses also frequently connect the two cities.

Debrecen is Hungary’s second-largest city, but don’t let that fool you—it’s still extremely chill. Wide streets, quiet parks, and none of the capital’s rush. If Budapest runs hot, Debrecen runs at a low, steady simmer.

The Reformed Great Church is the postcard image here, and while it’s not jaw-dropping, it does hold some historical weight. I spent more time wandering the surrounding area, which is full of cozy cafés, student energy (thanks to the university), and the kind of old-school shops that still sell fountain pens and embroidery kits.

If you need a break from urban sightseeing, Nagyerdő (Great Forest Park) is a good spot to reset—think shaded trails, open lawns, and the occasional confused jogger. There’s also a modern thermal bath complex if you’re into that sort of thing.Would I come here just for a day trip? Maybe—if you want a quieter, less touristy city that still feels lived-in. It’s not packed with must-sees, but that’s kind of the appeal.

12. Aggtelek National Park

Distance: 3 hours by car
How To Get There: Drive to Jósvafő, the closest village near the park, or take a train to Miskolc, then connect via bus to Aggtelek.

If you only do one nature day trip from Budapest, make it Aggtelek. It’s far, yes—but completely worth it. This is where Hungary goes full fairytale: limestone karst formations, wide open meadows, and caves that look like something out of a sci-fi film.

I started in Jósvafő, a ridiculously cute village that feels like it fell out of another century. From there, I followed a trail that winds through the forest and alongside a stream, eventually opening up to a wildflower meadow so absurdly idyllic I almost expected a deer to start talking to me. And then—out of nowhere—a herd of about 100 horses came galloping across a hill. I still don’t know if it was real or a collective fever dream.

If caves are your thing, Baradla Cave is the star here: massive, hauntingly lit, and surprisingly accessible with a guided tour. If caves aren’t your thing, just hike. There’s zero noise, few people, and an overwhelming sense that you’ve left modern life very far behind.

This was, hands down, my favorite day trip from Budapest. If you’re craving unfiltered nature without crowds or curated “experiences,” Aggtelek delivers.

And if this kind of off-the-radar wilderness is your thing, you’ll want to check out Durmitor National Park in Montenegro—wild, dramatic, and the kind of place that makes most other national parks feel like manicured gardens.

Day Trips From Budapest to Other Countries

13. Bratislava, Slovakia

Distance: 2 hours by train or car
How To Get There: Take a train from Budapest’s Keleti Station to Bratislava. Trains run frequently and take about two hours. Driving is another quick and scenic option.

Bratislava is probably the easiest country hop from Budapest. It’s small, pretty, and very manageable as a one-day blitz. The Old Town is compact and walkable, full of pastel buildings, street cafés, and that slightly quirky Central European energy that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

I started at Bratislava Castle—mostly for the views, not the exhibits—then spent the rest of the day wandering aimlessly through the city center. It’s a good place to sit outside with coffee and people-watch or chase down bryndzové halušky (potato dumplings with sheep cheese) if you’re feeling brave.

Would I stay overnight? Maybe. But if you’ve got the day and want to say “I went to Slovakia” without too much effort, this is a solid one.

For a hassle free Day Trip to Bratislava from Budapest, take this tour.

14. Vienna, Austria

Distance: 2.5 hours by train or car
How To Get There: Take a direct train from Keleti Station to Vienna Hauptbahnhof. Trains are frequent and make the journey in under three hours.

Let me start by saying this: I didn’t do Vienna as a day trip, and I don’t think you should either. Vienna is the kind of city that needs time—at least a couple of days, if not more.

That said, if you’re set on squeezing Vienna into a day trip, here’s what I’d suggest: Start early at Schönbrunn Palace to soak in its opulence and stroll through the gardens. Next, make your way to St. Stephen’s Cathedral to admire its Gothic beauty. For lunch, grab a Wiener schnitzel at a street-side café, and spend your afternoon exploring the MuseumsQuartier for a taste of Vienna’s art and history.

Vienna is like stepping into a fairytale. Every building looks like a castle, and if that wasn’t enough, you’ve got horse-drawn carriages trotting around town like it’s the 18th century. What is going on? It was a bit of a culture shock, to be honest—but a charming one.

15. Zagreb, Croatia

Distance: 3 hours by car
How To Get There: Drive directly to Zagreb from Budapest. The journey is straightforward and takes about three hours.

Zagreb might not be the first place you think of for a day trip from Budapest—and honestly, I wouldn’t recommend it as one. Most of your day will be spent traveling, and Croatia as a whole deserves way more time than just a quick visit to its capital.

But if you’re determined to do a day trip, here’s how to make the most of it: Head straight to the Upper Town to wander the cobblestone streets, explore its quaint cafes and galleries, and visit the unique Museum of Broken Relationships. Take a break in Zrinjevac Park to relax, and don’t miss Dolac Market for a slice of local life. Before heading back, grab a slice of kremšnita at a local bakery—it’s a creamy pastry that’ll sweeten the journey home.

If you ask me, though, save Zagreb for when you can spend more time in Croatia. This country has so much more to offer, and rushing through its capital won’t do it justice.

Zagreb might be your gateway, but I’d recommend making a longer trip and if you keep heading south, you’ll hit two of the Balkans’ most unforgettable cities. Here’s what to actually do in Mostar, and why Sarajevo will probably leave a much bigger impression than you expect.

Final Thoughts on Getting Beyond Budapest

If you’re based in Budapest—or staying long enough for the novelty to wear off—these day trips are your best bet for seeing another side of Hungary (and in a few cases, hopping the border). Some spots are quieter, some a little chaotic, but each one gives you a glimpse of something the capital can’t.
And if a day trip scratches the itch but doesn’t quite satisfy it, maybe it’s time to zoom out a little. I’ve mapped out a two-week route through Europe that balances iconic cities with a few surprises, minus the backtracking and burnout.