Discover the best trips to take from Budapest

Esztergom

Esztergom was Hungary’s first capital and is home to the country’s largest Basilica. An exquisite example of Hungarian architecture, The Esztergom Basilica is situated on Castle Hill and dates back to the 16th century. If you climb 380 steps to the top of the Basilica, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the town.After visiting the Basilica and walking around Esztergom, you could drive across the river to Slovakia and take in the view of the Basilica from a distance.

Visegrád

Though Visegrád is the smallest Hungarian town inhabiting just about 2000 people, it has the richest history amongst the 3 towns on the Danube Bend. While most of it has crumbled to rubble over the years, the 800 year old fortified Visegrad Citadel is a reminder of its splendid past. Not only is the Renaissance architecture overwhelming, but so is the view from atop the citadel. You can view the green Danube Valley from here and catch an aerial view of Danube river as well.

Szentendree

Szentendre is a jewellery box town often called the artists’ town built on medieval ruins. The colourful baroque houses, cobblestoned alleyways, art galleries, quaint cafes and placid riverside has often served as inspiration for many Siberian & Hungarian artists, hence the nickname. Apart from being an art lover’s paradise, this town is delight for food lovers too.

This quaint town is best explored on foot. Trod on cobblestoned alleyways around this baroque city and discover medieval ruins, tiny churches and houses soaked in the brightest of colours. After all that walking, you are sure to have built an appetite, so head over to sample some scrumptious Lángos and devour the taste of sour cream and cheese on fresh bread. After your meal, you can walk in and out of museums for about 2 to 3 hours , pick up a few handcrafted souvenirs and then head back to Budapest. You could choose from the following Museums at Szentendre :

• Mikro Csodák Múzeuma , Museum of micro wonders
• Művészetmalom, Art Mill
• Kovács Margit Kerámia Múzeum , Ceramic museum
• Skanzen, Open-air ethnographic museum
• Szamos Museum, Confectionery Museum
• Retro Design Center

If you’re purchasing tickets from Headout, you get the opportunity to return to Budapest in a boat. Note, return via boat is arranged only from May-September.

Hungaroring (Formula 1)

If you’re going here in August, don’t miss out on the Hungarian Grand Prix that takes place in Mogyoród, a short drive from Gödöllő. This was where the very first Formula One Grand Prix was held and for obvious reasons pulls massive tourist hordes.

Medveotthon Bear Farm

If you’re an animal lover, head over the the famous Bear Farm located in Veresegyház, Hungary, about 10kms away from Gödöllő. The bizarre bear farm houses not just bears, but also many species of raccoons, reindeer and wolves. If you’re traveling with kids, this is a definite pit stop.

Gödöllői Városi Múzeum

This museum reflects the cultural and historical legacy of Gödöllői and houses an extensive collection of artifacts of the Art Nouveau era. If you’re an art lover, this museum will sweep you off your feet, rest assured.

Erzsebet Park

This beautiful park is another ode to Empress Elisabeth of Austria and is a charming space for outdoor lovers. You can choose to stroll by, have a picnic or just sit by the bench and people watch; you’ll cherish them all. You can even scoop some Hungarian ice cream and break free from the bustle of the town. If you’re up for trekking, there are many twisted woodland trails, so lose your way and find some gems.

Lazar Equestrian Park

A spectacular location that melds a rural and modern atmosphere is the Lazar Equestrian Park in Gödöllő. If you’re lucky, you can catch a horse show or a competition alongside Trabant rallies. The park also allows you to hop on a hot air balloon and plays some fine music in the ranch that ups the mood no extent.

Eger Basilica

Also known as the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Apostle , this colossal structure architected in neo-classical style dates back to the 19th century and is located on the Eszterházy Square. The flight of steps leading to the Basilica is flanked by statues of saints and is a sight behold.

The Valley of the Beautiful Women

Eger’s best kept secret, Valley of the Beautiful Women is a world class wine producing region and getting to this hidden gem is quite a task. Once you do, take a tour of the vineyards and the cellar, then settle for lunch with a class of sparkling wine. The beauty of this valley is the way wine cellars are carved into the rock. The cellars here are carved into limestone rocks that knit into underground tunnels and are a sight to see. You can also drink wine directly from the cellar here!

Lyceum And Magic Tower

Located opposite the Eger Basilica, the Lyceum and Magic Tower is the perfect example of edutainment. Through interactive experimental devices, 18th-century astronomical equipments, camera obscuras and a planetarium, engage in an entertaining yet educational experience. You can also go to the library within the building and flip through years of history from their collection of over 60,000 books.

Egerszalok

About 9kms out of Eger, you will encounter a bucolic wonder called Egerszalok. You will stumble upon spurts of wonders in this pastoral land that will lure you no bounds. Beehive stones, thermal baths, cave houses and the most famous of all Salt Hill, a travertine formation.

Eger Castle

This beautiful castle will transport you back in time to the yesteryears , to the years when it was a battleground upon which the Turks were defeated by a considerably small, yet highly patriotic Hungarian army of 2000 people, including children and women of the town. Hungarians are for obvious reasons very proud of this victory and the castle having been the backdrop for the win, it is etched into Hungarian history.

Hollókő Castle

Flaunting glorious views of fields and forested hills surrounding the fairytale village, the Hollókő Castle is a great vantage point to get a wholesome view of the UNESCO sight.

Bercsényi Pottery Workshop

Ensconced inside a beautiful white house, you can see ceramic pots and plaques being made on fired on-site in this workshop. If you’re adventurous enough, you can try your luck at pottery too.

Szent Marton Church

The Church of St Martin is a beautiful wooden church which was initially built as granary in the 16th century after which it was sanctified in 1889. Nothing to write home about, but a quick walk in and out does not harm.

Village Museum

A peasant home converted museum , this simple museum of 3 rooms houses local folk pottery, embroidered cloth and painted furnitures and a wine press in the backyard.

Palóc Doll Museum

This museum exhibits over 200 porcelain dolls in Hungarian traditional costumes and is a great site to visit if you’re fascinated by the peculiar Hungarian attire.