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Places to visit near Budapest offer an exciting mix of baroque palaces, medieval fortresses, hot springs, quaint folk villages, and peaceful lakeshore getaways. The locations are perfect for enhancing day tours or relaxing weekend getaways. Whether royal grandeur, cultural heritage, or natural beauty draws you, there is something for everyone just outside the city. Explore these ten breathtaking spots near Budapest, from medieval castles and river towns to UNESCO World Heritage sites, that will provide unforgettable scenery, deep history, and genuine local charm to your Hungarian adventure.
10 Places To Visit Near Budapest
Below are the 10 places to visit near Budapest, from UNESCO sites and spa resorts to castle ruins, perfect for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and culture vultures.
1. Szentendre
Photo: Mark Dalton / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Szentendre is a charming riverside village north of Budapest, perfectly designed as one of the most popular places to visit near Budapest for a leisurely and culturally rich day out. Renowned for its pastel-coloured baroque buildings and cobbled streets, Szentendre has a uniquely romantic and artistic atmosphere. As you walk down its small alleys, you’ll discover a vibrant arts scene with numerous galleries, local artisan shops, and small cafés. The town features some interesting museums, including the popular Marzipan Museum, where marzipan sculptures of exquisite delicacy are exhibited. The Serbian heritage of the town adds to the cultural diversity, as seen in its churches and buildings.
Major Attractions: Fő tér, Serbian Orthodox Church, Hungarian Open-Air Museum.
Cost: 650 HUF / ₹165
2. Gödöllő Royal Palace
Photo: Rlevente / Wikimedia Commons
Only a 40-minute train ride outside of Budapest, the Gödöllő Royal Palace is among Hungary’s most elegant and historically significant landmarks. Once the favorite home of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, otherwise known as “Sisi,” this stunning baroque palace reflects the over-the-top life of the Habsburg dynasty. It captivates its tourists with its richly furnished interiors complete with silk-draped walls, ornate furnishings, and decadent halls. The palace features an 18th-century theatre, one of the oldest in all of Europe, which continues to hold performances today. The palace is ringed by a charming arboretum that was landscaped amazingly, offering a peaceful environment to walk around in rare trees and nicely manicured gardens.
Major Attractions: Palace tours, Baroque theatre, royal gardens
Cost: 3000 HUF / ₹800
3. Visegrád & Danube Bend
Photo: Julian Nyča / Wikimedia Commons
Just a 45 km drive north of Budapest lies the fascinating town of Visegrád, which lies along the beautiful Danube Bend and boasts a rich mix of history, adventure, and landscapes to take your breath away. This picturesque place is most famous for its medieval castle ruins high up on the river, and the panoramic views there are simply spectacular. Visitors can hike up to the Visegrád Citadel, where they can take a stroll along its ancient walls and admire the Danube and the hills around with their panoramic views. Nearby, the beautifully restored Renaissance Palace gives an insight into the opulent Middle Ages of Hungarian royalty.
Major Attractions: Visegrád Castle, Solomon Tower, Danube panorama
Cost: 2500 HUF / ₹630
4. Esztergom
Photo: Pudelek / Wikimedia Commons
Located about 45 km north of Budapest, Visegrád is an intriguing town on the beautiful Danube Bend with a rich diversity of history, adventure, and stunning scenery. Its most prominent feature is the medieval castle ruins dominating the river, offering breathtaking views that are just phenomenal. Visitors can ascend to the Visegrád Citadel and see its medieval walls, with breathtaking views over the Danube and surrounding hills. Also not far away are the beautiful Renaissance Palace, restored to its original splendor, which provides insight into the excesses of Hungary’s Middle-Age kings, and the Pálinka Museum, where visitors can sample and learn about Hungary’s fruit brandy culture.
Major Attractions: Esztergom Basilica, the old Royal Palace, Maria Valéria Bridge
Cost: 1100 HUF / ₹280 (Basilica)
5. Eger
Photo: Natalia Semenova / Wikimedia Commons
Located about 130 km northeast of Budapest, Eger is an interesting medieval town that blends history, tourism, and wine culture in a seamless way. Encircled by ancient stone walls, the town is famous for its imposing Eger Castle, which once repelled the Ottoman army in the 16th century. Its charming baroque streets can be explored by tourists on foot, who can also visit stunning churches and relax in the town’s healing thermal baths, well-known for their medicinal waters. Eger is also the site of the legendary Minorite Church and Lyceum, both marvels of architecture. As one of the most culturally rich places to see near Budapest, Eger makes a wonderful day trip or overnight outing.
Major Attractions: Eger Castle, Dobó Square, thermal baths, and wine cellars
Cost: 1900 HUF / ₹480 (castle) & 2500 HUF / ₹630 (thermal bath)
6. Lake Balaton
Photo: Takkk / Wikimedia Commons
Located approximately 100 km southwest of Budapest, the capital city, Lake Balaton, which is otherwise referred to as the “Hungarian Sea,” is Central Europe’s largest lake and one of the top tourist attractions near Budapest. Its brilliant blue waters stretch across scenic countryside, offering the perfect escape for beach lovers, sailors, spa-goers, and nature lovers. The northern shore is dotted with picturesque wine regions such as Badacsony, where you can raise a glass with regional wines amidst vineyard landscapes. Tihany Peninsula, with the stunning Benedictine Abbey and lavender fields, is a cultural and visual wonder to behold. Hévíz, on the west lake shore, famous for natural hot lakes ideal for cure baths, is worth a visit.
Major Attractions: Tihany Peninsula, Hévíz thermal baths, sunbathing resorts like Siófok
Cost: 2400 HUF / ₹600
7. Hollókő
Photo: Krzyżówki / Wikimedia Commons
Located around 90 km northeast of Budapest, Hollókő is a charming UNESCO World Heritage village that gives a glimpse into Hungary’s past rural way of life. The village is tastefully preserved with its timeless 17th–18th-century Palóc-style architecture set amidst whitewashed, wooden-frame houses along its winding streets. It is an open-air museum, where inhabitants still dress up in their traditional garb during festivals and engage in centuries-old traditions. On top of the hill are the ruins of Hollókő Castle with its distant views of the Cserhát Hills and the landscape unfolding. The village museum, craft houses, and old churches are also open to tourists, all contributing to Hollókő’s timeless and genuine charm.
Major Attractions: Village homes, Hollókő Castle, folk museums
Cost: 1200 HUF / ₹300 (museum)
8. Kecskemét
Photo: Pudelek (Marcin Szala) / Wikimedia Commons
Located about 90 km south of Budapest, Kecskemét is a vibrant town renowned for its architecturally distinctive Art Nouveau buildings and active cultural scene. Among the city’s architectural landmarks are the exquisitely ornamented Town Hall and the Cifrapalota, or “Ornamented Palace,” designed by renowned Hungarian architect Ödön Lechner. With its brightly coloured Zsolnay ceramic tiles and sweeping floral patterns, the Cifrapalota is a notable example of Hungarian Secessionist architecture and is today the Kecskemét Art Gallery. The city also features the Hungarian Photographic Museum, where the history of photography is unfolded by rare prints, cameras, and exhibitions.
Major Attractions: Cifrapalota, the town square, museums
Cost: 1500 HUF / ₹380
9. Aquaworld Resort
Photo: Aquaworld Resort Budapest / Wikimedia Commons
Located just north of Budapest, Aquaworld Resort is one of Europe’s largest indoor waterparks and a fantastic destination for families seeking fun and relaxation. Housed under a massive glass dome, the park features 12 thrilling water slides, wave pools, a surf beach, and themed adventure pools that replicate an exotic tropical environment. There is something for everyone of all ages, children can play safely in splash pools and play areas, and adults can unwind in the spa wing, with saunas, thermal pools, and a Turkish hammam. With on-site restaurants, hotel accommodations, and spa facilities, Aquaworld offers a full holiday package without ever leaving the city.
Major Attractions: Adventure pools, Turkish hammam, and saunas
Cost: 9000 HUF / ₹2300 for adults & 5000 HUF / ₹1300 children
10. Pécs
Photo: Pudelek / Wikimedia Commons
Pécs is a highly cultured and architecturally diverse city, blending Roman, Ottoman, and Hungarian heritage in perfect harmony. This south Hungarian jewel is famous for its ancient Roman necropolis, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering an interesting glimpse into early Christian burial rites. Its skyline is topped by the Mosque of Pasha Qasim, a unique building that has been repurposed as a Catholic church, a first-ever blend of Islamic and Christian architecture. Strolling through the city’s Baroque-style streets, visitors enjoy quaint squares, cafes, and beautifully preserved historic architecture. Among the most well-known attractions near Budapest is the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter, which is dedicated to the globally renowned ceramic craftsmanship created here.
Major Attractions: Early Christian legacy, mosque-church, Zsolnay Quarter
Cost: N/A
From majestic palaces and medieval fortresses to hot lakes and peasant villages, the places to visit near Budapest capture Hungary’s wealth of history, nature, and culture. Shaped by Roman, Ottoman, and Habsburg influences, these attractions guarantee varied experiences. With Austria, Slovakia, and Croatia neighboring Budapest, the city’s environs provide enchanting day trips. Whether you’re chasing castles or tasting local wines, TripXL will lead you through memorable getaways surrounding Hungary’s lively capital.
Cover Photo: Zsolt71 / Pixabay
