Budapest is a vibrant and fascinating, but there is plenty to do in the rural district. The most obvious routes are going to the artists’ colony in picturesque Szentendre and the famous Danube Bend, which leads us to the ancient religious centers of Esztergom and Visegrád in the north, which can be reached by boat.
The small town of Gödöllö, located only 30 km. east of Budapest, is the site of Hungary’s largest Baroque mansion and a magnificent venue for a concert and a picnic on the grounds. HEV (urban railway) takes us there since Örs Vezér tér.
Szentendre
The splendid baroque old town of Szentendre is packed with galleries and museums as well as lots of restaurants, home and outdoor cafes. Worth exploring the cobbled streets, secret gardens and attractive townhouses, and need not venture too high up the slopes to find a local vineyard and a spectacular view.
There is a summer festival of concerts and dance performances starting in late June and culminates on Saint Stephen’s Day, on 20 August. The outdoor museum Skanzen, 4 miles east of Szentendre, is the largest collection of rural architecture of Hungary and is designed for tourists to feel the life outside the capital.
Visegrád
The first glimpse of Visegrád as you approach by boat will be the striking ruins of the citadel, located at a point high above the Danube Bend. It should go the way to the top, because we will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the river that flows underneath.
Also worth exploring the small town below, Solomon’s Tower and the Royal Palace to the north to return to the heyday of Visegrád track before the Mongol invasion. The surrounding mountains offer a great panoramic tour for those who have more time and energy, and also a summer toboggan run.
Esztergom
A further 25 km climb up the Danube from Szentendre, Esztergom is, which is famous for its imposing Basilica which is at the top of the hill and its memorable location on the Danube.
The city, home of Hungarian Catholicism and formally state capital, has a history dating back to the days of St. Stephen (San Esteban). The town retains a unique charm that is manifested in a huge amount of restaurants.
Highlands and Börzsöny Pilis
The hills around the Danube north of Budapest are a perfect place to escape the traffic and noise of Budapest and offers a natural world that can be easily accessed by those who enjoy traveling HÉV day and looking to stretch their legs. Autumn colors further enhance the sweeping forests and tourists with a keen eye have a good chance to spot a deer or a boar.
The Royal Palace of Gödöll?
The impressive Baroque mansion, located just 30 kilometers east of Budapest, was the summer residence of Empress Elizabeth (known affectionately as Sissi). Today provides a stunning backdrop for concerts and opera performances throughout the year, including the Baroque Palace days in August, the International Harp Festival and the Festival of Piano by Franz Liszt.
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