- Artsy town | riverside charm | culture lovers
- A colorful riverside town known for its cobbled streets, art galleries, and museums.
- Ideal for a relaxed half-day escape with cafes, local crafts, and Danube views.
- Distance from Budapest: ~20 km
Set along the banks of the Danube, Budapest blends grand architecture, thermal baths, and a lively cafe culture shaped by centuries of history. Beyond the city, some of Hungary’s most scenic towns, cultural landmarks, and natural escapes are just a short journey away. From the riverside villages of the Danube Bend to the vineyards of Eger and the tranquil shores of Lake Balaton, day trips from Budapest offer an easy way to experience more of the country in a single day.
Quick overview:





| Destination | Distance from Budapest | Travel time (one way) | Top highlights | Inclusions | Upgrades | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Szentendre | ~20km | ~40–60min | Baroque old town, art galleries, Danube promenade | Transport, free time or guided walk (depending on tour) | River cruise return, small-group tour | Short escapes, culture lovers |
| Danube Bend | ~40–60km | ~1–1.5hrs | Esztergom Basilica, Visegrad Castle, riverside villages | Guided coach tour, selected entries | Danube cruise, lunch, skip-the-line access | First-time visitors, scenic touring |
| Gödöllő | ~30km | ~45–60min | Royal Palace, Habsburg history, palace gardens | Transport, palace entry, guided visit | Audio guide, small-group upgrade | History & architecture fans |
| Lake Balaton | ~135km | ~2–2.5hrs | Lake views, Tihany Peninsula, vineyards | Transport, guided stops, cruise (seasonal) | Wine tasting, extended free time | Nature lovers, summer travelers |
| Kecskemwet | ~85km | ~1–1.5hrs | Art Nouveau buildings, town square | Transport, guided city walk | Local tastings, cultural add-ons | Off-the-beaten-path explorers |
| Visegrad Castle | ~45km | ~1–1.25hrs | Medieval fortress, Danube panoramas | Transport, castle entry, guided tour | Medieval lunch, river cruise | History seekers, photographers |
Reach historic towns, castles, and natural landscapes within 1–2.5 hours of the city, perfect for seeing more without changing hotels.
From royal palaces and medieval fortresses to lakeside resorts and riverside villages, Hungary’s highlights are surprisingly close to Budapest.
Relax with round-trip transfers by coach, train, or river cruise, avoiding navigation, parking, and schedule planning.
Guided tours bring Hungary’s history, architecture, and local stories to life, adding depth beyond what you’d see on your own.
Choose between fully guided itineraries or trips with free time, with optional upgrades like Danube cruises, wine tastings, or palace entry.






Most popular day trip destinations are within 1 to 2.5 hours one way. This makes places like Szentendre, the Danube Bend, Gödöllő, and even Lake Balaton comfortably doable in a single day.
Many guided tours include central meeting points or hotel pickup within Budapest, while others start at a designated location. Always check the tour details to confirm pickup options before booking.
Guided tours are ideal if you want hassle-free transport, historical context, and pre-arranged entry to attractions. Independent travel offers more flexibility but requires planning transport, tickets, and timing on your own.
Most day trips include round-trip transportation and either guided sightseeing or free time at the destination. Some tours also include attraction entry tickets, river cruises, or lunch, check inclusions carefully.
Yes, many destinations such as Szentendre, Lake Balaton, and Gödöllő Palace are family-friendly. However, some walking-heavy or long-duration tours may be better suited to older children.
During peak season (June–August) and around holidays, it’s best to book several days in advance as tours can sell out quickly. In spring and autumn, booking 1–2 days ahead is usually sufficient.
Most tours operate year-round, but some experiences, such as lake cruises or vineyard visits, are seasonal. Winter schedules may be reduced, with shorter daylight hours affecting itineraries.
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a valid photo ID are recommended. For longer trips, bringing water, snacks, and sun protection (in summer) is also a good idea.

Jingle all the way to Szentendre! Scenic Danube cruise + Szentendre’s Christmas Market bursting with gifts & cheer.
Inclusions
Round-trip Budapest–Szentendre cruise
Free time in Szentendre Christmas market
Exclusions
Tour guide
Entry tickets
Ice skating rink entry fee (1000 HUF)
Ice skates rent fee/person (2500 HUF)
Discover Hungary’s historic Danube Bend with guided visits to Visegrád, Esztergom & Szentendre.
Inclusions
Danube Bend day trip from Budapest
English & Spanish-speaking guide
Transfers in an AC vehicle
Budapest return boat ticket (May–Sep weekends only)
Exclusions
Hotel pick-up & drop-off
Lunch
Sights that wow, lunch that hits the spot, and a cruise that makes you forget you’re on a tour. That’s the Danube Bend done right!
Inclusions
Guided tour of Esztergom, Visegrad, Szentendre
Spanish, English, French, German & Italian-speaking guide
Transfers by AC bus
3-course Hungarian lunch
Return to Budapest by boat (Fri–Sun, May 15–Oct 31)
Return to Budapest by bus (Wed, May 15–Oct 31)
Exclusions
Discover Szentendre’s artistic charm on a guided half-day escape from Budapest, with a scenic Danube cruise included on select days.
Inclusions
Szentendre guided tour from Budapest
Spanish, English, French, German & Italian-speaking guide
Transfers by AC bus
Return boat cruise to Budapest on Fri, Sat, Sun (May 15–Oct 27)
Return by bus on Tuesday tours (May 15–Oct 29)
Exclusions
Step into royal history with a guided half-day trip from Budapest to the grand Gödöllő Palace, once the beloved summer retreat of Queen Sissi.
Inclusions
Guided tour of Gödöllő from Budapest
Transfers in an AC vehicle
English or Spanish-speaking guide (as per option selected)
Entry to the Palace (as per option selected)
Exclusions
Cruise across Lake Balaton and hit Tihany’s must-see spots with a scenic sail and guided walk.
Inclusions
Full-day tour of Lake Balaton & Tihany Peninsula
Transfers in an AC vehicle
Boat cruise on Lake Balaton
Spanish-speaking professional guide (as per option selected)
English-speaking professional guide (as per option selected)
Exclusions
Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Lunch
Shopaholics, rejoice! Direct luxury outlet trip from Budapest with top brands + VIP discounts.
Inclusions
Full-day shopping tour
Direct shuttle bus from Budapest
Transfers in an AC vehicle
Access to over 160 designer stores
Discounts up to 70% on brands
Tax refund for non-EU citizens
Exclusions
Guide
Food & clothes (all at personal expense)
• Carry a valid passport or photo ID. • Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes. • Bring a payment method (credit/debit card and some cash) for personal purchases.
• Smoking is prohibited inside the vehicle. • No food or alcoholic beverages may be consumed onboard.
• This tour is not wheelchair accessible due to uneven terrain and boarding conditions.
• Non-EU travelers can claim tax refunds on eligible purchases made at the outlet, keep your receipts.
Explore the iconic Danube Bend on a guided journey through Visegrad, Esztergom, and Szentendre.
Inclusions
Guided tour of Danube Bend
Transfers in an AC vehicle
English & Spanish-speaking guide
Boat ride (Szentendre – Budapest) (May-September)
Exclusions
Lunch
Entry to the museums
Inclusions
Guided tour of Godollo Royal Palace
Entry ticket to the Palace
Professional English or Spanish-speaking tour guide
Transportation in an AC vehicle from Budapest
Exclusions
Inclusions
Live-guided tour
Transfer to Gödöllő and back to Budapest
Air-conditioned bus
Entry ticket
Exclusions
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.