If you find yourself feeling bored in Budapest and are looking for some new experiences, there are plenty of options to consider. If you already have attended all of the different sightseeing tours in town, spice up your stay in Hungary with the following 3 half-day trips outside Budapest. Taking a half-day trip from Budapest to the nearby attractions can be refreshing and a change of scenery.

 

Szentendre:

Traveling on a shoestring from Budapest to Szentendre is quite manageable as it’s a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Here are some budget-friendly options to consider:

Train: The train is a convenient and affordable option to get to Szentendre from Budapest. Take the HÉV suburban railway from Batthyány Square (Batthyány tér) in Budapest to Szentendre. HÉV trains run regularly, and the journey takes around 40 minutes. 

Bus: Taking a bus is another economical choice. Look for buses departing from Újpest-Városkapu bus station (near the Újpest metro station, reachable with the M3 metro line). The bus ride to Szentendre takes approximately 45 minutes.

Bicycle: If you enjoy cycling and want a more adventurous and budget-friendly approach, consider renting a bicycle in Budapest and riding to Szentendre. The route follows the Danube River, providing a scenic and pleasant journey.

Boat: Take the Mahart Passnave boat, departing at 10:30 am every Wed, Fri, Sat, and Sunday and returning to Budapest at 5 pm. Adult return ticket: 5500 HUF (in 2023)

 

Here are some things you can do in Szentendre without breaking the bank:

Explore the Old Town: Szentendre’s old town is a picturesque area with narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and charming shops. Take a leisurely stroll through the town, admire the architecture, and soak in the artistic atmosphere. Szentendre’s unique architecture and charming streets offer great opportunities for photography. Capture the town’s beauty without any cost.

Art Galleries: Szentendre is known for its art scene, and many galleries offer free admission. You can browse through various art exhibitions and discover the work of local and international artists.

Danube River Promenade: Take a relaxing walk along the Danube River promenade, enjoy the scenic views, and perhaps have a picnic by the river.

Visegrád

Getting from Budapest to Visegrad is relatively easy. 

Boat: Take Mahart Passnave boat, departing at 9:30 am every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 5:30 pm Adult return ticket: 10000 HUF (in 2023)

Bus: There are bus services that operate between Budapest and Visegrád. Check the schedules and routes of various bus companies departing from Budapest, usually from Újpest-Városkapu bus station (near the Újpest metro station, reachable with the M3 metro line) to Visegrád. The journey by bus takes around 1 hour.

 

Visegrád offers plenty of activities and attractions that are budget-friendly and enjoyable. Here are some things you can do in Visegrád on a budget:

Visegrád Castle: The Visegrád Castle is the main attraction in the town, and you can explore its ruins and enjoy breathtaking views of the Danube River and the surrounding hills. The castle complex is vast, and entry to the outer courtyards is generally free. 

Citadel Wall and Solomon Tower: Walk along the old citadel walls and visit the Solomon Tower, which offers panoramic views of the Danube Bend. The tower is accessible without an admission fee.

Visegrád Royal Palace Ruins: The Royal Palace Ruins are another historical site worth exploring. 

Lupa Island

This island is located in the Danube River, near Budapest, and is a popular destination for kayakers and nature enthusiasts. Please keep in mind that kayaking on a river can be physically demanding and requires some kayaking experience

Béke Csónakház is located along the Danube River.

To get there, take bus 34 from the terminus of the M3 blue metro line and alight at Nimrod utca. From there, walk for approximately 3 minutes to reach Romai Part 53, where Béke Csónakház is situated. This is the place where you can rent kayaks or canoes. The full-day rental rate is 5000 HUF for 2 people. 

Before you embark on your kayak trip, ensure you have all the necessary safety equipment, such as life jackets and paddles. Also, check the weather forecast and river conditions to ensure it’s safe for kayaking.

After paddling for 15 kilometers from Budapest  you should reach Lupa Island

Navigation: Have a map or GPS device to navigate your way to Lupa Island. It’s essential to know the direction and distance to reach the island safely.  Enjoy the scenic views of the riverbanks and surrounding landscapes.

Take some time to explore Lupa Island, walk around, and enjoy the tranquility of the place. 

Get a cold beer and some beer snacks at the hidden pub located in the middle of the island. Please remember to follow Leave No Trace principles and take any trash with you when you leave the island. 

 

Enjoy your time in Budapest and these beautiful neighboring destinations!