A small but amazing country with an interesting, dramatic history, it occupies an unusually picturesque territory, with a varied landscape, generous wealth of nature and extraordinary musicality. One of the most majestic rivers in Europe, the Danube, flows through Hungary, where all Hungarian rivers flow. While in the Hungarian capital Budapest, you can make day trips from there to interesting places in Hungary and neighboring countries. So, we will tell you where you can go from Budapest for 1 day on your own.
Eger
The ancient town of Eger is located 130 km from Budapest, allowing its authentic view to plunge into the ancient history of the country. Now Eger has become a place of tourist pilgrimage, thanks to the presence of the famous baths, a developed culture of winemaking and an abundance of rare attractions. To get a vivid idea of this wonderful corner of the country, you should see the following attractions:
Eger Castle is a kind of monument to the heroic history associated with the invasion of the Mongols (1241) and the Turks (1552). Now the castle, which is a museum, looks very picturesque, a tour of it is a penetration into the glorious past of this amazing country.
Basilica of Eger is a Catholic church, the most beautiful building of which was built in the neoclassical style, officially named after St. John the Apostle and Evangelist and today is the Cathedral of Eger. A visit to the church leaves a deep impression.
The Valley of Beauties, famous for its wine cellars and excellent local wines - the beautiful suburb of Eger is a real paradise for wine gourmets and tourists alike. Here they are treated to the best wines with delicious national dishes in a romantic setting created by performances of virtuoso musicians performing exciting gypsy melodies. It is assumed that the place got its name due to the arrival of many beautiful women here.
The minaret church, located on the central square of Istvan Dobo, captivates with its magnificent baroque beauty, both external and internal. On 2 bell towers (minarets) the clock strikes 3 times a day, the frescoes (16th century) and the amazing sculpture of St. Anthony.
Aggtelek National Park
In Tokay, famous for its wine, there is the equally famous Aggtelek National Park with unique karst caves (200 objects) and amazing relief of the surrounding area. The flora and fauna of the reserve are unique: trees and shrubs grow here, which cannot be seen in other territories, and 400 species of rare birds live.
The extraordinary beauty and amazing natural design of the caves attracts a huge number of tourists here, including many speleologists, both professionals and amateurs. The reserve is a real treasure for archaeologists who are convinced that the mysterious caves have served people for 7 thousand years. Now a sanatorium is open here, where diseases of the respiratory system are treated on the basis of a special microclimate. And the unique views of the reserve, the unearthly fabulousness of the caves give peace of mind and joyful delight.
Esztergom and the Maria Valeria Bridge
A small ancient town, which saw within its borders both the Celts, the Romans and the Germans, can be called a historical Stoic. The city, which survived the barbaric destruction and devastation by the Turks and fascists, rose from the ashes, like Phoenix, and now it is a symbol of the great history of the state, embodied in architectural and religious monuments. The first of the Hungarian kings, Istvan, was born here, who became a saint after his life (his appearance is immortalized in a majestic monument).
The main one is the Basilica of St. Adalbert is a colossal structure (height 71.5 m, width 40 m, length 118 m), visible from afar. The majestic temple was built on a place consecrated by previous churches and is the 3rd shrine in Europe, striking in its scale, beauty of architecture and spiritual fullness. Below, in the script, lies the ashes of great historical figures, the treasury contains ancient objects of church use, vestments of priests - valuable rarities.
Like Estergon itself, the bridge, named after the daughter of the Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph, is a symbol of resilience. Built in 1895, it was destroyed 2 times (1920, 1945) and was rebuilt again. The 500-meter belt of the bridge, which spans picturesquely across the majestic Danube, connects Estergon with the Slovak town of Sturovo (a very convenient crossing). A visit to the Archbishop's Palace, a magnificent neoclassical building, will enrich spiritually and aesthetically. The expositions of the Christian Museum will conquer with the richness and variety of works of Hungarian art, canvases of Renaissance Italian painting and other unique exhibits.
Szekesfehervar
"Alba Regia" - this is how beautifully in Latin this city was first called, erected in 970 by the Hungarian prince Geza among rugged swamps. The city was to become the cradle of Hungarian statehood and Hungarian kings (30 coronations took place in it), the first capital of Hungary. Traveling around Szekesfehervar, you are convinced that this is a city-museum, where monuments and monuments can be found at every step. The most beautiful building of the Episcopal Palace rises on the main square of Varoshkhaz, opposite - "Power" - a huge monument of royal power, crowned with an elegant crown and an inscription praising Istvan. Climbing up to the observation deck (from the edge of the square), you can see a stunning panorama of the "royal city".
The main city cathedral of St. Istvan (baroque style) amazes with its richest decoration and outstanding works of great masters decorating the interiors of the church. There are 2 more temples nearby, which are also worth a look. The mushroom-like building - Bori Castle - the most unusual architectural structure in the city, created by the imagination of the local architect and sculptor Yono Bori, makes an irresistible impression with its appearance. Elements of the Romanesque, Gothic and Scottish chateau styles are intricately intertwined in it. The castle can be admired endlessly.
Szentendre + Vysehrad
If you do not visit the charming Hungarian town of Szentendre, located in the picturesque bend of the Danube, you cannot fully get acquainted with the history of this unique country. This cute town reflects the history of the Serbs who fled from the brutal Ottoman invasion and found shelter in Hungary. Here, everything that has been inherited from them is made in Serbian traditions: narrow cobblestone streets, painted facades with baroque decorations, red tiled roofs - everything is very picturesque, like in children's pictures.
Szentendre is Hungary's unofficial art capital - many galleries and museums display paintings and sculptures by many brush and chisel artists. Here, literally every house, every building is a building with an original design, from which it is difficult to look away. A walk through the picturesque streets is a great pleasure, as is a visit to the one-of-a-kind Marzipan Museum.
The city of Vysehrad, located next to Setendre, arose from the Vysehrad fortress, erected on the top of the mountain in the 13th century. as a protective structure. To this day, only 1 watchtower (Solomon's tower) has survived in its entirety, in which, according to legend, the notorious Count Dracula spent years of imprisonment. Almost at the very banks of the Danube, you can see the ruins of the famous architectural masterpiece made of red marble (15th century) - the Palace of King Matthias Corvinus. He amazed everyone with his irresistibly beautiful appearance and was considered the most luxurious in Europe.The restoration of the palace as a priceless cultural and historical monument is underway.
Gödöllö
The town of Gödöllö is especially interesting for visiting because it houses a luxurious royal palace with a cozy park adjacent to it, through which the beloved Hungarian Sisi once walked - Empress Elizabeth, wife of Franz Joseph. In her honor there is a graceful sculpture of a slender girl full of noble grace under an umbrella, proudly gazing at the magnificent estate; The park is named after her. Inspection of the inner chambers of the palace - a breathtaking tour of the halls and bedrooms of the imperials, shining with the dazzling beauty of the interiors, graceful stucco moldings and other decorations. A special thrill is the inspection of Sisi's private rooms, objects, things that surrounded this amazing woman during her lifetime. A trip to Gödöllö is a lot of romantic impressions!
Heviz
A 3-hour drive from Budapest is located no less famous than Balaton, Lake Heviz and the resort of the same name. It is worth coming here for 1 day to see the enchanting beauty of nature surrounding the thermal lake, rich in healing mud and mineral water of various types. Here you can admire plenty of truly magical landscapes, equally beautiful at any time of the year, drink healing water, stroll through the city, immersed in a flower kaleidoscope of various shades.
The city of Heviz is the embodiment of a rich historical past, so there are many interesting historical sights here. After the walk, you can relax in one of the many inns, taste local wine and have a delicious Hungarian meal before returning to Budapest.
Skip-the-line: Széchenyi baths full day - 18 €
Classic, Premium or Deluxe hop-on hop-off bus - 16.20 €
Full day at the Gellért Spa center without queues - 19 €
2-hour Danube cruise with live music - 21 €
Danube cruise with candlelight dinner - 60 €
Organ music concert at St. Stephen's Basilica - 20 €
Budapest Tourist Card - 22 €
Bratislava
Given the wide choice of transport links between Budapest and Bratislava, you should definitely take advantage of this and visit the beautiful city, which literally "blossomed", becoming the capital of Slovakia. A huge number of restored medieval architectural monuments, churches, squares made Bratislava a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.
It is impossible to see all the interesting places in a day, but one cannot but visit the Main and Franciscan squares, look at the Jesuit Church of St. Savior, Town Hall, Slovak National Theater. From a distance you can see the Castle Hill with the castle "Bratislava Castle" towering on it, which is popularly called "the inverted table". A visit to the Gothic Cathedral (House of St. Martin), Michalsky Gate will be transferred to the 14-15th century. in. The most exciting, unforgettable impressions will remain from a trip to the beautiful Bratislava.
Buy a bus ticket online for 849,00 ₽
Pannonhalma Abbey
Located on the top of Mount St. Martin Catholic Abbey of Pannonhalm is the second largest in the world with the oldest monastery in Hungary, in the history of which the entire history of the state is embodied. Many times the buildings of the abbey were rebuilt, and as a result, features of various architectural styles were combined in their appearance.
The most famous attraction of the Pannonhalma Abbey is the Monument Basilica (13th century). After several reconstructions, the ancient church delights the eyes with the luxurious beauty of the interior. The monastery library is striking in the scale of its book funds, where a collection (360 thousand volumes) of books is kept, including the most valuable folios. A visit to the abbey is an amazing immersion in the great and dramatic history of the Hungarian state.
Lake Balaton
There is hardly a single tourist who has not visited the famous lake while traveling in Hungary. Balaton is as famous as Baikal, although it is much smaller. A lace of romantic legends is woven around a unique lake, which was popular even among the ancient Romans due to its natural resources and amazing landscape beauty.
In the vicinity of Lake Balaton, there is a national park located on the Balaton Upland, with a unique relief of volcanic origin. In it you can see ancient craters, dormant volcanoes, gushing fountains of geysers. Here even the air has healing power, so people come here to treat the respiratory system. Vineyards are green around, there are many different sights. A trip to Balaton is a pleasant and rewarding 1-day trip.
Pecs
The cultural capital of Europe - the city of Pecs, which arose during the time of the ancient Romans, is famous for its Zsolnay ceramics factory, the earliest Christian burial in Europe (on St. Stephen's Square), included in the UNESCO list and for its unique sights. On the Széchenyi Square there is the Parish Church of Belvaros and the Column of the Holy Trinity. Opposite the majestic administrative building stands a monument to the outstanding commander of the troops (15th century) Janos Hunyadi. On pl. Kossuth places of interest - Town Hall, Synagogue; on Domskaya pl. - Romanesque Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul. It is impossible to see all the monuments in abundance here in 1 day.
Zagreb
Croatian Zagreb attracts tourists with its special flavor, the unique charm of certain places and the calm beauty of the streets, buildings and squares. Tourists note the extraordinary cleanliness of the sidewalks, on which you will not see an abandoned cigarette butt or a plastic bottle - the inhabitants of Zagreb love their city. Here, where many styles are intertwined in architecture, there is a lot to see, and it can take several days to see.
A one-day trip around Zagreb should be spent in the most atmospheric district of Dolniy Grad, which reflects the historical and Catholic past, cultural development and modern trends of Croatia. Ban Josip Jelacic Square (a monument to him), surrounded by picturesque buildings, is the busiest place in the city. Here, young people make appointments, tourists gather, parents and children walk, in the evenings there are concerts where street musicians compete in the virtuosity of performing various melodies.
In a local restaurant or bar (there are a great variety of them), you can taste national snacks and dishes. At the farmers' market (next to the square) there is a bright abundance of vegetables, fruits, cheeses. As a symbol of the country's agrarianism, at the entrance to the "fruit and vegetable paradise" everyone is greeted by the unfemininely mighty sculpture of a Collective Farm Woman with a huge basket on her head - the personification of painstaking labor and generosity of the earth. The Catholic Zagreb Cathedral, which underwent a complete reconstruction after the earthquake in 1988, is unusually beautiful here. The huge glass monolith of the Dubrovnik hotel in the Art Nouveau style is of interest. From visiting Zagreb - only pleasant memories!
Buy a bus ticket online for 1 409,00 ₽ - travel time- 4:30 h.
