Given its central location as the capital, Budapest is blessed with a wide infrastructure network, allowing for fast and easy access to a whole host of towns full of local culture, along with nature areas if you prefer to enjoy the local flora and fauna, or if you're looking to go for a hike in the forest and the hills. Within just an hour’s journey, you get to explore even further dimensions of what Hungary has to show.
Szentendre is a well-known satellite town of Budapest and a great destination that can easily be reached by public transport or be included in a boat trip. Be sure to pick up some souvenirs and try out Szentendre’s famous marzipan.
Kisoroszi is a beautiful waterside city, one of the favorites of Budapesters looking for some vibrant nature. Grown-ups and children will surely find some fun activities here, whether you’re looking to play a game of golf or to go horseback riding.
Visegrád is best known for its spectacular views of the Danube from the famous hilltop castle. Once the home to royalty, the castle and the surrounding area offer many fun activities for the children, ranging from archery to bobsledding. When visiting, be sure to take the ferry to the other side of the river to get a different perspective on the town and its natural setting.
Zebegény is found in the northern part of Pest County and is yet another ideal hiking place. Visit one of the many museums in the area and marvel at the great curve of the Danube Bend.
Királyrét, literally “King’s meadow” is a hilltop destination that can be accessed by a forest train or, if you’re feeling energetic, rail bikes! If you’re looking for something more laid back, this is an ideal place to go fishing or simply to enjoy a family picnic.
Nagy-Hideg-hegy is an 864-meter high hill, making it the third highest peak in Börzsöny. It has a tourist resort operating throughout the year, and in the wintertime is a much-frequented skiing destination.
Dobogókő is another destination from which to soak up sights of the Danube after trekking through the forest. It has some pretty esoteric history; it is believed that a chakra is found here, which gives those visiting the energy of the planet.
Gödöllő is a classic destination; every Hungarian has been here at least once on a school field trip. The city is filled with historical buildings that will easily fill a whole day with sightseeing, most obviously its fabulous Royal Palace (built in a style that became known as Gödöllő Baroque), but you might also want to visit the local nature reserve. The Castle of Gödöllő is one of the most remarkable castles of Hungary simply because of its size. This is one of the biggest baroque castles in the world. This was the summer residence of Queen Elisabeth, or Sissi during the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. Sissi enjoyed being here; Hungarians loved her and treated her very friendly.
Visit Hungary’s biggest religious building in Esztergom, the local Basilica. Climb to the dome and see for yourself the staggering view of the surroundings. The city has one of the largest collections of religious relics and artifacts in central Europe and also boasts a major lineup of arts and crafts from a diverse range of international artists.
Etyek is rightfully famous for its deeply rooted traditions in winemaking that dates back all the way to the Romans. The city can be considered Budapest’s vineyard, there are now hundreds of cellars producing a vast variety of top-quality red, white and sparkling wines. The picturesquely rustic wine village is host to a traditional picnic featuring the top wines and gastronomic treasures typical of the town.