Szentendre: how to plan the perfect day trip from Budapest
If you’re looking for an easy day trip from Budapest, Szentendre should be at the top of your list. Just 40 minutes away from the capital, this riverside town is famous for its colorful Baroque houses, cobblestone streets and lively art scene.
Known as Hungary’s “artistic capital,” Szentendre has attracted painters, sculptors, and writers for more than a century. Today, its charming old town is filled with galleries, museums, and cozy cafés where you can soak up the creative atmosphere.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your visit: how to get to Szentendre from Budapest, how long to stay, a bit of its history, what to do, and the best places to eat. Enjoy!
What to do in Szentendre
The charm of Szentendre lies in wandering without a strict plan — every corner of the old town reveals colorful houses, hidden courtyards, and unique museums. Still, there are a few highlights you won’t want to miss on your day trip!
@budapestfortourists Day trip from Budapest? Take the train to Szentendre! In 30 minutes you’re in a cute little town by the Danube, with Cafés, art, cobblestone streets and river breeze. Perfect for a slow afternoon escape! #creatorsearchinsights #hungarytravel #budapestbudapestdaytrip #szentendre
♬ Optymistyczny nastroj (Czterdziestolatek) - Jerzy 'Dudus' Matuszkiewicz
Walk through the Old Town
Stroll along the cobblestone streets and take in the pastel-colored Baroque houses. The main square and its side alleys are perfect for photos, small art galleries, and souvenir shops.
Marzipan Museum (Szamos Marcipán Múzeum)
One of the quirkiest attractions in Szentendre, the Marzipan Museum is a must for anyone with a sweet tooth. Inside you’ll find elaborate sculptures made entirely of marzipan, from fairy-tale characters and cartoon figures to celebrities like Michael Jackson, and even a detailed model of the Hungarian Parliament.
The museum is part of a confectionery and café, so after exploring the exhibits you can taste fresh marzipan treats or pick up edible souvenirs to take home. There are also fascinating displays about the history of marzipan production in Hungary, with old tools and devices once used by master confectioners like Mátyás Szamos. If you’re lucky, you might even see artisans at work creating new figures.
Address: Dumtsa Jenő u. 14, 2000 Szentendre
Kovács Margit Ceramic Museum
For art lovers, this is the most fascinating museum in Szentendre. It celebrates the life and work of Margit Kovács (1902–1977), one of Hungary’s most influential ceramic artists and a Kossuth Prize laureate. She revitalized Hungarian ceramics with a style that blended folk traditions, biblical themes, and modern expression.
The museum opened in 1973, inside a 17th-century Baroque building that once served as a salt office, post station, and trading house. Today it displays more than 300 works, from early expressive sculptures to delicate Byzantine-inspired wall panels, peasant genre scenes, and mythological pieces created in her later years.
Address: Vastagh György u. 1, 2000 Szentendre
Ferenczy Museum
Housed in the elegant 18th-century Pajor Mansion, the Ferenczy Museum is the main art museum of Szentendre. It takes its name from Károly Ferenczy, a leading figure of Hungarian modern art, and continues his legacy by showcasing both local and international artists.
Originally opened in 1951 as a town history collection, the museum was fully transformed in 2013 when it moved into its current Baroque building on Kossuth Lajos Street. Today it focuses on 20th-century and contemporary art, with temporary exhibitions that highlight Szentendre’s strong artistic identity as well as broader international projects.
It’s the place to go if you want to see how this riverside town earned its reputation as Hungary’s “artistic capital.”
Address: 5 Kossuth Lajos Street, 2000 Szentendre
Hubay House – Christmas Exhibition and Salon
Open all year round, this place is both a shop and an exhibition of Christmas decorations. It’s quite pricey, but even if you don’t buy anything, it feels like walking through a museum of holiday ornaments from every style and era.
Address: Bercsényi u. 1, 2000 Szentendre
Belgrade Church (Cathedral of the Dormition of the Theotokos)
One of the largest Serbian Orthodox churches in Hungary, the Belgrade Church is a striking reminder of the Serbian community that settled in Szentendre after the 1690 Great Exodus. Its current Baroque exterior dates back to the 18th century, while its foundations incorporate stones and bricks salvaged from smaller Serbian churches in town.
The church’s tower, added in the early 1730s, is one of the most distinctive landmarks in Szentendre. Stepping inside, you’ll find richly decorated interiors that reflect centuries of Serbian religious art and history.
Address: Alkotmány u., 2000 Szentendre
Where to eat in Szentendre
Food is a big part of the Szentendre experience. Whether you’re looking for traditional Hungarian dishes, a quick street food snack, or just something sweet to cool down on a summer day, the town has plenty of options to try. Here are some of the most popular spots:
Aranysárkány Vendéglő
A cozy restaurant close to the Danube, Aranysárkány serves Hungarian and Central European dishes with a homey touch. It’s a good choice if you want a proper sit-down meal in a charming setting.
Address: Alkotmány u. 1/a, 2000 Szentendre
Elisabeth Étterem
If you’re after authentic Hungarian flavors, Elisabeth Étterem is a safe bet. Expect classics like goulash, paprikash, and seasonal dishes, all served in a traditional-style dining room.
Address: Fő tér 17, 2000 Szentendre
Fantázia Lángos
One of the most famous lángos stalls in town. Lángos is a Hungarian street food you can’t miss: a deep-fried flatbread usually topped with sour cream and grated cheese. Crispy, filling, and comforting, it’s a favorite snack for locals and visitors alike.
Address: Bercsényi u. 5, 2000 Szentendre
Centrum Fagyizó
This ice cream shop is located in a beautiful old house right where one street splits into two, making it a little landmark of Szentendre. The ice cream is tasty and refreshing — perfect for dessert after a meal or to cool down while exploring the town in summer.
Address: Fő tér 7, 2000 Szentendre
How to get to Szentendre from Budapest?
The easiest way to reach Szentendre is by suburban train (HÉV). You can board the HÉV line from two central stations in Budapest: Batthyány tér (M2 metro line) or Buda Hídfő (reachable by tram 4–6). Both are easy to get to with regular public transport from the city center.
Keep in mind that Budapest transport tickets are valid only within the city limits. To travel all the way to Szentendre, you’ll need to buy a separate extension ticket from the purple ticket machines at the station.
In 2025, the extra ticket to Szentendre costs 450 HUF (around €1.20), making it one of the most affordable day trips from Budapest. The ride takes about 40 minutes, and once you arrive at Szentendre station, it’s a pleasant 10-minute walk to the old town center.
For the return journey, just buy the same type of ticket at the station and retrace your route back to Budapest. Trains run frequently, so it’s easy to plan your trip without stress.
@budapestfortourists Szentendre is such a lovely day trip from Budapest! The town is full of art galleries, cozy cafés and great restaurants, right by the Danube. It’s super easy to get there: just a 30-minute train ride from Budai Hídfő. Save this tip for your trip! #hungarytravel #budapest #szentendre #traveltips #budapestdaytrips
How long to stay in Szentendre?
For most visitors, a full day is ideal to enjoy everything Szentendre has to offer, from exploring its museums to strolling along the Danube and lingering over a meal at one of its riverside restaurants.
With a full day you can take things at a relaxed pace, discover the town’s artistic side, and even stay into the evening in summer, when cafés and bars remain lively.
If you don’t plan to enter museums, however, half a day is enough. You can walk through the old town, admire the colorful houses, stop for lunch or coffee, and see the main attractions before heading back to Budapest.
A little bit of Szentendre’s history
Szentendre’s story goes back to ancient times. The Romans established a settlement here called Ulcisia Castra, and by the early Middle Ages it had become a royal estate of the Hungarian kings, first mentioned in 1009. Over the centuries the town survived floods, fires, and epidemics, always keeping its unique character.
A major turning point came in the late 17th century, when Serbian refugees fled the Ottoman Empire and settled in Szentendre. They left a lasting mark on the town’s architecture, culture, and religious life, building Orthodox churches and giving the town its distinctive Mediterranean feel. This era shaped Szentendre into a place of diversity, resilience, and creativity.
By the early 20th century, artists began flocking to Szentendre, inspired by its colorful streets, riverside views, and multicultural past. An artists’ colony was born, and the town soon became known as Hungary’s “artistic capital.” Today, its galleries, museums, and artisan shops carry forward that tradition, making it one of the most beloved cultural destinations near Budapest.
Practical tips for your Szentendre day trip
Planning your visit well makes the experience smoother and more enjoyable. Szentendre is an easy trip from Budapest, but a few simple tips can help you save time, avoid small inconveniences, and make the most of your day:
- Best time to visit: Szentendre is at its most charming from spring to autumn, when you can also take the boat back to Budapest on the Danube. In winter, the town is quieter but still worth it;
- Don’t go too early: most cafés, shops, and museums open later in the morning, so arriving around 11 am is perfect to enjoy the town without rushing;
- Walking shoes: the cobblestone streets can be uneven, so wear comfortable shoes for exploring the old town;
- Tickets and transport: remember that the Budapest transport pass doesn’t cover the suburban train to Szentendre. Buy the extension ticket (450 HUF / ~€1.20) at the purple machines;
- Bring coins: you’ll need them to use public toilets if needed. The average fee is around 400 HUF.
Conclusion
Szentendre is one of those places that perfectly combines history, art, and small-town charm. With its colorful houses, unique museums, and riverside cafés, it offers the ideal escape from the hustle of Budapest while still being just a short train ride away.
Whether you spend a few hours or a full day, the town’s artistic spirit and relaxed atmosphere make it one of the most rewarding day trips in Hungary.
If you’re planning your itinerary, don’t miss our guide to the must see and do in Budapest!