Just twenty kilometers from Budapest lies a town that looks like an artist’s palette brought to life amidst colorful cobblestone streets. This is Szentendre – a small jewel on the bank of the Danube, which has rightfully become the Hungarian capital of art and crafts. With its preserved Baroque appearance, charming atmosphere, and rich history as a refuge for various peoples (including Bulgarians), Szentendre is the perfect destination for a romantic day trip from the Hungarian capital.
Where is located and how to get there
The town is located only 20 kilometers from the capital, Budapest, making it an ideal destination for a day trip. You have several excellent options to reach it: car, train (HÉV), or boat (the boat is especially attractive during the warmer season).
The easiest and quickest way by public transport is with the suburban railway H5 HÉV. It departs from Batthyány tér station (located on the M2 red metro line) and goes directly to Szentendre. The journey takes about 40 minutes. It is important to know that if you have a daily Budapest travel card, you must purchase an additional ticket for the section outside the city zone (from Békásmegyer to Szentendre – HERE you can find detailed information).
See car rental options in Hungary
We used a car, which is the most convenient and fastest option if you have a vehicle in Hungary. The location is quite popular and difficult to miss. Keep in mind that parking spaces in Szentendre are limited. We managed to find a free spot in a small square – Bajcsy-Zsilinszky u. 3., but for a guaranteed spot, you can head to the paid parking area Fizető parkoló.
See places to stay in Szentendre
View from above
The parking spot is extremely convenient, just 3-4 blocks from the central area. Before immersing ourselves in the colorful chaos of the square, we head to the highest point dominating the town – the Roman Catholic Church of St. John (Szent János).
The church, built in the 18th century in the Baroque style, stands on the Templomdomb (Church Hill) and offers the opportunity to catch a bird’s-eye view of the town. You reach it by following a very narrow and steep little street! From the top, you will see the red-tiled roofs, the colorful facades of the Baroque houses, and the winding streets leading down to the Danube. This is the perfect spot to take your first photos and get an idea of the charming labyrinth below you.
The heart of Szentendre – Piața Fő tér
After a short descent, we find ourselves directly in the Central Square (Fő tér)! Surrounded by colorful Baroque buildings, it is the pulsating heart of the town. These buildings, painted in pastel tones, were once owned by wealthy merchants. The Plague Cross (Maros-kereszt) stands in the very center of the square, built in the 17th century as a sign of gratitude that the town had been spared from the epidemic raging at the time. The square is the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of coffee, soaking up its pleasant atmosphere.
The Multifaceted town – Serbian and Bulgarian heritage
The colorful atmosphere of Szentendre is no accident – it is the result of centuries of immigration. The town served as a refuge for a large number of Serbian settlers during the Great Serbian Migration in the 17th century, leaving a lasting imprint on the architecture and culture. A curious fact is that a considerable number of Bulgarians also found a home in Szentendre, emigrating after the failure of the Chiprovtsi Uprising (1688), and even established their own quarter. Settlers from many other countries have found their home here over the years. This multicultural environment turned Szentendre into a gathering point for artists and craftsmen at the beginning of the 20th century, and today, Hungarians, Germans, Serbians, Croatians, Slovaks, and others live here.
Lost in the labyrinth of galleries and crafts
Lose yourself aimlessly in the labyrinth of picturesque cobblestone streets, but be sure to find one of the most charming – Bogdányi street. Today, Szentendre has become a tourist destination that attracts visitors not only with its Baroque appearance but also with its exquisite local creations. Galleries, ateliers, and small shops are everywhere, offering ceramics, handmade souvenirs, traditional Hungarian fabrics, spices, and more.
Don‘t miss peeking into the small, almost unnoticeable street, Ferenczy Károly Köz – it is one of the hidden gems that leads to even more picturesque courtyards and cafés. The colorful cafés and the multitude of flowers along the main streets simply complete the artistic fairy tale.
If you stop by only one store during your visit to Szentendre, let it be Blue Land Folklor! A small, chaotic botanical garden of pots and flowers will greet you at its entrance, hinting at the artistic spirit within. The owner is an incredibly kind lady who is like an encyclopedia on the topic of traditional Hungarian fabrics and crafts, and her stories are delivered with astonishing passion!
A walk along the Danube
Sooner or later, after enjoying the labyrinth of colorful streets, you will reach the waterfront promenade of Szentendre. This part of the town definitely pales in comparison to the vibrant color palette we encountered in the center, but it offers a pleasant sense of calm. Compared to Budapest, the riverbed here is considerably narrower. The promenade is a wonderful place for relaxation, lined with comfortable benches, bike paths, and a few establishments from where you can watch the boats. The boats to Budapest also depart from here, making for an attractive way to travel between the two cities during the warmer months.
Traditional Hungarian lunch – Langos
After all that walking, it’s time for lunch, and what better way than to try the local culinary specialty – Langos (Hungarian deep-fried flatbread)! Do you remember that small, narrow street leading up to the church hill? It turned out that the place I had earmarked for lunch was located right there. I wandered aimlessly searching for it until I spotted an elderly man setting out the “Langos” sign on the wall next to the almost unnoticeable crevice off the main square.
Well, that very crevice leads to Álomlángos (translated as “Langos Dream”), which, according to locals, is the best spot for this street food in Szentendre. The place is a family business with over fifty years of history! They prepare the Langos the traditional way – it’s fried in fresh oil, and the dough is lighter and not greasy, with crispy edges and a soft middle. We tried both the savory and the sweet versions – they were amazing! Although it’s small and often has a queue (consider it a guarantee of quality), it is worth every minute of the wait.
For a final
Szentendre will immerse you in a palette of colors, combining a rich history with an unrestrained artistic spirit. It is the ideal place for a day trip from Budapest! A tour of the town may not take more than two or three hours, but its romantic charm and pleasant atmosphere will stay with you long after…
