A Romantic Day Trip to Szentendre, Hungary

Disclaimer: I only recommend products I absolutely love, and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post contains affiliate links at no additional cost to you, but I may earn a small commission. Please consider using the link to support my blog! You can read my full privacy policy here.

Why you should plan a Day Trip to Szentendre

Picture yourself holding hands, strolling down cobbled streets, stopping in sidewalk stores to look at traditional Hungarian fabrics, and you’ve got the picture of your romantic day trip to Szentendre! It also has a legit beach, so if you fancy a swim in the Danube, check it out. Szentendre is what I would call a suburb of Budapest. It is easy to get there and back in a day (or less). This small town’s charm will win you over just like me!

a cobbled street in szentendre hungary runs through yellow, pink, and orange buildings towards the steeple of an orthodox church. blue, yellow, and pink pendants hang between the buildings that are surrounded by colorful plants and flowers in planter — Colorful Street in Szentendre. Hungary

What you need to know about Szentendre

General

Szentendre is in Hungary, which is in the European Union (EU).

Money Stuff

The currency in Hungary is the Forint (HUF). I recommend having cash here because not all the shops took credit cards or had a fee for using them.

Language

Hungarian is the official language in Hungary. Most younger people speak English pretty well, and a lot of people also speak German.

Safety

I felt very safe on our day trip to Szentendre. Hungary is actually one of the safest countries in Europe. But use common sense always!

Tips for travelers with anxiety in Szentendre

Honestly, Szentendre is the perfect spot for travelers with anxiety. It’s not too crowded, not too many tourists (at least in September), it’s very natural, and you can get around easily. The only thing worth mentioning is that the train from Budapest to Szentendre is a bit older and a little sketchy in appearance.

pebble and sand beach in the bend of the might danube river on a cloudy day in szentendre. a woman stands in front of a fallen log on the beach looking out over the water — Beach in Szentendre

How to travel to Szentendre from Budapest

The easiest way to do a day trip to Szentendre is by the H5 train from Budapest. The H5 leaves from Batthyány tér, so if you’re staying at the hotel I recommend on the Buda side, it’s only a five minute walk.

If you have a Budapest Public Transport pass, you only need one extra ticket (the H5) to get there. So when you go to a machine to get a ticket, don’t select the Szentenre day trip option (which is usually on the first screen) because you are already covered for the first leg. Instead, search for Szentendre as a destination. If you are nervous about getting the wrong ticket, you can go to the counter and show them you have a pass already. They will help you get the right ticket!

Alternatively, join a guided tour to Szentendre from Budapest while you’ll meet other travelers and learn more about the art scene the city has to offer. On some tours, you can also visit towns like Esztergom and Visegrad.

Things to do on a Day Trip to Szentendre

Visit the beach

Yes, there is a sand beach on the Danube! And you can swim in it. If you plan your day trip to Szentendre for the summer, you can rent a beach chair and catch some rays. We opted to walk along the Danube and sit on a log overlooking the bend in the river and appreciate how lucky we are to travel as much as we do. Super romantic!

Marzipan Museum

There are many museums in Szentendre, but if you had to visit only one I would pick the Marzipan Museum. Ever wondered what Michael Jackson looked like made out of Marzipan? Well, you will definitely find out. Is it creepier than his wax figure? Possibly. Other items include scenes from your favorite fairytales, a miniature replica of the Hungarian Parliament, and busts of famous Hungarians.

Historic Center

The historic inner city is a place you don’t want to miss! You can stroll arm in arm through the colorful buildings, stopping to browse the local stores, and eat lunch at one of the many restaurants with outdoor seating. I loved wandering through the winding old streets and finding super Instagrammable alleys. Wandering with no destination in mind is one of my favorite things to do on day trips!

Belgrade Serbian Orthodox Church

striking red church surrounded by dark trees with autumn leaves falling from the branches. A woman walks down the stone sidewalk toward the church doors — Belgrade Orthodox Church

The Belgrade Serbian Orthodox Church is a stunning red color with beautiful gardens surrounding it. You definitely can’t miss it as you walk by. The opening times are hit or miss, so I recommend only planning to explore the outside and admire its unique red color.

Blue Land Folklor Shop

If you only stop in one shop on your day trip to Szentendre, stop in Blue Land Folklor. The owner is an incredible woman filled with knowledge about all types of Hungarian fabrics and she makes everything by hand. She also uses eco friendly materials, like dried flowers or walnuts for Christmas ornaments. We ended up with two ornaments and some blue cloth. I learned so much from her and thoroughly enjoyed talking with her. She was definitely a highlight of the day!

a bright blue and white shop stick out from a yellow building on a cobbled street in the historic szentendre hungary. the sign above the shop reads "blue land folklor" — Blue Land Folklor Shop in Szentendre

Final Thoughts on a Day Trip to Szentendre

I hope you enjoyed this romantic day trip to Szentendre post! I loved this charming little town right outside of Budapest, and I hope you fall in love with it just like I did. If you want to discover more about Hungary, check out some of my other posts!

The Ultimate Hungary Itinerary: How to Spend 10 Days in Hungary