Szentendre Main Square (Fo Tér)

The basics

Szentendre is located a quick car ride from Budapest, making this art gallery-filled town a popular pick for a day trip. If you’re headed to Szentendre, the town square—Fo Tér, in Hungarian—is hard to miss. It’s a great place to enjoy a stroll or pick up a few trinkets. Any guided tour is sure to include a stop here. Half-day and full-day options are offered in Budapest, some of which include a stop at nearby Visegrad Castle.

Things to know before you go

• Make sure to have some cash on you (Hungarian Forint is the accepted currency) if you plan on picking up any souvenirs, as some stalls may not accept credit cards.

• Don’t forget to look up. The cobbled streets of Fo Tér are strung with colorful lampshades, adding to the unique and artistic atmosphere of Szentendre.

• Food options abound in and around Fo Tér, including international and traditional Hungarian restaurants. You’ll also find ice cream vendors and more casual establishments to grab a coffee.

• While you can find many of the same souvenirs as you’ll see in Budapest, many say that the prices in Szentendre are lower than in the capital. You’ll find locally made items like hand-embroidered Hungarian lace and artisanal food products.

How to get there

If coming by car from the capital, count on around a 30-minute drive (depending on traffic) along Route 11. Tour providers tend to offer transportation, or you can drive yourself. There’s also Bus 880-889 from Volanbusz station in Budapest or the local train, leaving from Batthyany Square Metro Station. In summer, Hungary operates a ferry along the Danube River to Szentendre.

When to get there

Fo Tér is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you’re intent on beating the crowds, try to come on a quieter weekday morning. Otherwise, plan for a buzzy weekend afternoon if you prefer a livelier vibe. Szentendre is a great destination year-round. Christmas stalls fill the Old Town in December while coming from May through September allows you to arrive by riverboat.

Visiting the castle complex of Visegrad

Located just 30 minutes by car from Szentendre, Visegrad Castle is often combined with the medieval town on day trips from Budapest. Many private tour providers offer visits to both destinations, while Visegrad is reachable by ferry, train, or bus for independent travelers without their own transportation. The 13th-century complex is an impressive hilltop citadel and once served as a royal residence.