Budapest is packed with things to see and do, but sometimes it’s worth escaping the city for a day. The surrounding Hungarian countryside offers castles, riverside towns, lakes, and adventure parks — all within a couple of hours.
As a traveling parent, I’ve found that day trips work best when they mix fun for kids with a dose of history or nature for the adults. Here’s my pick of the best family-friendly day trips from Budapest, complete with travel tips for each.
1. Szentendre – The Artsy Riverside Town
Travel Time: 40 minutes by train or boat
Why Families Love It:
- Colorful streets that feel like a storybook.
- Marzipan Museum with quirky candy sculptures.
- Riverside paths for walking or cycling.
Family Tip: Take the boat in summer — kids will love the ride.
2. Visegrád – Castles and Adventure
Travel Time: 1 hour by car
Why Families Love It:
- Hilltop medieval castle with epic Danube views.
- Bobsled track for older kids.
- Summer knight tournaments with costumed shows.
Budget Tip: Get a combined ticket for the castle and nearby attractions.
3. Esztergom – The Grand Basilica
Travel Time: 1 hour by train or car
Why Families Love It:
- Hungary’s largest church with stunning views from the dome.
- Riverside promenade and playgrounds.
- Bridge crossing into Slovakia for a two-country day.
Photography Tip: Sunset over the Danube from the Basilica steps is magical.
4. Lake Balaton – Hungary’s “Sea”
Travel Time: 1.5–2 hours by train or car
Why Families Love It:
- Shallow waters perfect for swimming with kids.
- Beach clubs with playgrounds and slides.
- Boat trips and cycling paths.
Family Tip: Stay overnight if possible — it’s worth more than a single day.
5. Gödöllő – Royal Palace
Travel Time: 40 minutes by train
Why Families Love It:
- Baroque palace once home to Queen Sisi.
- Large gardens for picnics.
- Kid-friendly tours with costumes.
History Tip: The palace is less crowded than city museums — a peaceful outing.
6. Etyek – Wine Country (With a Twist)
Travel Time: 40 minutes by car
Why Families Love It:
- Rolling vineyards and peaceful scenery.
- Petting zoos and small farms nearby.
- Family-friendly winery lunches.
Parent Tip: Many wineries offer juice tastings for kids while you sample the wine.
7. Mogyoród – Aquaworld & Hungaroring
Travel Time: 30 minutes by car
Why Families Love It:
- Aquaworld indoor waterpark (year-round fun).
- Hungaroring race track for motorsport fans.
- Adventure park nearby for climbing and zip lines.
Quick Tips for Family Day Trips from Budapest
- Trains & Boats: Kids love them — turn travel into part of the adventure.
- Pack Snacks: Rural stops don’t always have quick food options.
- Plan Naps: Many trips work best starting mid-morning and returning after dinner.
FAQs – Best Day Trips from Budapest for Families
Q: Are these trips stroller-friendly?
A: Szentendre, Gödöllő, and Lake Balaton are mostly stroller-friendly. Castles have steps.
Q: Do we need to rent a car?
A: Not for all — many spots are accessible by train or boat.
Q: Can we visit two places in one day?
A: Yes — Szentendre and Visegrád combine well in summer.
Q: Which is best for toddlers?
A: Lake Balaton’s shallow beaches and Gödöllő’s gardens.
Q: Which is best in winter?
A: Aquaworld in Mogyoród and Gödöllő Palace tours.
More Resources
- Budapest Public Transport
- Szentendre Tourist Info
- Visegrád Official Site
- Lake Balaton Travel
- Gödöllő Palace