If you’re looking to escape the city rush, Pest County offers countless free leisure activities. Here are the best hiking spots and attractions around the capital—all you’ll need is a comfortable pair of shoes and your county pass.
A charming small town on the right bank of the Danube, easily accessible from Budapest by the HÉV suburban railway. The town is famous for its 18th-century architecture, winding narrow streets, and restaurants. It is one of the favorite weekend destinations for Budapest locals.
A small town on the left bank of the Danube, just a 30-minute train ride from Budapest’s Nyugati Railway Station. The Budapest–Vác line was the country’s first railway line in the early 19th century. Among many other attractions, the town is home to Hungary’s only surviving triumphal arch, built in the 18th century to honor the visit of Maria Theresa, ruler of the Habsburg Empire and Hungary.
Located south of Budapest on Csepel Island, this small town is easily reachable by HÉV. The settlement is famous for its fish dishes and its late 15th-century Gothic Serbian Orthodox church, which is decorated with stunning frescoes.
Situated near the outskirts of Budapest, this settlement is famous for its 13th-century church, making it a true gem for those interested in historical architecture. The building is impressive from the outside, but it can also be toured from the inside with a symbolic student entry fee. The town is accessible in 45 minutes by train from Kőbánya-Kispest.
A former royal seat nestled in the beautiful natural environment of the Danube Bend, surrounded by mountains. It is an excellent destination for an active full-day trip. For hikers, the Pilis Mountains offer numerous opportunities.
Located on the northern side of the Danube Bend, this mountain range offers several excellent hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Park of the Royal Palace Gödöllő
Located along the Budapest–Gödöllő HÉV line, this 18th-century Baroque aristocratic palace is a true curiosity for those interested in Hungarian history. In the second half of the 19th century, the palace was given as a coronation gift to Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife, Elisabeth, upon their coronation as King and Queen of Hungary—a symbolic event of the Austro-Hungarian Compromise. From this point on, the Austrian Empire entered world history as the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. The Hungarian Queen, Elisabeth—better known as “Sissi”—spent a great deal of time at this country residence. The palace park is free to visit.
This 13th-century church is located in the settlement of Zsámbék, near the western border of Pest County; it is accessible from Kelenföld station by long-distance bus in about an hour. The church was destroyed by major earthquakes in the mid-18th century, yet it remains an imposing sight, bearing the architectural hallmarks of French medieval style.
Zebegény is one of the most atmospheric villages in the Danube Bend, 50 minutes by train from the capital. The Julianus Lookout Tower, located on the nearby Hegyes-tető, offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the Danube Bend.