Szentendre is a picturesque town on the Danube River, known for its vibrant art scene and well-preserved Baroque architecture, offering a relaxed escape from Budapest. It presents a charming blend of Hungarian, Serbian, and Greek cultural influences within its cobblestone streets and numerous galleries.
The town's main square, Fő tér, serves as a central point with cafes and restaurants, while the Danube promenade offers a peaceful setting with riverside dining options. The winding cobblestone alleys throughout the town also host various shops and cafes, providing opportunities to socialize and experience the local atmosphere.
Top 5 Things to do in Szentendre
Exploring Szentendre involves discovering its rich artistic heritage, historical architecture, and picturesque riverside setting through its museums, galleries, and charming streets.
1. Stroll Through Fő tér and the Old Town
Upon arriving, one is immediately drawn to Fő tér, the main square, a vibrant hub framed by colorful Baroque and Rococo buildings. This is the heart of Szentendre, where historic churches and delightful cafes create a captivating atmosphere. Wandering through the winding cobblestone alleys reveals hidden courtyards, unique boutiques, and a blend of Hungarian, Serbian, and Greek cultural influences. It is a place for leisurely exploration, where every turn offers a new photographic opportunity and a chance to soak in the town's artistic spirit. Many shops sell handmade local crafts, perfect for finding a unique souvenir.
Cost: Free to explore. Shopping and dining costs vary.
Transport: The main square and old town are easily explored on foot upon arrival in Szentendre, as it is the central area.
2. Visit the Marzipan Museum
A visit to the Marzipan Museum is a surprisingly engaging experience, showcasing intricate sculptures and figures crafted entirely from marzipan. This delightful museum features everything from fairytale characters to historical replicas, including a miniature Hungarian Parliament building. It provides a unique and sweet insight into a specific art form and is often highlighted as a must-see for visitors of all ages.
Cost: Entrance fee is approximately 500 HUF (around 1.5 EUR or £5).
Transport: The Marzipan Museum is centrally located within the old town and is easily reachable by foot.
3. Explore the Margit Kovács Ceramic Museum
For art enthusiasts, the Margit Kovács Ceramic Museum is a significant stop. Housed in a charming Baroque merchant house, this museum is dedicated to the works of one of Hungary's most renowned ceramic artists, Margit Kovács. The collection displays her unique sculptures and pottery, reflecting a distinctive artistic style. It offers a deeper understanding of Szentendre's reputation as an artists' village.
Cost: A full-price ticket for a single exhibition at the Ferenczy Museum Center (which includes the Kovács Margit Ceramics Museum) is approximately 1400 HUF (around 3.5 EUR). A daily ticket covering all FMC exhibitions costs about 3000 HUF (around 7.5 EUR).
Transport: This museum is situated within walking distance of the main square in the town center.
4. Discover the Hungarian Open-Air Ethnographical Museum (Skanzen)
Stepping into the Skanzen feels like travelling back in time to experience traditional Hungarian rural life. This extensive open-air museum features over 300 authentic buildings, including houses, churches, and workshops, brought from various regions of Hungary. Visitors can observe artisans demonstrating traditional crafts like pottery, weaving, and blacksmithing. It's an immersive cultural experience, providing a glimpse into the country's past and an opportunity for a relaxing walk in a natural setting. The museum also features playgrounds for younger visitors.
Cost: A walking ticket costs 1200 HUF (approximately 3 EUR).
Transport: The Skanzen is located about 3.7 to 3.8 km from Szentendre town center. A local bus (lines 878 or 870) connects the Szentendre HÉV station to the Skanzen, with a one-way ticket costing approximately 250 HUF. The journey takes between 7 and 23 minutes. Alternatively, a taxi from the train station to the museum costs around 2,700–3,300 HUF (approximately 7-8 EUR) and takes about 6 minutes.
5. Walk Along the Danube Promenade and Enjoy the Views
The Danube promenade offers a peaceful contrast to the bustling town center. Taking a stroll along the river provides serene views of the Danube River and the surrounding landscape, making for a tranquil experience. This area is perfect for enjoying a quiet moment, with riverside dining options available. During the warmer months, visitors can also consider taking a scenic boat trip back to Budapest, which offers a different perspective of the Danube Bend.
Cost: Free to walk. A one-way boat trip back to Budapest typically costs around 4,000 HUF (approximately 10 EUR) for adults during the seasonal operation (April to October).
Transport: The promenade is a short walk from the main square. For the boat trip back to Budapest, departures are from Szentendre Port.
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Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
