Discover Szentendre: Hungary's Hidden Gem!

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Szentendre, Hungary’s hidden gem! Immerse yourself in this charming town with our comprehensive travel guide. Uncover its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning sights. Get ready to be captivated by Szentendre’s beauty and charm. Plan your perfect adventure today!

Szentendre is on the Pest side of Budapest, Hungary’s capital city. It’s a quaint scenic town on the banks of the River Danube. and a mere 21.9 km (13.6 miles) from Budapest via Route 11. A perfect day trip from Budapest!

What it’s known for

Legend has it that this enchanting place was founded by none other than King Saint Stephen himself, way back in the 11th century. Talk about royal origins!

Today Szentendre is known for its charming old town, beautiful architecture, and vibrant artistic community. It’s often referred to as the “Artist’s Village” or the “Mediterranean pearl of the Danube” due to its picturesque cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and Mediterranean-style atmosphere.

One of the most notable features of Szentendre is its Baroque architecture, which is on full display throughout the town. Many of the buildings date back to the 18th century and feature ornate facades, intricate stucco work, and beautifully painted frescoes.

Szentendre is also home to numerous galleries, museums, and art workshops, making it a hub for artists and art lovers alike. The town’s artistic community is particularly well-known for its ceramics, with many artists specializing in traditional Hungarian folk pottery.

Szentendre's cultural heritage

Another important aspect of Szentendre’s cultural heritage is its Serbian Orthodox heritage. The town was once home to a large Serbian population, and many of the town’s churches and other religious buildings reflect this heritage. One of the most notable of these is the Serbian Orthodox Church, which is located in the heart of the town and features a beautiful interior adorned with stunning frescoes and iconography.

Getting There

It’s a perfect staycation in Hungary. For example, from Budapest, it will take you around 35 minutes by car to Szentendre. By train from Budapest, it will take you about 1h15m to reach Szentendre.

Pet-Friendly

If you’re a dog owner, Szentendre is a great place to take your furry friend! It’s incredibly dog-friendly, with water bowls dotted around (like in the photo) to keep your pup hydrated while exploring. You won’t have to worry about leaving your dog behind in the hotel room because Szentendre is super pet-friendly, just like the rest of Hungary! So enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of this charming town with your four-legged companion by your side. Your pup will thank you for the outing!

Things to do in Szentendre

Szentendre is also known for its scenic location along the Danube River. Visitors can take a stroll along the riverfront promenade, and enjoy a boat ride on the Danube.
Fő Tér is the main square where most of the activities happen.
You’ll find lots of narrow alleyways around it with specialty shops, art galleries, and also museums. Here’s a few highlights to tempt you further…
- The Szamos Marzipan Museum is one of Szentendre’s most visited attractions.
- Another worthwhile stop, as Mel Gibson did in February 2022, for those with children or grandchildren is the Ezüsterdő Fairy Tale Shop. The delightful store’s shelves are adorned with an array of colorful handmade toys.
- Christmas enthusiasts absolutely cannot miss out on the Christmas Museum Shop. This place is a total winter wonderland, filled to the brim with festive decorations, ornaments, and gifts that are sure to make your holiday season even more special. You’ll find everything from handmade tree toppers to traditional Hungarian Christmas sweets. And the best part? You can take a piece of the magic home with you! So don’t forget to stop by the Christmas Museum Shop.
The Margit Kovács Museum is dedicated to the work of artist Margit Kovács (1902-1977). Several clay pieces including plates, pots, statues, and tiled murals are on display. (Address: Vastagh György utca)
There are several Serbian Orthodox churches in the town. For instance, the 18th-century Greek Orthodox Blagovestenska Church with its elaborate decor and an ornate partition screen is located just off the square, at Fo tér 4. The small church dates back to 1752.
Castle Hill, with its magnificent view of Szentendre, was originally the site of a fortress from the Middle Ages. Although the fortress was destroyed, the Gothic church of St. John the Baptist still remains. There are many beautiful frescoes inside, dating back to the 1930s. Once at Váralja lépcső, follow the narrow steps between Fõ tér 8 and 9.
Budapest has Margaret Island, and Szentendre has Szentendre Island which is also located in the Danube River. At 31km long, it’s a magical visit providing a taste of Hungarian life many years ago. A ferry service from Tahitótfalu will take you to the island, also known as the priest’s island. The island is also known for hosting the Lipizzan Horse Show and is home to a beautiful open-air museum and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Learn about and explore the country’s way of life at the Hungarian Open Air Museum located at Sztaravodai útca (street). Explore a collection of houses, several artifacts, petting farms, and craft stalls.

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Airport nearest to Szentendre

Located just a short distance from the enchanting town of Szentendre, the bustling Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) offers convenient access to both the excitement of the city and the charm of the countryside.

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Overall, Szentendre is a charming and picturesque town that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and artistic flair. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Hungary, especially those interested in art, architecture, and history.