Esztergom, one of Hungary’s most historically significant cities, makes for an excellent day trip from Budapest. Located just 50 kilometers northwest of the capital in the Danube Bend, Esztergom is easily accessible by car, train, or boat and offers a rich blend of history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking views. As the former capital of Hungary and the birthplace of its first king, Saint Stephen, Esztergom is a must-visit destination for history lovers and cultural explorers alike.

A charming street in the Watertown District

Throughout the Middle Ages, Esztergom was a significant religious and political center, home to the archbishops who played key roles in shaping the country. The city was a fortress town and administrative center during the Ottoman occupation in the 16th and 17th centuries. It still features a mosque that houses a permanent medieval exhibit. The city regained prominence in later centuries as a center of Catholicism. Today, it remains the seat of the Hungarian Catholic Church and the Archbishop.

Sounds great, but how do I get there? - I hear you ask.

The best way to get to the city is by train. A scenic train ride from Budapest’s Nyugati Railway Station that features the longest railway tunnel in Hungary takes 1 hour, with trains conveniently leaving every 30 minutes all day long.  The suburban Stadler KISS and FLIRT trains don't require you to buy seat reservations in addition to your ticket.

From spring to autumn, you can enjoy a scenic cruise on the Danube that takes around 3 hours. Ships leave in the morning from Budapest's Vigadó tér 5 and are operated my MAHART-Passnave.

Here are some ideas on how to spend a day in the city

Esztergom Basilica

The Esztergom Basilica is the largest church in Hungary and a dominant feature of the city’s skyline, the city and the cathedral are synonymous. Built between 1822 and 1869 on the site of earlier churches, this neoclassical masterpiece stands 100 meters tall and boasts many records. It has the world’s largest altarpiece painted on a single canvas, it features the thickest walls of Central Europe with 17 meters. Visitors can climb the dome for panoramic views of the Danube and the surrounding countryside. The church itself and the panorama café are free to visit, but the treasury, the dome and the crypt require you to buy a ticket. Within the church is the famous Bakócz Chapel, the burial site of 16th century Cardinal Thomas Bakócz, which is the only remaining renaissance building in Hungary.

https://bazilika-esztergom.hu/en

Castle Hill and Esztergom Castle Museum

Once the seat of Hungarian kings for almost three centuries, Castle Hill offers a glimpse into Hungary’s medieval past. The castle itself, originally in the 10th century on an earlier Roman site, was the residence of King Saint Stephen and his successors. The Esztergom Castle Museum just outside of the Basilica showcases medieval artifacts, royal chambers, and models of how the castle evolved over the centuries. The study of Archbishop János Vitéz features frescoes believed to belong to famed Italian artist Sandro Botticelli.

Under the Castle Hill you'll find the impressive Dark Gate, built in 1823, that cuts under the ramp leading up to the Basilica. It provides access to the Classical and Late Romantic St Adalbert Centre also known as the building of the Old Seminary. 

https://www.varmegom.hu/

Christian Museum
Located in the Primate’s Palace in the Watertown neighbourhood, the Christian Museum houses Hungary’s largest ecclesiastical art collection. It features religious paintings, sculptures, and medieval manuscripts, including works by Italian, Dutch, and Hungarian masters from the 13th to the 19th centuries.

https://www.keresztenymuzeum.hu/

Széchenyi Square

Located in the heart of Esztergom, Széchenyi Square is the city's main square. The Baroque City hall is housed in the former mansion of famed Hungarian General János Bottyán, and it's one of the oldest city halls in continuous use. Surrounded by historic buildings, cafes and restaurants including Restaurant 42, a Michelin Star holder. The square often hosts events providing visitors with a taste of local life.

Danube Museum (Duna Múzeum)
For an educational experience that's both fun and informative, especially for families with children, the Danube Museum is a must-visit. Established in 1973, the museum is dedicated to Hungary's water management and environmental protection. Housed in a Baroque building from 1730, the museum's permanent exhibition, "Vízeum," opened in 2019 and has received accolades, including the Exhibition of the Year Award in 2020 and a special prize at the European Museum of the Year Awards in 2021. The interactive exhibits cover topics like the history of water management, river regulation, and the impact of climate change, making it engaging for visitors of all ages.

http://dunamuzeum.hu/

Esztergomi Piac (Esztergom Market)

Opened in 2023, the Esztergomi Piac is a vibrant marketplace located at Simor János Steet, in the city center. In 2024, it was included in the Green Destinations Top 100 Sustainable Destinations by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, highlighting its commitment to sustainability and support for local producers. Spanning over 3,000 square meters, the market features 18 shops and service providers, along with 53 covered marketplace tables. Vendors offer a wide range of products, including fresh produce, dairy, meats, baked goods, and handcrafted items. The market has become a community hub for locals and tourists alike. On the second Sunday of every month the market and the surrounding street is filled with antuqies. Collectors and casual visitors alike can browse through an array of vintage treasures, from old coins and books to paintings and traditional Hungarian artifacts. The bustling atmosphere, lively negotiations, and the joy of discovering unique items make this event a true highlight for market-goers.
https://esztergomipiac.hu/

St Thomas Hill

For breathtaking views and a touch of historical intrigue, St. Thomas Hill is a must-see during your visit to Esztergom. Named after Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury who was classmates with Lukács Bánfi, the Archbishop of Esztergom in the 12th century in Paris. After the death of Becket, his relics were brought to Esztergom, and a provostship was established in his name. If you want to get the best view of the Castle Hill and the cathedral and the Danube, you must climb St Thomas Hill and discover its small windings streets. This neighbourhood is where the synagogue of the city is located. Built by probably the most famous architect of synagogues Lipót Baumhorn in 1888 on a site of an earlier synagogue.