Szentendre, Hungary
Szentendre is one of the most charming towns located near Budapest. This unique place is known for its vibrant art scene and numerous museums. Walking through the narrow streets, you'll enjoy the relaxing vibe of cozy cafés, restaurants, and wine bars — as if you were in an Italian or Provençal town (or even in Kazimierz Dolny!). It’s an especially good destination to visit after spending time in the bustling and energetic Budapest.
Parking in Szentendre
Since Szentendre is a popular tourist spot, there are several large parking areas available. We chose one on Paprikabíró Street, just off the main Route 11 that runs through the town (1; GPS: 47.666201, 19.071972). This is a paid parking zone, and the fee is 280 forints per hour. Other options include the northern parking area (2; GPS: 47.672202, 19.079678) and the southern one (3; GPS: 47.662543, 19.079141).
Parking in Szentendre is usually easy and well organized, especially during weekdays. All car parks are located within walking distance of the historic center. It's a good idea to have some cash ready, as some ticket machines may not accept foreign cards. Early arrival is recommended during weekends and holiday seasons when the town becomes a magnet for tourists from Budapest and beyond.
Strolling Szentendre
After leaving the parking lot, we walk down Paprikabíró Street towards the bridge over the small Bükkös-patak river (A; GPS: 47.6654033, 19.0760208). We happened to visit on a market day — the nearby Bükkös part street was lined with stalls, and vendors were offering various local goods. We took the chance to buy some delicious cheese.
We continue along Dumtsa Jenő Street, passing numerous restaurants, sweet shops, and the well-known Marzipan Museum (B; GPS: 47.6662903, 19.0765278). Eventually, we arrive at Fő tér — the town's main square, shaped like a distinctive triangle (C; GPS: 47.6675367, 19.0763239). At its center stands the so-called plague cross from 1763, erected as a sign of gratitude for the end of an epidemic. Several restaurants around the square offer regional dishes, including of course Hungarian goulash (we highly recommend the excellent pickled cucumber salad). You’ll also find the famous lángos sold in many spots. We stumbled upon a Polish tour group that had formed a long queue at a popular stand said to serve some of the best lángos in the area (D; GPS: 47.667827, 19.076102).
Dumtsa Jenő Street is one of the oldest pedestrian areas in Hungary and plays a central role in Szentendre’s cultural life. Throughout the year, the street hosts seasonal fairs, live music, and art exhibitions. It's the perfect place to experience the local vibe and pick up some handcrafted souvenirs made by regional artisans. Whether you're in the mood for sweet treats or traditional crafts, this vibrant street will surely leave a lasting impression.
It’s worth taking a stroll through the nearby streets — such as Kovács László utca, Péter Pál utca, Kucsera Ferenc utca, or Rákóczi Ferenc utca. The last one leads to the parish church of Saint John the Baptist (E; GPS: 47.6680714, 19.0756533), located on a small hill. This is the oldest and one of the most significant architectural landmarks in Szentendre. Its origins date back to the 13th century. Historical records state that the church was destroyed in 1294 by the Knights Hospitaller from Esztergom, but it was rebuilt a few years later in Gothic style. Severely damaged during the Ottoman occupation, it was not restored until the early 18th century. From the churchyard, visitors can enjoy a lovely panoramic view of the town.
The open-air museum in Szentendre
If you're still in the mood for exploring, consider visiting the large open-air museum located a few kilometers outside Szentendre (parking lot: 4; GPS: 47.6919808, 19.0470503). The museum is so extensive that it’s best to set aside an entire day — especially on a sunny day — to see everything. It consists of several recreated villages, each showcasing authentic historical buildings and artifacts. You can explore the grounds on foot or take a special train that connects the different sections. Many exhibits are interactive, allowing visitors to touch and try things themselves. Historical scenes are also reenacted to illustrate daily life from the past.
The Szentendre Skanzen, as it’s officially called, is Hungary’s largest open-air ethnographic museum. It offers an immersive journey into the traditional rural life of various regions of the country. Besides architecture and crafts, the museum hosts seasonal festivals and workshops, such as Easter egg painting, folk dance performances, or harvest celebrations. It’s an ideal place for families and anyone interested in Hungarian culture and history.
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