5 great places to visit in Hungary beyond Budapest
Esztergom: One of the oldest towns in Hungary, Esztergom boasts a huge Basilica - the largest in the country -- which has an inner area of 5,600 squares meters and sits on a rocky outcrop just above the Danube.
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Esztergom: The impressive 360-degree views over the river at the top of the dome make the effort of scaling the claustrophobic spiral staircases to reach its peak all the more worth it.
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Szentendre: Filled with houses decorated in a palette of wine red, terracotta and pastel blue colors, leading into cobbled squares and whitewashed churches, this Hungarian town makes for a charming day trip.
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Szentendre: Located just an hour by train from Budapest, it's one of the most popular day trip destinations for locals and tourists, thanks to its art museums and studios, which are sprinkled around in old villas and converted mills.
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Visegrád: This small castle town positioned on the Danube Bend boasts a 13th century citadel built by King Béla IV which offers a beautiful panorama of the river.
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Visegrád: Located at the top of a 350 meters hill, the upper castle can be reached via a steep hiking trail through the woods or by taxi, and features an armory and a waxwork museum inside.
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Balatonfüred: One of the oldest resort towns on the Balaton, Balatonfüred is a stand out thanks to its grand neo-classical hotels, museums and waterfront cafés.
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Balatonfüred: The spa town sits on the northern shore of Lake Balaton, Central Europe's largest lake, which is is sometimes referred to as the Hungarian Sea.
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Gödöllő: This small Pest country town is home to the Royal Palace of Gödöllő, the summer residence once favored by Emperor Franz Josef and his wife Elizabeth, who was more commonly known as "Sisi."
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Gödöllő: The grounds of the Baroque chateau feature an arboretum, statues, botanical gardens and the infamous Horthy Bunker, which was built for Hungarian Admiral Miklós Horthy.