Visegrád
Visegrád, Hungary
An ancient town with a stunning castle complex sure to impress history buffs, always-charming Visegrád is a top draw for Budapest day-trippers. Located just north of the Hungarian capital on the Danube River, top attractions here include the 13th-century Upper Castle, the Salamon Tower and its Gothic fountain, and the medieval Citadel.
The basics
The history of the city dates back to the Romans, when over 1,000 years ago Constantine the Great established a stronghold in what is now Visegrád. King Bela IV and King Matthias Corvinus spent time here, and by the 16th century much of the city was destroyed during the Turkish invasion.
Though Visegrád is a worthy destination in its own right, it's really one of three cities worth exploring from Budapest, along with Esztergom and Szentendre. See all three in a day with a sightseeing tour. Private tours typically offer convenient hotel pickup, while Danube Bend group outings offer the best value. If you're only checking out Visegrád, you can hop a train from Budapest, and explore the palace and citadel independently.
Things to know before you go
- For fantastic views of the surrounding area, be sure to climb the Salamon Tower.
- History fans shouldn't miss Sibrik Hill, where you can find the remains of a 4th-century Roman fortification.
- Helicopter tours departing from Budapest pass over top sights along the Danube Bend.
How to get there
Because of its convenient location just about 25-miles (40-kilometers) from Budapest, you can take a train or ferry. Trains run several times daily from the Budapest-Nyugati station to Nagymaros-Visegrad, which is a short ferry ride from Visegrád. For the more scenic option, take a Mahart Passnave boat. The route snakes up the Danube River, and operates from May through August.
When to get there
Spring, summer, and early fall are the best times to see Visegrád if you're hoping for pleasant weather. If you're visiting in summer, don't miss the annual International Palace Games of Visegrád, a yearly medieval festival with performers, falconry displays, and bustling markets held the second week of July.
Embracing medieval tradition in Visegrád
The town’s castle offers visitors a chance to embrace medieval culture. Visitors can tour the castle grounds, check out Salamon Tower’s roof terrace, and even catch a glimpse of the house royal falconer. Once or twice a week depending on the time of year, the Knightly Order of Saint George performs an interactive, medieval combat tournament—a spectacle unlike anything else found in the city.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!