My Eastern European time consisted mostly of days and nights spent in big cities. Budapest, Prague, Vienna, Kraków, and Warsaw – all incredible places full of awesome people, tons of history, and some of the best food I have ever put into my mouth. But sometimes it is nice to retreat to the country and small towns, because there’s an entirely different vibe and culture out there. I am a country girl at heart (DO NOT get me wrong; I am scared of horses, know nothing about corn, and have never done much more than the occasional tractor ride, but I grew up north of Baltimore City in Hereford, MD and, though I adore the fast pace of the city, I am also comfortable with a slower-paced life), and I think it is good to visit places that are a little less of a tourist destination to get a better feel for the country you’re in! And Szentendre is a perfect little taste of small-town Hungary.
Where It Is
Szentendre is only about 20 kilometers north of the lovely Budapest, right on the Danube River. It took us half an hour to get there by bus. That is pre dern close! A prime day trip opportunity!
Why It’s Worth a Visit
One of my favorite things about Europe is how everywhere you go, whether it is a big city or a small town, there is a stunningly beautiful main square. Szentendre is no exception, let me tell ya! Right off the main square, there are tons of cute little museums, like the Szamos Marzipan Museum, the Margit Kovács Museum, and the micro art museum. We talked to a few talented local artists who were selling their paintings on the street. The town is known for its art, and you can tell just by walking down the cobbled streets. The colors of the buildings, the gothic architecture. Even its ice cream is artsy — this ice cream shop we stopped in served different lavender-infused flavors, and it was surprisingly delicious (I got dark chocolate with lavender and that was some rich stuff).
There is also a lot of shopping along the streets, and though I am not one to necessarily collect too many souvenirs (especially for myself), I was compelled in this intriguingly unique country to get some Hungarian-specific treats, like this bag of paprika (CHICKEN PAPRIKASH IN DC, ANYONE?? Lol no, I don’t cook, and also am incapable of cooking, and being a good housewife, probably. Instead of looking at it like a fault, I see it as a feminist statement).
My favorite thing I saved for last: the waterfront. The Danube River is the second-longest river in Europe and extends straight through Budapest and Szentendre both. I love waterfronts maybe more than anything except for my chihuahua. No more beautiful view out there (is that cliché? Sorry. I cannot control what is appealing to my eyeballs).
Now that I’m back in the States it is surreal to think that I was in Hungary of all places. A place that I had been dying to go to for so long, a place unlike anywhere else I’ve been before. And it is a place truly full of gems, with Szentendre at the top of the list.
