Esztergom: a little farther out at approximately 50kms northwest of Budapest, Esztergom’s principal attraction is its basilica, the largest in all of Hungary. The basilica is hugely impressive for its architecture, with ornate ceiling frescoes and other finery. However, among Hungarians, the site is perhaps more significant as the spot where Saint Stephen, the man considered the founder of Hungary and the father of the nation, was baptised 1,000 years ago. The town can be reached by train or bus and there is also a boat service from the capital. Mount Kekes: officially Hungary’s third most popular tourist destination, Mount Kekes is the highest mountain in the country at just over 1,000 metres. The mountain and surrounding Matra range are busy in summer when walking is the number one activity, as well as in winter given the selection of pistes to ski. Kekes is about 60kms northwest of Budapest or a straightforward one-hour drive. Szentendre: originally settled by refugees from Serbia, this quaint little riverside town has a distinctly Balkan feel and a preoccupation with the arts as witnessed in its many little private galleries. The town is also home to the ever-popular Marzipan Museum which features the historic Hungarian Marzipan exhibition made out of the sweet and including city icons like the Parliament Building. Visegrad: sporting more in the way of history than the more culturally-oriented Szentendre, this town is a short train journey of less than one hour from Budapest. The highlights here are: the Renaissance style former palace, part of which remains ruined; an old citadel and a medieval residential block that seems to have survived; as well as the Communist-era tower blocks that dominated Budapest. With its Danube views and laid-back feel, Visegrad makes a worthwhile trip that can be done in less than a day. | 
