What if I told you there is a village just 45 minutes from Budapest known as Hungary’s Artist town? Its called Szentendre, a charming artist village that’s adored by locals and tourists alike.
Getting There
Szentendre is fairly accessible from Budapest. You can take the suburban HÉV train from Batthyány Square, which offers a picturesque ride along the Danube River. Alternatively, you can opt for a river cruise, which provides stunning views of the landscape as you approach the town. In my case, I opted for a tour with GetYourGuide which had us navigate there via a comfortable drive and back on a boat trip through the Danube.
At first glance, you may notice a lot of shops selling the usual souvenirs like paprika and magnets, as well as the Hungarian licquer/medicine called Unicum. But, there is a lot more to discover in this artist haven.
A few of them that truly stood out for me was a ceramics shop selling Raku ceramics, and a carpenter who creates miniature wooden dollhouses for children.
You will also notice that a lot of the shops are located in Mediterranean style homes that reflect the influence of Greek, Dalmatian and Serbian cultures who settled here in the 17th century. It can be witnessed in the architechtural styles that are displayed throughout the village.
If you venture out further, you will notice the well-known Marzipan museum to experience intricate marzipan sculptures and taste some of their sweet treats. One of the most interesting parts of this museum is that all of the sculptures are made entirely out of marzipan!
This museum was started by Mátyás Szamos, a Serbian boy who lived in Szentendre and became a renowned confectioner. He began by learning how to make marzipan roses as as an apprentice, which led to his own confectionery business and the museum. Today, his legacy stands as a testament to his craftsmanship and passion for confectionery, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Tickets for this museum were included in the tour. However, they are quite reasonable as the costs are:
- Adults: Approximately 800 HUF (around $3.03 CAD)
- Children and Students: Approximately 400 HUF (around $1.52 CAD)
In addition to viewing the exhibits, visitors can also participate in marzipan-making workshops. These hands-on sessions allow you to create your own marzipan figures, guided by expert confectioners. While I opted out for this workshop, I would say its would be a great experience for those with a sweet tooth and those who love to bake.
Final Thoughts
A day trip to Hungary’s artist town Szentendre is a perfect way to experience the country’s rich artistic heritage and charming small-town atmosphere. With its close proximity to Budapest, it’s both an easy and fulfilling excursion that makes it an ideal addition to your Budapest itinerary.