Esztergom is a city in Hungary. It sits on the right bank of the river Danube close to the border of Slovakia. The majority of top things to do in Esztergom revolve around exploring historical sites. The city used to be the capital of Hungary between the 10th to 13th centuries. The city has a rich political and cultural history.
The city is home to the largest church in the country as well as one of its largest forts. These places to visit in Esztergom tell you about the grand heritage of the city. Alongside the church, you will also see several museums featuring religious artworks and artifacts among Esztergom tourist attractions.
Being the seat of the Catholic Church in Hungary, the city held an important position in the country’s culture. One of the biggest Esztergom attractions is the Christian Museum. This museum holds the largest collection of Christian artifacts in the country. You will also see one of the finest collections of religious artworks in Hungary at this museum as well as the basilica. These are some of the best things to see in Esztergom. These artworks show you a blend of various cultural influences that Hungry has seen.
The other aspect of Esztergom travel revolves around exploring the natural beauty in the surrounding mountains, forests, and canyons. The city is close to Duna Ipoly National Park. This national park houses natural beauty in abundance along with a variety of birds and animals.
Alongside Esztergom sightseeing, you can enjoy beautiful hiking trails and outdoor activities in the national park. The park also has facilities for leisure activities such as fishing and picnics amidst the mountains. You can enjoy these activities when you visit Esztergom.
As Esztergom sits on the banks of the river Danube, you can also enjoy boat trips along the river. Some of these also include guided tours. You will come across some of the most beautiful things to see in Esztergom during these tours. While the monuments look great up close, they look even more majestic when seen from the river as they dominate the landscape with their presence.
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Top 10 Tourist Places to Visit in Esztergom, Hungary
1. Basilica of Esztergom
This church is one of the largest historical buildings in the city. It was built between 1822 and 1856 on Castle Hill. It is the largest church in the country and one of the most impressive things to see in Esztergom.
The church is known for its neo-classical features and massive interiors. It was built on the site of a 12th-century church that was destroyed during the Turkish conquest. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this church.
You can book your Tour to Basilica of Esztergom in advance.
2. Castle of Esztergom
Sitting atop a cliff on the banks of the river Danube, this castle is a majestic presence over the city. The castle dates back to the 11th century and has served as the stronghold over the city for ages. It also played a pivotal role when the city used to be the capital of the empire.
It is home to the city’s museum which is among the best places to visit in Esztergom to begin sightseeing. The museum takes a deep dive into the history of the city and the region around it.
You will see numerous artifacts, weapons, belongings of royalty, art pieces, and more that tell you about Esztergom’s history. You will need about 2 hours or so to tour this castle.
3. Christian Museum
This museum is housed in a former Bishop’s palace. The palace is known for its architecture and opulent interiors. The museum is dedicated to Christian religious artworks and artists.
The collection includes artworks by European as well as European artists as well. It is one of the top Esztergom tourist attractions for housing works of renowned artists. Some of the most important exhibits of the museum include Hungarian Gothic triptychs, altarpieces from historical churches, and the Holy Sepulchre of Garamszentbenedek. You will need an hour to explore the palace and the museum when you visit Esztergom, Hungary.
4. Dark Gate
The tunnel was built during the 1800s by the Archbishop of Esztergom. This ominous-sounding monument is actually just a stone gate with a long walkway. It gets its name from its history and the fact that the 90-meter-long tunnel is not illuminated. So it is scary to go through it at night.
It is also one of the most somber Esztergom attractions. During the 1956 revolution, a T34 tank shot a bus going through this route and killed 14 people in this tunnel. You will need 20 to 30 minutes to tour the dark gate.
5. Aqua Island
If you are looking for some fun and relaxing activities during Esztergom travel. It is a combination of a wellness center and a waterpark. It has pools, rides, and slides. It also has wellness treatments and spa centres. You can easily spend an hour or so enjoying the activities here.
6. Ram Szakadek
This rocky canyon is known for its natural beauty and hiking trails. The trails primarily run alongside streams and you will come across several waterfalls in the canyon. It is one of the best things to do in Esztergom for outdoor lovers. You will also come across some beautiful and unique rock formations along the hiking trail.
7. Balint Balassa Museum
This museum houses various artifacts from different periods of the city’s history. It started with a collection of religious artifacts from the former St. Benedek Order. Later, the collection came to include social, cultural, and political artifacts as well.
The museum gives you an interesting glimpse into the life of the people and rulers of the city and the evolution of its culture over the ages. It is one of the most interesting stops in Esztergom sightseeing as it gives you perspective about the history. You will need about an hour to tour this museum.
8. Duna Ipoly Nemzeti Park
This is yet another great Esztergom tourist attraction for enjoying the outdoors. The lush forest surrounds the Danube and is home to some incredible sights. The park aslo allows for other activities besides hiking as well.
You can enjoy nice boat tours and fishing as well. The park also has several picnic spots where you can enjoy a fun time while sitting in the lap of nature. You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring this park.
9. Hungarian Environment and Water Museum / Duna Museum
This museum is an eye-opener for those who underestimate the influence of the environment on our lives. The museum gives you an understanding of the natural cycles of the earth and how things can take drastic turns if the balance is disturbed. It is one of the best places to visit in Esztergom for families with children. You will need about an hour to tour this museum.
10. Saint Anne Parish Church
Also called the round church, many people have mistaken it for the basilica. However, this church features impressive neoclassical architecture as well. The church is also home to several religious artifacts and artworks. You can visit this Esztergom attraction on your way to the basilica. You would only need a few minutes to explore it.
If you are looking for more things to do in Esztergom, check out the sections below. We have compiled a complete list of attractions and activities that you can enjoy in the city and around it.
Things to do in Esztergom, Hungary
Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Esztergom, Hungary
- Basilica of Esztergom
- Hungarian Environment and Water Museum
- Balint Balassa Museum
- Buda Castle
- St. Stephen’s Basilica
- The Church of our Lady of Buda Castle
- Christian Museum
- Mihaly Babits Memorial House
- Castle of Esztergom
- Dohany Street Synagogue
- Royal Palace of Godolio
- Chapel of Saint Thomas Becket
- Mosque of Oziceli Haci Ibrahim
- Duna Megallo Museum
Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Esztergom, Hungary
- Lake Palatinus
- Ram Szakadek
- Danube Ipoly National Park
- Magic Mountain
- Hideglelos Kereszt
Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Esztergom, Hungary
- Aqua Island
- Budakeszi Wildlife Park
- Dudinka Thermal Bath
- Elizabeth Park
Shopping in Esztergom, Hungary
- Park Center
- Zone Bevasarlopark
- Kinai Vegyesbolt
- Esztergom Market
Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventures in Esztergom, Hungary
- Danube Boat Tour
- Hiking
Sightseeing in Esztergom, Hungary
- Dark Gate
- Maria Valeria Bridge
Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Esztergom, Hungary
- Cafe el Grenco
- Majorelle
- Csulok Csara
- Mazi Greek
- Cafe Grante
- Goli
- NEXT
- La Pampa
- Piac 42
- Da Mario
- Natura Hill
- Apacuka
- Primas Pince
- St. Andrea
- Mediterraneo
- Elysee
Where to Stay in Esztergom?
Here we have listed Top Rated Hotels in Esztergom. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Esztergom.
- Hotel Adalbert Szent György Ház
- Grand Hotel Esztergom
- Szent Kristof Panzio
- Bazilika alatt Panzio
- Portobello Wellness & Yacht Hotel
- Room42 – Suites & Apartments
- Bellevue Hotel
- Alabardos Panzio
- Kaleidoszkop Haz Hostel
- Karpatia Panzio
Custom Tours Package in Esztergom
How to Reach Esztergom, Hungary?
By Air
The Budapest airport is the closest airway option to visit Esztergom. This airport receives direct flights from Europe, Asia, and North America. Once you reach Budapest, you can take trains, buses, or hire a car for Esztergom travel.
By Road
You can get direct trains to reach Esztergom from several cities and towns in Hungary. This includes Budapest, Nagymaros, Neszmely, Nograld, Komarom, Balassagyarmat, and several others. You can also get easy bus access to visit Esztergom from all over the country.
If you are planning to reach Esztergom by road, you should head for routes 10, 11, E 575, E60, E75, and M1.
By Water
You can get daily boat rides from Budapest Vigado Square at Pest. This route offers a great scenic journey through the river Danube.