Although Esztergom is a small town, you can easily spend more than a day there...

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Sights and history

Esztergom is one of Hungary’s most famous historic towns. Most tourists visit Esztergom to see Hungary’s largest religious building, the19th-century Basilica of St Adalbert, which stands on a rocky hill above the River Danube alongside the medieval Royal Castle.

Esztergom’s famous sights are complemented by one of Hungary’s most beautiful Baroque buildings, the Church of St Ignatius.

Take a stroll through the streets of old Esztergom

Esztergom’s old town is enchanting and will take you back in time several decades.

Take a stroll through the romantic streets of the ‘Water Town’ from Széchenyi Tér square towards the basilica. At first, you’ll come across plenty of restaurants and cafés, but as you climb the hills, the urban atmosphere gives way to village cottages and rural scenes.

In particular, the hilly Old Town around St Thomas’s Chapel literally exudes the peaceful, unhurried atmosphere of the early 20th century.

Enjoy the breathtaking views

Esztergom is a town situated on the banks of the Danube and at the foot of the hilly Duna-Ipoly National Park. This combination alone suggests that there are magnificent views of the surrounding countryside from many spots throughout the town.

The best views of the Old Town, the river and the Slovakian plains on the opposite bank can be enjoyed directly from the Esztergom Basilica, both from the indoor panoramic hall (accessible for a fee) and from the outdoor terrace, which is open 24/7 free of charge.

Conversely, the most beautiful view of Castle Hill, with the Royal Castle and the basilica, can be enjoyed from the promenade in the Slovak town of Štúrovo (located at google.com/maps), or fromthe Mária Valéria Bridge.

A boat trip on the Danube

Right in the city centre, you’ll find a jetty for large excursion boats (location at google.com/maps), which organise sightseeing cruises to and from Esztergom, as well as to Budapest and other destinations.

Cruises in Esztergom are organised by Mahart Passnave.

A round-trip cruise from Esztergom, returning to Esztergom, runs twice a day on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from mid-June to mid-September, and you can stop off at the towns of Szob or Zebegény.

The price of a return trip, with the option to get on or off at any point along the route, is 1 500 huf; see the official information.