"At the bend of the Danube" Top 5 Page for this destination Szentendre by rexvaughan

Szentendre Travel Guide: 198 reviews and 583 photos

Szentendre is one of the oldest settlements along the bend of the Danube and dates its origins to Roman times when it was an important fortification guarding the river. In the middle ages thanks to St. Stephen (who else?) it became an ecclesiastical center as seat of the archdeacon and the town priest was vice chancellor to the queen. In the late 12th C it was named to honor Saint Andrew (Sanctus Andreas) which gives us the present name.

Today the town's industry probably still includes trade and viniculture but I would guess the main one is tourism. It is a beautiful place with lots of museums and shops and tons of tourists. The cross in the photo dates from the mid 18th C and, like so many others, was erected in gratitude by those who survived the plague.

Szentendre is an artsy kind of place and you can see why painters in particular would be attracted here by the lovely curve of the river and the closely clustered baroque houses, narrow streets and tile roofs.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Lovely town, easy access from Budapest
Cons:Crowds
In a nutshell:The Pearl of the Danube Bend

Last visit to Szentendre: Sep 2005
Intro Updated Nov 10, 2005
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Reviews (7)

Gardeners are everywhere Local Customs (2)

This tip could apply to almost anywhere you visit. I always enjoy walking through cities and seeing where people live... more travel advice

Get lost Favorites (1)

This is such a small old village that I didn't even find a map. However you can just wander the narrow streets and you... more travel advice

HEV from Budapest Transportation (1)

Getting to Szentendre from Budapest is a snap. Just go to the Batthyany ter metro and take the HEV train. It is well... more travel advice

Wonderful pastries Restaurants (1)

We didn't really have a full meal here but stopped for a pastry pick me up. It is located right on the main square and... more travel advice

Things to Do (1)
St. John the Baptist Church

Off The Beaten Path (1)
Serbian Orthodox Museum

Comments (20)

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adema29 Mar 31, 2010 at 7:31 AM

Looking at you secod photo here I have realised that I have one like this too. Lovely that small place in the middle of the city, isn't it?Do you know what is so special here? You can smell Mediteranean Sea and it is so far ;)
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balhannah Nov 27, 2009 at 2:44 PM

Thought I would take a peek as it was a featured tip! What a nice place, and isn't it great when you run into Festival's etc. unexpectedly, I love it when that happens.
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jumpingnorman Apr 27, 2009 at 2:55 PM

This is the featured tip, Rex! To get lost --- I love it! Sometimes it is really nice to get lost and then find your way back (profound)...Norman :)
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hunterV Nov 19, 2008 at 8:16 AM

Nice experience to wander about those old streets... I would gladly do it too...
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Segolily Jul 4, 2008 at 9:02 AM

I love the little shop on your general tips page. What a delightful little place.
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blint Apr 2, 2008 at 6:00 PM

small but interesting page
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katamorgana Dec 23, 2007 at 3:27 AM

Hi Rex, I was in Szentendre 20 years ago, when Unicum was not so famouse. But I still have it in my mind. A romantic place. Bye. Katarina
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mvtouring Dec 13, 2007 at 8:46 PM

thanks for the lovely tips ;-)
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kiwi Sep 1, 2007 at 4:34 PM

Really nice wee page about a lovely spot on the Danube. I love the old buildings and the history. Thanks!
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global-wanderer Jul 1, 2007 at 12:06 PM

that's always a great way to find unexpected things when traveling! Great pics!