On August 20, 2025, Esztergom (Esztergom) will be buzzing not only with national holiday festivities but also with free entry to one of the city’s standout institutions: the Danube Museum (Duna Museum). Every month, on the last Sunday, people under 26, as well as children under 18 accompanied by two relatives (citizens from Hungary and EEA countries), can visit the Danube Museum’s permanent exhibitions with no admission fee. On Hungarian national holidays—March 15, August 20, and October 23—every exhibition in the museum opens its doors to all visitors free of charge. So if you’re planning to be in the city on any of these dates, it’s the perfect opportunity for a dose of riverside culture without reaching for your wallet.
Staying in Style: Hotels and Guesthouses
Choices abound in Esztergom (Esztergom), whether you’re craving the pampered polish of a four-star hotel or a cozy guesthouse—most clustered near the iconic Basilica (Bazilika) or in the scenic Búbánat Valley (Búbánatvölgy). The Bellevue Hotel—just over 3 miles from the historical downtown and perched in the valley with dreamy Danube (Duna) views—lives up to its French name (meaning “beautiful view”). Picture yourself in one of its 75 air-conditioned rooms with a phone, colorful LCD TV, and free internet. The on-site Tiffany Restaurant offers buffet and à la carte menus, while its Panoramic Terrace and sunbathing rooftop in the wellness-fitness wing make for Instagram-worthy sunsets.
Closer to the Basilica (Bazilika), family-run guesthouses nestle at the foot of Castle Hill (Várhegy) and Mount Saint Thomas (Szent Tamás-hegy), directly beneath Hungary’s largest cathedral. Their central location puts you within easy walking distance of bars, cafés, restaurants, museums, the bustling city center, Little Danube Promenade (Kis-Duna sétány), Aquasziget Adventure Bath (Aquasziget Élményfürdő), the city swimming pool, the Primate’s Palace (Prímási palota), and the Maria Valeria Bridge (Mária Valéria híd) to Slovakia. Rooms come with en-suite showers, cable TV, and mini-fridges. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.
Boszitanya (Boszitatanya) offers a more relaxed vibe year-round, greeting guests with tastefully furnished rooms, private baths, TVs, and a friendly atmosphere. There’s even a bar with billiards tables and a charming garden for grilling or outdoor cooking.
A short five-minute stroll from the city center, Decsi Guesthouse (Decsi Vendégház) sits on a quiet street beside the Alpine Restaurant (Alpesi Étterem)—a house built over a wine cellar dating from 1895. It offers seven double rooms (with extra beds available) and three quadruple rooms.
Looking for something a little artsy? The El Greco Café, Gallery and Guesthouse (El Greco Kávézó, Galéria és Panzió) is tucked at the base of Castle Hill (Várhegy) in the Water Town district (Víziváros), blending coffee culture with cultural pursuits.
And for the business crowd, the four-star superior conference and wellness hotel on Primate’s Island (Prímás-sziget) provides state-of-the-art meeting rooms and modern amenities, all in a lush, green environment right in the city’s heart.
Motels like Grante (Grante Motel), set along Road 111, come with free Wi-Fi and parking, plus an in-house restaurant—perfect for travelers on the go. Or try H11 Rooms, combining classic hospitality and modern technology, including smart systems and accessible accommodations.
Hotels like Adalbert (Adalbert Hotel) are located just steps from the Basilica (Bazilika) on Castle Hill (Várhegy), offering two buildings: Saint Thomas House (Szent Tamás-ház), about 1,150 feet from the Basilica, and Saint George House (Szent György-ház), nestled between the Danube (Duna) and the Cathedral, right next to the Saint Adalbert Event Center (Szent Adalbert Rendezvényközpont).
The Food Scene: Eat Your Way Through Esztergom
The Bellevue Restaurant (Bellevue Étterem) is regarded as one of the prettiest dining spots in the Danube Bend (Dunakanyar), with captivating river panoramas and lush surroundings. You’ll find everything from hearty Hungarian and international dishes to relaxing cafés and an open panoramic terrace. Both guests and outside diners are welcome.
Get a taste of the city’s creative food scene at “42,” where the riverside kitchen sources vegetables, fruit, and flowers from its own garden. Here, it’s all about uncompromising quality and friendship—expect to remember not just the food, but the whole sensory experience: music, color, scent, and the warmth of the staff.
Other eateries in town offer Hungarian and international twists—there are fresh takes on traditional favorites, a wide range of local wines and craft beers, and desserts that’ll keep you coming back. Some restaurants cater to families, while others offer Mediterranean, international, or street food fusion, with options like pizza (freshly made every day except Sunday), plus Tex-Mex, steak, and seafood.
For a more historic experience, the Szamos Café (Szamos Kávézó) in the city center dates back to 1841. With its elegant Babits Corner (Babits Sarok), it pays tribute to one of Hungary’s great poets, who frequented the place. Inspired by Vienna’s coffeehouses, it remains a city classic.
And if all you’re after is a good homemade soup, vegetable stew, or fresh salad, there are plenty of spots for a hearty meal to eat in or take away. Whatever your taste, Esztergom’s (Esztergom) culinary landscape makes it easy to mix sightseeing with satisfyingly good food.
Before You Go
One last note: organizers reserve the right to change dates or programs, so check ahead before you travel. With free culture, scenic stays, and creative eats, Esztergom (Esztergom) is definitely worth a visit—especially on an open-door museum day.
