Things To Do
in Solymár

Solymár is a leafy hillside town in Pest County, just northwest of Budapest. It sits amid the green slopes of the Pilis Mountains, offering a peaceful escape from the capital. The town blends rural charm with easy access to forest trails, vineyards, and local markets.

Visitors come for scenic views, fresh air, and a glimpse of everyday Hungarian life within a short ride of Budapest.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Solymár
morning
:

Arrive in Solymár and settle into your accommodation. Take a morning stroll through the picturesque streets, admiring the quaint architecture. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local café to fuel your adventures ahead.

afternoon
:

Visit the historic Solymár Castle ruins, where you can take a guided tour to learn about its rich history. Marvel at the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from the castle's vantage point. Have lunch at a nearby restaurant featuring traditional Hungarian cuisine.

evening
:

Unwind at a local wine bar, sampling exquisite Hungarian wines. Engage in conversation with friendly locals who share stories about the region. End the evening with a peaceful walk along the scenic paths, reflecting on your first day.

day 2
Exploring Nature
morning
:

Start your day with a refreshing hike in the nearby Buda Hills, where lush landscapes and picturesque views await. The trails are well-marked and cater to various levels of hikers. After your hike, enjoy a picnic breakfast surrounded by nature.

afternoon
:

Head to the nearby Szépjuhászné lookout for breathtaking views of the entire area. This spot is perfect for photography enthusiasts looking to capture the essence of the Hungarian countryside. Follow up with lunch at a local tavern, relishing the flavors of traditional dishes.

evening
:

Spend your evening at a local cultural event or performance, where you can appreciate traditional Hungarian music and dance. Engage with locals and learn about their customs and traditions. Dine at a cozy restaurant and savor an authentic gulyás, a hearty Hungarian stew.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Coffee$2-4
🏨Mid-range hotel (2 people, 1 night)$70-120
🧺Groceries (weekly)$40-70
🚗Gasoline$1.4-1.8 per liter

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Proximity to Budapest with a tranquil, village atmosphere
  • Beautiful Pilis Mountains and forest trails nearby
  • Fresh local produce, pleasant countryside dining, and wine options
  • Limited nightlife and urban amenities within Solymár itself
  • Public transport can be infrequent outside peak hours
  • Some services and English-speaking staff may be limited in smaller eateries
  • "Szia" - Hi / Bye
  • "Kérem" - Please
  • "Köszönöm" - Thank you
  • "Beszélsz angolul?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Mennyibe kerül?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Hol van a buszmegálló?" - Where is the bus stop?
  • "Segítségre van szükségem" - I need help
  • "Hol van a legközelebbi étterem?" - Where is the nearest restaurant?

Places to Visit in Solymár

Visit one of these nice places.

Solymár hilltop viewpoint

A panoramic overlook above the town with sweeping views across the Pest county valley and on clear days distant Budapest.

Old village center and church

Traditional plaster and wood houses with red-tiled roofs; ideal for golden-hour photography and architectural details.

Forest edge and pine/beech forests

Dappled light along forest trails, perfect for nature photography and moody landscape shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Solymár

Hungarian cuisine is hearty and seasonal, featuring paprika, pork, dairy, and plenty of fresh produce. In Solymár's area you can sample countryside dishes that emphasize rustic flavors and farm-to-table ingredients, often paired with local wines from the surrounding regions.

Solymár Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Gulyásleves (Goulash Soup)

A warming paprika-based soup or thick stew typically served with bread or csipetke dumplings.

Must-Try!

Pörkölt with nokedli

Slow-cooked meat stew (often pork or beef) served with soft egg-noodles.

Lángos

Fried dough topped with garlic, sour cream, and sometimes cheese; a popular street food option.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Solymár weekly farmers market

Seasonal market offering fresh produce, breads, cheeses, and preserves from local suppliers.

Markets in nearby Budaörs and Szentendre

Seasonal markets with locally produced goods; great for trying regional snacks and sweets.

Climate Guide

Weather

Hungary has a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant, while summer days can be hot and humid; winters are cold with occasional snow.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and conversation

A handshake is common in formal situations; in casual settings, greet with a friendly 'Szia' or 'Jó napot'.

Noise and privacy

Residential areas appreciate quiet evenings; avoid loud conversations late at night near homes.

Religious sites and dress

Dress modestly when visiting churches; remove hats and speak softly inside sacred spaces.

Safety Guide

Safety

Solymár is generally safe for visitors. Standard travel precautions apply: keep valuables secure, be aware of rural traffic on narrow roads, and use licensed taxis or ride-sharing when in doubt. In case of emergency, dial local emergency numbers and know the location of the nearest healthcare facility.

Tipping in Solymár

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

A tip of about 5-10% is customary in restaurants if service is not included; you can leave more for exceptional service. Rounding up the bill for casual places is common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm to hot days; expect occasional thunderstorms. Seek shaded forest trails and early morning viewpoints for the best photographs.

Autumn

Mild days with colorful foliage. Ideal for hilltop vistas, forest hikes, and harvest-time meals and wines.

Winter

Cold with possible snow and icy trails. Layered clothing is essential; some paths may be closed after heavy snow.

Spring

Cool to warm days with blooming meadows and running streams. Great for photography and outdoor strolls.

Nightlife Guide

Solymár at Night

Solymár itself has a relatively quiet nightlife with small pubs and cafés. For a wider range of bars, live music, and clubs, many visitors head to Budapest, which offers diverse nightlife from casual pubs to techno clubs and classical venues.

Hiking in Solymár

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Dobogókő Summit Trail (Pilis Mountains)

A classic day hike with panoramic views of the Danube Bend and surrounding hills, accessible from various trailheads near Solymár.

Pilis-tető Ridge Walk

Scenic ridge routes through pine forests offering expansive valley views and relatively gentle to moderate climbs.

Solymár Forest Loop

Gentle local loop through beech and mixed forests around Solymár, suitable for easy walks and short hikes.

Airports

How to reach Solymár by plane.

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)

The main international airport serving Budapest; about 40-60 km from Solymár, accessible by road or public transport.

Getting Around

Walkability

Solymár is walkable within the town center and to nearby forest access points, but hills make some routes strenuous. For broader exploration or day trips to Budapest, coat in a car or use regional buses and trains.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many residents are families and long-time locals; the area is known for a safe, village-like atmosphere.

Commuters

A portion of residents commute to Budapest for work, benefiting from the town's quiet setting and easy access to the capital.

Older residents

A stable, settled community with legacy ties to agriculture and local artisans.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

A widely played and watched sport across Hungary; local clubs and school teams are common.

Cycling

Popular on forest roads and hills; scenic routes around the Pilis mountains are favored by road bikers and mountain bikers.

Hiking

A staple activity in the Pilis foothills with many interconnected trails.

Transportation

Traffic

Solymár itself experiences light local traffic, with more pronounced congestion on regional routes toward Budapest during morning and evening commutes. Public transport primarily consists of buses connecting to larger hubs; car travel to Budapest is convenient via major roads, but expect typical urban traffic around peak times.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Solymár.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most restaurants can accommodate vegetarian meals. Look for mushroom or potato-based dishes, fresh salads, and grilled vegetables; in some places you can request dairy or egg-free options and still enjoy Hungarian flavors.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare services are available in Solymár through local clinics with access to broader Hungarian healthcare networks in nearby towns and Budapest. Carry health insurance details and EU health card if applicable; in emergencies, use the national emergency number.

Discover Hungary

Read more in our Hungary 2025 Travel Guide.

Hungary Travel Guide