Photograph by Kenko.

Hungary has seven neighbouring countries. With the Slovak border at its closest point only 40 km (25 miles) from the Hungarian capital, daytrips from Budapest often extend out of the country. We suggest venturing north and visiting the small Slovak gem of Nitra, an originally Celtic settlement with 6,000 years of history.

Nitra is best known for its castle district, with buildings from the 14th through the 18th centuries. It is a wonderfully atmospheric and peaceful place. Rather less well known—though also intriguing—are Nitra’s links with the world of Bonsai. The town has its own Bonsai centre in the pedestrian street alongside the Synagogue, and it regularly hosts the annual International Bonsai, Suiseki, and Tea Exhibition.

This year the exhibition will run from April 12 to April 15 in the Agrocomplex of the Agricultural University.

There is also a rich and varied café life in Nitra, and plenty of good restaurants. Recommended are the brynzové halušky (noodles with ewe’s cheese and sour cream) and Slovak beer, which has an excellent and well-deserved reputation. Na zdravie!

Nitra can be reached by train out of Budapest’s Nyugati (West) station. The journey, via Nové Zamky, takes approximately two hours.

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