Written by Michal Jonca
Hungary, located in the heart of Europe, is an exciting tourist destination a bit off the beaten track. Bustling Budapest, impressive Lake Balaton, an underground cave that you can explore by boat, beautiful scenery, and delicious wine in Tokaj are just a few reasons you should visit Hungary.
Be sure to check out what to see in this country. Here are the 15 best places to visit in Hungary.
Budapest
Travelers usually start their Hungary adventure from its capital and largest city – Budapest. No wonder, as it’s the heart of the country and a place full of national culture, monuments, and peculiar nature. Besides, Budapest is simply beautiful! Many travelers, tourists and those with TEFL courses under their belts consider it as one of the most picturesque cities in Europe.
The Danube River divides Budapest into two unique parts. The top sights you shouldn’t miss are Gellért Hill, the Parliament, the Monument Park, the Zoological Garden, the oceanarium, and the Palace of Miracles. If you’re tired after the whole day of exploring the city, take a breath on green Margaret Island, where you can also find the ruins of a Dominican nunnery.
When dusk falls, it instantly reveals another face of Budapest and its nightlife vibe. This city is known as the largest disco in Central and Eastern Europe. You can go to one of the hundreds of clubs playing music from all over the world.
Balaton lake
Balaton is often called “The Hungarian Sea”. This is the biggest lake in this part of Europe and a popular destination for holiday trips. Fascinating coast with many places to explore, a lot of beaches, and places to relax make Balaton a perfect spot for at least a three-day visit.
Fans of cycling will surely be interested in the 180 km route around the lake called “Balaton Körút”. You can choose the party south coast of Lake Balaton or the quiet and calm atmosphere of the north.
Balaton is surrounded by numerous green areas, vineyards, and interesting objects. The most interesting are the Keszthely palace, the cave in Tapolcy, and the Tihany peninsula with lovely lavender fields.
Keszthely Palace
Being at Lake Balaton, you simply cannot miss this place. The small town of Keszthely with a nice seafront is interesting in itself. But its crown jewel is the neo-baroque palace of the Festetics family. A vast palace with beautiful interiors and a beautifully maintained huge garden are perfect places to take slowly walks. In addition, the remaining buildings contain further exhibitions and museums.
Heviz lake
Hungary has not only the biggest lake in this part of Europe but also the largest natural thermal lake in the whole old continent, Heviz. If you’re looking for therapeutic baths in water full of natural minerals, this place is a perfect match is a large complex where we can experience therapeutic baths in water full of natural minerals. Whether it is warm or cold outside, you will not get cold in Heviz lake. Its water temperature is always between 24 and 36 degrees Celsius.
What’s more, in Heviz you can experience mud baths. There are specially prepared places where you have mud at your disposal, which you can generously apply to your body. Believe me, your skin will be rejuvenated for several years right away.
The lake is almost 40 meters deep, so be careful!
Tapolca
What do you think about underground caves? Would you like to sit on the boat and explore a series of cave corridors partially filled with crystal clear water? If you got excited with this idea, I have great news! You can do it in Hungary, precisely speaking – in Tapolca lake cave.
You get in a small boat, get an oar in your hand and start admiring the magical underworld. Sometimes you will have to bend down harder or push yourself away from the wall. Strongly recommend!
Szentendre
Szentendre is a picturesque town located just 20 km north of Budapest. It is a frequent destination for weekend excursions by the capital’s inhabitants. Artists liked this place. Many of the small houses are now their studios, galleries, and shops.
If you like sweets (who don’t?) go to the marzipan museum and chocolate pump room. Later try to find the place where the local fisherman sells the best crawfish in the city. I’ll give you a hint – it’s hidden by the stairs of the parish church of St. John the Baptist. And take Szentendre easy. This place is made to get lost in the narrow and picturesque streets.
Tokaj
Tokaj in Hungary is what Champagne is for France. The best wines have been produced in this small town for five centuries. Sloping streets, pastel-colored buildings with cellars, and a lush vineyard setting – this is the image of Tokaj. Despite the undeniable tourist values, you won’t meet many tourists in the town. Life moves slowly here, which adds charm to this place.
While in the city, you must visit the famous Rakoczi cellars, built in the 15th century. This is where wine gourmets meet for tasting. The famous drink – Tokaj – was once intended only for the highest authorities. Each of us can try it today.
Hortobagy National Park
Hortobagy National Park is one of the largest steppe areas in Europe. You can meet there some unique animals, like the Hungarian cattle, mangalice pigs, raw sheep, and domestic buffalos. Visitors can also use the Shepherd’s Museum, Nagyivan Museum, and the historic Meggyes Csarda.
Esztergom
Just like Rio de Janeiro has its statue of Jesus, Esztergom has its own symbol – Basilica of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Adalbert. The huge block towers over the city are visible even from many kilometers, and its interiors hide the wealthiest collection of liturgical objects in Hungary.
But this basilica is not the only attraction of Esztergom. The city, located just 40 km from Budapest, unlike the capital, is free from the tourist crowds while offering an authentic Hungarian atmosphere.
Eger
The breathtakingly situated Eger is full of beautifully preserved baroque buildings that encourage you to take unhurried walks and learn about the complicated past of the city and the region.
The 13th-century castle on a hill, rebuilt in the 16th century into a defensive fortress, is a silent witness to numerous invasions by the Turkish army. The minaret, the northernmost Turkish monument, also comes from this time. It is a remnant of a former mosque.
The city is also famous for its large thermal bath. Dejem is one of the newest facilities of its kind in Hungary, with outdoor swimming pools, water slides, a water bar, and an indoor cave bath.
While in Eger, go for a walk in the “Valley of the Beautiful Lady”, which is the wine region in the western suburbs of Eger. It is famous for its numerous wine cellars carved in volcanic tuff, which is said to be perfect for storing wine as it provides excellent ventilation and a constant temperature.
Matra and Bükk mountains
Matra and Bükk mountains are unique places on the map of Hungary. It abounds in a large number of streams, caves, and mineral water springs. The season in this region lasts all year round, thanks to the perfect sun exposure and developed tourist infrastructure. In the Matra Mountains, there is Hungary’s highest peak – Kekes (1014 m above sea level).
Pécs
Pécs is quite an inconspicuous town in the country’s south, near the Villány wine region and 35 kilometers from the Croatian border. However, whoever comes here, will always come back, astonished by the town’s charm.
Pécs delightes by its intimate atmosphere, cleanliness, and an overwhelming number of well-kept monuments. You can easily plan your stay here, even for a few days, without the risk that you will be bored.
The city’s history dates back to Roman times when a colony called Sopianae was established here. Pécs was also an important Christian center, as evidenced by the tombs under the cathedral of St. Apostles Peter and Paul, inscribed on the UNESCO list. One of the most beautiful places in Pécs is Széchenyi Square with the town hall.
Hollókő
Do you want to go back a few centuries? Explore the fairy-tale village of Hollókő, where time stopped long ago. You’ll be surprised with old, beautifully preserved atmospheric huts, a paved road leading through the village, and numerous tiny workshops, most of which can be visited.
Feel the atmosphere and pay attention to details. Find wooden pieces of equipment hanging on the walls of houses and listen carefully. Probably you’ll hear the rooster crowing somewhere in the distance and a reel that draws water from a well. In 1987, the entire village was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
In the distance, the 13th-century castle ruins await us on the Cserhát hill.
Aggtelek National Park
The Aggtelek National Park, located in the northern part of the country, on the Hungarian-Slovak border, is one of Hungary’s best attractions. The uniqueness of this place is mainly due to the lushness of the preserved rock formations and favorable natural conditions. In addition to the impressive landscapes, there are also numerous caves and grottos.
One of the most popular points is the 25 km long Baradla Cave. Huge grottoes, impressive stalagmites, and stalactites in the shape of a dragon’s head or fountains – the wealth of dripstone forms and their colors is truly impressive. An additional attraction is the Concert Hall, in which classical music concerts are organized.
Velence lake
Lake Velence, with an area of 25 square kilometers, is a favorite habitat for various species of waterfowl. An interesting phenomenon are floating islands made up of groups of compacted plants.
West of Velence, you will find one of the oldest Hungarian cities, Szekesfehervar. You can visit the baroque downtown, the cathedral of St. Stefan, and the Serbian open-air museum.
Author’s bio:
Michal Jonca is passionate about travel and food experiences who visited 40+ countries on four continents. He is a Travel Leader at the largest Polish travelers club Soliści organizing adventurous trips worldwide and the Community Manager at Passport Photo Online. Currently, he enjoys workation in Thailand.
