There is much more to Hungary than the glitz of its capital, Budapest, including the country’s many beautiful and historic castles, lakes, caves, forests, and churches.
Hungary, already one of the most visited countries in Eastern Europe, is quickly becoming a trendy vacation spot thanks to its abundance of exciting tourist attractions. The interesting architecture and culture of the country are testaments to the impact of its conquerors.
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Top 10 Places To Visit In Hungary
These are the top 10 places to visit in Hungary:
1. Budapest
If you want to learn about the past and present of Hungary, visiting Budapest is a great place to start. Regal old structures coexist with state-of-the-art skyscrapers. Banks of the Danube River, Royal Castle Quarter, and Andrassy Avenue are all so beautiful that it’s no wonder they’re on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
It’s also a gourmet’s dream destination. In fact, if you’re looking for something different than Hungarian food, you may discover plenty of Indian restaurants in Budapest.
2. Szentendre
Szentendre, often known as St. Andrews, is one of the nicest destinations to visit in Hungary and is only 20 kilometers from Budapest. Tourists love this town because of its wonderful appearance and its charming cobblestone alleys adorned with brightly colored Baroque mansions. There are many places to explore, such as museums, art galleries, and shops.
3. Eger
Eger, a city in Hungary on the Eger River, is a popular tourist destination. The Turkish conquest left its mark on the city’s architecture, which may be seen by visitors. The best red wine in Hungary, Bikár or Bull’s Blood, comes from the Valley of Beautiful Ladies, not far distant.
4. Esztergom
If you want to see how Christianity has shaped Hungary, Esztergom is a great place to start. The Esztergom Basilica, the largest church in Hungary, is located here, as is the country’s largest collection of Christian artifacts in its museum. From the 10th to the 13th century, this city served as Hungary’s capital.
4. Gyor
Gyor was founded by Celts and Romans and has been ruled by Mongols, Magyars, Czechs, and even the Ottomans, who the city’s founders burned to the ground to prevent their conquest. Gyor, halfway between Budapest and Vienna, is a pleasant place to explore on foot.
There are monuments and historic marvels around nearly every corner. Kaptalan Hill, where the Danube, the Raba, and the Rebca all meet, is where the old town is located. The church of St. Ignatius of Loyola is a beautiful Benedictine cathedral that has been called “nourishment for the soul” by its many visitors.
5. Hortobagy
In 1973, Hungary created Hortobagy National Park as the country’s first national park. The alkaline steppe there dates back 10,000 years, making it the oldest protected area in the country and the largest semi-natural grassland in Europe. The steppe was home to a variety of animals during the Ice Age, including wild horses. Cattle, oxen, water buffalo, and horses are still used for grazing.
There are 342 different bird species in the park, making it a great destination for birdwatchers. The Nine-Arch Bridge, constructed in the middle of the 19th century to help travelers get across the constantly inundated grasslands, is a major draw for visitors. The Kareag Windmill, also constructed in the nineteenth century, is another must-see attraction.
6. Debrecen
Debrecen is a significant cultural hub because of its history as the capital of Hungary on multiple occasions throughout the century. Although suffering severe damage during WWII, Debrecen has maintained its status as Hungary’s cultural and academic hub ever since the 1538 establishment of Calvinist College.
The institution, now the University of Debrecen, is well-known for its stunning buildings. The city hosts the Bela Bartok International Choral Competition, so it’s no surprise that the local music industry is growing. The Deri Museum, which houses an excellent collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, the annual Flower Carnival, and the Reformed Great Church, Hungary’s largest Protestant church, are all must-sees.
7. Heviz
Heviz has one of the largest thermal lakes in the world, perfect for those who find relaxation in hot springs water. The water is a lovely 24–37 degrees (71–100 °F) all year round.
The water is purified by a rapid turnover at its source, which occurs every 3–1/2 days. Heviz, Hungary, is a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to Lake Balaton and its many thriving resorts.
After cooling off in these healing waters, you can go on a hike in the nearby forest or to an outdoor concert. Heviz’s Mediterranean climate makes it a popular vacation spot anytime of the year.
8. Aggtelek National Park
Aggtelek National Park in Hungary is a must-see for any cave explorer. The park contains the largest stalactic cave in Europe and is located in northern Hungary, about a three-hour drive from Budapest.
Physically accessible guided tours are provided. Concerts held inside Baradla provide visitors with a unique subterranean experience. The park is a protected area, therefore visitors are required to stay on designated pathways and out of certain areas. Within the confines of Aggtelek National Park, you can witness a variety of plants and animals, in addition to visiting several beautiful settlements.
9. Pecs
Pecs is one of UNESCO’s Cities of Peace because it is a cosmopolitan city where people of different ethnicities live side by side in harmony and where refugees are welcomed with open arms. Pecs has been ruled by the Romans, the Christians, and the Ottomans, and it is also the site of the first university in Hungary, which was established in 1367.
Pecs is a renowned tourist destination due to its pleasant temperature, wonderful museums, medieval architecture, and excellent wines. Attractions including the historic Pecs Cathedral, Szchenyi Ter, Pecs Synagogue, and Mosque of Pasha Gazzi Kassim bring many visitors.
10. Sopron
Sopron, which has been around since Roman times, has been a part of both Austria and Hungary. Sopron was dubbed “Most Loyal Town” after a 1921 plebiscite determined that it should become a member of Hungary. This is recognized by the Allegiance Gate.
It sits on the town center, close to the iconic Firewatch Tower. World War II wreaked havoc on the city, although many of its medieval structures were spared. One of the few places in Hungary known for both its red and white wines, Sopron has emerged as a prominent player in the wine industry. The surrounding Alps are a great place to go hiking.
Conclusion
Although its goulash and paprika (which, interestingly enough, originated in the New World) are well-known, Hungary is also renowned for its world-class fine wines and its pear liqueur, an orange-colored sweet dessert treat also known as palinka. In a short amount of time, tourists to Hungary learn that the country has been ruled by a wide variety of civilizations.
Including the Romans, Ottomans, Mongols, Magyars, Czechs, and Soviets. There are remnants of Roman defenses and very breathtaking structures from the Middle Ages. A visit to Hungary isn’t complete without a cruise down the stunningly blue Danube River. Some of the best of Hungary’s tourist attractions:
