Summary
Rich with Budapest’s vibrant bathhouses and energetic dive bars, the winding Danube River, and the renowned wine regions of Tokaj, Hungary undoubtedly stands out as one of Europe’s most inviting destinations. This exploration traverses from the Slovakian border to the expansive Great Hungarian Plains, unveiling the most distinguished locations to experience in historic Magyar.
Let us examine the premier places to explore in Hungary. Enjoy!
1. Lake Balaton
Spanning an impressive 77 kilometers through the rolling hills of western Hungary, Lake Balaton attracts both local and international visitors throughout the year. Along its expansive, green banks, sunbathers congregate from May onward, many enjoying refreshments and lively atmospheres at beach bars in festive towns such as Keszthely and Siofok (often referred to as the Ibiza of Hungary!).
Others indulge in the mineral-rich volcanic waters of the lake, which are ideal for swimming, sailing, and various water sports. The shorelines are dotted with camping sites and cottage resorts, while castles and unique churches can be found atop the hills of Balatonalmadi and Szigliget.
2. Pecs
The culturally diverse city of Pecs is ideally positioned near the borders of Croatia, Serbia, and Slovenia. With a historical lineage extending 2,000 years back to Roman times, the city brims with layers of heritage and cultural significance, while the forest-covered Mecsek Hills provide ample opportunity for hiking and mountain biking adjacent to the Dinaric Alps.
In the town center, a dynamic student atmosphere fuels the lively bars nestled among the cobblestone streets, beneath the charming Rococo-Renaissance Cathedral, amidst intriguing Turkic-inspired facades, and around the picturesque blue-domed Mosque of Pasha Quasim.
3. Esztergom
Positioned along a scenic curve of the Danube, the cathedral-dominated town of Esztergom has historically served as the focal point of Christianity in Hungary. From approximately the 10th century, the city also served as the capital of the Hungarian Kingdom, hosting esteemed Magyar kings, including the devout Saint Stephen.
Today, it is primarily known for its expansive religious structures, culminating in the grand Esztergom Basilica, complete with solemn crypts and impressive cupolas. Surrounding this stone church-fortress is the Watertown district, a charming maze of cobbled streets featuring Baroque and Classical architecture alongside flowing fountains and sunny squares.
4. Debrecen
Frequently overlooked by tourists traversing Hungary, Debrecen offers a remarkable blend of history, culture, and heritage. Recognized as the capital of the Great Hungarian Plain, it is characterized by its isolated location on the expansive steppe and extensive agricultural lands to the east. In the Middle Ages, it rose to prominence as a stronghold against the Mongol invasions, later becoming a focal point for Magyar Calvinists.
During the 19th century, the city thrived as the temporary capital of the nation, enhancing the downtown area with its charming neoclassical facades, enriching the collections of the noteworthy Deri Museum (a must-see), and expanding the vast Nagyerdo City Park.
5. Szentendre
Located just a short distance north of Budapest, the quaint and picturesque town of Szentendre boasts stone-paved streets and historic Magyar homes. As a well-preserved old town, it evaded destruction by the Ottoman Empire, eventually flourishing in later centuries due to Serbian and Mediterranean settlers, each contributing their distinct Baroque and Balkan architectural styles.
Today, visitors flock to this locale to explore numerous independent galleries (which have attracted many emerging artists), stroll beneath the bulbous church domes, and shop in an array of intriguing boutiques.
6. Tihany
Extending gracefully over the azure waters of Lake Balaton, the peninsula of Tihany has long been celebrated as one of Hungary’s most romantic getaways. It features the whitewashed walls and spires of the Tihany Abbey, a millennium-old monastery that has served as both a Benedictine house of worship and a prison for Habsburg emperors over the centuries.
This charming town is adorned with stalls selling paprika, galleries showcasing Magyar crafts, and inviting yacht-filled docks that attract visitors to the volcanic waters of Balaton itself.
7. Tokaj
Enclosed by the scenic vineyards that characterize the renowned Tokaj wine region in eastern Hungary, this charming town is a paradise for wine enthusiasts. Within its sunlit cobbled streets and Baroque-style avenues, visitors can sample an array of wines at local cellar doors and wineries, notably the iconic Furmint, Harslevelu, and both dry and sweet Tokay varieties, which contributed to establishing Tokaj’s esteemed reputation in viticulture.
Moreover, Tokaj also offers delightful taverns serving famous fish stews, winding walking trails along the River Tisza, and the elevated views from Bald Mountain.
8. Sopron
An ancient town shaped by centuries of political turmoil, Sopron is located on the fringe of eastern Austria along the shores of Lake Ferto (known as Lake Neusiedl in Austria). Over more than 2,000 years of habitation, Sopron has evolved to showcase an appealing medieval charm.
Its Germanic church spires dominate the cobbled main square, while the iconic Firewatch Tower gleams with a bronze-green hue. Roman ruins manifest throughout the streets, and remnants of a 16th-century Jewish community can still be observed. Additionally, the city is home to cellar doors offering some of the finest Austrian-style Gewurztraminer wine!
9. Visegrad
As a significant bastion of the Hungarian Danube and the former regal residence of the revered Slavic King Matthias Corvinus, Visegrad rises majestically above the river bends at the Slovakian border, presenting one of Hungary’s most captivating historical sites. Constructed of medieval stone and adjacent to an ancient Roman military encampment, this location is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts.
Atop the hill stands the formidable Upper Castle of Bela IV, originally built to ward off the Mongol incursions and later serving as an Ottoman stronghold. Beneath it lies the Lower Castle, which features the striking hexagonal keep of the Solomon Tower, along with a wealth of intricate Gothic architecture and the extensive collections housed in the King Matthias Museum.
10. Budapest
A city that needs little introduction, Budapest maintains its status as one of Central-Eastern Europe’s premier tourist attractions. Dominated by the impressive and expansive Buda Castle and bisected by the meandering curves of the Danube, the city exudes both mystery and vibrancy, brimming with history while seamlessly blending the modern with the traditional. Intellectual students frequent the lecture halls by day, transforming into vibrant nightlife seekers in dive bars by night, while speakeasies dot the corners of Pest and the City Park attracts diverse enthusiasts.
Moreover, the House of Terror astounds, the National Museum impresses, the parliament building stands proudly, and Fisherman’s Bastion showcases breathtaking sunset vistas! Additionally, the thermal baths, ranging from the Art Deco Szechenyi to the sophisticated Kiraly, contribute to the city’s allure.
11. Koszeg
Once the seat of prominent Transdanubian dynasties and a fiefdom under the Anjou kings, the town of Koszeg has its origins tracing back to the 13th century. With over seven centuries of history, it has developed one of the most visually captivating historical landscapes in Hungary, featuring Koszeg Castle—once crucial for communication between the Magyars and their Ottoman adversaries—and an enchanting town center preserved nearly untouched since the late Middle Ages.
Furthermore, the surrounding hills present excellent walking trails, many of which extend into the Alpine foothills of eastern Austria.
12. Lake Heviz
Tightly associated with Lake Balaton, Lake Heviz appears distinct from the lively party towns along its southern shores. Recognized as one of the world’s largest thermal lakes, its warm waters support a vibrant array of algae and cyanobacteria, enhancing Heviz’s reputation as a holistic healing destination.
Primarily recognized for the Heviz Spa, which rises within the lake, the area attracts visitors ranging from medical tourists (with treatments particularly beneficial for rheumatic conditions) to those seeking relaxation throughout the year.
13. Aggtelek
Digging deep beneath the Gomor-Torna hills and connecting with the Slovak Karst across the border, the UNESCO-listed cave systems of Aggtelek are undoubtedly among Hungary’s most captivating natural attractions. The highlight is the Baradla Cave, renowned for its white-speckled stalactites and evidence of continuous human presence dating back nearly 7,000 years near the quaint village of Josvafo.
Other notable attractions encompass the colorful caverns and tunnels of the Imre Vass Cave, with rocky walls transitioning between shades of rust-orange and shimmering turquoise. Additionally, numerous walking and hiking trails extend across the surface, some leading into Slovakia.
14. Eger
Forged through the influences of historical figures ranging from Saint Stephen and the Magyar Kings to Matthias Corvinus, the Turkish Ottomans, and the Austrian Habsburgs, Eger boasts a surprising combination of Islamic minarets (the northernmost in Europe) and extensive medieval fortifications—a true treasure to behold.
Located in the northeastern region of Hungary, this town is renowned for its thermal baths and numerous wineries offering the legendary produce of the Tokaj region. The older part of town draws the majority of visitors, presenting a maze of narrow alleys and cobbled squares abundant with cafes and Hungarian taverns.
15. Holloko
As one of Hungary’s most astonishingly preserved cultural landscapes, Holloko has earned a UNESCO designation for its harmonious integration with the surrounding undulating terrain of the Cserhat Mountains. This town, characterized by structures dating from the 13th century onwards, once served as the home of the Paloc tribespeople of northern Hungary.
Later, the settlement became a defensive stronghold against the Mongols and was eventually abandoned following the Ottoman departure in the 16th century. The current settlement, which developed afterward, remains remarkably preserved, exemplifying a picturesque example of historic life in Central Europe.
