Top 25 Must-Do Activities in Hungary for Tourists

Hungary boasts a captivating history, enhanced by its rich and diverse cultural traditions. Since the country transitioned from the remnants of Communism in the late 1980s, it has garnered significant attention as a travel destination. With an abundance of natural, historical, and cultural attractions, visitors are assured of discovering numerous sites to capture their interest.

This article explores the premier attractions in Hungary:

1. Great Market Hall, Budapest

Among the multitude of markets in Hungary, the Great Market Hall in Budapest is arguably the most famous. This multi-tiered market is housed in a remarkable neogothic structure situated near the banks of the Danube.

Inside, local farmers and merchants display an extensive array of goods. Typically, fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as meats, can be found on the ground level, while tourist souvenirs (including Hungarian chess sets) and cafes are located on the higher floors, and fresh fish along with miscellaneous shops occupy the basement. Nonetheless, many visitors prefer to simply immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere of the market.

The market operates daily, except Sundays.

2. Dohány Street Synagogue, Budapest

The Dohány Street Synagogue in Budapest is recognized as one of the largest synagogues in the world outside of Israel. Initially, the synagogue was bombed and repurposed by Nazi Germany during World War II, with formal restoration occurring only in the 1990s.

Visitors can explore the garden, showcasing a striking silver weeping willow memorial adorned with the names of Budapest’s deceased or missing Jewish residents. A poignant tribute to Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg, who safeguarded the lives of numerous Hungarian Jews during World War II, can also be found there. Please note that large bags are prohibited inside the synagogue, and small bags may undergo security checks upon entry, so this should be considered when planning your visit.

The synagogue welcomes visitors most days, excluding Saturdays.

3. Cave Bath, Miskolc-Tapolca

The Cave Bath in Miskolc-Tapolca is an essential destination for those seeking relaxation and indulgence. This thermal spa bath is located within a natural cave system accessible only by wading through the waters.

The mineral-rich water, maintained at a constant temperature of 30°C, is reputed to offer health benefits. The thermal baths have attracted visitors since the 17th century, gaining widespread popularity after the establishment of a new bathing complex in the 1940s.

In addition to various pools, a range of spa treatments is available onsite. The baths operate year-round, with the exception of January.

4. Lake Balaton

Lake Balaton stands as Central Europe’s largest lake and is among Hungary’s premier tourist attractions. During the summer months, the majority of Hungarian families endeavor to visit the lake to enjoy several days under the pleasant sun by its shores.

Activities available include swimming, fishing, and sailing on the lake. If a personal vessel is not available, ample options exist for renting small boats at reasonable prices. In winter, visitors can engage in ice skating or fishing on the frozen lake.

5. Busójárás, Mohács

The Busójárás festival occurs during the six days leading up to Ash Wednesday. Townspeople adorn themselves in traditional masks featuring demonic faces and parade through the streets. This tradition is believed by some to have originated from historical efforts to deter invaders, while others see it as part of a pagan ritual to drive away winter.

In addition to the unique masks, festival-goers can also relish traditional folk music and local cuisine. The festival date fluctuates based on the Easter calendar, so it is advisable to verify dates in advance.

6. Danube River Cruise

Throughout history, the Danube has been revered as the lifeblood of Hungary, as well as many neighboring states in Central and Eastern Europe. Embarking on a cruise along the Danube offers a remarkable perspective to view some of the country’s most iconic landmarks.

Whether one opts for an enchanting night cruise through Budapest or a comprehensive day cruise around the Danube Bend (which includes Visegrád, Esztergom, and Szentendre), the views from the boat are simply breathtaking. Cruises operate almost daily, with various boating companies located along the Danube’s banks.

7. Eger Wine Region

Although Hungary is renowned for its sweet dessert wines from Tokaj, the Eger wine region should not be overlooked. Within this region, one can discover numerous vineyards and wine cellars, where sampling the local varieties is encouraged. The “Bulls Blood” wine is particularly well-regarded.

To promote tourism, various cellars host special wine tasting events where attendees can savor traditional dishes and enjoy live music and dance, in addition to tours of the cask cellars.

8. Mosque of Pasha Qasim, Pécs

This remarkable structure was originally constructed in the latter half of the 16th century while Hungary was under Ottoman rule. Although designed as a mosque (the minaret being removed by Jesuits in 1766), it currently functions as a Roman Catholic Church.

The mosque represents one of the finest examples of Turkish architecture in Hungary. Despite its current use as a church, inscriptions from the Koran can still be observed in certain areas of the building. Additionally, the church features religious symbols worth noting.

Access to the church may be restricted during religious ceremonies.

9. Hungarian Parliament Building, Budapest

The Hungarian Parliament Building exemplifies the Gothic Revival architectural style. Situated along the banks of the Danube, it currently holds the title of the largest building in Hungary and the tallest structure in Budapest.

Hundreds of spires and arches surround a stunning central dome, which overlooks a grand square often used for political demonstrations. Enhanced by creative lighting, the building showcases its full splendor at night.

Guided tours of select interior areas are available daily in various languages. Checking online for suitable tour times is recommended.

10. Gödöllő Palace

The splendid Gödöllő Palace was initially constructed in the 18th century to serve as a residence for an aristocratic Hungarian family. Following the death of the final family member in the mid-19th century, the palace was acquired by royalty.

Emperor Franz Joseph I (the ruler of Austro-Hungary) and his wife, Elisabeth (better known as Sisi), traditionally spent summer vacations at the palace. Despite suffering deterioration during the Communist regime, some sections were utilized as a nursing home at that time.

Restoration efforts have since been completed, and the palace has reopened to visitors. The park and grounds are accessible daily, but some areas may close during inclement weather.

11. Hortobágy National Park

Hortobágy National Park is situated within the Great Plains of Hungary and stands as the nation’s largest protected area. In addition to breathtaking landscapes, the park is renowned for its extensive cultural heritage.

The region boasts a strong agricultural tradition, and most visitors take the opportunity to learn about the evolution of farming over the years. Many of the herdsmen maintain livestock of rare breeds.

Additionally, the park hosts a rich variety of wildlife and plant species, including a small population of rare, semi-wild Przewalski Horses.

12. Necropolis of Sopianae, Pécs

The Necropolis of Sopianae is designated as one of Hungary’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In the 4th century, Pécs (referred to as Sopianae during the Roman Empire) was a significant center for Christianity, and this necropolis reflects a blend of Christian and Roman influences.

The site is home to captivating frescoes and sarcophagi that exhibit early Christian art. As the burial area expanded, additional collections of tombs emerged around the city, although these later findings hold less cultural significance compared to the primary Christian artifacts.

13. Caves of Aggtelek Karst

The Caves of Aggtelek Karst National Park represent one of Hungary’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, distinguished as the only natural site among them. Within the caves, visitors can admire a spectacular collection of stalactites and stalagmites, including some of the largest stalactites in Europe.

The underground formations exhibit unique mineral patterns due to the rich geological composition above. Special tours are available, allowing exploration of both the Aggtelek and Slovak Karst caves, which include one of Europe’s most remarkable ice caves.

14. Esztergom Basilica

This basilica ranks among Hungary’s largest structures outside of Budapest, featuring the largest painting in the world on a single canvas within its confines. This masterpiece, created by Girolamo Michelangelo Grigoletti, depicts the Assumption of the Virgin.

The expansive crypt, constructed in the 19th century in an Ancient Egyptian style, houses the remains of several archbishops and prominent clergy members, including Cardinal Mindszenty, who famously sought refuge in the American Embassy in Budapest for 15 years following the Communist takeover.

15. Pannonhalma Archabbey

The Pannonhalma Archabbey, established in 996, has continued to flourish over the centuries. Currently, approximately 50 monks reside at the abbey, which also accommodates a theology college and a boys’ boarding school.

The abbey’s archives safeguard some of Hungary’s oldest documents, including the earliest known written Hungarian text. The tradition of winemaking has persisted since the abbey’s founding. Despite the Communist government seizing their vineyards in the 1940s, the monks have successfully revived their winemaking practices.

16. Visegrád Castle

The ruins of Visegrád Castle are perched atop a hill overlooking the town, making the ascent worthwhile for those eager to explore the remnants and enjoy the scenic views. The castle’s initial construction began in the 13th century under King Béla IV of Hungary, aimed at strengthening defenses along the Danube against potential invasions.

This castle eventually served as a summer residence for King Matthias Corvinus, often regarded by Hungarians as one of their greatest monarchs.

17. Sziget Festival, Budapest

Annually, both Hungarians and international visitors converge in Budapest for the Sziget Festival, held on the Óbudai-sziget island in the heart of the Danube. The festival showcases a diverse range of musical performances spanning various genres.

Significant, world-renowned artists who have previously graced the festival stage include The Killers, Iron Maiden, Prince, Blink 182, Macklemore, and 2 Many DJ’s. Tickets tend to sell out shortly after artists are announced, so it is advisable to monitor lineup updates if interested in attending.

18. Hollókő Village

This village has earned its UNESCO designation due to its distinctive architecture, cultural legacy, and customs. The residents of Hollókő belong to an ethnic group called the Palóc, who have inhabited the area for centuries and have preserved many traditional lifestyles.

Visitors can experience authentic rural life from prior to the agricultural revolution. Most repairs and farming activities in the village continue to be conducted using methods akin to those of the 18th or 19th century.

19. Great Church, Debrecen

This iconic church represents a symbol of Protestantism in Hungary and holds the title of the nation’s largest Protestant house of worship. Constructed in the early 19th century in a neoclassical style, Baroque elements were later incorporated into the tower roofs.

Visitors who ascend to the West Tower (210 steps) are rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the city. The Rákóczi Bell housed in this tower weighs over five tons, making it the largest bell in Hungary.

20. Gate of Faith, Sopron

The Gate of Faith, also known as the “loyalty gate,” features a Baroque door frame and sculpture at the base of the 12th century Firewatch Tower. It depicts the townspeople of Sopron paying tribute to the personified figure of Hungaria.

This sculpture commemorates the townspeople’s decision to remain loyal to Hungary rather than cede to Austria after the Treaty of Trianon was proposed. The majority of voters chose to maintain their allegiance, thus preserving the town within Hungarian territory.

21. Memento Park, Budapest

This intriguing museum park on the outskirts of Budapest is dedicated to the many Communist monuments and statues that once adorned the city. Following the fall of the Communist regime in 1989, many statues were dismantled by the public or removed and placed into storage as there was uncertainty over their future.

The park was inaugurated in 1993 to showcase these statues as an integral part of the nation’s historical narrative. Alongside the statues, a small museum contains information regarding life during the communist era.

22. Tokaj Wine Region

Tokaj represents Hungary’s premier wine-producing region. Winemaking in this area spans over a millennium, with Tokaji wine being recognized and appreciated globally.

Emperor Franz Josef frequently dispatched wine from this region as gifts to fellow European leaders. The most celebrated wines from Tokaj are sweet varieties, made from grapes affected by a benign fungus commonly referred to as “noble rot.”

23. The Caves of Lillafüred

Three noteworthy caves are located within walking distance of the spa town of Lillafüred, all of which can be explored during an extended walk. At Petőfi Cave, visitors can view fossilized remains of ancient plant species as well as intriguing limestone formations. Moving to István Cave reveals impressive stalactites and stalagmites, although some of these formations were damaged during World War II. The Szeleta Cave is situated further away and attracts fewer tourists, having yielded various prehistoric artifacts discovered by archaeologists.

24. Eger Castle

Eger Castle, inspired by various Italian fortress designs, once served as one of Hungary’s primary defenses in the northern region. In 1552, the castle withstood an attack from an army of 40,000 Ottoman Turks, with most inhabitants emerging unscathed. Unfortunately, a subsequent siege by the Turks in 1596 resulted in a Turkish victory.

Visitors today can appreciate numerous Turkish influences within the castle, although a section of the fortress was later demolished by Austrian forces.

25. The Buda Hills, Budapest

The Buda Hills, located in the western section of the city, comprise some of the greenest and cleanest areas within Budapest. Numerous biking and hiking trails of varying difficulty levels are available for exploration.

Alternatively, visitors may take the Children’s Railway, primarily operated by children aged 10-14. A journey to the highest point in the hills grants breathtaking views of Budapest, allowing for a fresh perspective of the city. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy upon reaching the summit.