An overview of the best places to visit in Hungary will be share in the content below for your reference to make the best trip when you're planning to Hungary. Visitors to Hungary quickly learn it is a land of many cultures, having been ruled over by the Romans, Ottomans, Mongols, Magyars, Czechs and the Soviets.
Top 10 - Gyor
With its roots in Celtic and Roman eras, Gyor also has been ruled by the Mongols, Magyars, Czechs, and Ottomans, though city fathers burned the town to keep the Turks from taking it. Gyor, located between Budapest and Vienna, is a good town to just wander around in. At almost every turn you’ll come across statues and marvelous old buildings. The old town at Kaptalan Hill can be found at the confluence of the Danube, Raba and Rebca rivers. A must-see is the church of St. Ignatius of Loyola, an ornate Benedictine cathedral, which visitors have described as “food for the soul.”
Top 9 - Hortobagy National Park
Hortobagy National Park was established as Hungary’s first national park in 1973. It is the country’s largest protected area and Europe’s largest semi-natural grassland, with the alkaline steppe dating back 10,000 years. Animals, including wild horses, lived on the steppe during the Ice Age. Horses, as well as cattle, oxen and water buffalo, still graze on the land. It’s a good place to go bird watching, since 342 species live in the park. A key attraction is the Nine-Arch Bridge that was built in the mid-19th century for people needing to cross the heavily flooded grasslands. Another top site is the Kareag Windmill, also built in the 19th century.
Top 8 Best Places to Visit in Hungary - Debrecen
Debrecen, which served as Hungary’s capital various times over the century, is an important cultural center. Heavily destroyed during World War II, Debrecen is considered the intellectual center of the country, starting with the founding of Calvinist College in 1538. Now known as the University of Debrecen, the college is famous for its architecture. The city has a thriving music scene and is home to the Bela Bartok International Choir competition. Top attractions include the Reformed Great Church, the largest Protestant church in Hungary; the Deri Museum with its collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, and the annual Flower Carnival.
Top 7 Best Places to Visit in Hungary - Heviz
If soaking in hot springs water relaxes you, head to Heviz, home to one of the largest thermal lakes in the world. Water temperature varies from 24 to 37 degrees (71 to 100 °F), making for a pleasant swim. The water flows from its source fast enough to change every 3-1/2 days, keeping the water clean. Located near Lake Balaton, Heviz is famous for its spas with many flourishing resorts. After a swim in these medicinal waters, you might want to hike in the nearby forest, or take in a food festival or outdoor concert. With a Mediterranean-like climate, Heviz is a popular year ‘round destination.
Top 6 Best Places to Visit in Hungary - Aggtelek National Park
If you’re a spelunker, put Aggtelek National Park on your bucket list for Hungary. Located in northern Hungary about a three-hour drive from Budapest, the park is home to the largest stalactic cave, in Europe. Guided tours, geared to physical capabilities, are available. A special cave experience is listening to concerts inside Baradla. The park is a protected area, with some parts off-limits to tourists, while visitors must remain on marked hiking trails in others. Aggtelek National Park is a good place to see flora and fauna, and visit quaint villages within its boundaries.
Top 5 Best Places to Visit in Hungary - Pecs
Top 4 Best Places to Visit in Hungary - Sopron
Established in Roman times, Sopron has been both an Austrian and Hungarian city over the centuries. A 1921 vote decided it should be part of Hungary, earning Sopron the nickname of “Most Loyal Town.” The Gate of Allegiance honors this. It is located on the main square next to the city landmark Firewatch Tower. The city was devastated by World War II, though many of its medieval buildings escaped damage. Sopron today is one of Hungary’s major wine producing regions, one of the few famous for both its red and white wines. Great hiking is available in the nearby Alps.
Top 3 Best Places to Visit in Hungary - Eger
Eger, northern Hungary’s second largest city, is known for several things. Founded by Hungary’s first Christian king, Saint Stephen, in the 10th century, the city is famous for its magnificent baroque buildings. The king founded an Episcopal cathedral, with Eger remaining an important religious center today. The cathedral was built on Castle Hill, with the city growing around it. The castle and basilica remain the city’s top sights, followed by the Valley of the Women, a series of wine cellars and restaurants built into surrounding hills. Check out the Torok Kori Minaret, the northernmost Turkish minaret in Europe; the 150-step climb to the top is steep, but the views are worth it.
Top 2 Best Places to Visit in Hungary - Lake Balaton
Top 2 Best Places to Visit in Hungary - Lake Balaton
When relaxing at a resort becomes more appealing to you than walking another cobblestone street to see another medieval building, head to Lake Balaton. Europe’s largest freshwater lake is also Hungary’s most popular summer resort. It’s so big it’s sometimes referred to as the “Hungarian Sea,” a delightful misnomer since the country is landlocked. Grass covers many of the beaches, though some resorts have created artificial sandy beaches. Siofok is the lake’s party capital, while ferries at Fonyod take passengers to Badacsony, a major wine-growing region. The north shore offers more wineries, the historical bathing town of Balatonfured, and the baroque Festetics Castle.
Top 1 Best Places to Visit in Hungary - Budapest
Top 1 Best Places to Visit in Hungary - Budapest
Budapest, Hungary’s capital and largest city, is considered one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. One of the best places to visit in Hungary, Budapest is home to the world’s largest thermal water cave system as well as the world’s second largest synagogue and third largest Parliament building, the city’s top attraction. You’ll find spectacular views of the Danube and the city from Fishermen’s Bastion, originally part of the city wall. A poignant memorial to Jews killed in World War II can be found at Shoes of the Danube, where Jews removed their shoes before being shot and washed away by the river.
Budapest is two cities, Buda and Pest, separated by the Danube River but blended into one magnificent metropolis. Located on the western side of the Danube in Buda, Castle Hill is home to the many-times-renovated Royal Palace, which dates back to 1265. The current neo-Baroque building complex houses can’t-miss attractions like the 800-year-old Matthias Church, the National Gallery and other museums that showcase Hungary’s imperial past.
In contrast to hilly Buda, eastern Pest is flat and filled with boulevards that seem to stretch on forever. Pest contains the city’s downtown district, universities and sites like the infamous House of Terror. Now a memorial museum, the former townhouse was the headquarters of the Nazi party in World War II and the secret police when Hungary was a member of the Soviet Union.
Although the past is always present in Budapest, the city is known for its free-wheeling take on modern life too. Nowhere is this more evident than in the kerts, or “ruin pubs,” that spring up in the less developed sections of the city when the weather turns fair. Finding the open-air cafés, pubs and clubs can be challenging, but the cuisine and libations served in these makeshift establishments makes the hunt worthwhile.
Visitors looking for relaxation flock to the Budapest’s many spas, baths fed by natural hot springs that lie beneath the city’s surface. Whether in a modern health spa or an ancient Turkish bath house, “taking the waters” is a must-do Budapest experience. It’s the perfect way to relax after a day exploring one of Eastern Europe’s most popular travel destinations.
If you're planning a trip to Hungary and looking for a convenient way to explore its stunning attractions, consider bus rental Budapest or bus rental Hungary as your ideal transportation choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hungary is a country that offers a rich tapestry of experiences for travelers seeking history, culture, natural beauty, and culinary delights. The top 10 places you should visit in Hungary that we've explored in this guide represent just a fraction of what Hungary has to offer. From the stunning architecture of Budapest to the serene landscapes of Lake Balaton, from the historic charm of Eger to the unique thermal baths of Széchenyi, Hungary's diversity is its strength.