Like many tourists, I used to think that Budapest was all Hungary had to offer. But after years of visiting the stunning capital, I finally gave the rest of the country a chance – and I was enchanted! From charming towns and cities to natural wonders like lakes, thermal springs, and caves, Hungary has so much more to offer than just its beautiful capital. In this article, I’ll share with you the best places to visit in Hungary, beyond Budapest, and show you why this Central European gem is worth exploring further.
Key Takeaways:
- Beyond Budapest: While Budapest is a stunning city, Hungary has much more to offer beyond its capital, including beautiful towns, cities, lakes, thermal springs, caves, and more.
- Diverse Attractions: Hungary’s tourist attractions are varied and include monuments, history, art-nouveau architecture, vibrant atmosphere, thermal baths, and natural wonders like Lake Balaton and Hortobagy National Park.
- Explore Regional Cities: Cities like Gyor, Sopron, Pecs, Szeged, Eger, and Miskolc offer a unique blend of history, architecture, and culture, making them must-visit destinations in Hungary.
Best Places to Visit in Hungary
Your Hungarian adventure awaits! From stunning cities to charming towns, and from thermal baths to breathtaking natural landscapes, Hungary has so much to offer. Here are the best places to visit in Hungary, beyond the capital city of Budapest.
Budapest
Budapest, the Pearl of the Danube, is a must-visit destination in Europe. This vibrant city offers a mix of rich history, stunning architecture, and lively atmosphere. Explore the UNESCO-listed Castle District, visit the iconic St. Matthias Church, and soak up the thermal baths.
Gyor
The charming city of Gyor, located halfway between Budapest and Vienna, is a Baroque gem. Admire the stunning architecture, visit the numerous monuments, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this Central European city.
Overview of Gyor: This sixth-largest city in Hungary has a rich history dating back to the 5th century BC. Its beautiful Baroque architecture, charming old town, and lively atmosphere make it a perfect day trip from Budapest or Vienna.
Sopron
History buffs will love Sopron, a charming town located at the Austrian border. Wander through the picturesque old town, visit the Firewatch Tower, and explore the remnants of the Jewish community that once thrived here.
Plus, Sopron is a great base for exploring the surrounding region, including the beautiful Lake Fertő and the nearby Austrian towns.
Pecs
Overview of Pecs: This vibrant city is a treasure trove of history, architecture, and culture. Visit the UNESCO-listed ancient necropolis, explore the stunning cathedral, and soak up the lively atmosphere of this charming city.
Budapest may have stolen the spotlight, but Pecs is definitely worth a visit. Its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant atmosphere make it a must-visit destination in Hungary.
Szeged
Necropolis enthusiasts will love Szeged, a city known for its stunning art-nouveau architecture. Admire the beautiful palaces, visit the impressive synagogue, and explore the charming old town.
Attractions in Szeged: From the stunning town hall to the beautiful Votive Church, Szeged is a treasure trove of architectural gems. Don’t miss the numerous museums, galleries, and cultural events that make this city so vibrant.
Eger
With its stunning castle, beautiful churches, and charming old town, Eger is a must-visit destination in northern Hungary. Visit the 13th-century castle, explore the underground tunnels, and soak up the lively atmosphere of this charming town.
UNESCO-listed Eger: This small town is packed with attractions, including the stunning castle, beautiful churches, and charming old town. Don’t miss the nearby “Valley of the beautiful women”, known for its excellent wines.
Miskolc
Necropolis enthusiasts will love Miskolc, a city located in northern Hungary. Visit the stunning castle, explore the charming old town, and soak up the lively atmosphere of this industrial city.
Best of Miskolc: From its rich history to its stunning architecture, Miskolc is a hidden gem in Hungary. Don’t miss the nearby Bükk Mountains, perfect for hiking and outdoor activities.
Keszthely
Take a trip to Keszthely, a charming town located on the shores of Lake Balaton. Visit the stunning Festetics Palace, explore the charming old town, and soak up the lively atmosphere of this popular summer resort.
Town of Keszthely: This charming town is a perfect base for exploring the surrounding region, including the beautiful Lake Balaton and the nearby thermal baths. Don’t miss the stunning Festetics Palace, a must-visit attraction in Hungary.
Tihany
Many travelers who visit Hungary often overlook Tihany, a charming town located on the northern shore of Lake Balaton. According to 10 Best Places to Visit in Hungary, Tihany is a must-visit destination, and I couldn’t agree more. This picturesque town is famous for its stunning abbey, beautiful beaches, and breathtaking views of the lake.
Kecskemet
An hour and a half from Budapest, Kecskemet is a lovely city that boasts a rich history, cultural heritage, and stunning architecture. Its colorful buildings, charming streets, and vibrant atmosphere make it a perfect destination for those who want to experience authentic Hungarian culture.
Szekesfehervar
Architecture enthusiasts will love Szekesfehervar, a city that’s often referred to as the “City of Kings.” Its stunning basilica, beautiful Baroque buildings, and historic landmarks make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and architecture.
Budapest may be the capital, but Szekesfehervar has its own unique charm and character. From its beautiful parks to its vibrant cultural scene, there’s something for everyone in this charming city.
Gödöllő
Outdoor enthusiasts will love Gödöllő, a charming town located just outside of Budapest. Its stunning palace, beautiful gardens, and picturesque surroundings make it a perfect destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Cultural attractions abound in Gödöllő, from its stunning palace to its beautiful churches and historic landmarks. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply want to enjoy the great outdoors, Gödöllő has something for everyone.
Szentendre
Abbey enthusiasts will love Szentendre, a charming town located just outside of Budapest. Its stunning abbey, beautiful churches, and picturesque surroundings make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and architecture.
The town’s colorful buildings, charming streets, and vibrant atmosphere make it a perfect destination for those who want to experience authentic Hungarian culture. From its stunning abbey to its beautiful museums, there’s something for everyone in Szentendre.
Visegrad
Abbey enthusiasts will also love Visegrad, a charming town located in the Danube-Ipoly National Park. Its stunning abbey, beautiful churches, and picturesque surroundings make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and architecture.
The town’s stunning castle, beautiful gardens, and breathtaking views of the Danube River make it a perfect destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. From its stunning abbey to its beautiful hiking trails, there’s something for everyone in Visegrad.
Esztergom
Take a trip to Esztergom, a charming town located just outside of Budapest. Its stunning basilica, beautiful churches, and picturesque surroundings make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and architecture.
From its stunning castle to its beautiful museums, Esztergom has something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply want to enjoy the great outdoors, this charming town is a must-visit destination.
Hortobagy National Park
Castle enthusiasts will love Hortobagy National Park, a stunning park located in eastern Hungary. Its beautiful castle, picturesque surroundings, and breathtaking views make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and architecture.
Budapest may be the capital, but Hortobagy National Park has its own unique charm and character. From its stunning castle to its beautiful hiking trails, there’s something for everyone in this charming park.
Debrecen
From Budapest, take a trip to Debrecen, a charming city located in eastern Hungary. Its stunning Great Church, beautiful buildings, and picturesque surroundings make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and architecture.
Debrecen has something for everyone, from its stunning cultural attractions to its beautiful parks and gardens. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply want to enjoy the great outdoors, this charming city is a must-visit destination.
Heviz
Bishops will love Heviz, a charming town located in western Hungary. Its stunning church, beautiful buildings, and picturesque surroundings make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and architecture.
Budapest may be the capital, but Heviz has its own unique charm and character. From its stunning church to its beautiful thermal lake, there’s something for everyone in this charming town.
Aggtelek National Park
Szekesfehervar enthusiasts will love Aggtelek National Park, a stunning park located in northern Hungary. Its beautiful caves, picturesque surroundings, and breathtaking views make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in nature and the outdoors.
Lake enthusiasts will also love Aggtelek National Park, which boasts several stunning lakes and waterfalls. Whether you’re interested in hiking, swimming, or simply want to enjoy the great outdoors, this charming park has something for everyone.
Lillafured
Views enthusiasts will love Lillafured, a charming town located in northeastern Hungary. Its stunning palace, beautiful gardens, and breathtaking views make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and architecture.
Attractions abound in Lillafured, from its stunning palace to its beautiful hiking trails. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or simply want to enjoy the great outdoors, this charming town has something for everyone.
Tapolca
Attractions enthusiasts will love Tapolca, a charming town located in western Hungary. Its stunning lake, beautiful caves, and picturesque surroundings make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in nature and the outdoors.
Budapest may be the capital, but Tapolca has its own unique charm and character. From its stunning lake to its beautiful hiking trails, there’s something for everyone in this charming town.
Tokaj region
After exploring the charming towns and cities of Hungary, I headed to the Tokaj region, a place that has been on my radar for a long time. As I explored deeper into my research, I realized that Tokaj is not just a region, but a wine region, famous for its sweet white wines. If you’re a wine enthusiast, you might want to know that Tokaj is often referred to as the “king of wines” and has been producing wine since the 12th century. But even if you’re not a wine connoisseur, the Tokaj region has plenty to offer, from stunning landscapes to charming villages and historic towns.
If you’re planning a trip to Hungary, I highly recommend adding the Tokaj region to your itinerary. And if you’re still unsure, check out this article that provides some great insights into the must-visit places in Hungary.
Hollókő
Trip back in time to the charming village of Hollókő, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that will transport you to a bygone era. This picturesque village is nestled in the Cserhát Mountains and is famous for its traditional Hungarian architecture, quaint streets, and stunning natural surroundings. Take a leisurely stroll through the village, visit the 13th-century castle, and soak up the tranquil atmosphere. Hollókő is a must-visit destination in the Tokaj region, and I’m sure you’ll fall in love with its rustic charm.
Kőszeg
Keep exploring the wonders of Hungary, and you’ll find yourself in Kőszeg, a charming town located near the Austrian border. This picturesque town is often referred to as the “Jewel of Transdanubia” and is steeped in history and culture. If you’re looking for Hungary’s 20 Hidden Gems You Should Visit, Kőszeg is definitely one of them – check out this article for more inspiration.
Veszprem
With its rich history dating back to the 10th century, Veszprem is a treasure trove of architectural styles, from Romanesque to Baroque. Take a stroll through the charming streets and admire the beautiful buildings, including the stunning Veszprem Castle.
Lake Bokodi
With its serene atmosphere and picturesque surroundings, Lake Bokodi is a perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature. Take a leisurely boat ride or simply sit back and enjoy the tranquility of this beautiful lake.
Architecture enthusiasts will love Lake Bokodi, as it’s surrounded by stunning examples of Hungarian rural architecture. The traditional houses and farm buildings in the area are a testament to the region’s rich cultural heritage. Take your time to explore the lake’s surroundings and soak up the authentic Hungarian atmosphere.
To wrap up
Upon reflecting on my journey through Hungary, I’m convinced that this incredible country has so much more to offer beyond its stunning capital, Budapest. From the charming towns of Gyor and Sopron to the vibrant cities of Pecs and Szeged, each place I visited left me enchanted. With its rich history, breathtaking architecture, and natural wonders, Hungary is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. So, take your time, venture beyond Budapest, and let the beauty of Hungary capture your heart, just as it did mine.
FAQ
Q: What are some of the best places to visit in Hungary beyond Budapest?
A: There are many amazing places to visit in Hungary beyond Budapest. Some of the top recommendations include Gyor, known for its stunning Baroque architecture; Sopron, a charming city with a rich history and beautiful old town; Pecs, a city with a unique blend of Roman, Turkish, and Hungarian influences; Szeged, famous for its art-nouveau architecture; and Eger, a small town with a rich history and stunning castle. These cities offer a glimpse into Hungary’s diverse culture, history, and natural beauty.
Q: What are some of the top attractions in Budapest?
A: Budapest, the capital city of Hungary, is a must-visit destination in Europe. Some of the top attractions in Budapest include the stunning Parliament Building, Buda Castle, Fishermen’s Bastion, St. Matthias Church, and the Széchenyi Thermal Bath. The city is also known for its vibrant nightlife, historic cafes, and stunning art-nouveau architecture.
Q: How do I plan a trip to Hungary?
A: Planning a trip to Hungary is easy! You can start by booking your accommodation on Booking.com, and then research and book tours on Viator or Get Your Guide. For transportation, use 12Go or Omio to book your tickets online. Don’t forget to get insured for your trip with SafetyWing. Additionally, consider purchasing an eSim card from Airalo to stay connected during your trip. Finally, join a Facebook group or online community to connect with other travelers and get tips and advice on planning your trip to Hungary.
