With magnificent castles, scenic lakes, deep caves, verdant forests, and splendid churches, Hungary is more than just its capital ‘Budapest’. There are so many best places to visit in Hungary that it is quickly becoming one of Eastern Europe’s most popular countries. Hungary is located in the heart of Central Europe. It is a country with different hues of history, culture, and nature’s beauty. Hungary shares its porous borders with seven countries, including Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia. Hungary boasts a history that is spread over a millennium. It has influences from the Celtic, Roman, Ottoman, and Habsburg Empires. There have been enormous periods of conquest, giving rise to medieval kingdoms, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Not only this, Hungarian cuisine is full of hearty flavors. Goulash, a stew with meat and vegetables, is a national dish. Paprika, a spice is prominent in Hungarian cooking. Hungary also has a long history of winemaking, and its wine regions, including Tokaj, Villány, and Eger, produce sweet wines.
12 Best Places to Visit in Hungary
Hungary boasts many places that are not only scenic but also interesting for tourists. Let’s make a fun itinerary for you for Hungary so that you don’t waste even a single moment trying to dig for information about Hungary.
1. Budapest
Budapest is the glittering capital of Hungary and a must-visit tourist destination to understand the country’s history and progress in modern times. There are royal historic and ancient buildings side by side alongside modern architecture.
Tourists can explore Budapest by going on scenic cruises on the Danube River. The massive length of the banks of the Danube River, the Royal Castle Quarter, and Andrassy Avenue has been given the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Budapest is also a foodie’s paradise. Also, there are many Indian restaurants in Budapest.
Places to visit in Budapest:
Buda Castle or Royal Palace, Basilica of St. Stephen, Memento Park, Great Synagogue, Hungarian State Opera House, House of Terror, Parliament
Things to do in Budapest:
Cruise over the Danube River, Hungarian cuisine, regal performances at Budapest Opera House
2. Eger
Eger is nestled on the Eger River and is one of the best places to visit in Hungary. Tourists can still find evidence of the Turkish invasion. This has influenced the architecture of the town.
Some distance away from this place is the Valley of Beautiful Women. It produces Hungary’s famous red wine known as ‘Bikaver’ or Bull’s Blood. Eger is also known for its historic castle and thermal baths.
Places to visit in Eger:
Eger Castle, Magic Tower, Lyceum, County Hall, Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Apostle
Things to do in Eger:
Vineyards of Eger, Baroque architecture of the city
3. Esztergom
Esztergom is home to Hungary’s largest basilica- the Esztergom Basilica and is among the best places to visit in Hungary especially if you want to see the influence of Christianity in the country.
Its museum has the largest collection of Christian relics. The city was the capital of Hungary between the 10th and 13th centuries. Undoubtedly, Esztergom offers a blend of religious history and beautiful landscapes along the Danube River.
Places to visit in Esztergom:
Esztergom Basilica, Castle Museum, Danube Museum, Christian Museum
Things to do in Esztergom:
Museum with Christian relics, Interiors of the Esztergom Basilica,
4. Debrecen
Debrecen is the second largest city after Budapest. It is known for its Great Reformed Church and as a cultural and educational hub. Debrecen has a unique history of its own, as it is more than famous for being the gateway to the great plains of Hungary.
It is a base for a visit to the Hortobagy National Park. The local food of pasta and beef soup is especially relishing!
Places to visit in Debrecen:
Calvinist College, Timar Haz, Centre of Modern and Contemporary Art, Great Church, Deri Museum,
Things to do in Debrecen:
Trip to Horotbagyi National Park, Flower Carnival, Lake Fancsika
5. Lake Balaton
Lake Balaton is undoubtedly one of the popular places to visit in Hungary. It is central Europe’s largest freshwater lake. There are a variety of recreational activities, including water sports, cycling, and wine tourism here.
The lake also known as the Hungarian Sea has a long shoreline with a cycle path. There are lakes, many resort towns, and pristine forests in the Balaton Uplands National Park.
Places to visit in Lake Balaton:
Festetics Palace, Herend Porcelain Factory
Things to do in Lake Balaton:
Heviz Spa, Balaton Sound Festival, Szigliget Fortress
6. Aggtelek
Aggtelek is a small village that leads to the popular UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aggtelek and Slovak Karst. Aggtelek’s Baradle Cave has the most splendid stalactite formations and is a must-visit for all tourists.
The cavern ‘Giant’s Hall’ is impressive and a popular tourist spot for nature enthusiasts. It is well-known as a national park with unique geological formations.
Places to visit in Aggtelek:
Aggtelek Cave System
Things to do in Aggtelek:
Rakoczi Barlang Cave, Baradla Cave
7. Lillafured
The Bukk Mountains are known for their natural beauty and are one of Hungary’s best-known places to visit. Lillafured is a charming resort town and acts as a base for visiting the Bukk National Park.
The park has more than one thousand caves. The scenic freshwater lakes and thick woods are great for hiking lovers. The Lillafured waterfall is also the highest in Hungary. Tourists also visit Lillafured for cave bathing.
Places to visit in Lillafured:
Bukk National Park, Lake Hamori, Anna Cave, Lillafured Waterfall
Things to do in Lilafured:
Trekking in Bukk National Park, Miskolc Zoo
8. Tokaj
Tokaj is at the center of Hungary and among the popular places to visit in Hungary to taste the best wines. The small town is filled with quaint little houses and offers excellent views of the Zemplen Hills.
Wine connoisseurs must know Tokaj has been in the business of sweet wines since the early 15th century!
Places to visit in Tokaj:
Wine Tasting Tours, Tokaj Museum, Vineyards
Things to do in Tokaj:
Sarospatak Castle, UNESCO World Heritage Tokaj Wine Region
9. Holloko
Holloko is a living piece of history and often features among the top 10 best places to visit in Hungary. It’s a tiny hamlet and has just two streets. However, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its unique architecture.
The residential houses nearby are built with the ‘wattle and daub’ technique that uses sticks and mud.
Places to visit in Holloko:
Church of St. Martin, Village Museum, Guzsalyas, Holloko Castle, Postal Museum, Paloc Doll Museum
Things to do in Holloko:
Hollokoi Falumuzeum, Paloc Babamuzeum
10. Visegrad
Visegrad is situated in Pest County, Hungary, and is a quaint castle town that gives a glimpse into a medieval castle with panoramic views of the Danube River. It is a popular destination for history enthusiasts.
Visegrad lies towards the north of Budapest, on the bank of the Danube. The tourist spot is best known for the remains of the Early Renaissance summer palace of the late King Matthias Corvinus. There is also an ancient citadel in ruins here.
Places to visit in Visegrad:
Visegrad Castle, Solomon Tower, Visegrad Citadel Museum, Royal Palace
Things to do in Visegrad:
Hiking and outdoor activities, canoeing, taking a refreshing thermal bath, and tasting the local cuisine
11. Hortobagy
Hortobagy is the largest natural grassland in Europe. Hortobagy is a national park known for its unique wildlife, traditional shepherds, and the iconic Nine-Hole Bridge.
This site is known worldwide for its beautiful sunsets and a variety of flora and fauna. You will be surprised and entertained by the amazing skills of the Hungarian cowboys.
Places to visit in Hortobagy:
Nine Holed Bridge
Things to do in Hortobagy:
National Herdsmen Competition, Bridge Fair
12. Tapolca
Tapolca is known for its vast underground cave system called Tavasbarlang. Tourists can explore the underground wonders by boat.
There is a beautiful underground ‘Lake Cave’ in Tapolca. The lake cave is open to tourists and is famous for its medicinal properties.
Places to visit in Tapolca:
Szent Gyorgy Hill, Lake Malom-to, Lake Cave
Things to do in Tapolca:
Kotenger, Little Princess Statue
Final Thoughts
Hungary is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Buda Castle and the banks of the Danube in Budapest, the early Christian Necropolis of Pécs, and the Hortobágy National Park are must-visit tourist destinations.
There are a variety of festivals that showcase and celebrate the cultural richness of Hungary. The Budapest International Documentary Festival, Budapest Opera Ball, and Budapest Wine Festival are popular among tourists.
Hungarians are known for their warm hospitality and are inviting. With the historic streets of Budapest, relaxing thermal baths, and the blend of local flavors, Hungary offers a captivating blend of past and present. Undoubtedly, it is a compelling destination for travelers offering an enriching experience.
Yes, the average cost of living in Hungary ($950) is 119% more than in India ($435).
Indian students need 5,000 to 7,000 EUR per year to be able to pay their rent, buy food and transport, and cover personal living expenses.
April to May and September to October is the best time to visit Hungary.
The cost to travel to Hungary from India is around 35,000 INR.
Yes, you will need a short-term visa to visit Hungary which is valid for 90 days. This short-term visa is also known as the Schengen visa.
