Hungary is renowned for its breathtaking architecture, mouthwatering food, calming thermal springs, and rich historical legacy. Budapest, the capital, is frequently referred to as the “Paris of the East” because of its magnificent boulevards, opulent buildings, and rich cultural legacy. The nation’s intriguing architecture and culture are clear indications of the conquerors’ strong influence. Hungary is an Eastern European nation that inspires a strong sense of history and tradition at every turn, from its magnificent capital city of Budapest, which is aptly called “the city of lights,” to its numerous charming villages and breathtaking scenery. Justifiably compared to towns like Prague and even Paris, Budapest has grown to be the main tourist destination in the nation.
However, the capital is not home to all of Hungary’s top attractions and locations to visit. Hungary’s charming villages and cities of all sizes still have their traditional, ancient historical charms. Numerous examples of their influences can be seen, ranging from Turkish conquerors to Italian Renaissance designers, among other diverse regional cultures. Some of Europe’s most breathtaking landscapes can be seen in Hungary’s rural areas. In actuality, breathtaking mountains, lakes, picturesque river landscapes, and verdant valleys are always nearby wherever you are in Hungary. Adventure sports enthusiasts will find plenty of excellent options to engage in outdoor activities such as hiking, bicycling, climbing, camping, and other outdoor pursuits in all of these breathtaking settings. Make the most of your time spent exploring in this amazing European nation by consulting our list of the best places to see and activities to do in Hungary frequently.
01. Buda Castle
When you first see Budapest, the capital of Hungary, and its magnificent Buda Castle (Budavári Palota), you’ll understand why so many refer to Budapest as the “Paris of the East.” With its magnificent size and exquisite architecture, this remarkable historic landmark — which is currently recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is right up there with Versailles in France.
This more recent building, which was constructed in the 18th century for the Habsburg monarchy, was constructed on the site of a palace that was destroyed during the Siege of 1686 by the Ottoman Empire. It has more than 200 rooms. A portion of the original medieval structure, notably the remarkable South Tower from the fifteenth century and the Buzogány Tower, has been painstakingly restored.
02. Aggtelek National Park
Baradla Cave, which is the largest stalactite cave in Hungary and one of the biggest in all of Europe, is situated in northwestern Hungary, near the Slovak border, and is protected by the Aggtelek National Park (Aggteleki Nemzeti Park). It takes around 2.5 hours to get there by automobile from Budapest. Nearly 200 square kilometers make up the park, most of which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Humans have been using the cave as a home for almost 7,000 years, according to excavations. The Imre Vass Cave, the Béke Cave, and the Rákóczi Cave are the other three caverns that are now open to visitors. Hikers and walkers from all across Europe frequent the area. These explorers take guided cave excursions in addition to exploring the area’s network of clearly indicated trails.
03. Esztergom Basilica
Standing majestically above the picturesque skyline of one of the oldest cities in Hungary, the magnificent structure known as Esztergom Basilica (Esztergomi bazilika) is well worth the 46-kilometer drive from Budapest. Constructed in 1507, the magnificent Catholic church known as the Primatial Basilica of the Blessed Virgin Mary Assumed Into Heaven and St. Adalbert is situated on Castle Hill with a view of the Danube River. With a massive dome that reaches 100 meters into the sky, it is not only the largest but also the highest religious building in the nation.
Among its remarkable features is its monumental altarpiece, which is the largest painting in the world and measures almost 14 meters in length. It depicts the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Among the other noteworthy pieces of art are the paintings from Hungary’s most significant Renaissance collection.
04. Danube River
Hungary’s stunning Danube River divides Budapest in half as it runs through the city from north to south. The Freedom Bridge offers one of the best sunset views of the river, Buda, and Pest. Locals love to watch the show from the enormous cables of the bridge (though at street level), and they are frequently spotted doing so with passing boats.
Active tourists often use the Danube Cycle Path to witness the river as it meanders through the hills between Budapest and Vienna. Along with the ever-changing river landscape, this route stretches all the way from Germany to Budapest, passing through classy Esztergom, the Roman fort of Kelemantia, and traditional Hungarian towns like Szigetmonostor.
05. Danube Bend
Some excellent locations to observe this magnificent Danube River are at the Danube Bend, which is one of the most well-liked leisure and travel destinations in the nation. The Börzsöny and Pilis hills squeeze the river into a fairly tight ravine near Visegrád, where the scenery is at its most striking. The view of the valley from Visegrád Castle is breathtaking. Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts frequent the region.
One of the best things to do in Hungary is to visit one of the most charming sections of the Danube and escape the oppressive summer heat in Budapest. The Danube Bend, which runs between Esztergom and Szentendre, is arguably the most picturesque section of the river’s Hungarian route.
06. Hungarian Parliament Building
When touring Budapest, it’s difficult to overlook the magnificently proportioned Országház, the Hungarian Parliament Building. Its opulent look and size will astound you, whether you’re seeing it from Castle Hill on the opposite bank or taking a tour boat trip along the Danube (which is highly recommended). At night, when it’s exquisitely illuminated, it’s even more impressive.
The equally stunning Ministry of Agriculture building and the Museum of Ethnography stand on either side of the structure. You should definitely spend some time exploring the outside and admiring the intricate intricacies of one of the biggest parliament buildings in Europe, even if you are unable to stay for too long.
07. Tihany
One of the most well-liked vacation spots on Lake Balaton is Tihany. This little peninsula, which was formerly an island, is only eight square kilometers yet is home to some of Hungary’s most breathtaking beauty. The southwest portion is a designated nature reserve, closed to vehicles, and a great place to explore on foot via the network of clearly indicated trails.
The stunning 17th-century Benedictine Abbey (Tihanyi Bencés Apátság), with its breathtaking views of the lake and the surroundings, is a must-see landmark in the town itself. Make sure to stroll to the charming, historic Inner Harbor from the abbey. There are lots of passenger ship moorings here, as well as a nice lakefront promenade.
08. The thermal baths
During their visit, foreign visitors wishing to get acquainted with Hungarian culture should make at least one stop at a thermal spa. Unwinding in hot baths is one of the nicest things to do in Hungary, whether it’s a more ornate facility modeled after Budapest’s Gellért or a typical Turkish bath house.
Budapest is situated on a geological fault line where the Great Plain and the Buda Hills meet. Over 100 thermal springs shoot skyward due to this topographical fender-bender, releasing about 40,000 cubic meters of warm, mineral-rich water per day.
09. Hortobágy National Park
Hortobágy National Park (also known as Hortobágyi Nemzeti Park), which lies in the nation’s east, is arguably the epitome of Hungary. Here, you may take in the rich culture and customs of the people of the nation while exploring a wide range of fantastic sites and enjoyable activities.
The park was created in 1973 and is a portion of Hungary’s Great Plain, which is protected as the largest natural grassland in Europe. Getting a peek at its varied animal life, which includes everything from an abundance of birds to herds of horses, is one of the highlights of a visit. An evening spent in its dark sky preserve, which provides amazing astronomy opportunities without the distraction of city lights, is very enjoyable.
10. Visegrád Royal Palace
Although Visegrád is now just a little town on the Danube, it was one of the royal residences of Hungary in the 14th and 15th centuries. The fortress overlooking the town housed St. Stephen’s Crown and the Royal Insignia on occasion. The Visegrád Royal Palace was extended by King Sigismund of Luxembourg at the base of the fortress.
One of the greatest things to do in Hungary these days is to visit the Royal Palace in Visegrad. The Upper Castle, Lower Castle, and Solomon’s Tower are among the structures that make up the palace complex. From the castle walls, visitors can examine the remnants of the palace and take in breathtaking views of the Danube River valley nearby.
11. The Caves of Lillafüred
Hungary’s second-most-liked spa destination is Lillafüred, which is located in the Bükk Mountains. Not to mention, there are a ton of breathtaking caves within a short stroll of the town. The Petofi Cave, well-known worldwide for the impressions of extinct plant species preserved in its limestone walls, and the István Cave, with its amazing stalactite formations, are two of the most fascinating to explore.
Follow the trail to Szeleta Cave for a hike that is more daring. This area displays an impressive array of Ice Age artifacts, such as expertly crafted spears and arrows. After all of your touring is done, enjoy a journey on the historic narrow-gauge railway that passes through some of the most untamed mountainous areas.
12. Eger Castle
Hungary is home to a large number of quaint, historically significant forts, castles, and palaces. Eger Castle (Egri vár) is the most well-known. Situated on the southern flanks of the Bükk Mountains in the charming spa town of Eger, Eger Castle was once guarding the entrance to northern Hungary.
Today, visitors can tour the numerous remains and the surviving towers perched high above the town, all of which provide an idea of the scale and power of this once-great castle. The lower town’s old medieval and Baroque buildings, together with its top-notch eateries and cafés, may be easily explored from this magnificent stronghold.
You will enjoy taking in the local culture and visiting well-known tourist destinations when you visit Hungary. Activities for a trip to Hungary can involve touring the country’s attractions and stopping at noteworthy locations. With the Danube snaking through it and Budapest’s bubbling bathhouses and vibrant dive bars, Hungary is without a doubt one of the most immersing travel destinations in all of Europe. We were able to list the top tourist destinations in Hungary in this article. Have fun!
