Hungary is a landlocked country, sitting comfortably in the Carpathian Basin, and is one of immense beauty! Known for its national parks, nature reserves, and landscape protection areas, the country boasts so much natural beauty. Not only rich in natural landscapes, but Hungary also has an incredibly fascinating history and its people are some of the world’s most artistic people. World-renowned musicians, poets, literary geniuses, artists, scientists, and mathematicians have all called Hungary their home. In fact, Hungary has birthed thirteen Nobel Prize winners! So it is not unreasonable to say that this country is full to the brim with creativity! There is just so much to see and do! So much so, that it can be hard to know where to start. Not to worry, listed below are this author’s top ten things to do in the wonderful country of Hungary. I’m sure there will be something that will take your fancy. So, read on to get started planning your Hungarian adventure!
The Hungarian Parliament Buildings
The Hungarian Parliament Buildings, also referred to as the Parliament of Budapest, exist as the seat of the National Assembly of Hungary. These wonderful buildings are not only an incredibly important landmark in Hungary but also a popular attraction amongst international visitors. The buildings are truly a sight to behold! An architectural wonder that needs to be seen to be appreciated. The buildings have stood since 1904 and are built in a domed, neo-gothic style, designed by architect Imre Steindl. Why not take a guided tour of these fantastic buildings? Lasting around forty-five minutes, the Hungarian Parliament Buildings tour takes you behind the scenes, allowing you to discover its breathtaking interior, the crown jewels, and learn more about the history of these incredibly iconic buildings.
Location: Budapest, Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3, 1055 Hungary
The Tisza River
The Tisza, Tysa, or Tisa River is one of the major rivers of both Central and Eastern Europe and is considered one of Europe’s most natural. The river flows for nine-hundred and sixty-six kilometres, with sixty-one of those kilometres actually being in Romania. The Hungarian section, however, is what we’re focused on today! The Tisza River, flowing through the country of Hungary, is surrounded by fantastic walking trails, masses of forestry, and incredible wildlife. Make sure to add a stop by the Tisza River to your Hungary itinerary to experience the beautiful landscapes and take a step onto the wild side!
Location: Tisza River, Tisza, Hungary
The Valley of the Beautiful Women
As enchanting and stunning as its name, The Valley of the Beautiful Women is a sight to behold! The small but charming valley exists as one of Hungary’s very best and most well-known wine regions, with a multitude of vineyards for you to explore and discover. The valley is but a short walk from the quaint town of Eger, though there of course the option to hire a car if walking isn’t your style. Explore the verdant valley, tasting wonderful wine as you go, picking out favourites and becoming a true connoisseur! Visitors often describe a trip to the Valley of the Beautiful Women as a ‘pub crawl’, but with wine cellars rather than pubs. So, it may be best not to drive!
Location: Eger, Almási Pál u. 38, 3300 Hungary
The Szeged Zoo
Get ready to take a step on the wild side! The Szeged Zoo is an open-air zoo, sprawling and filled to the brim with fascinating, exotic animals from all over the world. This zoo is unique in that the animals who reside here are set up in natural habitat zones, aimed at securing their comfort and preservation. The exhibits are set up according to the continent from which the animal originates, making a trip to this zoo an incredibly informative and fun experience. Plus, not only is the Szeged Zoo a fantastic learning experience, it is classed as a conservationist zoo. That is, the venue works hard to ensure that the most vulnerable and endangered species of animal stand the best chance of survival. The Szeged Zoo is an incredible tourist attraction and is open nearly every day of the year, so embrace your wild side and discover some of the most fascinating creatures in the world!
Location: Szeged, Szél u. 90, 6725 Hungary
The Gyor Old Town Area
Gyor is considered the most important city in northwest Hungary so is definitely worth a visit! But, what to do whilst you’re there? Start in the Gyor Old Town Area. Decorated with restaurants, shops, and cafes. So, it’s a great place to take a leisurely stroll, grab a bite to eat or pick up a souvenir or two. Each street is dotted with beautiful, historical buildings, making the area one of the most visually pleasing. Make sure to snap a photo during your visit!
Location: Győr, Városház tér 1, 9021 Hungary
The Festetics Palace/ The Heikons Palace
The Festetics Palace, or The Heikons Palace, exists as a beautiful baroque building, standing proudly in the town of Keszthely in Hungary. The palace is an architectural wonder, with its construction taking over a century to complete. Not only is the Festetics Palace one of incredible, awe-inspiring beauty, but the site played an important role in developing the economics, politics, and culture of Hungary. It is a true cultural hub with so much to learn and discover, and in fact, currently houses the Helikon Palace Museum. So, during your visit, why not stop by the in-house museum to get a fully immersive, educational experience? Learn about the history of the incredible palace in which you are standing! In addition to all this, the palace offers guided tours, wherein you can get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes glimpse at palace life.
Location: Keszthely, Kastély u. 1, 8360 Hungary
The Zsolnay Cultural Quarter
Located in Pécs in Hungary, the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter is an extremely popular tourist destination, receiving visitors from all over the world. The town of Pécs was previously awarded the title of ‘European Capital of Culture’ and the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter area is a testament to that. Filled to the brim with a fantastic mix of old and new Hungarian architecture, the area boasts so much beauty. It is split into four sections: creative, family and children, craftspeople, and university. Why not take a leisurely stroll around the sprawling area and see all that it has to offer? Trace the history of the Zsolnay factory and its founding family, explore the street of artisans’ shops, and immerse yourself in one of the most wonderful and famous areas in all of Hungary!
Location: Pécs, Felsővámház u. 52, 7626 Hungary
The Hungarian Open Air Museum/ Szentendre Skanzen Village Museum
The Hungarian Open Air Museum, or Szentendre Skanzen Village Museum, allows you to take a step back in time through a truly immersive, educational experience! Existing as the largest open-air museum in Hungary and situated at the foot of the Pilis Mountains on the territory of a nature reserve, the Hungarian Open Air Museum showcases Cartharpian folk architecture alongside life in various areas of the country of Hungary. Tour through authentic recreations of leather workers’ premises, spinning and weaving shops, churches, and wind and watermills. It is such a one-of-a-kind experience and truly feels as if you are traveling through time. There is even a reconstruction of an old town square and railway. Make sure to discover and explore old-time Hungary at this fascinating learning centre!
Location: Szentendre, Sztaravodai út 75, 2000 Hungary
The Eger Castle
Known for repelling the Turkish attack of 1552, the Eger Castle is the official castle of Eger and sits comfortably at the heart of the city. The Eger Castle is incredibly historically significant as well as being extremely beautiful! There is so much to admire and discover! Why not take part in a castle tour? Explore the many wonderful rooms of the castle, learning about the history as you go. What’s more, the Eger Castle often hosts exhibitions wherein you can immerse yourself in even more incredible, historical stories. You could spend hours here! So, top tip, make sure to spare at least a morning or afternoon to take part in this fantastic tourist experience.
Location: Eger, Vár 1, 3300 Hungary
The Holy Spirit Catholic Church
Located in Hévíz, Budapest, the Holy Spirit Catholic Church is the largest in the area with a seating capacity of around one thousand! The church is truly breathtaking – an architectural wonder. Designed by János Bocskai, the exterior of the church is characterized by its seven towers, intended to represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. The interior of the church is unique in that it combines both modern and traditional architecture. If you’re wanting a truly informative experience, why not book on to one of the many available guided tours? Or, attend mass? In this author’s opinion, the Holy Spirit Catholic Church is one of the most beautiful buildings in all of Hungary and is a must-stop if you are traveling close to Budapest!
Location: Hévíz, Budapest, Kassai tér 2., 1142 Hungary
