Hungary
Hungary, located in Central Europe, has become one of the leading tourist destinations on the Continent since it escaped from Soviet domination in the early 1990s. Its leading draw is it's capital city, Budapest, a stunningly scenic city split by the Danube River and connected by more than a dozen bridges. The Hungarian Parliament Building on the Danube is one of Europe’s most beautiful structures. Budapest is also home to one of Europe's largest and hottest thermal baths, the Széchenyi Thermal Baths and Europe's largest synagogue - the Dohány Street Synagogue. Beyond the bustling streets of Budapest, lie an array of hidden gems including idyllic villages and fascinating cities. Visit places such as Szentendre, Pécs and Eger, where fewer tourist venture to for a more off-the-beaten path vibe and unique experiences.
Top Hungary Experiences
Visit Statue Park, where some of the only surviving communist statues remain
Walk across the Danube on Margaret Bridge, just as the sun is setting
Meet fellow travelers and Hungarian locals at one of the most popular nightlife spots: Szimpla Kert
Indulge in the vibrant atmosphere of the Great Market Hall and taste the flavors of Hungarian cuisine
See the ancient ruins of Aquincum, a town founded by the Roman Empire
Walk up Gellert Hill and see the beautiful views over the Danube
Visit a thousand year old Benedictine Abbey in Gyor
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Things to do in Hungary - Expert’s guide
1. Great Market Hall
Looking for a bit of architecture mixed with culture and cuisine then check out the impressive and lively Great Market Hall in Budapest. The market was built in 1896 and is home to stalls selling Hungarian textiles, souvenirs, homemade cheese, every type of lavender product you could imagine, and all of the fruit strudels you can eat.
You can grab a quick bite from one of the stalls or there are a couple of small food bars on the main level. However, some of these may be overpriced so choose wisely.
2. Dohany Street Synagogue
The world’s second-largest synagogue, Dohany Street Synagogue is a testament to Hungarian Jews. The holy site was bombed and greatly destroyed during WWII, but was restored in the 1990s. The synagogue is famous for its beautiful craftsmanship and interior garden which houses a memorial willow tree for deceased and missing Hungarian Jews. The site is open to visitors every day except Saturday.
3. Hungarian Parliament Building
Standing out amongst the Habsburg domes and Romanticism spires on the edge of the Danube River is the Hungarian Parliament Building. The building was constructed after a contest was conducted to find the winning architect and design. The winner based his design off of the Parliament Building in London and built the structure in the Gothic style that stands in stark contrast to the surrounding buildings.
Visitors can explore the gardens around the palace, visit the Jewish memorial Shoes on the Danube next to the river, or take one of the many tours of the inside of the building.
4. Tokaj Wine Region
Spanning the border between Hungary and Slovakia is the world’s oldest wine region. The Tokaj wine region has a history dating back to the Romans and was officially declared a region in 1737 by Emperor Charles VI. The most famous wine from Tokaj is a sweet wine that is created when the grapes are treated by “noble rot,” a non-harmful fungus that is created by the wetlands and volcanic slopes in this part of Hungary.
5. Szechenyi Baths
Hungary is known for having plenty of hot springs and public baths. The most famous of which is the Szechenyi Baths in Budapest. The bathhouse was built in 1913 and boasts 18 pools and 10 saunas. The massive Neo-Baroque, yellow bathhouse is located in City Park near the historic Vaci Street.
When visiting you purchase tickets for the bathhouse and can leave your items in a locker. It can get very busy during the warmer months so its best to go right when it opens or later in the afternoon.
6. Ferto-Hansag National Park
Ferto-Hansag National Park primarily surrounds Lake Ferto. Lake Ferto is one of the largest lakes in Central Europe. The area around the lake is peaceful and quiet and where you can take photos of rare birds that call this park home. The park is a major conservation site in Hungary and has walking trails you can take.
7. Aggtelek National Park
Head out to Aggtelek National Park in northern Hungary. The park is famous for its many karst formations. There are nearly 300 caves in the park with some that include underground lakes. The most famous caves are the massive Baradla Cave, the Imre Vass Cave, and Meteor Cave. There are tours offered of many of the caves. They range from an hour in length to even longer depending on which cave you visit.
If going underground isn’t your ideal time, the park is also famous for its horseback riding tours and cycling tours.
8. Eger
Eger’s long history dates back to the Stone Age and has been occupied by the Hungarian Empire, Ottomans, and the Habsburg dynasty. Some of the city’s most famous buildings are the castle that was built to defend against the Ottoman Empire, the bathhouses, and Baroque buildings.
9. Royal Palace of Godollo
Visit one of Hungary’s most famous castles. Godollo Palace was built in the 1700s in Hungarian style for a powerful family in the region. The crown bought the palace in the mid-1800s and was a favorite of Queen Elizabeth of Hungary. During the World Wars, the palace fell into disrepair but has been rehabilitated and reconstructed.
10. Castle Hill - Esztergom
Castle Hill in the city of Esztergom in the name given to the highest point in the city. Atop this cliff is the remnants of the palace that has been restored, the massive Basilica of Esztergom, and a castle museum. Much of the city was destroyed during World War II, but many of the buildings have been restored to their former glory.
Esztergom is an easy day trip from Budapest if you have a free day on your Hungary tour and an opportunity to see more of the Hungarian countryside.
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Practicalities & Logistics
Useful Links
- Hungary's Weather Overview: Live Weather, Forecasts, and Averages
- Additional Information About Hungary
Visa Information
Visa Needed? | Link | |
US | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Hungary for United States Citizens |
UK | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Hungary for United Kingdom Citizens |
CA | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Hungary for Canadian Citizens |
AU | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Hungary for Australian Citizens |
NZ | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Hungary for New Zealand Citizens |
IN | Y | Visas to Hungary for Indian Citizens |
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