Hungary

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Why visit Hungary?

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Hungary has always marched to a different drummer: speaking a language, preparing dishes and drinking wines like no others. It’s Europe at its most exotic. Hungary’s scenery is gentler than striking, more pretty than stunning. But you cannot say the same thing about the built environment across the land. Architecturally, Hungary is a treasure trove, with everything from Roman ruins and medieval town houses to decorative churches, neoclassical public buildings and Art Nouveau bathhouses and schools.
There is a lot more to Hungarian food than goulash and it remains one of the most sophisticated styles of cooking in Europe. Magyars even go so far as to say there are three essential world cuisines: French, Chinese and theirs.
Hungarians have been 'taking the waters’ supplied by an estimated 300 thermal springs for therapeutic, medicinal and recreational purposes. The Thermal springs range from authentic bathhouses dating from the Turkish occupation and Art Nouveau palaces to clinical sanatoriums straight out of a Thomas Mann novel. You will see clear chlorinated waters in organically- shaped pools that bubble, squirt and spurt at different rhythms and temperatures alongside the requisite wellness centre offering a myriad of treatments. Good for the kids, good for the grown-ups, good for the whole family.

What does Hungary bring in mind?

The parliament in Budapest

Definitely a building you need to see, from outside and inside. It is not just beautiful but also a very historical building. By the way the best picture you can take from the other side of the Danube on Batthyány Tér.

The Citadella The Citadella on top of Gellért hill is one of the memories Hungary has about the Turkish invasion. Nowadays it is one of Budapest’s biggest tourist attractions and probably the best view point in the city. The place is very popular for taking pictures about Budapest by night.

Saint Stephens’ Basilica

The Basilica is located in the city center and a big attraction among tourists but also very famous for hosting famous people’ weddings: a truly beautiful cathedral.

Heroes Square Heroes Square is a must see in Budapest. There is no way around it because it is full of history and beauty and you can go to many other places from there like the city park, Széchenyi bath or the Zoo.

Chain Bridge at night It’s absolutely beautiful to see the chain bridge at night lighted up with hundreds of lights.

Mátyás Church

In the castle district you can find Mátyás Church which is a simply beautiful church and a very highly frequented place by tourists.

The Opera The Opera in Budapest is located on Andrássy út, beautiful from inside.

Fisherman’s Bastion

The Fisherman’s Bastion in Budapest is one of the best points to watch the city from above. Located in Castle District, the white building was used for defense reasons and is one of Budapest biggest attractions nowadays.

Boat trip on the Danube (by night) A boat trip on the Danube at night is absolutely magical with the illuminated shore and bridges, the houses in the Buda hills and so much more to see. You can book this tour as a normal tour or including a nice dinner. Whatever you prefer I strongly recommend you to take that trip.

Buda Castle It is on UNESCO’s World Heritage list for a reason; possibly the best combination of river, mountain and architecture in any capital city of the World.

Balaton-felvidék The plateau on the northern shores of Lake Balaton has more attractions than you can imagine... picture perfect volcanoes, fabulous vineyards, cultural festivals and roundabout bike paths, and of course fabulous panorama of the lake itself. Insider tip: Tihany Abbey sits on a hill overlooking the lake and has the most stunning setting of all Hungarian churches.

Aggtelek

The largest cave system in Central Europe looks like the bizarre combination of an enchanted forest and the fairy queen’s palace. No wonder it is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Insider tip: Half of the caves are in Slovakia, and on some days visitors are allowed to cross the border under the ground.

Debrecen The second largest city in Hungary, capital of the Eastern Plains, isn’t called the Calvinist Rome for nothing. The hard working locals have built a huge church on the main square, and you would be hard pressed to find a tidier city in the country. Insider tip: Debrecen has the best football (soccer) team in Hungary. Catch one of their games, if you can.

Budapest Spas

Indoor or outdoor, modern or medieval, steam bath or sauna, the amazing array of spas in Budapest offer satisfies all your water-related needs. There are literally dozens of choices in the city that sits above a huge reserve of thermal waters.

Great FUN things to do in Hungary!

• Admire Lake Balaton

• Explore the Danube in Budapest

• Be scared at the House of Terror, Budapest

• Hike in Hungary

• Take a dip in the Héviz Baths

• Dance to traditional music in Recsk

• Explore Baradla Cave

• Get regal at Gödöllő Castle

• Get into the groove at the Sziget Festival

• Sample wine in Recsk

• Take a dip at the Széchenyi Bath

• Experience the Gellért Baths

• Try Hungarian paprika

• Warm up at Fisherman’s Bastion

• See the great plains at Puszta

Top destinations of Hungary

Budapest

Straddling the Danube River, with the Buda Hills to the west and the Great Plain to the east, Budapest is a pearl of a city. Budapest’s reputation as a food capital dates largely from the late 19th and the first half of the 20th century and, despite a sterile period under communism, the city is once again commanding attention. So, too, are its excellent wines – from Villány’s big- bodied reds and Somló’s relentless whites to honey-gold sweet Tokaj.

Visegrád

Visegrád (from the Slavic words for ‘high castle’) has the most history of the four main towns on the Danube Bend. While much of it has crumbled to dust over the centuries, reminders of its grand past can still be seen in its Renaissance palace and 13th century citadel which offers spectacular views from high above a curve in the river.

Lake Balaton

Located about 130 kilometers from Budapest, Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe, and also one of the most visited destinations in Hungary. It’s surrounded by all sorts of wonderful villages and a multitude of sights to behold, proudly boasting the most multifaceted region in all of Hungary. Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend or a crazy summer vacation with semi-alcoholic friends, Balaton always delivers.

Szeged

The third largest city in Hungary and Hungary’s sunshine capital is located 170 kilometers south of Budapest. Its cultural life and history are right up there, and this is evidenced by its spectacular Synagogue. River Tisza is an essential part of the landscape, and also a guarantee of a romantic, charming vibe.

Pécs

The fifth largest city in Hungary, located 200 kilometers southwest of Budapest, is often referred to as the city of Mediterranean vibes. Pécs proudly posed as the European Capital of Culture in 2010, and, on account of its multiculturalism (Hungarians, Croatians, and Germans), it was awarded UNESCO’s Cities of Peace in 1998. The presence of various nationalities resulted in remarkable monuments and attractions, with Széchenyi Square and Cemetery Chapel being a beautiful duo of examples.