Hungary is a landlocked country situated in Central Europe, known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and diverse landscapes. From bustling cities to quaint towns, from hills to lakes, from thermal baths to museums, Hungary has something to offer everyone. In this article, we will explore the best places to visit in Hungary, including its top cities and famous landmarks.
Facts About Hungary
Before diving into the details, let’s first explore some interesting facts about Hungary:
- Hungary is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area.
- Its official language is Hungarian, which is not related to any other major European language.
- The currency used in Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF).
- Hungary has a continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers.
- The country is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the banks of the Danube River, the Buda Castle Quarter, and the Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst.
- Hungary is famous for its cuisine, which includes dishes like goulash, chimney cake, and Tokaji wine.
Hungary Top Cities
Budapest
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Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It is often referred to as the “Paris of the East” due to its stunning architecture, vibrant nightlife, and scenic location on the banks of the Danube River. Some must-visit attractions in Budapest include:
- The Buda Castle Complex: This magnificent castle complex consists of several buildings, courtyards, and gardens. It offers breathtaking views of the city and is home to several museums, including the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum.
- The Hungarian Parliament Building: This iconic building is one of the largest parliament buildings in the world. It features stunning Neo-Gothic architecture and is located on the banks of the Danube River.
- The Fisherman’s Bastion: This castle-like structure offers panoramic views of the city and is a popular spot for photos. It also houses a restaurant and a souvenir shop.
Other notable attractions in Budapest include the Chain Bridge, St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Great Market Hall, and the Széchenyi Thermal Bath.
Eger
Eger is a charming town located in northern Hungary, known for its historic castle, thermal baths, and wine production. Some must-visit attractions in Eger include:
- The Eger Castle: This medieval castle was built in the 13th century and played a crucial role in defending Hungary against the Ottoman Empire. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction that offers stunning views of the town and houses several museums.
- The Thermal Bath of Eger: This thermal bath complex is famous for its healing waters and relaxing atmosphere. It features indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms, and massage services.
- The Valley of the Beautiful Women: This picturesque valley is home to several wine cellars, where visitors can taste some of the best wines produced in the region.
Esztergom
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Esztergom is a small town located on the banks of the Danube River, near the border with Slovakia. It is often considered the religious capital of Hungary, as it is home to several important religious sites. Some must-visit attractions in Esztergom include:
- The Esztergom Basilica: This magnificent basilica is the largest church in Hungary and one of the tallest buildings in the country. It features stunning Neo-Classical architecture and houses several priceless works of art.
- The Castle Museum: This museum is housed in the former royal palace of Esztergom and showcases the history and culture of the town and the region.
- The Maria Valeria Bridge: This historic bridge connects Esztergom with the Slovakian town of Štúrovo. It offers stunning views of the Danube River and the surrounding hills.
Győr
Győr is a small city located in western Hungary, known for its beautiful architecture, museums, and festivals. Some must-visit attractions in Győr include:
- The Győr Cathedral: This impressive cathedral is one of the main landmarks of the city. It features Gothic and Baroque architecture and houses several works of art.
- The Bishop’s Castle: This medieval castle was built in the 13th century and served as the residence of the bishops of Győr. Today, it is home to the Győr Museum and the Lapidary Collection.
- The Rába Quelle Thermal Spa: This modern thermal spa complex offers indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms, and massage services.
Other notable attractions in Győr include the Benedictine Church of St. Ignatius, the Zichy Palace, and the Xantus János Museum.
Harkany
Harkany isa small town located in southern Hungary, known for its healing thermal waters and beautiful natural surroundings. Some must-visit attractions in Harkany include:
- The Harkany Thermal Spa: This thermal spa complex is famous for its medicinal waters, which are rich in minerals and have healing properties. It features indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms, and massage services.
- The Arboretum of Harkany: This botanical garden is home to over 200 species of trees and shrubs, as well as several ponds, fountains, and sculptures.
- The Villány Wine Region: This wine region is located near Harkany and is famous for its red wines, especially the Cabernet Franc and the Merlot.
Kecskemet
Kecskemet is a small city located in central Hungary, known for its Art Nouveau architecture, museums, and festivals. Some must-visit attractions in Kecskemet include:
- The Town Hall: This impressive building is one of the finest examples of Hungarian Art Nouveau architecture. It features colorful mosaics, stained-glass windows, and ornate decorations.
- The Katona Jozsef Museum: This museum showcases the history and culture of Kecskemet and the surrounding area. It features collections of folk art, fine art, and local history.
- The Kecskemet Airshow: This annual airshow is one of the largest and most spectacular events of its kind in Europe. It features aerobatic displays, vintage planes, and military aircraft.
Other notable attractions in Kecskemet include the Cifra Palace, the Deak Ferenc Square, and the Kodaly Institute.
Miskolc-Tapolca
Miskolc-Tapolca is a district located in northern Hungary, known for its caves, thermal baths, and scenic hiking trails. Some must-visit attractions in Miskolc-Tapolca include:
- The Cave Bath of Miskolctapolca: This thermal bath complex is located inside a natural cave and features warm, mineral-rich waters. It also offers saunas, steam rooms, and massage services.
- The Diósgyőr Castle: This medieval castle was built in the 14th century and served as the residence of several Hungarian kings and queens. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction that offers guided tours and cultural events.
- The Bükk National Park: This national park is located near Miskolc and offers scenic hiking trails, beautiful waterfalls, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Szeged
Szeged is a medium-sized city located in southern Hungary, known for its vibrant cultural scene, museums, and parks. Some must-visit attractions in Szeged include:
- The Szeged Cathedral: This impressive cathedral is one of the main landmarks of the city. It features Neo-Romanesque architecture and houses several works of art.
- The Reök Palace: This Art Nouveau building is home to the Contemporary Art Museum of Szeged. It features collections of modern and contemporary art, as well as temporary exhibitions.
- The Anna Thermal Bath: This thermal bath complex is famous for its healing waters, which are rich in calcium, magnesium, and sulphate. It features indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms, and massage services.
Other notable attractions in Szeged include the Dóm Square, the Pick Salami and Szeged Paprika Museum, and the Újszeged Water Tower.
Szombathely
Szombathely is a small city located in western Hungary, known for its Roman ruins, museums, and festivals. Some must-visit attractions in Szombathely include:
- The Savaria Museum: This museum showcases the history and culture of Szombathely and the surrounding area. It features collections of archaeology, fine art, and local history.
- The Iseum Savariense: This archaeological site is the remains of a Roman temple dedicated to the goddess Isis. It also houses a small museum that showcases the findings from the excavation.
- The Bartók Festival: This annual festival celebrates the life and work of the Hungarian composer Béla Bartók. It features concerts, lectures, and exhibitions.
Other notable attractions in Szombathely include the Cathedral of Szombathely, the Bishop’s Palace, and the Kámon Arboretum.
Visegrad
Visegrad is a small town located on the banks of the Danube River, near Budapest. It is known for its medieval castle, scenic views, and outdoor activities. Some must-visit attractions in Visegrad include:
- The Visegrad Castle: This medieval castle was built in the 14th century and served as the residence of several Hungarian kings and queens. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction that offers guided tours and cultural events.
- The Citadel: This fortress is located on top of a hill and offers stunning views of the Danube River and the surrounding hills. It also houses a museum that showcases the history and culture of Visegrad and the region.
- The Nagyvillam Ski Resort: This ski resort is located near Visegrad and offers several slopes for skiing and snowboarding, as well as a ski school and rental services.
Other notable attractions in Visegrad include the Solomon Tower, the Royal Palace, and the Renaissance Watermill.
Hungary Famous Landmarks
The Budapest Castle Hill
The Budapest Castle Hill is a historic castle complex located in the heart of Budapest. It consists of several buildings, courtyards, and gardens, and offers breathtaking views of the city. Some must-visit attractions in the Budapest Castle Hill include:
- The Buda Castle: This magnificent castle is the main landmark of the Budapest Castle Hill. It was built in the 14th century and served as the residence of several Hungarian kings and queens. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers guided tours and cultural events.
- The Matthias Church: This Gothic church is located inside the castle complex and features colorful mosaics, stained-glass windows, and ornate decorations. It also houses a museum that showcases the history and culture of the church and the surrounding area.
- The Fisherman’s Bastion: This castle-like structure is located near the Matthias Church and offers panoramic views of the city. It is a popular spot for photos and also houses a restaurant and a souvenir shop.
The Hungarian Parliament Building
The Hungarian Parliament Building is an iconic building located on the banks of the Danube River in Budapest. It is one of the largest parliament buildings in the world and features stunning Neo-Gothic architecture. Some must-see attractions in the Hungarian Parliament Building include:
- The Main Staircase: This grand staircase leads to the dome of the building and features beautiful decorations, including statues, paintings, and mosaics.
- The Crown Jewels: This exhibition showcases the Hungarian Crown Jewels, which include the Holy Crown of Hungary, the scepter, and the orb.
- The Session Room: This room is where the Hungarian Parliament holds its sessions. It features intricate decorations, including frescoes, sculptures, and stained-glass windows.
Conclusion
Hungary is a country that offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From its vibrant cities to its quaint towns, from its thermal baths to its castles, there is something for everyone to explore and enjoy. In this article, we have highlighted some of the best places to visit in Hungary, including its top cities and famous landmarks. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie, Hungary has plenty to offer. So why not plan your next trip to Hungary and discover all that this beautiful country has to offer?
