Although a small country, Hungary is dotted with interesting places to visit and things to do. Eger and Tokaj are known for the amazing wines, while Budapest is where you cannot really get bored. From the thermal spas and aqua parks available in many cities to the enchanting Danube Embankment in Budapest, the interesting ruins in Visegrad and charming Szentendre, there is always something to do in Hungary.

My first visit was in 2007 when I took a day trip to Szeged. Since then, I’ve traveled a lot to the country located to the west of Romania and which my county borders.

If your itchy travel feet take you to Central Europe, don’t pass by without visiting Hungary. And if you don’t know where to start, here are the best places to check out…according to us.

The Buda Hills

The greener and wilder part of Budapest is where you don’t really feel that you are in a capital city. Hike up to the Citadella and then plan to get away for a bit. Get to the Children’s Railways and then hike to Elisabeth Tower. Amazing views of the area will delight you. You can take the chair lift on the way down.

The Danube

Literally splitting the capital in two, The Danube is one of the charms of Budapest. Climb up to the Citadella for some amazing sunsets. Walk along Danube Embankment to take in the city’s main attractions, do some people watching and take amazing photos.

If you want to do something interesting, plan to get from Vienna or Bratislava to Budapest by water. There are hydrofoils available – during the tourist season – but you can also look up various cruises.

The Thermal Baths

You will find a lot of them in Budapest, but if you are looking for something laid back and cheaper, head to Gyula or even Oroshaza. You can camp for a while in the area – there are designated camping areas and it is super cheap to stay – and you can also enjoy the excellent thermal baths. There are spa facilities available, as well.

Aggtelek Caves

The village is best known for the stalactite cave system, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Part of the caves are in Slovakia and sometimes visitors are allowed to cross the border (yes, while in the caves). The walking tour is 7km but if you don’t feel fit enough there are shorter tours available.

Buda Castle, Budapest

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Buda Castle was built in the 18th century, after the original palace was destroyed in the siege of 1686. The area is filled with places to check out – don’t miss the Fishermen’s Bastion and Matthias Church – and you can spend hours just following the walls of the city. There are some interesting museums as well in the area.

Eger

Very well known for its wines and for being the last castle to fall to the Turks, Eger is super easy to get to from Budapest and can be a lovely option for your wedding anniversary or just an escape over the weekend.

Make sure to check out the castle – which can easily eat up 4 -5 hours of your time – and enjoy the local cuisine and wine. Plan to do some wine tasting and don’t miss visiting the old cellars.

>>read more about what to do in Eger

Lake Balaton

The biggest lake in Central Europe, Lake Balaton is a paradise for those who enjoy nature and nautical sports. Travelers come here for hiking, wine tasting, swimming or just relaxing at the spa. It can easily turn into an expensive affair, but there are a lot of places where you can find accommodation.

Sopron

Located close to the Austrian border, Sopron has a long history and the places to prove it. Compact and easy to tackle on foot, the main landmark here is the Fire Tower, located in the main square. Climb the tower for amazing views of the city, then check out the medieval city center.

You may want to include the city in a by land circuit, on your way from Budapest to Vienna or Bratislava.

Szeged

Close to the Romanian border, Szeged is compact and easy to tackle during a day trip. Plant to come close to Christmas to enjoy the markets and taste the local food and wine. Don’t miss checking out the Dom and you may want to walk along Tisza for a while, as well.

Szentendre

A stone’s throw away from Budapest, Szentendre is a small town in Hungary, best known for its museums, galleries and artisans. It is a delight to just walk on its streets , taking photos and enjoying the athmosphere.

Make sure to check out the Open Air Ethnographic Museum and the Martzipan Museum. These two alone are enough to keep you busy during a day trip, but if you still have time, you can check out the churches and art galleries.

Sziget Festival, Budapest

Every August, the island is filled with music lovers. Sziget Festival is the largest music festival in Europe, already more than 20 years old. It is a crazy atmosphere which gives anyone incredible energy. You may not be able to last for the entire length of the festival, but do plan to stay for a day – err, night – or two.

>>click here to read more about our experience at Sziget Festival

Visegrad

Located close to Budapest – and easily stopped if you are traveling to Vienna by train – Visegrad is famous for its citadel. The old castle, built around 1240 is open for the public. The Lower Castle and the Royal Palace are also open for the public and the latter has been partly rebuilt in Renaissance style.

Set aside enough time to explore these, since quite a bit of hiking is involved. But if you are ready for me, hike to Sibrik Hill, which is located outside of Visegrad and is home to the ruins of a Roman military hill.

While you can check out the city as a day trip from Budapest, you may want to stick for a night or two in the area.

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Photo credits:
Thermal Baths , Visegrad , Szentendre , Sopron , Aggtelek , Lake Balaton