Explore Hungary: Top 10 Must-Visit Tourist Destinations

Hungary, a landlocked country in Central Europe, is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. From the vibrant capital of Budapest to the charming countryside, Hungary offers a diverse range of attractions for travelers. Here are the top 10 tourist places in Hungary, highlighting their specialties, best times to visit, and nearby dining and accommodation options.

1. Budapest

Specialty:

• Known for its stunning architecture, thermal baths, and vibrant nightlife.
• Famous for the Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and Széchenyi Thermal Bath.

Locality:

• Central Hungary

Best Time to Visit:

• March to May and September to November

Must-See Attractions:

• Parliament Building
• Buda Castle
• Széchenyi Thermal Bath
• Fisherman’s Bastion
• St. Stephen’s Basilica

Nearby Restaurants:

• New York Café
• Onyx Restaurant

Nearby Hotels:

• Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace
• Aria Hotel Budapest

2. Lake Balaton

Specialty:

• The largest lake in Central Europe, known for its beaches, water sports, and vineyards.
• Famous for the Tihany Peninsula and the Balaton Uplands National Park.

Locality:

• Western Hungary

Best Time to Visit:

• June to August

Must-See Attractions:

• Tihany Peninsula
• Balaton Uplands National Park
• Hévíz Thermal Lake

Nearby Restaurants:

• Kistücsök Restaurant
• Márga Bisztró

Nearby Hotels:

• Lotus Therme Hotel & Spa
• Hotel Azur

3. Eger

Specialty:

• Known for its baroque architecture, historic castle, and famous wine region.
• Famous for the Eger Castle, Minaret, and Szépasszony Valley (Valley of the Beautiful Woman).

Locality:

• Northern Hungary

Best Time to Visit:

• April to October

Must-See Attractions:

• Eger Castle
• Minaret
• Szépasszony Valley

Nearby Restaurants:

• Macok Bistro
• Senator-Ház Restaurant

Nearby Hotels:

• Hotel Eger & Park
• Imola Hotel Platán

4. Debrecen

Specialty:

• Known for its grand churches, cultural festivals, and thermal baths.
• Famous for the Great Reformed Church and the Debrecen Flower Carnival.

Locality:

• Eastern Hungary

Best Time to Visit:

• May to September

Must-See Attractions:

• Great Reformed Church
• Debrecen Flower Carnival
• Hortobágy National Park

Nearby Restaurants:

• Ikon Restaurant
• Buri-Buri

Nearby Hotels:

• Hotel Lycium Debrecen
• Aquaticum Debrecen Thermal & Wellness Hotel

5. Pécs

Specialty:

• Known for its Roman ruins, medieval buildings, and vibrant cultural scene.
• Famous for the Pécs Cathedral and the Early Christian Necropolis.

Locality:

• Southern Hungary

Best Time to Visit:

• April to October

Must-See Attractions:

• Pécs Cathedral
• Early Christian Necropolis
• Zsolnay Cultural Quarter

Nearby Restaurants:

• Enoteca Corso
• Tettye Restaurant

Nearby Hotels:

• Hotel Palatinus City Center
• Corso Hotel Pécs

6. Szeged

Specialty:

• Known for its university, vibrant festivals, and stunning architecture.
• Famous for the Szeged Cathedral and the Open-Air Festival.

Locality:

• Southern Hungary

Best Time to Visit:

• May to September

Must-See Attractions:

• Szeged Cathedral
• Open-Air Festival
• Szeged Zoo

Nearby Restaurants:

• Alabárdos Restaurant
• Roosevelt Téri Halászcsárda

Nearby Hotels:

• Hotel Auris
• Tisza Hotel

7. Sopron

Specialty:

• Known for its well-preserved medieval old town and proximity to vineyards.
• Famous for the Firewatch Tower and the nearby Fertő Lake.

Locality:

• Western Hungary

Best Time to Visit:

• May to September

Must-See Attractions:

• Firewatch Tower
• Storno House
• Fertő Lake

Nearby Restaurants:

• Erhardt Restaurant
• Papa Joe’s Saloon & Steakhouse

Nearby Hotels:

• Hotel Sopron
• Pannonia Hotel

8. Hollókő

Specialty:

• A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its traditional Hungarian village and castle.
• Famous for the Hollókő Castle and its preserved rural architecture.

Locality:

• Northern Hungary

Best Time to Visit:

• April to October

Must-See Attractions:

• Hollókő Castle
• Old Village

Nearby Restaurants:

• Muskátli Vendéglő
• Vár Étterem

Nearby Hotels:

• Castellum Hotel Hollókő
• Horpácsi Európa Pihenő Központ

9. Esztergom

Specialty:

• Known for its grand basilica and historical significance as the birthplace of the Hungarian state.
• Famous for the Esztergom Basilica.

Locality:

• Northern Hungary

Best Time to Visit:

• April to October

Must-See Attractions:

• Esztergom Basilica
• Castle Museum
• Danube River Cruise

Nearby Restaurants:

• Mediterraneo Restaurant
• Prímás Pince

Nearby Hotels:

• Bellevue Hotel Esztergom
• Hotel Adalbert

10. Hévíz

Specialty:

• Famous for its thermal lake, the largest biologically active, natural thermal lake in the world.
• Known for wellness and therapeutic treatments.

Locality:

• Western Hungary

Best Time to Visit:

• Year-round, with peak season from June to September

Must-See Attractions:

• Hévíz Thermal Lake
• Roman Ruins Garden
• Egregy Wine Cellars

Nearby Restaurants:

• Romai Pince
• Macchiato Caffe & Lounge

Nearby Hotels:

• Lotus Therme Hotel & Spa
• Hotel Európa Fit

Explore these top destinations in Hungary to experience its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re drawn to the bustling streets of Budapest, the serene landscapes of Lake Balaton, or the historic charm of Eger and Pécs, Hungary promises an unforgettable journey for every traveler.