From the magnificent Hungarian capital Budapest - aptly dubbed the 'City of Lights' - to its many quaint villages and gorgeous scenery, this Eastern European country evokes a strong sense of history and tradition at every turn. Budapest is justifiably compared to cities like Prague and even Paris, and as a result has become the biggest tourist attraction in the country.
But not all of the best places to visit and things to do in Hungary are in the capital. Picturesque cities and towns of all sizes in Hungary have preserved their classic ancient historical features. Many of them clearly show influences from a variety of different regional cultures, including everything from Turkish invaders to Italian Renaissance designers.
Hungary's countryside boasts some of the most beautiful scenery to be found anywhere in Europe. Indeed, wherever you are in Hungary, you are never far from gorgeous mountains and lakes, beautiful river vistas (the Danube River runs through the country), and lush valleys. All of these amazing backgrounds also provide many great opportunities for adventure sports enthusiasts, including hiking, biking, climbing, camping, and other outdoor activities.
To help you make the most of your sightseeing in this wonderful European country, be sure to refer often to our list of the top attractions and things to do in Hungary.
1. Buda Castle, Budapest
When you see the magnificent Buda Castle (Budavari Balluta) in the Hungarian capital, Budapest, you will appreciate why so many people consider the city the "Paris of the East." This stunning historical landmark - now a UNESCO World Heritage Site - ranks right up there with France's Versailles in terms of its imposing proportions and exquisite design.
Built on the site of a palace destroyed during the Ottoman Empire's siege in 1686, this new building was rebuilt in the 18th century for the Habsburg monarchy and has more than 200 rooms. Its symmetrical design focuses on the beautiful 61-meter-high central dome that faces the Danube, from where you can enjoy stunning views of the castle and other buildings on Castle Hill.
Parts of the original medieval building have been carefully reconstructed, including the Buzogány Tower and the impressive 15th-century south tower.
2. The Danube River
The beautiful Danube River flows through Hungary from north to south, and as it passes through Budapest, it divides the city into two parts. One of the best sunset views of the river, Buda, and Pest is from the Liberty Bridge, a favorite spot of locals who can often be seen watching the spectacle, along with passing boats, from the bridge's huge cables (although they are on the street level).
Other great places to see this majestic river are at Danube Bend, one of the most popular recreational and trekking spots in the country. This is where the river winds its way through the densely wooded Visegrád Mountains before turning sharply south (the river's "knee") towards Budapest. Popular with hikers and nature lovers, the area is included in many excellent river cruises that travel on the Danube from as far away as neighboring Austria.
The Danube Cycle Trail is a popular way for active travelers to see the river winding through the hills between Budapest and Vienna. Stretching all the way from Germany to Budapest, along with ever-changing river scenery, you'll pass elegant Esztergom, the Roman fortress Kelemantia, and traditional Hungarian villages like Szigetmonostor.
If you prefer a more relaxed way to experience the river, the Danube Bend Day Trip from Budapest is a full-day guided tour that begins with a scenic drive and returns to the city by boat. Lunch is included.
3. Historic spa towns
If you are looking for a vacation that combines free time with a rich cultural experience, Hungary definitely delivers. There are many historic spa towns and facilities across the country that offer everything from simple bathing in the rejuvenating waters to extended stays in beautiful spa resorts.
Hungary's fame for its hot springs and baths dates back more than 2,000 years to the time of the Romans, who highly valued the curative effects of the Hungarian thermal waters. Then, in the 16th century, it was the turn of the Turks who built the many Turkish baths that are still in use today.
Finally, more than 1,000 springs provide medicinal and thermal waters for natural and medical spas. One of the most famous is Lake Heviz with an average water temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. This amazing spot is actually the largest bioactive thermal lake in Europe.
For those staying in Budapest, excellent spa packages are available at the beautiful Szechenyi Thermal Bath (Széchenyi gyógyfürdo), built in 1913, and many other locations around the city. It is very easy to spend a day in Szechenyi and its charming grounds.
4. Esztergom Church
Dominating the alluring skyline of one of Hungary's oldest cities, the stunning edifice that is Esztergom Basilica (Esztergomi basilika) is well worth the 46-kilometer trek from Budapest.
Overlooking the Danube River on Castle Hill is this gorgeous Catholic church - officially called the Primatial Basilica of the Blessed Virgin Mary Assumed Into Heaven and St. Adalbert - Built in 1507. The tallest, with its massive dome that stretches 100 meters into the air.
Notable features include the epic altarpiece, a nearly 14-meter-long work of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary that holds the record as the largest painting in the world. Other notable artworks include Hungary's most important collection of Renaissance paintings.
Also of note is the huge vault, which was added in 1831 and built in the ancient Egyptian style. A visit here will reveal a fascinating underworld of tombs and memorials.
The church is also home to the largest organ in Hungary. Built in 1856, this impressive machine features pipes up to 11 meters long. Guided tours in English of the church and its impressive sacristy are available and come highly recommended.
5. Hungarian Parliament Building, Budapest
It's hard to miss the stunning Hungarian Parliament Building (Országház) when exploring Budapest. Whether you're taking a boat tour along the Danube (highly recommended) or viewing this massive structure from Castle Hill on the opposite bank, you won't fail to be impressed by its stately appearance and proportions, which is a particular treat at night when it's beautifully lit up.
The building is surrounded by the equally impressive building of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Museum of Ethnography. Even if you can't stay here for long, it's fun to take the time to wander outside as you take in the details of one of the largest parliament buildings in all of Europe.
If you have time in your schedule - and assuming Parliament isn't in session - head to the visitor center to check for a guided tour. Available in English, they're well worth it. In less than an hour, you'll be whisked around the handful of the more than 690 rooms that the building comprises, along with the main entrance hall and main lobby areas. You'll also get a sneak peek at the nation's crown jewels.
6. Tihany
Tihany is one of the most popular holiday resorts on Lake Balaton. Originally an island, this tiny peninsula only covers eight square kilometers yet boasts some of the most extraordinary landscapes in Hungary. Designated a nature reserve, the southwest section is closed to traffic and great to explore on foot along the well-marked network of trails.
A must-see in the city itself is the beautiful 17th-century Benedictine Abbey (Tihanyi Bencés Apátság) with its stunning views of the lake and the surrounding area. It's a particular treat in early spring, when the area's almond trees are in bloom, and in June, when the scent of lavender fills the air.
From the abbey, be sure to walk down to the beautiful old Inner Harbour. Here, you'll find several marinas for passenger ships and a fun lakeside park.
7. Lillaford Caves
Lillafüred in the Bükk Mountains is another popular spa destination in Hungary. It is also known for its many amazing caves, all within easy walking distance of the town. Some of the most interesting things to explore are the István Cave with its impressive formations of stalactites, and the Petofi Cave, famous all over the world for the impressions of extinct plant species left in its limestone walls.
For more adventure, take the trail to Szeleta Cave. Here, you'll see an impressive array of antiquities dating back to the Ice Age, including skillfully crafted arrows and spears. When you're done with all this exploring, take a ride on the old narrow gauge railway through one of the most rugged parts of the mountain.
8. Hortobagy National Park
Located in the eastern corner of the country, Hortobágy National Park (Hortobágyi Nemzeti Park) is what you might call quintessential Hungary. Here, you can explore a variety of fascinating attractions and fun things to do, all while enjoying the rich culture of the country's people and their traditions.
Established in 1973, the park is part of the Great Plain in Hungary, and is a protected area as the largest natural grassland in Europe. Highlights of a visit include catching glimpses of the diverse animal life, including everything from the abundance of birdlife to the herds of horses that can be seen here. It's also fun to spend an evening at the Dark Sky Reserve, which offers great stargazing opportunities without the distraction of city lights.
In addition to the informative visitor center and the collection of local animals that you can see up close, there is plenty of other things to see. Fun things to do include exploring the area's many hiking and biking trails, or even going on a mini horseback riding adventure.
Speaking of horses, a visit to the Herdsman Museum is a must. This wonderful tourist attraction provides a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the locals. There is also a country house worth visiting, which offers a look at domestic life over the centuries.
9. The Hungarian Open Air Museum
Another great way to get a taste of traditional Hungarian cultural activities is to visit the world-class Hungarian Open Air Museum (Szentendrei Szabadtéri Néprajzi Múzeum). Founded over 50 years ago and only 23 kilometers from Budapest city centre, it has since grown into one of the country's top tourist attractions.
Offering visitors a glimpse into traditional life throughout the ages, this first-rate museum is divided into eight sections, approaching different regions and time periods. Each is connected by many interesting walking trails (expect to do a lot of walking!).
Highlights include the chance to explore the working stables, barns, and workshops, including a working blacksmith's shop. For the kids, there is also an authentic old steam train that offers fun rides.
10. Sopron
The historic city of Sopron is well worth a visit. Located 64 kilometers south of Vienna and eight kilometers from the Austrian border, its location near the foothills of the Eastern Alps makes it a popular destination for day trippers.
Its appeal stems as much from its attractive surroundings as from its many well-preserved medieval and Baroque buildings. Sopron has an impressive 240 listed buildings, 115 of which are officially listed, making it one of the largest collections in Europe.
All of the buildings in the Old Town are found within the boundaries of the medieval city wall built on Roman ruins. Many of these buildings have features added from other historical periods, so you never know what to expect as you explore.
11. Eger Castle
Hungary has many wonderful historical forts, castles, and palaces, each steeped in history. One of the most famous is Eger Castle (Egri Var). Located in the pretty spa town of Eger on the southern slopes of the Bükk Mountains, Eger Castle once protected the gateway to northern Hungary.
The 'new' design was extended in the 16th century, based on contemporary Italian castles, and added on again after the Turks took over in 1596. Visitors today can explore the remaining towers high up in the city, as well as the many ruins, all of which provide a sense of scale. And the strength of this once great fortress.
This stunning castle is also a convenient place from which to explore the ancient medieval and Baroque architecture of the Lower Town, with its excellent restaurants and cafés.
12. Pécs Cathedral
Dominating the northwest corner of the fortified old town of Pecs stands the picturesque Sts. Cathedral of Peter and Paul Cathedral (Szent Péter és Szent Pál székesegyház). Often referred to simply as Pecs Cathedral, it was built on the site of an ancient Roman burial church. Like many historical monuments in Hungary, the cathedral shows influences from many different cultures.
The original church was founded in 1009, survived until the 12th century, was rebuilt, and then suffered further damage due to Mongol attacks. After years of neglect - including a spell as a mosque and weapons store - the church was completely rebuilt in 1891, creating the impressive structure you see today.
And it's worth spending some time exploring. Inside, many unique religious artifacts from throughout Hungarian history have been collected and displayed, as have a number of graves from the early Christian cemetery.
Afterwards, you can walk to the nearby Yakovali Hasan Pasha Mosque, with its 22-meter-high minaret and museum. In the center of the Old Town, look for Szénchenyi tér, a beautiful medieval market.
13. Visegrad Royal Palace
Perched above Visegrád's pretty old town on the Danube Bend, just 40 kilometers north of Budapest, is this beautiful old castle and the ruins of Visegrád Royal Palace, an easy day trip from Hungary's capital. It is worth including in your Hungary itinerary.
The first royal palace was built under Charles I after he and his retinue moved to Visegrád in 1316, and it was extended a hundred years later with many Italian flourishes. Soon after it gained a reputation as one of the finest palaces in all of Europe.
While the palace is now largely ruins - the legendary palace was "rediscovered" in the 1930s - the palace is impressive for its dimensions and for its impressive views of the Danube and the surrounding area. It's so much fun to explore as you try to remember what it looked like in its heyday. Warning: be prepared to walk a lot.
14. Buda Hills
The Buda Hills, on the western outskirts of Budapest, rise to more than 518 meters and are criss-crossed by an extensive network of trails, ideal for walking or cycling. Many bike rental companies can be found throughout the city.
Alternatively, you can take the tram to Cog Railway Station which goes up into the pretty residential neighborhood of Széchenyi-hegy. From here, the children's narrow gauge railway follows a scenic route to Huvösvölgy.
There are also plenty of walking trails from any station, or you can get off at the highest station, János-hegy, and ride the Budapest Chairlift down for some of the best views of the city.
15. Agtelec Caves and National Park
One of the largest and most impressive caves anywhere in Europe - and the largest in Hungary - Baradla Cave is protected by Aggtelek National Park (Aggteleki Nemzeti Park) in northern Hungary on the Slovakian border about 2.5 hours' drive from Budapest.
The park covers nearly 200 square kilometres, much of which is also protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Baradla Cave stretches for more than 25 kilometers, with a main tunnel seven kilometers long. Its passages were formed over thousands of years as rain and melting snow eroded limestone, with mineral-rich water falling down to form giant stalactites and stalagmites of fantastic shapes and strange colours.
Excavations show that the cave was used as a shelter for humans for more than 7,000 years. Three other caves have recently been opened to visitors: Imre Vass Cave, Béke Cave, and Rákóczi Cave.
The park is popular with hikers and walkers from all over Europe. Those adventurous follow its network of well-marked trails, along with guided caving tours, the park offers ecological, zoological, and botanical tours. Guided walking tours also explore the natural and cultural environment of Jósvafo Village, where festivals mark the harvest season and religious holidays.