Why visit Hungary
Hungary packs grand imperial architecture, steaming thermal baths, fine wine and laid-back lakeside life into a country you can cross in a few hours. Here are the experiences worth planning your trip around.
Soak in Budapest's thermal baths
Budapest sits on more than 100 hot springs. The neo-Baroque Szechenyi Baths in City Park are the most famous, with outdoor pools you can enjoy even in winter. For an Ottoman-era atmosphere, try the Gellert or Rudas baths. Day tickets typically run around 9,000 to 12,000 HUF.
Cross the Danube on Buda Castle Hill
Walk across the Chain Bridge and ride the funicular up to Buda Castle. Nearby, Fishermen's Bastion offers fairytale turrets and the best panorama of the Hungarian Parliament Building across the river.
Tour the Parliament Building
Hungary's neo-Gothic Parliament is one of Europe's largest. Book a guided tour in advance to see the Holy Crown of St. Stephen and the grand staircase.
Wander the ruin bars of District VII
The old Jewish Quarter is home to Budapest's famous ruin bars, set in crumbling courtyards. Szimpla Kert is the original and still the most atmospheric.
Relax at Lake Balaton
Central Europe's largest lake is Hungary's summer playground. The northern shore around Tihany and its abbey is scenic and calm; the southern shore at Siofok is livelier.
Taste wine in Eger and Tokaj
In Eger, sample the bold red blend Egri Bikaver (Bull's Blood) in the Valley of the Beautiful Women. To the northeast, Tokaj produces the legendary sweet Tokaji Aszu dessert wine.
Explore Pecs and the south
The sunny southern city of Pecs boasts early Christian tombs (a UNESCO site), Zsolnay ceramics and a relaxed Mediterranean feel.
See the Hortobagy puszta
On the Great Plain, Hortobagy National Park preserves traditional Hungarian herding culture, with grey cattle, racka sheep and dramatic horseback shows.
Visit Szentendre
Just north of Budapest, the artists' town of Szentendre charms with cobbled lanes, galleries and riverside cafes, reachable by suburban HEV train.
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