12 Best Places to visit in Hungary

Sziasztok (Hello), Let me take you on a journey to the best places in Hungary!

_{Liberty Bridge, Budapest}

I visited Hungary in the summer and Christmas of 2019. Lucky for me, I got to explore this magnificent country before the pandemic brought the world of travel to its feet. My only regret is I did not buy enough Hungarian sausage to get me through the lockdown.

_{Sausage, Sausage everywhere!}

Hungary is one of the most popular countries in Eastern Europe. They are famous for their amazing capital city Budapest, stunning bridges, the Danube River, ancient castles, green and placid countryside, and their Hungarian sausage. Their stunning architecture is a mixture of Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Romanesque styles. I still remember how I felt, it’s like being in a medieval movie when visiting some of its iconic castles and buildings.

Oh and don’t forget to explore the delicious Hungarian cuisine, their different types of sausages, paprika, the popular soup Goulash (Hungarian Beef Stew), and their traditional fruit spirit Palinka. (I’ll take you on a gastronomic trip in my next blog.)

_{Palinka served in a unique tulip glass by my brother in law.}

Being married to a Hungarian, I learned quickly the country’s history through his grandparents’ stories that made Hungary a land of many cultures. They were ruled by the Ottomans, Romans, Magyars, Mongols, Czechs, and the Soviets. This history made Hungary a very interesting place to visit and explore.

Let me take you to the best places in Hungary from a local standpoint (Thanks to my husband Tamás):

1. The Hungarian Parliament Building

_{This marvelous neo-Gothic building was designed by a Hungarian architect Imre Steindl - Wikipedia
(As you can see it was a bit gloomy when I took this picture.)}

It’s located in central Budapest with guided tours available for visitors to see the Old Upper House Hall, the Lounge and the coronation jewels. I was lucky enough to access the Parliament Library. You just have to call them and give your passport details to be able to enter. I did not see any tourists on the other side of the parliament on the way to the library. I guess they never knew this option.

_{Taken behind The Parliament Building on the way to the library.}

_{The Parliament Building Library. I've only seen this type of library in movies. It's surreal for the book lover that I am!}

2. The Danube River

There are many boats on the Danube, something the tourists cannot miss if they are in Budapest. You can choose the river sightseeing night cruise, have a candlelit dinner and many more.

The Danube River is the second longest river in Europe. This extends to nine countries, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova and Ukraine. Wikipedia

If you watched the Squid Game then you know “The Blue Danube” waltz, the piece they play when the next game is about to start. That piece is composed by the Austrian composer Johann Strauss II as a choral work to inspire the people of Vienna after losing the Austro-Prussian War.

3. Buda Castle

_{Buda Castle is behind me.}
This is the historical castle and palace of the Hungarian kings in Budapest. This area is great to explore during day and night. You can go up on the stairs and upon entering the Castle, there are mechanic stairs and elevators to take you to the top, THE PANORAMA IS BEYOND AMAZING.

4. Szechenyi Thermal Bath

_{Back when social distancing and masks are not mandatory}

According to Wikipedia, This is the largest medicinal bath in Europe. Its water comes from two thermal springs with temperatures of 74 °C and 77 °C. This Neo-Baroque style thermal spa is located in the City Park. Some people call it the “Ancient Fountain of Youth” with the thermal water’s healing and restorative properties.

It was pretty crowded when we visited this place. There are thermal baths inside and outside the spa, saunas, massage therapies, and more. We were there for approximately 3 hours and tried everything as much as we can.

They are open every day from 7am to 7pm while the Private Spa and Medical Spa are open every day from 9am and 7pm.

You can check their prices here: https://www.szechenyibath.hu/prices

5. Heroes' Square

This is the major square in Hungary that will take you through its history with notable memorial statues of the leaders of the 7 Hungarian tribes.

My husband told me to just research these leaders on Wikipedia as he can't remember all of them. If you are curious like me, you can do a quick research about The Seven Chieftains of the Magyars (or Hungarians).

6. St. Stephen’s Basilica

_{Behind me you can have a sneak peak of St. Stephen's Basilica
(It was so crowded in front of the Basilica's entrance that you can't take a proper photo)}

This Roman Catholic Basilica is named after King Stephen, the first king of Hungary. This is located just a few minutes from where we were staying. There are many restaurants and souvenir shops along the way to explore so go on foot and be the adventurous person that you are. Join the free walking tour in Budapest that includes the visit to the basilica.

7. Esztergom Basilica

_{Don't be like me. I wore heels to go up to the top of the Basilica (facepalm)}

We drove along the southern border of Slovakia to visit Esztergom Basilica. I still don't know how I managed to go to the peak in heels but the view is well worth it.

It was the birth and coronation place of the first Hungarian king, St. Stephen, as well as the capital of Hungary until the 13th century.Wikipedia

8. Lake Balaton & Tihany

_{You can see the Lake Balaton behind me filled with many boats and yachts}

Hungarians call Lake Balaton the Hungarian Sea. This is the largest lake in Central Europe. Lake Balaton has a lot to offer for tourists such as wine tours, sailing with a skipper, a visit to Herend Porcelain factory, a hiking tour that leads to Gastro Village (Food!), and a visit to the beautiful Tihany. Many activities can be booked via Tripadvisor which I recommend if you are not driving in the country as this is very far from Budapest.

_{The Echo}

Tihany is a village located on the northern shore of Lake Balaton. This village is famous for the “echo”. This echo is based on a legend about a princess with golden haired goats who was cursed by the king of the lake.

Enough of the story and let’s go shopping in Tihany!

_{I got this Lavender doll from my mom in law.}

As we strolled around Tihany, we went to several shops selling Lavender products: soap, lotion, perfume, oil, candles, you name it, they have everything made of Lavender.

Some shops are selling Paprika and handmade porcelain pieces as well. Perfect place to buy souvenirs and gifts for friends at a reasonable price.

_{Paprika House}

Just take note that it can be hard to find a parking spot in Tihany.

9. Visegrád Royal Palace

Although this is 40 kilometers north of Budapest, this is worth including in your places to visit in Hungary.It is Located above the old town of Visegrád in the Danube Bend so be prepared to walk a lot on this day. Don’t make the same mistakes as me. I wore short black heels when we visited the palace (simply for the love of sophistication). I just wished my husband told me to wear sneakers instead.

This palace was built under Charles I in the 1930s, famous for the remains of the Early Renaissance summer palace of King Matthias Corvinus of Hungary. Wikipedia

The top gives you stunning views over the Danube and the area. Some sections in the palace have armors, dinner table settings for the royals and many more.

10. Mattias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion

_{The marvelous Mattias Church (Romanesque style)}

Mattias Church is a Roman Catholic church located in front of the Fisherman's Bastion at the center of Buda's Castle District.

The church prospered in the medieval period during the reign of King Matthias Corvinus hence the name.

_{The Fisherman's Bastion}

Several historians say that in the Middle Ages this part of the castle walls was protected by the guild of fishermen, who lived under the walls in the so-called Fishtown or Watertown. Wikipedia

The Bastion was very busy when we visited early in the afternoon. It was very challenging to take a good photo. To avoid the crowds you better arrive early. You'll thank me for it!

11. Margaret Island

_{The Centennial Memorial}
The island is filled with landscape parks offering many recreation activities for tourists. There is a small Japanese Garden with a thermal fish pond and a zoo with exotic animals that you can visit.

_{This church was built dedicated to the memory of Margit - the daughter of King Béla IV.}

Walking in Margaret Island is like walking back in the Middle Ages. It is evident by the ruins you see around the island.

Margit is known as "St. Margaret of Hungary". She became a legend in Hungary when she devoted herself to God instead of marrying a neighboring king for his father's desperation to strengthen Hungary’s alliances. She received many miracles and cured diseases but she also did extremes and punished herself by not eating and not sleeping for long periods. Because of these actions she passed away at the young age of 28. Wikipedia

_{A picture of St. Margaret of Hungary. Source:Flickr}

12. Central Market Hall (Csarnok)

_{Inside the Central Market Hall}

This is known as the Great Market Hall of Budapest. There are many stalls selling sausages, fruits and vegetables, fresh meat, goose liver, drinks, bags, clothes, and many more. At the top floor of the market, a lot of street food vendors are selling traditional Hungarian Food (A Must Try!)

Entry to this market is free and it is within walking distance to the Hungarian Parliament building.

Fun Fact: I was eating sausages every day for breakfast when I was in Budapest. This market is only a walking distance from where we stayed in Molnár utca.

_{Sweet Dreams are made of this!}

Hungary is such a beatiful country you should never miss!

If you are a night owl looking for fun, Budapest night life never disappoints. If you are into art, music and architecture, it will be a paradise for you. If you are looking for a gastronomic trip, you will be amazed how delicious Hungarian dishes are. If you are seeking for relaxation, you may bask in the thermal spas. It has a lot to offer and I believe there are still more I am yet to explore.

Hope this blog gives you an insight of Hungary and why it should be on your bucket list of places to visit.

Viszontlátásra! (Goodbye!)