10 Stunning Places to Visit in Hungary for First-Time Visitors

The capital city is the best place to start your adventure in the country. Budapest sits on the Danube River and offers amazing views from both sides. Don't miss Buda Castle, which sits on a hill overlooking the river. The Parliament Building is one of the most beautiful government buildings in Europe. Chain Bridge connects the two parts of the city and looks stunning at night. If you want to relax after walking all day, the thermal baths like Széchenyi are perfect for you.

This city in southern Hungary is known for its warm climate and cultural sites. Pécs has a long history that goes back to Roman times. The most impressive site here is the Early Christian Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient tombs you can explore. Take your time to see Pécs Cathedral, a beautiful building in the city center. After that, go to the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter to see colorful ceramic art that Hungary is famous for. The city also has many museums and a lively atmosphere with cafes and restaurants.

This small city in northern Hungary is famous for its castle and wine. The main attraction is Eger Castle, where Hungarian soldiers defended the city against a much larger army in 1552. You can walk through the castle and learn about this important moment in history. If you love wine, the city offers excellent red wine, especially Bull's Blood. The wine cellars in the Valley of Beautiful Women are perfect for tasting local wines. Eger also has thermal baths and a charming baroque town center.

This city sits where three rivers meet in northwestern Hungary. Győr has one of the most beautiful baroque city centers in the country. The old town has colorful buildings and narrow streets that are great for walking. Don't forget to visit Győr Basilica, an impressive church with stunning decorations inside. The Carmelite Church has beautiful ceiling paintings worth seeing. The city is less crowded than Budapest, so you can enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere while exploring Hungarian culture.

This city in the south is known as the City of Sunshine because it gets more sunny days than other Hungarian cities. Szeged sits on the Tisza River and has wide streets and large squares. The most impressive building here is the Votive Church, the largest church in Hungary with beautiful towers you can see from far away. If you enjoy cooking, Szeged is famous for its paprika, which you can buy at the market. The city also has thermal baths and a relaxing atmosphere along the river.

This is the largest lake in Central Europe and a favorite summer destination for Hungarians. The lake has different areas for different types of travelers. Siófok is known for its beaches and nightlife, while Tihany has a historic abbey on a hill with great views. Balatonfüred offers a spa town atmosphere with elegant buildings and parks. You can swim, sail, or just relax by the water. If you love wine, the lake area also has vineyards where you can taste local wines.

This small town sits on the Danube River, just north of Budapest. Szentendre has colorful houses, narrow streets, and many art galleries. The town has a Mediterranean feel because of its architecture and riverside location. Don't miss the Serbian Orthodox Church with beautiful icons inside. The town also has museums dedicated to Hungarian artists and culture. Szentendre is perfect for a day trip if you want to escape the busy city.

Just 40 minutes from Budapest, this town is home to one of the largest baroque palaces in the world. The main attraction is Gödöllő Royal Palace, the favorite summer residence of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, known as Sisi. The palace has beautiful rooms you can tour, and the gardens are perfect for walking. You can learn about the royal family's life in the 19th century. The town itself is quiet and has a peaceful atmosphere, making it a nice break from the capital.