10 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Hungary

From beautiful Budapest - the city of lights - to its many quaint villages
and fantastic scenery, Hungary evokes a strong sense of history and
tradition at every turn. Yet while Budapest, justifiably compared with cities
like Prague and even Paris, is by far the country's biggest tourist draw, be
sure to spend time traveling beyond the capital. Cities and towns of all
sizes have preserved their classic old historical attractions, many of which
exhibit influences from various cultures, including Turkish invaders and
Italian Renaissance designers. And Hungary's countryside includes some of
the most beautiful scenery to be found anywhere in Eastern Europe. In
fact, wherever you are in Hungary, you're never far from spectacular
mountains and lakes, beautiful river scenes - the awesome Danube runs
right through the country - and lush valleys, all providing great
opportunities for hiking and other fun outdoor activities.
1 Buda Castle
When you first set eyes on spectacular Buda Castle in Budapest, you'll
appreciate why so many people consider the city the "Paris of the East".
This spectacular historic landmark - now a UNESCO World Heritage Site ranks right up there with Versailles in terms of its majestic proportions and
wonderful design. Built on the site of a palace destroyed during the Siege
of 1686, this newer structure was rebuilt in the 18th century for the
Habsburg monarchy and includes more than 200 rooms. Its spectacular
symmetrical layout focuses on the lovely 61-meter-high central dome
facing the Danube, from where amazing views of the castle can be
enjoyed. Parts of the original medieval building have been reconstructed,
including the Buzogny Tower and the impressive 15th-century South
Tower.
2 The Danube
The spectacular Danube River flows through Hungary from north to south,
and as it passes through Budapest splits the city in two. One of the best
sunset views of both Buda and Pest is from the lovelyFreedom Bridge, a
favorite spot among locals. Other great places from which to view this
majestic river is at the Danube Bend, one of the country's most popular
recreational and excursion spots. This is where the river winds its way
through the heavily wooded Visegrd Mountains before turning sharply
south (the river's "knee") towards Budapest. The area is popular with
hikers and nature-lovers, and is included in the many excellent river
cruises that travel the Danube from as far as neighboring Austria.
3 Historic Spa Towns
If you're looking for a vacation that combines some down time with a rich
cultural experience, Hungary delivers. There are many historic spa towns
and facilities throughout the country offering everything from simple
bathing in regenerative waters to longer stays in lovely spa resorts.
Hungary's reputation for its hot springs and baths dates back more than

2,000 years to the Romans, who highly valued the healing effects of
Hungarian thermal waters. Then, in the 16th century, it was the turn of the
Turks who built the many Turkish Baths still in use today. All told, more
than 1,000 springs provide medicinal and thermal water to natural and
medical spas, one of the most popular being Lake Hvz with its 25C
yearly average water temperature, the largest biologically active thermal
lake in Europe. In Budapest, excellent spa packages are available at the
lovely Szechenyi Bath and Spa, and numerous other locations across the
city.
4 Tihany
Tihany is one of the most popular holiday resorts on Lake Balaton.
Originally an island, this tiny peninsula - covering just eight square
kilometers - boasts some of Hungary's most extraordinary scenery.
Designated a nature reserve, the southwestern section is closed to traffic
and is wonderful to explore on foot along the well-marked trail network. A
must-visit landmark in the town itself is the beautiful 17thcentury Benedictine Abbey with its spectacular views of the lake and the
surrounding area, a particular treat in spring when the region's almond
trees are in bloom, and again in summer when the fields are a sea of deepblue lavender. From the abbey, be sure to walk to the lovely old Inner
Harbor with its moorings for passenger ships and pleasant lakeside
promenade.
5 The Caves of Lillafred
Lillafred in the Bkk Mountains is another very popular spa destination in
Hungary. It's also famous for its many spectacular caves, all within an easy
walk of the town. Some of the most interesting to explore are the Istvn
Cave with its fantastic stalactite formations, and the Petofi Cave, famous
the world over for the impressions of extinct plant species left in the
limestone walls. For a more adventurous hike, take the trail to the Szeleta
Cave with its relics from the Ice Age, including skillfully made arrows and
spears. When you're done with all that exploring, take a ride on the old
narrow-gauge railway through one of the most rugged part of the
mountains.
6 Sopron
Sopron, just 64 kilometers south of Vienna and eight kilometers from
the Austrian border near the eastern foothills of the Alps, is a popular
destination for day trippers. Much of its allure stems not just from its
attractive surroundings, but also from its many well preserved medieval
and Baroque buildings. All told, the town boasts 115 officially-listed
monuments and 240 protected buildings, one of the largest such
collections in Europe. All the buildings in the Old Townare found within the
confines of the medieval town wall built on Roman ruins. Many of these
buildings are of particular interest as they contain features added from
other historic periods, so you'll never know quite what to expect as you
explore this town's many delights.

7 Eger Castle
Hungary has many delightful historic forts, castles, and palaces, each
steeped in history. One of the best known is Eger Castle. Located in the
lovely spa town of Eger on the southern slopes of the Bkk Mountains,
Eger Castle once protected the gateway into northern Hungary. Extended
in the 16th century, the new design was based on contemporary Italian
fortresses, and was again added to after the Turks took over in 1596.
Visitors today can explore the remaining towers high above the town, as
well as many ruins, all of them providing a sense of the size and strength
of this once great fortress. It also serves as a convenient place from which
to explore the old medieval and Baroque architecture in the lower town,
with its excellent restaurants and cafs.

8 Cathedral of St. Peter

Dominating the northwest corner of the fortified Old Town of Pecs lies the
Cathedral of St. Peter. Built on the site of an ancient Roman burial chapel,
the cathedral, like so many historic attractions in Hungary, shows
influences from many different cultures. Founded in 1009, the original
church lasted well into the 12th century, was rebuilt, and then suffered
even more damage due to Mongol attacks. After years of neglect including a spell as a mosque and arms store - the church was completely
rebuilt in 1891, creating the splendid structure you see today. Inside, many
unique religious artifacts from throughout Hungarian history have been
collected and are on display, as are a number of graves from the Early
Christian cemetery. Afterwards, take a walk over to the nearby Mosque of
Yakovali Hassan Pasha with its 22-meter-high minaret and museum.
9 Visegrd Royal Palace
Located above the beautiful old town of Visegrd in the Danube Bend, just
40 kilometers north of Budapest, the ruins of Visegrd Royal Palace and
the old citadel make for an easy day trip from Hungary's capital. The first
Royal Palace was built under Charles I after he and his court moved to
Visegrd in 1316, and was extended a hundred years later with many
Italian flourishes, gaining it a reputation as one of the finest palaces in all
of Europe. While now largely ruins - the legendary palace was only
rediscovered in the 1930s - the palace impresses with its dimensions and
incredible views over the Danubeand the surrounding area, and is fun to
explore as you try to recall what it must have looked like in its heyday (be
prepared for plenty of walking).
10 The Buda Hills
There's so much to like about beautiful Budapest, and so much to explore,
including its numerous open spaces and parks. The Buda Hills, on the
western outskirts of the city, is one of the most popular of these areas.

Rising to heights of more than 518 meters, the hills are crisscrossed by a
comprehensive system of trails, perfect for walking or biking (numerous
bike rental operations can be found throughout the city; better still, have a
driver take you to your starting point from the city center in a rickshaw
made from a converted Fiat). Once there, you can explore numerous
caves, and afterwards take a ride back to town on the classic Cog-wheel
Railway. Alternatively, stop for a picnic, take the fun narrowgauge Children's Railway for a nearly 13-kilometer jaunt through the
countryside, or see the some of the city's best views from the
famous Budapest Chairlift.