Ten things to experience in Hungary
Royal Palace
Home to King Béla in the 13th century, this palace sits atop Castle Hill in Budapest and features everything from Baroque to Gothic architecture – and an array of other architectural styles. It’s home to many great museums and historical buildings, including the Budapest History Museum, the Ludwig Museum, the National Gallery and the National Library.
Hévíz
Located in the Lake Balaton region, this is the site of Gyógytó, the biggest lake in Europe and the 2nd largest thermal lake in the entire world! The volcanic crater spring under the lake keeps it hot enough to swim year round, but the radioactive mud is considered medicinal, so swimming is only recommended for an hour at a time, tops. Choose from outdoor swimming or indoor swimming in a glass enclosure.
Eger Castle
This 13th-century castle is perched on a hill that overlooks the city of Eger. Aside from the castle itself, you’ll find a prison museum, underground artillery bunkers and the Dobó István Fortress Museum, one of the most popular museums in Hungary. Don’t miss the views from the castle walls.
Fisherman's Bastion
You’ll find this 100+ year-old Budapest attraction on the medieval castle walls on the Buda bank of the Danube. Ornamental in nature, it was never really used for defensive purposes – it was named after the fishermen who defended the hill in the Middle Ages. From the ramparts, to the equestrian statue, there’s a lot to see. It also offers a panoramic view unlike any other.
Memento Park
Memento park is one of Budapest’s must-see attractions. This outdoor museum is filled with banned street statues, busts and monuments from the Communist era: Lenin, Marx and Engels – they’re all here – and then some! Don’t miss the souvenir shop, where you can purchase items like Stalin and Lenin replica statues, Trabant car models, funny t-shirts, and the "last breath of Communism" in a can.
Wine tasting in Szépasszony Valley
Wine lovers dare not miss the “Valley of the Pretty Woman.” Abundant in rolling vineyards, quaint wine cellars and historic taverns, you’ll experience some of Hungary’s finest reds. It’s also home to Istenes Pince (Godly Cellar), the oldest cellar in the region.
Matthias Church
Also known as “Church of Our Lady”, this distinctive church in Budapest’s Castle Quarter is one of the city’s most famous structures. It features a colorfully tiled roof, Gothic spire, stunning medieval frescoes, ornate altars, historic statues, rose windows and much more. High mass and other events are still held at the church. There’s also a fascinating museum inside.
Gellért Hill
For views unlike any other, you’ll have to make a stop here while in Budapest. With historic statues, a fortress, hostel, museum and the city's most famous spa, the Gellért Baths, this is an attraction not to be missed during your Hungary train travel excursion.
Szentendre
This picturesque riverside town in Pest County, is just outside Budapest on the slopes of the Pilis range. From its cobblestone streets lined with colorful houses, bustling little market squares, this town looks like it jumped off of a postcard. Visit the historical buildings, museums, lovely art collections, souvenir shops and more.
Hungarian cuisine
The mouthwatering cuisine here is an attraction in itself. You’ll feast on local favorites like Paprikás (beef stew in thick, paprika gravy),Goulash, Gundel Pancake (with ground walnuts, flambéed in chocolate sauce) and Dobos sponge cake (with chocolate buttercream filling and a caramel slice on top), stuffed cabbage, and don’t forget the wines of the Tokaj, Balaton and Villany regions.
When to travel to Hungary
So when’s the best time to plan your Hungary train travel getaway? If you don’t mind a lot of other tourists and higher hotel prices, summer is a popular season to visit. You can avoid the crowds in Spring, but be prepared for some rain. Most attractions are closed during the winter.
