Hungary Itinerary – Hungary by Rail

Beautiful and rough around the edges, Budapest is the jewel of Central Europe. It’s separated into two parts by the River Danube. On top of hilly Buda on the west lies Buda Castle, once the residence of Hungarian kings. From here you’ll be rewarded with truly beautiful views over the river and bustling Pest, the other side of the city.

Cross the Széchenyi Chain Bridge to reach Pest. This is where all the action happens. Abandoned buildings have been converted into so-called “ruin bars”, with the most famous one being Szimpla Kert. After exploring these unique pubs, relax in the Széchenyi thermal baths and soak up the healing properties of the hot spring waters.

Eger has a magical combination of remarkable architecture, thermal baths, red wines, and a unicorn on its coat of arms! Visit the Castle of Eger, where a small group of Hungarian men and women fought off an Ottoman army of 40,000 in 1552. Entrance grants you access to the Gothic Palace, art gallery, and underground passageways.

Unwind in one of Eger’s thermal baths, which can be accessed all seasons of the year. Then enjoy some of the best Hungarian wines in the Valley of the Beautiful Woman (Szépasszonyvőlgy). Local produce includes Bull’s Blood (Egri Bikavér) – a spicy, smooth red wine that was once thought to steel Hungarians for battle.

Győr is often overlooked, but this charming old town will surprise you. The striking Neoclassical Town Hall (Városháza) is one of the first things you’ll see when arriving by train. The design was chosen through a contest, with construction completed in 1898. Visit this impressive structure at night to see it lit up in golden lights.

Stroll down the cobblestone pedestrian street Baross Gábor út through the medieval center and explore numerous shops, cafés, and bars. Then make your way to Káptalan Hill (Káptalandomb), the true heart of Győr. You can’t miss the Basilica of Győr, whose foundations were laid in the 11^th century. It’s worth a visit for its spectacular artistic and architectural features.

Siófok is the place to be for beaches, partying, and adventures. Located on the southern shores of Lake Balaton, the city is a popular vacation getaway in Hungary. There’s a non-stop festival atmosphere in the summer months, but the low season also has its fair share of cultural events.

Borsodi Beach Club is the main beach resort. It hosts many live concerts, as well as a range of sport activities and games. If you want to experience the quieter side of Siófok, marvel at the Japanese and English gardens in Jókai Park. You can also go to the top of the Water Tower for a gorgeous view over the town.

The university town of Pécs has a mild climate and a rich history that dates back more than 2,000 years. Remnants of Roman and Turkish rulings are still evident in the town’s architecture. The most iconic structure is the majestic Mosque of Pasha Qasim (Gázi Kászim Pasa), which lies in the main square of Pécs. It’s now a Roman Catholic church.

Király Street is a beautiful pedestrian area lined with several places for shopping and dining, as well as the National Theater of Pécs. There are regular opera and ballet performances in this grand Baroque-style building. For another dose of culture, explore the numerous museums along Káptalan Street.