Places to visit in Hungary

Széchenyi bath in Budapest, Hungary
Széchenyi bath in Budapest, Hungary

Hungary is a unique and fascinating place to visit on your European travel exploration. With an InterRail Hungary Pass explore every corner this intriguing country.

Places to visit

Budapest: Enchanting capital

Budapest, Hungary’s capital is one of Europe’s most rewarding places to visit. Set eyes on the spectacular vista of Castle Hill sidling up close to the Danube – beautiful by day, spectacular at night. Cross the Chain Bridge and make a swift ascent up the nineteenth-century funicular to get up close to the treasures that sit atop the hill. Take a magical cruise along the Danube and absorb Budapest’s endearing atmosphere and view its beautiful sights. More things to do in Budapest

Chain Bridge and the funicular up Castle Hill are a 5-minute walk from Vörösmarty Tér metro station.

Historical Hungary

Pécs positioned on the slopes of the Mecsek mountains is a firm favourite with visitors to the country. It’s one of Hungary’s most endearing towns with abounding evidence of its rich heritage. While there check out the Ottoman-era mosques and the Archeaological Museum for evidence of the Roman presence between the first and fifth centuries. For further historical delights head to Sopron and marvel at the mix of Gothic and Baroque architecture. Don’t miss the grand Medieval Esterházy Palace just outside the town, once part of the Habsburg dynasty.

The Archaeological Museum is a 15-minute walk from Pécs main train station. Esterházy Palace is a short bus journey from Sopron’s town centre.

Spa and wine treats

For those looking for a pick-me-up Hévíz could be just what you need. This thermal spa, located on the shores of Europe’s largest thermal lake, claims to have medicinal qualities. Lie back in the magical waters and peruse the surrounding woodland. For wine connoisseurs, Szépasszony-völgy near the town of Eger might have just the treat to whet your thirst. Local vineyards produce several types of mouthwatering wines, which you can taste for yourself at one of the many cellars.

To reach Hévíz take the train to Keszthely and from there it is a 10-minute bus ride. Szépasszony-völgy is a 20-minute walk from Eger’s Vasútállomás train station.

Lay back at the lake beaches

Hungary may be coast-less but it makes up for it with Lake Balaton – a popular summer cooling down retreat. It’s a tale of two shores – the south is resorty, packed in summer and has a lively night scene that attracts locals and tourists alike. To the north of the lake expect a more cultured and refined atmosphere. Yachting around the lake is popular, as is fishing, sailing and windsurfing. It’s also an ideal place for laying back and doing nothing.

A train line runs around the whole perimeter of the lake so stop off wherever you fancy.

Hungry for nightlife

Hungary’s capital is filled to the brim with great bars, quality restuarants and a buzzing nightlife. Liszt Ferenc tér is a delightful square in the centre of Budapest, filled with restaurants, bars and terraces. Check out retro-styled Menza – a popular restaurant on the square. It draws in locals and tourists thanks to its authentic Hungarian menu and its quirky 1970s Soviet-canteen design.

Menza restaurant and Liszt Ferenc square are a 10-minute walk from Nyugati Pályaudvar train station.

Events

Sziget

  • August 6-13, 2012
Hungary - Highlights - Events - Sziget - event
Photo by Mark Somay 

This is one of Europe’s largest music festivals and has been voted in various polls as one of the best. Spread over 8 days, the festival offers a broad range of music genres from international rock acts to jazz and world music. There is also an excellent programme of cultural activities and performances. The festival is set on Óbudai-sziget, an island in the Danube. Camping is possible.

Sziget party train

You can also start your festival on the train! Take the Sziget party train which departs from Amsterdam has two partycouches, DJ's. Breakfast and champagne are available on board. Please note that this train trip is not included in your InterRail pass. For more information about this train visit the Sziget website.

Óbudai-sziget can be reached by metro from all 3 international train stations.

Budapest Christmas Fair

  • November 17 - December 24, 2012
Hungary - Highlights - Events - Budapest Christmas Fair - event
 

Every November Vörösmarty Square, right in Budapest's heart, turns into a big Christmas market. The square is filled with stalls with Hungarian specialities, presents and Christmas decorations. Don't miss this popular Fair!

Vörösmarty Square can be reached by tram (line 2) from Budapes's main train station. Get off at 'Vigado' and find Vörösmarty Square after a short walk.

Hegyalja Festival

  • July 18-21, 2012

Hegyalja Festival offers four days of music, sports events, and many more. The festival location, a beautiful world heritage site, makes Hegyalja a special event you don't want to miss.

The festival operates shuttle buses from and to the festival site and Budapest's main train station