8. Esztergom
Esztergom, the city with the amazing fact: that you walk through a bridge and find yourself in another country! Yes, that’s true. By walking past the Mária Valéria Bridge situated in the centre of the city, you can reach Slovakia from Hungary in just 10 minutes. Isn’t that amazing? This beautiful city is located on the right bank of the river Danube, which forms the border with Slovakia there.
It was also the capital of Hungary from the 10th till the mid-13th century. The city has some wonderful landmarks to visit, which includes the Esztergom cathedral being the largest of itself in the whole country. Besides that, you will be able to find many more by taking a walk down the city. Fun fact: it will only take about 2-3 hours to do that.
7. Debrecen
Debrecen is the second largest city of Hungary, which demands a visit to it. The city’s central university is one of its own kind with not only its remarkable infrastructure but providing quality education and experiences to its students. Have a look at the university’s main building!
Moreover, the eye-catching view of the Reformed Great Church of Debrecen surrounded by lots of cafes & restaurants is also a must to see in the city. This is marked as the city centre.
6. Hajdúszoboszló
While visiting the Debrecen you can also have a one-day trip to the spa-town called Hajdúszoboszló. It is the most well-known bath-city of the Hungarian Great Plain offering unforgettable adventures throughout the year to its guests.
5. Miskolc
This city is famous for its natural beauty and greenery surroundings along with some small hills. But of course, the downtown here is as busy as any other city. There is also an exceptionally exciting thing to do in the city: go to the Miskolc Cave Baths. Yes, you read it right, bath in a cave! If you are in the city, you should definitely try this unique experience.
4. Siófok
The city is included in the list due to its location on the bank of the alluring Lake Balaton. The place where hundreds of events are happening every year. Just very near to it, in Zamárdi, the popular Balaton Sound Festival takes place in the summer season. This is the time when lot of tourists and youngsters have a great summer party here.
3. Eger
Eger is best known for its castle, thermal baths, baroque buildings, the Eger Minaret remained from the time of the Ottoman empire, and delicious dishes and red wines. I would recommend this to everyone who loves panoramic sights and big fan of natural elegance. The castle & hills are the core of the city.
2. Pécs
This city proves to be the most stunning settlement for its inhabitants. The Orfű Lake in Pécs gives a relaxing time by sitting next to it. The city also contains slight hills on which you can go hiking and do a BBQ gathering!
The Downtown Candlemas Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, formerly known as the Mosque of Pasha Qasim is a Roman Catholic church in Pécs. But previously this was a mosque in the 16-17th century due to the Ottoman conquest. It is one of the symbols of the city, located in the downtown, on the main square.
1. Budapest
I think Budapest would require no introduction at all. It is nonetheless the most astonishing city in the whole country maintaining its position as a lovely capital! The sights of the Danube river alongside so many landmarks like The Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church are just incredible!
The city is divided into two parts Buda and Pest. Most of the monuments are though on the Pest side but the Buda side proves to be equally attractive with its hilly areas. There are many bridges connecting both parts of the city above River Danube Fact: Budapest’s metropolitan transport system is one of the oldest in Europe.
You can never get bored in the Hungarian capital. There are thermal baths everywhere, brilliant local food to taste, and everything you can ask for I suppose!
Tip: while visiting the city you can take a boat, a small ferry or by using the public transportation, you can reach the small town of Szentendre lying some kilometres away from Budapest. It is a fabulous little town perfect for a day trip.
Article by Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship holder, Rida Tariq.
The article is based on the view of the author, and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Study in Hungary.