Hungary is a small land-locked country in Central East Europe, rich in old towns and flourishing wine-making regions, breathtaking state buildings and magnificent castles, glassy lakes and snaking rivers, lakeside resorts and countryside cottages, cozy national parks and interesting museums. Hungary is also famous for the great number of natural springs and geo thermal spas and baths, many of which are believed to have medicinal and therapeutic properties. And don’t forget Budapest, the country’s key attraction and marvelous capital often called ‘the pearl of Danube,’ where the irresistible fusion of Magyar tradition and modern Europe keeps people coming back for more. With all the above mentioned and more, Hungary makes quite a good gentle introduction to traveling into Eastern Europe. So what else do you need for a perfect vacation?
Here we have compiled our most beloved tourist attractions in Hungary that are sure to meet just about every tourist’s needs.
Buda Castle
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Buda Castle is the most prominent building in Budapest, illustrating the great periods in the history of the Hungarian city. Also known as Royal Palace, the castle sits proudly upon Buda Hill, overlooking the Danube River and the Pest side of the city. Founded in the 13th century, the castle has existed in many reincarnations over the centuries and today it hosts Hungary’s National Library, many museums, including the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum, whilst medieval ramparts below offer visitors a pleasant stroll around the castle grounds. The best views of Buda can be enjoyed from the Duna Korzo, the Chain Bridge, or else from the balconies of high-end hotels lining the pest of the Danube.
Lake Balaton
Locally called central Europe’s largest fresh water lake, the ‘Hungarian Sea,’ is the country’s most precious treasure and number one vacation resort with much to offer its visitors, from bathing and sailing to wine tasting and horse-riding to playing golf. Every year large number of resorts, inns and restaurants welcome at least 2.5 million visitors from home and abroad for a memorable vacation. Visitors will also find excellent excursion opportunities and particular natural values sure to delight. An important attraction of the lake is the wine culture and the most famous wines are offered in Badacsony, Balatonboglár and Somló. This area is also home to the Festetics Mansion – the third largest chateau in the country, featuring beautiful gardens, a museum and a conference center.
Margaret Island (Margitsziget)
With large green areas and landscape gardens Margaret Island is a piece of heaven located in the heart of Danube that serves as a recreational getaway for locals and foreign travelers alike. The island is preserved as a park and offers the following attractions: medieval ruins, a small zoo, a water tower, swimming pools, lido and a relaxing atmosphere. The northern part of the island houses two prestigious hotels: the stunning Grand Hotel Margitsziget and the luxury Thermal Hotel Margitsziget that use the thermal water of the islands for the purpose to treat firstly locomotor diseases. Today, the romance of the island dazzles many couples, making it a wonderful place for weddings.
Visit the appealing Gellért Hill – one of the favorite places for weekend outings; soak in the world’s largest thermal lake, Gyógytó; take a trip to Szentendre if you are a shopping enthusiast; and enjoy a cool drink in any of the country’s bountiful trendy cafes – this and even more is waiting for you in Hungary. The best season to visit this fascinating country is during summer, between April and September when the days are long and the weather is warm and pleasant.
