The 26 Most Incredible Things To Do in Hungary in 2026!

The best things to do for anyone visiting Hungary.

One of the most underrated countries in Europe is Hungary. Many people are under the illusion that there’s not much to visit, beyond the beautiful capital of Budapest. But this is definitely not true! From beautiful lakes to amazing cities to stunning nature, here are the best things to do in Hungary.

PS. I just love a good hidden gem! Stick around to find the best ones at the end of this post!

PS. Not everyone reads through to the end, so don’t worry, the hidden gems will stay hidden (in plain sight), for you to visit.

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Things to know before visiting Hungary

Hungary is a wonderful country filled with so many activities. But what are things you need to know before booking your ticket to this stunning country?

Language – The official language in Hungarian. Some people also speak Romanian, as the Transylvanian region in Romania used to be part of Hungary a long time ago. In Hungary, especially in Budapest, English is also a common language, so it’s easy to communicate with most people.

Money – In Hungary, they pay in euros. Make sure to always have some cash on you, as this is still the preferred way to pay, and sometimes the only way.

Public transport – In Budapest, public transport is very good. Getting a metro/tram ticket is easy and affordable, so I definitely recommend using public transport in the city. There are also many possibilities for exploring beyond Budapest by train or bus.

The people – Hungarian people have been so nice to me! Everywhere I went in the country, people were really kind and accommodating. But this may be the way I experienced it, and you may experience it differently. I felt very welcome in Hungary.

Roads and traffic – I visited Hungary with my campervan. In my experience, the roads were mostly good, a bit worse in small towns, but still drivable. I didn’t get into any traffic jams or other incidents, but I also didn’t get a vignette; you will need one if you plan to drive the M-roads.

When to visit Hungary

Hungary is a beautiful destination year-round. However, there are certain timeframes when it’s best to visit, and others when you might want to avoid this country.

I highly recommend visiting Budapest in the shoulder season, from April to June or from September to November.

In summer, Hungary is also a beautiful destination, but it will be much more crowded, especially in Budapest and around Lake Balaton.

In winter, Budapest is a beautiful destination, especially in December, when you get to visit the Christmas markets and festivities.

Make sure to visit Budapest for at least 3 full days, as there is so much to do. In 3 or more days, you won’t feel like you’re rushing through activities, and you can take plenty of time to relax as well.

Renting a car in Hungary

To visit places beyond Budapest, I would highly recommend renting a car. Yes, public transport is good, but a car gives you the flexibility and freedom to visit wherever you want, whenever you want.

Renting a car in Hungary is quite affordable and as the country is not that big, you will be able to drive anywhere easily and without it taking up too much time.

I highly recommend renting through DiscoverCars. They will give you great, honest prices, the best coverage, and amazing support, if needed!

Where to stay in Hungary – Budapest

There are so many places to stay in Hungary that you might get lost in all the options. I will recommend a place to stay close to each of the places/activities below that offers the best price-to-quality ratio.

But for now, I will give you some recommendations in Budapest, because this city is simply worth staying for a couple of days. Each of these accommodations is set in a more lively part of the city, close to the main streets.

Best price/quality – Beletage-Boutique Hotel

Luxury – Queen’s Court Hotel & Residence

Budget – Budapest Panorama Central

Apartment – Harmonia Palace – Luxury Apartments

Family – Bo33 Hotel Family & Suites

The best things to do in Hungary

Now, let’s dive into the best things to do in Hungary!

PS. I did take my beloved 35mm camera with me to Budapest, so you will see some of the pretty pictures I shot with it!

Budapest

Yes, I will start off this list with the beautiful capital city of Budapest. Honestly, I never knew Budapest was so beautiful. All I knew about Budapest was that there was a huge parliament building on the Danube River, but that was pretty much it.

And oh my… Budapest is so much more than that! It even reminded me of the romantic city of Paris in certain bits. From the lively city, filled with Gothic architecture, to the green rolling hills of Buda, this city certainly blew my mind!

P.S.I am still working on a Budapest city guide, but in the meantime, you must read this Budapest guide, which helped me a lot on my own trip.

Tours I recommend in Budapest

When I was in Budapest for quite a couple of days, I did follow some tours and managed to see a lot more of the city and explore places I didn’t even know existed! I highly recommend booking at least one tour, as you also get to learn a lot about the city.

Lake Balaton

The number one day trip destination, especially in summer, for both locals and tourists, is Lake Balaton.

Did you know that Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Europe?

It is just over 70 kilometres long and, in most places, over 5 kilometres wide. It has more than 200 kilometres of waterfront. And that means… Lots of places to explore!

Lake Balaton is the closest thing to a beach that the locals can get to, so especially in summer, this region gets crowded. And no wonder!

Lake Balaton is so much more than just a lake. From the different wine regions, to watersports, to beautiful beaches, to luxurious hotels and sunny camping, you will find it all at Lake Balaton.

Some of the best places to visit near the lake are:

Tihany
Balatonfüred
Badacsony (wine region)
Szigliget
Keszthely

Recommended tour: From Budapest: Lake Balaton Day Tour

Tihany

My absolute favorite town on Lake Balaton is Tihany, also known as the Lavender Town.

Because yes, you will find lots of lavender in Tihany. From the stunning lavender fields (blooming from late-June to early-July), to the purple shops, if you love lavender, this is the place to be. From lavender coffee, to liquors, to soaps and balms, and so much more, you will love shopping for souvenirs in the lavender shops!

Other amazing things to do in Tihany are:

Trying some tasty lavender ice cream
Visiting the Benedictine Abbey and museum
Admiring the crypt of King Andrew I
Learn more about Lavender in the Lavender House
Stroll through the Tagore Promenade
Taste some delicious local food at Tüzkert Étterem (don’t miss out on the goulash soup with Langosh hat)

Visiting Tihany in October felt like a dream. With autumn vibes, sunny weather, and not so many people, I truly enjoyed exploring the town on my own.

Best accommodation in Tihany: Mandula Villa

Bokodi Floating Village

One pretty cool hidden gem in Hungary, that is quite close to Budapest, is the Bokodi Floating Village. And what is a floating village exactly?

Well, all the houses are on the water. They are not exactly floating, but still it looks so cute, with their wooden walkways and all. It reminded me a bit of Denmark, but I’m not sure why…

This village has quite a history. It was built during Hungary’s communist era on Bokodi Lake, an artificial lake used as cooling water for the nearby power station. Because during this time period, Hungarians could not travel abroad, they had to get creative. And that’s when the floating village was built, as a way to enjoy fishing in the quiet.

Now the power station stopped working, but the houses remained and some are still being lived in. It looks quite cool and is definitely worth stopping by.

Best accommodation in Bokodi: Czermann Holiday Inn

Thermal Lake of Hévíz

Can you imagine yourself swimming in the world’s second-largest thermal lake? Then make sure to keep reading…

Because the Thermal Lake of Hévíz is something special. It’s both a lake and a hot spring, making it pleasant to swim in all year round.

Because this hot spring is large enough to be called a lake, it is a very unique place. You can swim in the warm water, surrounded by white water lilies, all day long and enjoy in the sun, or the freezing cold air.

I drove by this lake and admired it from a distance; I did not have time to spend in it, as I was just passing through. I would’ve loved to, though!

You do need to pay for entrance, so make sure to check out the official website for opening times and rates.

Best accommodation in Hévíz: Easy Suites Hévíz

Hollóko

My absolute favorite town in Hungary is called Holloko. When visiting this place, I wasn’t exactly sure where I was going. I just had it saved up on my itinerary and so I went there.

So upon arrival, I got out of my van and just started walking around. At first, I found the cutest little castle and went inside. After that, I started walking down into town, where I found the most picturesque street you can imagine. Beautifully decorated houses, pumpkins everywhere (it was at the end of September), cobbled streets, and emptiness. I seemed to be the only tourist in town in this low season, which made it feel even more special.

Walking around this traditional Hungarian town and visiting the little cheese shop was absolutely amazing. I highly recommend adding Holloko as a stop on your Hungary itinerary because this place is pure magic!

Best accommodation in Hollóko: Kégli apartmanok és fürdőház Hollókő

Eger

If you’re looking for a charming city that has a small-town feeling to it, Eger is the place to be. With spectacular medieval architecture, relaxing thermal baths, and delicious wines, Eger has so much to offer!

These are some of the best things to do in Eger:

Marvel at the Dobó István Square
Wander down the Eger Stars Promenade
Step inside the Baroque Minorite Church (Saint Anthony of Padua)
Visit the Eger Basilica
Explore the Lyceum and its Archdiocese Library
Get lost in Eger Castle
Unwind at Eger Thermal Bath or the Turkish Bath
Taste Local Wines in the Valley of the Beautiful Woman

All in all, there is something for everyone in Eger!

Best accommodation in Eger: 1552 Boutique Hotel

Szalajka-Völgy

Do you love nature and trains? Then this one’s for you.

Szalajka-Völgy is one of the most famous hiking trails in the country. With stunning nature, waterfalls, lakes, and much more, this trail is a must!

BUT…

Yes, there’s a but.

In some parts of the trail, there is more than 41% elevation. And that’s where the train comes in.

Because the best way to see this valley is by taking the train up the hill, and walking back down on foot, this gives you the best of both worlds and makes it a family-friendly activity.

You can easily spend half a day here, and the trail is neither long nor difficult at all.

Best accommodation in Szalajka-Völgy: Hotel Tókert Szálloda és Étterem

Lillafüred

Not too far from the Szalajka-Völgy trail, you will find a charming little village, perfect for relaxing after your little hike. Lillafüred is tucked away in the Bükk mountains and offers both nature and town activities.

Some of the best things to do in Lillafüred are:

Discover the Lillafüred caves
Stroll through the Terrace Gardens and fall in love with Szinva Waterfall
Relax by Lake Hamori
Spend a night in the Palota Hotel
Ride The Lillafüred Forest Railway
Eat the finest Hungarian cuisine at Tókert Restaurant

I absolutely loved strolling through this quiet town and exploring everything it has to offer!

Best accommodation in Lillafüred: Hotel Palota Lillafüred

Hortobágy National Park

In the eastern part of Hungary, you will find a unique national park: Hortobágy. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is Hungary’s first and largest national park. Tha park is made up of a continuous steppe, that is part of the Eurasia Steppe. With an area covering 800 square kilometers, there is a lot to see and do in Hortobágy National Park.

The most unique thing about this place, I would say, is the buffalo—tons of them. Visiting Hortobágy National Park feels like stepping into the Wild West. The best ways to visit are by train or horse and carriage, iconic, isn’t it?

If you want to know more about what to do here, make sure to read this post!

Best accommodation in Hortobágy: Thermália Vendégházak – Tulipán Apartman

Szeged

While Szeged it the third largest city in Hungary, this beautiful place still gets overlooked by tourists. And to be honest, I didn’t know about this place, too.

However, when a Hungarian friend from Budapest told me about Szeged, I visited and was blown away!

Some of the best things to do in Szeged are:

Admire the small Castle of Szeged and its interesting museum
Visit the Museum of Móra Ferenc (Natural History Museum of Szeged)
Watch the fountain dance in Móra Ferenc Park
Visit some beautiful churches, like Dom Tér and the Votive Church of Szeged
Admire Reök Palace
Step inside the New Synagoge
Unwind at the Anna Thermal Baths

Szeged is an underrated city that will surprise you!

Best accommodation in Szeged: Maison de Luxe

Pécs

One of the most interesting and truly stunning cities in Hungary is definitely Pécs! From the picturesque cathedrals to the UNESCO-listed ancient necropolis, you will find many mind-blowing activities in Pécs!

Some of the best activities are:

Admire the architecture around central square: Széchenyi Tér
Step inside the Pécs Cathedral
Visit the UNESCO-listed early Christian Necropolis of Pécs
Wander the historic streets of Pécs
Marvel at the Pécs Synagogue

You can easily spend a full day in Pécs, but 2 days is even better!

Best accommodation in Pécs: Palatinus Grand Hotel

Sopron

Another city that should be on your itinerary is Sopron. With its historical firewatch tower, the baroque architecture, and a unique blend of western and eastern European influences, this city, nestled on the border of Austria and Hungary, is a must-see!

Some fantastic things to do in Sopron are:

Admire and climb the Firewatch Tower
Have coffee on the main square
Visit St. Michael’s Church and the Old Synagoge
Indulge in the local cuisine and Hungarian wine in one of the many restaurants

Sopron is a city that you must see at least once in your life. Make sure to add it to your itinerary!

Best accommodation in Sopron: Sopron Monastery Hotel

Kecskemet

A true gem in Central Hungary is the town of Kecskemet. Imagine the most incredible Art Nouveau architecture you’ve ever seen, in a city small enough to explore in a day. But Kecskemet offers much more than just pretty buildings; you can also learn more about its remarkable history and Hungarian culture.

Some wonderful activities in Kecskemet are:

Admire the impressive Town Hall standing proudly on the stunning Main Square
Step inside The Great Temple and the Church of Saint Nicholas Franciscan
Marvel at the Cifra Palace
Relax on a beautiful terrace surrounded by green

If you’re looking for a perfect day trip from Budapest, Kecskemet should be at the top of your list!

Best accommodation in Kecskemet: Boutique Hotel Center

Szekesfehervar

In between Budapest and Lake Balaton, you will find a city that’s worth a stop. Szekesfehervar, also known as the Old Royal Capital, is a city rich in history and attractions. As the oldest town in Hungary, with the first people inhabiting the area as early as the 5^th century BC, you will find that Szekesfehervar is a city like no other!

The best things to do in Szekesfehervar are:

Wander around Városház Square and the Bishop Palace
Step inside the ancient Ruins Garden
Visit the Saint Stephen Cathedral
Wander around the old town and relax on one of the many terraces

Szekesfehervar is very hard to describe; you simply have to see it for yourself.

Best accommodation in Szekesfehervar: Mercure Szekesfehervar Magyar Kiraly

Recommended tour: Budapest to Székesfehérvár – Private Day Tour

Gödöllő

Only 30 km away from Hungary’s capital city, you will find a place called Gödöllő. And although Gödöllő is a city, the main attraction is revolves around it the Royal Palace of Gödöllő.

With its stunning exterior and enchanting interior, GödöllőPalace is a place that makes for a magical day trip from Budapest. It is easy to reach, affordable to enter and the things you will see, are going to stay with you forever. I could tell you all about this wonderful palace, but it’s best to see it for yourself.

Read this guide about visiting Gödöllő Palace, and start planning your trip!

Best accommodation in Gödöllő: Erzsébet Királyné Szálloda

Szentendre

Szentendre. The place that I’ve read interesting things about. And then visited it and everything that I read seemed to be true.

But what are the things that you read about this place?

Well, for starters, that it’s a tourist trap without tourists. That this place is seriously picture perfect, but no tourist goes there. Which is crazy, because Szentendre is only 20 kilometers north of Budapest!

And secondly, I read about this place being the cutest town ever. Like, calendars have pictures of Szentendre on it, that’s how cute. With the gumball-colored houses and all.

And that too seemed to be true.

Some ways to explore this perfect little town are:

Visit the beach on the Danube
Admire Michael Jackson made out of marzipan at the Marzipan Museum
Wander through the historic center
Visit the Belgrade Serbian Orthodox Church

Szentendre is literally the easiest AND most rewarding day trip you can make!

Best accommodation in Szentendre: Red Lion Pub & Apartments Szentendre

Visegrad

A few miles north of Budapest, right on the bank of the Danube, you will find a town called Visegrad. Mainly known for its iconic Visegrad Castle, this town is a wonderful stop on your Hungary itinerary!

Besides the castle, also known as Visegrad Citadel, there is not much else to do in this town. However, I absolutely loved exploring the tiny place and the castle and it was an awesome stop on my road trip!

Best accommodation in Visegrad: Butikhotel Visegrád

Esztergom

I’ve been wanting to visit the town of Esztergom since I read about it more than 4 years ago. And now, on my 2025 Hungary trip, I have finally visited this true gem!

As one of Hungary’s most important places, this charming town is still quite underrated. It has a rich history as the original capital of Hungary and the birthplace of the country’s greatest ruler, King Saint Stephen.

Some of the best things to do in Esztergom are:

Marvel at the impressive Esztergom Basilica
Visit the Esztergom Castle and its museum
Wander through the charming streets of the old town
Admire Széchenyi Square
Walk over the Maria Valeria Bridge

With its remarkable architecture and great activities, Esztergom should be part of your itinerary!

Best accommodation in Esztergom: Mediterraneo Luxury Room Esztergom

Aggtelek National Park

Located in the northern part of Hungary, bordering Slovakia, you will find no less than 198 square kilometres of pure nature. And I’m not just talking about nature above ground, but also about the remarkable cave system underground. And these caves are even known as a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

The terrain above ground is also exciting, providing habitat for a variety of wildlife. Some of the more hopeful sightings include the gray wolf, Eurasian lynx, red deer, and the wild boar. Birdwatching is also a popular activity featuring the eastern imperial eagle, saker falcon, kingfisher, and many others.

If you are eager to visit this beautiful place in Hungary, make sure to read this guide!

Best accommodation in Aggtelek: Bárka Vendégház Aggtelek

Tapolca

Going back in the direction of Lake Balaton, only 13 km from the lake, you will find a town called Tapolca. And this place is quite interesting…

Not only will you find the cutest town, but there is also a cave lake that can be explored by boat, and you can easily explore the surrounding volcanic landscapes. When visiting Tapolca, you have to book a tour through the cave lake and visit its interesting museum!

Best accommodation in Tapolca: Hotel Gabriella

Tokaj region

Of course, my travel guides are never complete without some wine tasting… Yes, even in Hungary, you will find a wonderful wine region, called Tokaj. Famous for its Tokaji Aszú; sweet white dessert wine made from grapes that have been infected with botrytis bunch rot. Yes, rot. I know it doesn’t sound exactly appealing, but trust me when I say that you have to try this wine; it’s simply delicious!

Beyond drinking wine, there is a lot more to do in Tokaj, like:

Visiting the Tokaj Museum
Admiring the Roman Catholic Church
Getting lost on Rákóczi street
Book a wine tasting that’s perfect for you

Make sure to add the Tokaj wine region to your itinerary!

Best accommodation in Tokaj: Minaro Hotel Tokaj

Recommended tour: Tokaj – Classic Wine Tasting

Megyer-Hegy

If you just love a good place, that feels both enchanting and adventurour, the Megyer-Hegy Tarn is your place to be! Tarn of Megyer-Hegy is a stunning natural lake, surrounded by tall cliffs. As a true hidden gem in Hungary, this place is one of the most picturesque, tranquil spots you will find!

If you’re looking for a perfect place for hiking and relaxing, Megyer-Hegy has to be on your travel list!

Tata

Another hidden treasure in Hungary is the town of Tata. Also known as ‘’the city of waters’’, yes, you will find quite a lot of water here. Especially the Old Lake with its Water Castle are quite impressive! And while the town is very alive with festivals in summer, it becomes a tranquil paradise in the remaining seasons.

Some great activities in Tata are:

Admire Tata Castle
Visit some of the vineyards and wine cellars
Visit the Turkish Mosque
Wander through the old town
Take a walk around the Old Lake

As Tata lies exactly in between Budapest and Vienna, it is easily reached by rail. You simply have no excuse not to go!

Best accommodation in Tata: Kastélykert Vendégház Tata

Ópusztaszer National Heritage Park

Located in the heart of Hungary’s Southern Great Plain, the Ópusztaszer National Heritage Park stands as a remarkable tribute to Hungarian history and culture. Serving as an open-air museum, this place is one of the most interesting gems in the whole country!

With ruins, architectural and cultural attractions, a traditional ethnographic museum, a house of herbs, and many more things, you will be able to learn about Hungary in a very engaging way.

I would highly recommend visiting the Ópusztaszer National Heritage Park with your family or friends.

Final thoughts on the best things to do in Hungary

Somehow, I’m quite happy to have finished this post, but also a little bit sad. I loved being taken back to Hungary by writing about all these wonderful destinations. And I truly hope that you will fall in love with these places as I did. What is your favorite place in this list?

Happy travels!