Hungary is more than simply its shining city, Budapest; it also has statuesque castles, breathtaking lakes, remarkable caverns, dense woods, and exquisite cathedrals. Hungary is one of the most popular nations in Eastern Europe and is quickly becoming a hot and exciting tourist destination because of its many attractions. The country has seen a significant colonial impact, which is reflected in the intriguing architecture and culture.
It is a country that is naturally endowed with amazing sceneries, stunning man-made structures, and everything attractive for tourists and locals alike. With so many tourist hotels and resorts spread across various cities, you won’t run short of accommodation and entertainment options.
The Hungarian Parliament recently reviewed the country’s gambling regulations, so you are free to enjoy online gambling for real money as you explore other options.
There are hundreds of amazing destinations that would call for a longer stay in Europe, but here are the top 5 must-visit places in Hungary.
Buda Castle, Budapest
You’ll understand why Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is known as the “Paris of the East” when you first see the magnificent Buda Castle (Budavári Palota). When it comes to imposing dimensions and exquisite architecture, this ancient monument, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, matches the likes of Versailles in France.
This more modern building, which has more than 200 rooms, was erected on the site of a palace that was destroyed during the Ottoman Empire’s Siege of 1686. It was later restored for the Habsburg empire. The beautiful, 61-meter-high central dome, which faces the Danube and offers breathtaking views of the castle and the other structures on Castle Hill, is the center of attention in this building’s symmetrical design.
The Buzogány Tower and the majestic South Tower from the 15th century are two beautifully recreated portions of the original medieval structure.
Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest
When in Budapest, it’s difficult to overlook the magnificently proportioned Hungarian Parliament Building. Its palatial aspect and size will leave you in awe, whether you’re seeing it from a tour boat down the Danube (highly recommended) or Castle Hill on the other side. It is an exceptional pleasure at night when it’s magnificently glowing brightly.
The equally stunning Ministry of Agriculture building and the Museum of Ethnography surround the structure. Even if you cannot stay for very long, it is enjoyable to spend some time exploring the outside and admiring one of the most prominent parliament buildings in all of Europe.
The Danube River
Budapest is split in two by the magnificent Danube River, which runs across Hungary from north to south. The Freedom Bridge, a popular place for people who often see the spectacle together with passing boat traffic, offers one of the most splendid sunset views of the river.
The Danube Bend, one of the nation’s most well-known destinations for pleasure and excursions, offers additional fantastic vantage points from which to see this gorgeous river. The Visegrád Mountains are where the river makes its way through before making a dramatic bend south (the river’s “knee”) into Budapest. The region is a favorite among hikers and nature enthusiasts and is visited as part of the numerous top-notch river cruises that cross the Danube from as far away as Austria.
Active tourists often use the Danube Cycle Path to see the river as it flows through the hills between Budapest and Vienna. Throughout the ever-changing river landscape along the route from Germany to Budapest, you’ll pass opulent Esztergom, the Roman fort of Kelemantia, and medieval Hungarian towns like Szigetmonostor.
Medieval Spa Towns
Hungary definitely delivers if you’re looking for a trip that mixes some downtime with a strong cultural experience. Throughout the land, there are several storied spa towns and institutions that provide anything from short soaks in healing waters to extended vacations in luxurious spa resorts.
More than 2,000 years ago, during the reign of the Romans, Hungary’s hot springs and baths gained a reputation for their therapeutic properties. Turks constructed the many Turkish Baths that are still in use today in the 16th century.
Over 1,000 springs together provide natural and medical spas with therapeutic and thermal water. Lake Hévz, with an average water temperature of 25 degrees Celsius annually, is one of the most well-known. The biggest ecologically active thermal lake in all of Europe is located in this breathtaking location.
The Lillafüred Caves
Another popular spa town in Hungary is Lillafüred, which is situated in the Bükk Mountains. The village is close to a number of magnificent caverns that are equally well-known. The István Cave, with its amazing stalactite formations, and the Petofi Cave, which is renowned around the globe for the imprints of extinct plant species remaining in its limestone walls, are two of the most fascinating to explore.
Take the Szeleta Cave trek for a more challenging walk. You may see a wonderful collection of Ice Age artifacts here, including well-crafted spears and arrows. Take a journey through one of the rockiest areas of the Alps on the antique narrow-gauge train after all that exploration.