Hungary, nestled in the heart of Europe, offers travellers a mesmerizing blend of rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, thermal waters and delectable cuisine. Beyond Budapest’s majestic Danube views lies a country teeming with extraordinary experiences waiting to be discovered. From relaxing in centuries-old thermal baths to exploring mysterious caves beneath the capital city, Hungary promises memories that will last a lifetime.

Soak in the historic Szechenyi thermal baths of Budapest

Immerse yourself in one of Europe’s largest medicinal bath complexes, a neo-baroque masterpiece dating back to 1913. The Szechenyi Baths feature 15 different pools ranging from toasty thermal waters to refreshing swimming areas, all fed by natural hot springs reaching depths of over 1,000 metres. Locals and visitors alike gather here year-round—there’s something truly magical about relaxing in steaming outdoor pools while snowflakes gently fall during winter months. Beyond swimming, you’ll find saunas, steam rooms and various wellness treatments. The baths represent an essential part of Hungarian culture and social life, offering a rejuvenating experience that connects you with a centuries-old tradition of thermal bathing. Consider booking a skip-the-line ticket online before your visit to maximize your relaxation time.

Taste legendary Tokaji wine in its birthplace vineyard

Journey to Hungary’s northeastern wine region, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where the world-renowned Tokaji Aszú—once called “the wine of kings and the king of wines” by Louis XV—has been produced for centuries. This exceptional sweet wine develops its distinctive character from noble rot, a beneficial fungus that concentrates grape sugars under specific climatic conditions. Walking through these historic vineyards, you’ll learn about the region’s unique volcanic soil, traditional harvesting methods and the meticulous production process that hasn’t changed significantly for generations. Many family-owned wineries offer intimate tastings in atmospheric cellars carved into the hillsides, where you can sample different varieties while hearing captivating stories from passionate vintners. The experience transcends mere wine tasting, offering a glimpse into Hungary’s cultural heritage through its most celebrated libation.

Explore the labyrinth of caves beneath Budapest’s streets

Descend into an extraordinary underworld network of over 200 caves formed by thermal springs beneath Budapest’s bustling streets. The Pálvölgyi-Mátyáshegyi cave system, one of the largest in Hungary, features stunning stalactites, stalagmites and mineral formations that have developed over millions of years. Guided tours lead adventurers through narrow passages and spacious chambers while explaining the geological processes that created these natural wonders. For the more adventurous, specialized spelunking tours offer opportunities to crawl through undeveloped sections with headlamps and protective gear. These mysterious limestone labyrinths maintain a constant temperature year-round, making them perfect for exploration regardless of weather conditions above ground. The caves provide a fascinating counterpoint to Budapest’s architectural beauty, revealing the natural forces that shaped this region long before human habitation.

Witness traditional horsemanship on the great Hungarian plain

The Hortobágy National Park, Hungary’s largest protected area and a UNESCO World Heritage site, preserves the traditions of the puszta—the vast grasslands that once covered much of the country. Here, csikós (Hungarian cowboys) demonstrate spectacular horsemanship skills passed down through generations, including the breathtaking “five-in-hand” technique where a rider stands balanced on two horses while controlling three others. These equestrian shows celebrate a nomadic heritage dating back to the Magyar tribes who settled Hungary over a thousand years ago. Visitors can also explore traditional shepherds’ settlements with their distinctive sweep wells and thatched buildings, sample authentic goulash cooked over open fires and observe unique indigenous species like the Hungarian grey cattle and Racka sheep with their distinctive spiral horns. The seemingly endless horizon and tranquil atmosphere offer a striking contrast to Hungary’s vibrant cities.

Step back in time at Hollókő’s living folk village

Discover a perfectly preserved slice of Hungarian rural life in the picturesque village of Hollókő, where time seems to have stopped in the 17th century. This UNESCO World Heritage site showcases traditional Palóc folk architecture with its distinctive wooden structures featuring intricate carvings and whitewashed walls. Unlike many folk museums, Hollókő remains a living community where locals maintain age-old traditions, crafts and customs. During Easter festivities, villagers don elaborate traditional costumes and perform folk dances while demonstrating ancient crafts like embroidery, woodcarving and egg painting. Wandering through the narrow streets, you can visit family workshops where artisans create traditional crafts using centuries-old techniques. The village’s authentic restaurants serve regional Palóc cuisine featuring dishes like hearty bean soups and túrós csusza (pasta with cottage cheese and bacon), offering a genuine taste of Hungarian country cooking.

Wander through lavender fields overlooking Lake Balaton in Tihany

The Tihany Peninsula, jutting dramatically into Central Europe’s largest freshwater lake, offers visitors a multi-sensory experience combining natural beauty, cultural heritage and aromatic lavender fields. This picturesque region became Hungary’s first landscape protection area, preserving its unique volcanic formations, rich biodiversity and cultural landmarks like the 11th-century Benedictine Abbey. Every summer, the gentle hillsides transform into a purple paradise as lavender fields bloom, filling the air with their soothing fragrance. Beyond enjoying the spectacular panoramic views of Lake Balaton’s turquoise waters, visitors can explore the Inner Lake’s hiking trails, sample lavender-infused local products from honey to ice cream and learn about traditional lavender oil production methods at the Lavender House visitor centre. The peninsula’s microclimate creates ideal conditions for Mediterranean plants rarely found elsewhere in Hungary, making it a botanical wonderland.

Marvel at the stalactite wonderland of Aggtelek karst caves

The spectacular cave system straddling Hungary’s northern border with Slovakia holds the title of Europe’s largest stalactite cave. This UNESCO World Heritage site features an awe-inspiring underground realm of massive chambers, crystal-clear lakes and dramatic formations created over millions of years by water slowly dissolving limestone. The Baradla Cave, extending for 26 kilometres, showcases nature’s artistic capabilities with its towering stalactites, delicate curtain formations and massive stalagmite columns—some reaching 25 metres in height. The excellent acoustics in the largest chamber, appropriately named the Concert Hall, host regular underground musical performances that create an unforgettable sensory experience. Various guided tour options range from accessible one-hour walks through illuminated sections to challenging adventure routes exploring undeveloped passages. The surrounding national park offers additional hiking opportunities through pristine karst landscapes dotted with sinkholes and natural springs.

Attend a medieval tournament at Visegrád royal palace

Transport yourself to the golden age of Hungarian history at the reconstructed Royal Palace of Visegrád, once the seat of Hungarian kings during the country’s medieval zenith. Perched above a dramatic bend in the Danube River, this imposing fortress complex hosts regular historical reenactments where knights in authentic armour compete in tournaments, archery contests and spectacular joisting matches that bring medieval pageantry vividly to life. The palace’s Renaissance courtyard provides a magnificent backdrop for these events, which often include period music, dance performances and craft demonstrations. Between shows, explore the reconstructed royal chambers featuring period furniture and exhibits explaining daily life in medieval Hungary. The on-site restaurant serves traditional medieval feasts complete with period tableware and entertainment by court jesters and minstrels. From the upper castle, you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Danube Bend that once captivated kings.

Dance through the night at Budapest’s Sziget Festival on Óbuda Island

Experience one of Europe’s largest cultural events when this Danube island transforms into a vibrant festival city for one week each August. The internationally renowned Sziget Festival brings together over 1,000 performances across more than 60 stages, showcasing everything from world-famous headliners to emerging talents across all music genres. Beyond concerts, the festival features circus acts, theatrical performances, art installations, film screenings and cultural programs representing traditions from around the globe. The festival’s unique atmosphere combines Hungary’s legendary hospitality with a truly international spirit—attendees from over 100 countries create a temporary community dedicated to celebration, creativity and connection. Between performances, relax on the beach, join yoga sessions or explore themed areas like the healing garden and amusement park. Many visitors choose camping options on the island to fully immerse themselves in this extraordinary temporary universe of music and arts.

Taste wines in centuries-old cellars carved into Eger’s valley of beautiful women

Just a short stroll from Eger’s baroque city centre lies Szépasszonyvölgy (Valley of Beautiful Women), where over 200 cellars have been carved into the soft rhyolite tuff rock, creating a unique wine tourism destination. These atmospheric underground spaces, some dating back to the 18th century, host tastings of the region’s distinctive varieties, most famously the robust Egri Bikavér (Bull’s Blood)—a complex red blend shrouded in colourful legends involving Turkish invaders. The valley creates a festive atmosphere as visitors wander between cellars, sampling wines directly from barrels while chatting with multi-generational winemaking families about their craft. Many cellars also serve traditional Hungarian dishes like lángos (fried bread with toppings) or grilled meats that pair perfectly with local wines. The experience combines oenological discovery with Hungarian hospitality in a setting that connects modern visitors with centuries of winemaking tradition in this historic region.