Things to Do in Hungary

1. Take a dip in the Cave Baths of Miskolc-tapolca: Known to possess healing properties, the cave baths at Miskolc Tapolca offer a much needed rejuvenative break from life. The bath pools, which are rich minerals, sprawls along a system of 17th century caves. The temperature of the pools here are kept at a steady 30 degrees, making them accessible even during colder winter months. Apart from the many bath pools offered here, the Cave Baths also provide specialty spa treatments to its guests.

- Location: Miskolc, Pazár István stny. 1, 3519 Hungary
- Timings: 08.00AM-06.00PM on all days of the week
- Price: 1900 HUF per person

2. Spend a day by Lake Balaton: Located in the heart of Hungary, a day trip by Lake Balaton is among the most well loved things to do in Hungary with one’s family. Swimming, sailing and windsurfing are some of the few things that one can do at the lake. Ice fishing and skating are also quite common during the winter months, when the lake remains frozen. On the northern shores of the dazzling lake sits Tihany Town, an ancient medieval town that can be explored on foot. The surrounding vineyards around the lake, too, are worth visiting while at Balaton.

- Location: Western Hungary

3. Witness the Busojaras Festival: Every February, the town of Mohacs comes alive with revelry and celebration. Taking place in the week leading up to Ash Wednesday, the Busojaras Festival celebrates the emancipation of Mohacs from the Ottoman Turks in the bygone eras. So vital is the festival to the Hungarian culture, that Busojaras is now recognized by UNESCO as one of the most culturally important festivals in the world. One of the most fun Hungary things to do, one can witness the traditional carnival take the streets as men and women dress up in elaborate garbs and parade through Mohacs. A lot of singing, dancing, drinking is involved as well!

- Location: Mohacs
- Timings: February every year

4. Take a cruise along Danube: The Danube River is the lifeblood of Hungary. Snaking its way along the city, the river crosses many of Budapest’s best attractions by its shorelines. One of the best ways to explore the beauty of the river is to take a cruise along Danube. Among the most popular activities to do in Hungary, the river cruises offered here allows you to enjoy the gorgeous Hungarian cityscapes from the comfort of a luxury cruiser. Whether you take an overnight cruise in Budapest, or a tour along the Danube bend, the experience here is bound to leave you spellbound.

- Location: Danube River, Budapest

5. Hike through the Hortobagy National Park: Nestled in the Great Plains of Hungary, the Hortobagy National Park is the country’s largest region of protected landscape. Dotted with blooming meadows, lakes and wetland areas, the park presents a diverse landscape that can be explored on foot. Hortobagy is home to a vast array of birds, especially cranes, and birdwatching at the Park can prove to be one of the most beautiful things to do in Hungary.

- Location: Counties of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén, Heves, Hajdú-Bihar and Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok, Hungary
- Timings: 08.00AM-04.00PM on all days of the week

6. Go caving at the Aggtelek Karst National Park: The Caves at the Aggtelek Karst National Park are one of the few UNESCO recognized World Heritage Sites in Hungary. Spread across an area of over 130,000 acres, this network of 712 caves requires a dedicated trekker to explore. Dating back to the BCE eras, these ancient caves feature some gorgeous stalagmite and stalactite formations. The interiors of the caves are fitted with broad walkways that explorers can utilize to make their way around the rocky terrain.

- Location: Aggtelek Karst National Park, Hungary

7. Take a trip to the Holloko Village: Nestled in the slopes of the Cserhat Mountains, Holloko is an ancient Hungarian village known for its culture. Now a recognized world Heritage Site, this little Hungarian village is well known for its white walled, thatched roofed huts designed in a traditional style. Even those who dwell in Holloko still observe all traditional rituals, and don traditional Hungarian garbs which are now not worn anywhere else. The village has a little Museum of its own as well.

- Location: Nograd County, Hungary 3176

8. Hike through the Buda Hill: Also known as the Castle Hill, the Buda Hill stands tall in the heart of Budapest. Regarded as one of the most popular activities to do in Hungary, a hike through Buda is a must-try for all trekkers coming to Hungary. There are several little trails leading to the summit here, and the climb is fairly easy, making it a popular spot for beginners. With the hill commanding panoramic views of the surrounding city, the climb can prove quite rewarding as well. Those desiring a more relaxing climb can opt for the funicular ride up the slope. The Buda Castle sits atop the summit here, and can be worth a trip after a long hike.

- Location: Budapest, Hungary

1. Take a walk by the Danube River: When in Hungary, do not miss out on the chance to take a walk along the Danube with a loved one. The second longest river in Europe, the beauty of Danube is quite special. If you tire of the walk, you could always lay down in the grass along the river, hidden away in the shadow of the trees.

2. Watching the Sunset from the Gellert Hill: There is little more romantic than watching the sun rise or set with a loved one. And this experience proves to be more special from the Gellert Hill. Commanding an excellent view of the city, the short hike to the summit of Gellert is sure to leave you enchanted.

3. Take a river cruise: One of the best romantic things to do in Hungary is to explore the river Danube on a cruise. A variety of cruises are offered here, including a dinner cruise and a specialty wine cruise.

4. Take a dip in the Szechenyi Thermal Baths: Hungary is well known for its awesome thermal baths. One of the many natural pools in the country, the Szechenyi Thermal Baths offers a rejuvenative experience for both the body and the soul. Although the bath experience is rewarding in itself, it is twice as enjoyable with the one you love.

1. Take a climb up Castle Hill: A fairly easy trek, the 1 kilometer climb to the summit of Castle Hill proves quite worth the effort. Nestled by the Danube river, the Hill offers some of the best, uninterrupted views of the surrounding cityscape. The Buda Castle, located atop the Hill, is also worth a quick visit while here.

2. Take a stroll around the Jewish Quarters: Home to the largest synagogue in the world, Budapest's Jewish Quarters is among the most sought after tourist places to visit in Hungary. The scenic promenade, riddled with the narrow, picturesque streets that Hungary is so well known, is well worth a visit for a casual stroll or an evening out.

3. Visit the Kerepesi Cemetery: Home to some of Hungary's biggest names in history, the serene ambience at Kerepesi Cemetery makes it a popular haunt among those looking for a little peace and quiet. The lush green lawns at the park are ideal for casual strolls and picnic, especially during late afternoon hours. The Cemetery also happens to be Europe's largest statue park.

4. Take a trip to the Basilica of St. Stephen: The largest Church in all of Hungary, the Basilica of St. Stephen is quite a sight to behold. Apart from its characteristic 96 meter wide dome, the Basilica is well known for its frescoes and stained glass walls.

1. Paloma: Stowed away in a hidden courtyard in District V, shopping in Paloma is among the best things to do in Hungary. Bringing together about 50 different local creators, the market sells a variety of curious items like clothes, jewelry, bags and much more.

2. Nanushka: Nanushka is Hungary's most famous fashion brand. Although the store has several international outlets around the globe, the main store is located in downtown Hungary. Built with an eye to blend femininity with modernity, the wares at this store is a big hit among women coming to the city.

3. Szimpla Farmers Market: On Sunday mornings, Budapest's favorite ruin bar gives way to the Szimpla Farmers Market. A plethora or makeshift stalls line up before the graffiti stained walls, selling all kinds of locally produced goods. A charity cookathon takes place in the lawns serving goulash, soups and stews.

4. Falk Miksa Street: Falk Miksa Street is the place to go for antique shopping in Hungary. The cobblestoned streets here are lined with stores selling a variety of heritage goods ranging from paintings to jewelry.

5. Retrock: Budapest's largest vintage store overflows with fashionable curiosities. Apart from the quality second hand garb that Retrock is known for, the store houses some upmarket brand items as well.

1. Climb up the Gellert Hill: If the views from Gellert seem amazing during daylight, they are sure to be twice as resplendent during the night, when the city is lit up with numerous golden lights. Inviting a short nighttime hike, climbing up Gellert Hill is one of the most fun things to do in Hungary at night. You could choose to take a solo trek, or even take a loved one along.

2. Visit the Gellert Thermal Baths: With its numerous hot springs promising to unwind you after a long day of sightseeing, the Gellert Thermal Baths are worth a visit. The thermal baths remain open till late hours in the evening, even on public holidays.

3. Catch a show at the Hungarian Opera House: Among the most luxurious Hungary things to do, a visit to the Hungarian Opera House is a must for those looking to experience the local arts and culture of the place. Apart from the regular opera shows, the Opera House also hosts a number of other dance and music performances.

4. Take a walk around Heroes’ Square: One of the most photographed places in the country, Hungary’s Heroes’ Square is a scenic promenade in the heart of Budapest. The Square also features a number of impressive statues and colonnades that add a regal charm to the place.

While in Hungary, do not miss out on the chance to tour the many thermal baths around the country. Whether it is the Geller Baths or the Cave Baths in Miskolc-tapolca, each hot spring here is uniquely imbued with healing minerals and properties that promise a replenishing experience. Some thermal baths offer spa treatments as well.

Among its many qualities, Hungary is best known for its cuisine. Comparing largely meat, the food in Hungary is big on flavour. Soups and galoshes are staples here, and must inevitably be tried during a visit to the city. The country is also well known for its sweet creations, with every major town featuring a traditional ‘cukrászdák’ or patisserie.

About 5 days to a week would be the recommended duration of visit. A week would easily allow one to explore all the major attractions and partake in the more popular Hungary things to do in a leisurely and hassle free manner.

The ideal time to visit Hungary would be during the summer months, between June and August. During this time, the weather remains beautifully pleasant, offering a plethora of sightseeing opportunities. However, if you want to avoid the peak tourist season and enjoy a quieter visit, it is best to visit the country during the spring months between April and June.