7-day itinerary in Hungary: visit the biggest cities and hidden gems

Hungary, the home of Goulash and pálinka, has plenty of surprises and attractions for visitors in all seasons. This 7-day itinerary includes some of the most popular activities in each place, from the biggest cities to hidden gems, accessible by public transport.

To begin with, Hungary has an efficient public transportation system (buses and trains, and within the city, there are trams, buses, trolleybuses, metros) that makes traveling easier. In the winter months, there might be delays. Be aware of this fact since you do not want your prepaid tour to depend on the the train system. For calculating train prices and obtaining information on schedules, visit the site of MÁV, and for the buses trunning between cities, visit the site of VOLÁN.

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Day 1: Budapest – side of Buda

• Matthias Church (Mátyás-templom): The most visited Roman Catholic temple in Budapest. For visitors, it is open from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. The student and senior ticket costs HUF 1900 (EUR 4.81), the adult ticket is HUF 2500 (EUR 6.33).
• Fisherman’s Bastion (Halászbástya): It is one of the most important tourist attractions, since the panorama is unique from the terraces and the entrance is free.
• Buda Castle (Budavári Palota): The buildings of the castle are currently occupied by two museums (the National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum) and the National Library. Visitors can enter these facilities but there is an entrance fee. For further information and the entrance fees, visit their site.

Photo: Instagram/endrju

Day 2: Budapest – side of Buda

• Hungarian National Gallery (Magyar Nemzeti Galéria): The recommended visiting time is 1.5-3 hours. The adult ticket price is HUF 3400 (EUR 8.6) for the permanent exhibitions. The gallery is closed on Mondays. On other days, it is open from 10 AM to 6 PM. The latest entrance is at 5 PM. For further information and to purchase tickets, visit their site.
• Buda Hill Castle Funicular (Budavári Sikló): For the Funicular, the adult ticket costs HUF 3000 (EUR 7.59). The ticket entitles visitors to two trips: one upward and one downward journey. If the ticket has been used to one direction only, it can be used to the other direction later, but within a one-year period from the date of purchase. According to their site, the opening hours are from 8 AM to 10 PM, and it runs in every 5-10 minutes.
• Gellért Hill (Gellért-hegy): It is one of the highest points in Budapest, offering a magnificent panoramic view of the city and a good opportunity for exercise because of the stairs. It is a popular spot for foreign and domestic tourists, but also a frequent destination for locals. The entrance is free. Citadella is the former fortress located there.

Day 3: Budapest – side of Pest

• Chain Bridge (Lánchíd): To approach the Pest side from Buda, cross the Chain Bridge without purchasing any tickets. The Shoes on the Danube Promenade are statue shoes erected on the Danube bank in memory of the people murdered by the fascists during World War II.
• Parliament (Országház): The building is open every day from 8 AM to 4 PM. The 45-minute guided tour of the Parliament building is available with an audioguide or a professional tour guide. According to their site, students from the EEA can enter the building for HUF 2500 (EUR 6.33).
• St. Stephen’s Basilica (Szent István Bazilika): The adult ticket including the combined churchyard, lookout, treasury costs HUF 3200 (EUR 8.1). For purchasing tickets, visit their site.

Day 4: Eger

With a 2-hour-long train trip, visitors can access Eger from Budapest. On the slopes of the Bükk Mountains, Eger is well-known for its monuments, thermal baths, and the best Hungarian wines.

• Castle of Eger (Egri vár): The castle defended the town against the Turkish invasion in 1552 and today it functions as a history museum. The adult entry costs HUF 3600 (EUR 9.11). The evening/Monday ticket costs HUF 1500 (EUR 3.8) for an adult. For the full price list, visit their site.
• Minaret of Eger: Visitors can climb a narrow staircase up to the tower of the former mosque for a picturesque view of the city. From 1 January to 28 February, the minaret will be open from 10 AM to 1.45 PM.

Photo: minareteger.hu

• István Dobó Square (Dobó István tér): A square with outdoor cafés, a summer fountain and the baroque Minorite Church of St Anthony of Padua.
• Eger Basilica (Egri Bazilika): It can accommodate 4-5000 people on major church festivals. On Sundays, 1500 people visit the Basilica for the 6 masses. The Basilica is open from 8 AM to 6 PM every day. The schedule of the masses can be found on their website. The entrance is free.
• Valley of Beautiful Women (Szépasszonyvölgy): One of Hungary’s most famous wine regions – the charming little valley is home to numerous vineyards. There are many welcoming cellars next to each other, and most of them accept both cash and card.
• Beatles Museum (Egri Road Beatles Múzeum): One of the most popular attractions in Eger, inspired by two friends’ love toward The Beatles. Almost 2500 objects are on display in the museum. Visitors can get information on the ticket prices on their site.

Day 5: Lake Balaton – Keszthely

From Budapest-Kelenföld train station, it takes 2.5 hours to arrive to Keszthely, one of the most popular destinations at Lake Balaton. Located at the western end of Lake Balaton, it is the second largest town on the shores of the lake. The city is one of the most important cultural and economic centres in the region.

• Lake Balaton: The “sea” of Hungary does not have to be introduced. A 77-km-long freshwater lake of tectonic origin, with numerous villages and resorts along its shores.
• Festetics Palace (Festetics-kastély): The Baroque-style castle houses noble banqueting rooms, a library, a castle museum and also a carriage museum. Visitors can find a restaurant and a café here when visiting the place. The adult ticket price is HUF 3200 (EUR 8). For further information, visit their site.
• Hévíz Thermal Spa (Hévízi Tófürdő): The famous Hévíz spa town is just 30 minutes away from Keszthely by bus. The spa is open from 9 AM to 5:30 PM, and for the actual prices and opening schedule, visit their site.
• Lake Cave Tapolca (Tapolcai-tavasbarlang): Tapolca is farther, but one of the most outstanding cave bath is worth the 1 hour bus tour. Ending on 28 February, the cave bath is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. For the actual prices, check out their site.

Photo: Facebook/Hello Keszthely

Day 6: Pécs

Citizens and visitors voted Pécs as European Capital of Culture in 2010. It takes 3.5 hours to get there from Budapest-Kelenföld train station to Pécs by bus.

• Basilica of Pécs (Pécsi Bazilika): A working cathedral with a history dating back to the 10th century, with a magnificent garden and religious artefacts. The rose garden is free to enter. For the actual prices, you can visit their site for information.
• Zsolnay Mausoleum (Zsolnay Mauzóleum): A cultural centre showcasing the work of a renowned ceramics company, with modern art, a restaurant and more. Originally, it was the burial place of the Zsolnay family. A variety of programmes are organised here, the full programmes are written on their site.
• Mecsek: Once known for its coal mining, the forested mountains are now mainly used for recreation. If you are up for hiking and active free-time activities, Mecsek is the ideal destination.

Day 7: Szeged

Szeged is the City of Sunshine, since it has the highest number of sunny days in Hungary. The city is famous for being the home of paprika. Also, the world-famous Pick Factory, where salami is produced, was established there.

• Dome Square (Dóm tér): The place can be found in front of the Dome of Szeged. Opposite the Votive Church, vistors should take a look at the Musical Clock. The square is the location of many festivals, religious performances, and theatre shows. Ticket prices vary depending on the facilities you would like to visit.
• Dome of Szeged (Szegedi Dóm): A cathedral with colourful stained glass windows. Visitors can admire a mosaic of the Virgin Mary wearing “Szeged” style slippers. The steeple of the church is a lookout point. Saint Demetrius Tower stands outside the Votive Church.
• Szeged Synagogue: Picturesque, 1907 Art Nouveau synagogue with elaborate, gilded dome and stained glass windows. The Synagogue is open from 10 AM to 3 PM. On Mondays and Saturdays, it is closed.

The Votive Church Szeged. Photo: Szijártó Hajnalka @dailynewshungary