PHOTOS: Tips for a perfect weekend getaway in the European Capital of Culture

Veszprém, also known as the City of Queens, was chosen as this year’s European Capital of Culture for a reason. Situated close to Lake Balaton, the city offers a wide range of activities and tourist attractions that would be a shame to miss. In this article, we have compiled the best ideas for a weekend getaway in this beautiful city.

First of all, if you are travelling to Veszprém from Budapest, it is recommended to set off early in the morning. Both buses and trains are available from the Hungarian capital to Veszprém. Veszprém can be reached by train in an hour and a half, with trains leaving every hour from Déli railway station even on weekends. If you are travelling by bus, you should take into account that the journey is longer, taking about 2 hours to get to Veszprém. However, the bus station in Veszprém is about a 5-minute walk from the city centre.

Saturday

A great place to start the day is the pedestrian street (Kossuth Street) in the city centre. The pedestrian street is lined with charming, colourful houses. It is worth being observant when walking around the city, as there are numerous tiny statues in Veszprém. One of these statues can be found right in the pedestrian street.

Photo: Facebook/Veszprém.hu

A tiny statue in Veszprém (Kossuth Street).
Photo: Facebook/Csodálatos Magyarország (Eda Lcsr)

Just a few minutes from the pedestrian street is one of the city’s most atmospheric pastry shops, the Mackó Confectionery. For families, it is definitely worth stopping by, because, as its Hungarian name suggests, it is a place where you can enjoy your cake in the company of teddy bears.

• Read also: Hungarian city named one of Europe’s top tourist destinations

Photo: facebook/Macko.Cukraszda.Veszprem

If you prefer a more secluded place to sip a coffee, tea or a refreshing lemonade in a pleasant, quiet environment, Íródeák Teahouse is a perfect choice. The teahouse is located in the courtyard of the county library building.

Photo: facebook/irodeakteahaz

The next stop is the Veszprém Zoo, which is a great place for children and adults alike, especially on a nice sunny day.

Sunday

If you are in Veszprém, you should not miss the Castle District. Although the castle is currently closed due to renovation works, there are still many attractions here. It is worth visiting the Óváros Square in the morning, where a farmers’ market is held every second Sunday.

As the square is located in the Old Town, it features several historic buildings. For example, you will find here St. Michael’s Cathedral and the Fire Tower, which is one of the city’s symbols.

• Read also: PHOTOS: Charming tiny villages you must visit in Hungary

Fire Tower, Óváros Square. Photo: Alpár Kató – Daily News Hungary

From the Óváros Square, you can easily take a walk to the cross of St. Benedict’s Hill, from where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the city. From here, you can walk down to the Veszprém Valley, one of the most beautiful parts of Veszprém. This is where the Séd stream flows, and if you follow it, you will end up at a lovely lake.

St. Benedict’s Hill. Photo: Facebook/Veszprém.hu

Lake in Veszprém Valley. Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Mihálykó Péter

However, it is worth taking a detour along the streamside to see a unique hidden mural in the Sintér Ditch nature reserve. Here, you will find a tunnel with sea life coming to life on its walls.

Photo: Facebook/Tethys-Veszprém

If you like hiking, you can climb up to Gulya Hill, which has a high lookout tower at the top. Near the lookout tower, there are several fireplaces, benches, clearings and playgrounds. Finally, this makes for a pleasant way to end the weekend with a picnic.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Zerind

Read alsoPHOTOS: Dance and Movement Complex to open soon in Hungary