Only one Hungarian city makes Time Out’s list of Europe’s must-visit places for 2026

The world-renowned city and culture magazine Time Out has included Miskolc in its 2026 list of European cities worth discovering. The ranking focuses on destinations that offer strong value for money, rich cultural life, and high liveability—positioning them as attractive alternatives to overcrowded major cities.

The only Hungarian city on the list, ranked fourth overall

Miskolc is the only Hungarian city to appear in the international ranking and achieved an impressive fourth place. Located at the foothills of the Bükk Mountains, the city ranked ahead of well-known European destinations such as Zagreb, Kraków, and Graz, highlighting its growing appeal on the European travel map.

A city transformed at the foothills of the Bükk Mountains

According to Time Out, Miskolc has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, evolving into one of Hungary’s most versatile urban destinations. The magazine describes it as a green, liveable city where urban experiences and proximity to nature coexist seamlessly.

Urban experiences meet nature and wellness

Time Out highlights Miskolc’s diverse offer, which includes a strong spa and bathing culture, high-quality gastronomy, centuries-old cultural heritage, and a growing focus on eco- and active tourism. These elements together create a destination that appeals equally to city-break travellers, nature lovers, and wellness tourists.

Easy access with modern public transport

A modern tram network and efficient city bus services provide fast connections between the railway station, the city centre, and nearby natural attractions. This makes Miskolc particularly accessible for visitors arriving by train or planning short stays without a car.

Lillafüred and scenic outdoor attractions

Miskolc-Lillafüred is highlighted as one of the city’s flagship destinations. Lake Hámori, the Szinva Waterfall, the chairlift, the Zsófia Lookout Tower, and the surrounding hiking trails offer spectacular scenery and easy-to-reach excursion options. These attractions are presented as natural highlights that remain largely untouched by mass tourism.

Miskolctapolca and year-round leisure experiences

Miskolctapolca adds another dimension to the city’s tourism profile with its spa culture and active leisure facilities. Attractions such as the adventure park, bobsleigh and go-kart tracks, the Boating Lake, and the all-season Ellipsum Experience Bath are described as unique offerings that set Miskolc apart from other European city-break destinations.

Europe’s most beautiful Advent tram—again

One of the city’s most iconic attractions is the festive Advent tram, which operates during the Christmas season. It has recently won the title of “Europe’s Most Beautiful Advent Tram” for the ninth time, further strengthening Miskolc’s reputation as a distinctive and creative urban destination.

Read details HERE: Miskolc Advent tram once again named Europe’s most beautiful

Gastronomy: Michelin recognition and major food festivals

Miskolc also stands out on Hungary’s culinary map. The city is home to three Michelin-recommended restaurants, and according to national food guides such as the Street Kitchen Guide, it has the second-highest number of top-quality recommended restaurants in Hungary after Budapest.

Signature gastronomic events include the legendary Kocsonya Festival held every February and the Avasi Wine Walk in May. From April to November, visitors can also experience the Edible Forest and Forest Gastro Express programme, which combines gastronomy, hiking, and sustainable tourism.

Sustainable tourism in the international spotlight

The Edible Forest and Forest Gastro Express programme is currently a finalist among the world’s best sustainable tourism initiatives in an international competition organised by Green Destinations. The awards ceremony will take place in March in Berlin, further raising Miskolc’s international profile.

UNESCO recognition for the Bükk region

Miskolc and the surrounding Bükk Mountains are part of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, a distinction that remains rare internationally and underscores the region’s geological and natural significance.

Read more travel news: Travel attractions near me

A destination beyond mass tourism

Time Out’s recommendation confirms that Miskolc belongs among Europe’s cities that build on meaningful experiences, a strong local identity, and balanced value for money. It is presented as a destination that has not yet fallen victim to mass tourism—making it an authentic, multi-layered choice for travellers seeking something different.

Time Out’s 2026 best value European city breaks

• Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
• Tirana (Albania)
• Hull (United Kingdom)
• Miskolc (Hungary)
• Zagreb (Croatia)
• Belgrade (Serbia)
• Sofia (Bulgaria)
• Kaunas (Lithuania)
• Kraków (Poland)
• Argos (Greece)
• Bucharest (Romania)
• Graz (Austria)
• Riga (Latvia)

Read also: This 115-year-old tram still clearing snow in Hungary

How to get to Miskolc

Getting to Miskolc is straightforward from Budapest and other major Hungarian cities, making it an easy addition to a Hungary itinerary or a standalone city break.

By train – recommended

Miskolc is one of the best-connected regional cities by rail.

• From Budapest: Direct trains run frequently from Keleti Railway Station to Miskolc-Tiszai or Miskolc-Gömöri stations.
• Travel time: approx. 1 hour 50 minutes – 2 hours 10 minutes
• Why choose the train: fast, reliable, affordable, and well-suited for tourists.
  From the railway station, trams and buses provide quick access to the city centre, Lillafüred, and Miskolctapolca.

By car

• Distance from Budapest: approx. 180 km
• Driving time: around 2–2.5 hours, depending on traffic
• Route: mostly via the M3 motorway, followed by the M30
  Driving is ideal for visitors who want to explore the Bükk Mountains, nearby villages, and wine regions at their own pace.

By bus

Long-distance buses operate regularly from Budapest and other Hungarian cities.

• Travel time: approx. 2.5–3 hours
• Arrival: Miskolc bus terminal, with easy onward connections by local transport
  Buses are a budget-friendly option, though usually slower than trains.

From Budapest Airport

• Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport is Hungary’s main international gateway.
• From the airport, travellers can reach Miskolc by:
  • airport shuttle or taxi to Keleti Station + train, or
  • rental car via the M3 motorway
    Total travel time from the airport is typically 2.5–3 hours.

Getting around locally

Miskolc has a modern tram network and extensive bus system, making it easy to move between the city centre, Lillafüred, and Miskolctapolca without a car. Many of the city’s key attractions are reachable within 20–30 minutes by public transport.

FAQ – Why visit Miskolc in 2026?