Adventurers have plenty of options worth exploring in Hungary
Hungary is a special country with plenty to offer for a wide variety of holidaymakers, but it’s adventurers who are beginning to discover the benefits of a trip to this part of the world in particular, with Budapest having plenty to offer for people who prefer an adventurous getaway.
Other parts of the country are in demand also, be it Győr, Eger or Sopron, but it’s the capital city which is the most appealing to foreign visitors on the whole. What many people don’t realise, though, is that there is plenty to explore away from the Chain Bridge, lively nightlife, and gorgeous Baroque-style architecture. In fact, for people who like to immerse themselves in nature and explore the great outdoors, Budapest is a fantastic option. Instead of frequenting bars and relaxing by hotel pools and playing adventure-themed slot games, people are discovering the adventures to be had in Budapest for themselves. They perhaps aren’t as commonly known as many of the go-to tourist hotspots, though. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best options for adventurers in Hungary’s capital city.
Explore Budapest’s underground cave
Jumping straight in with perhaps one of the most adventurous activities the city has to offer, exploring Budapest’s huge cave system is a complex but mightily rewarding adventure. The cave is more than 100 kilometres long and features more than 200 miniature caves which all sit below many of the residential areas of the city. Exploring this underground labyrinthine complex is a challenge, but it’s worth it when you discover cave corals, gypsum crystals and a range of other impressive features.
Enjoy a cruise down the Danube
You can cruise down the Danube in a rather pretty mahogany boat, but it’s the 440-horsepower REDJET which provides a faster and more exhilarating experience for the more adventurous holidaymakers among us. Burning it down the world-famous river and exploring the city’s stunning architecture is a great way to see Budapest in more detail and from a different perspective.
Take a trip to Margaret Island
Away from the hustle and bustle of city life is Margaret Island, a calm and relaxing island located at the centre of the Danube between the Buda and Pest sides of Budapest. An excellent proposition for walkers, picnic lovers, and sunbathers (not in winter, obviously), Margaret Island serves up a dose of green tranquility in an area that is packed full of natural beauty. You can also check out its Japanese garden, musical fountain, or even visit the zoo.
Hike the Buda Hills
Hiking is a popular activity enjoyed by locals and foreign visitors in the country, with Normafa, the highest point in Budapest, being a favoured option for many hikers. If you can navigate your way to the Danube Bend, then it’s certainly worth it, particularly if you’re keen to capture some memorable holiday snaps and experience Budapest’s unrivalled beauty from a unique viewpoint. Along the way you’ll see an abundance of nature, too.
Travel back in time in Trabant
Many visitors are fascinated by Goulash Communism and how exactly things were during the communist era. In order to get a feel for what it was like in the 1970s and ’80s, it’s worth hiring a classic Trabant and exploring the monumental sculptures of Lenin, Marx and Stalin during a drive through Memento Park. A fact-filled venture like no other, it’s a great way to learn about Hungary’s rich history.
Other popular options in Budapest for adventurers are visiting the Aquincum Museum and Archaeological Park, relaxing in the Palatinus Strand Baths, exploring the Botanical Garden, and learning about the Statues of Budapest.