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.
Lilafüred, Hungary. Photo: Csongor HorváthLilafüred, Hungary. Photo: Csongor HorváthLake Hámori. Photo: Péter RogoszLilafüred, Hungary. Photo: Csongor Horváth
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.
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.
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.
Kocsonya Festival. Miskolc, Hungary. Photo: Csongor Horváth
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.
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.
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.
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?
Why did Time Out include Miskolc on its 2026 must-visit list?
Time Out highlighted Miskolc for its strong value for money, rich cultural life, green environment, and liveability. The city offers an authentic alternative to overcrowded European destinations.
What makes Miskolc different from other European city-break destinations?
Miskolc combines urban attractions with immediate access to nature. Visitors can enjoy spas, gastronomy, festivals, and historic sites while being minutes away from hiking trails, lakes, and waterfalls.
What are the top attractions in and around Miskolc?
Key highlights include Miskolc-Lillafüred, Lake Hámori, the Szinva Waterfall, the chairlift, the Zsófia Lookout Tower, Miskolctapolca’s spa facilities, and the Bükk Mountains.
Is Miskolc suitable for a short city break?
Yes. Miskolc is ideal for a 2–3 day trip, offering compact sightseeing, efficient public transport, and easy access to nearby natural attractions.
How easy is it to get to Miskolc from Budapest?
Miskolc is easily reachable by direct train from Budapest in around 2 hours, making it one of the most accessible regional destinations in Hungary.
Is Miskolc expensive for tourists?
Compared to many European cities, Miskolc offers a balanced price-to-value ratio, with more affordable accommodation, dining, and attractions than major capitals.
When is the best time to visit Miskolc?
Spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing and hiking, summer is popular for festivals and outdoor activities, while winter is known for the award-winning Advent tram and Christmas atmosphere.
HULL ??? Number 3 ? Oh my god Time Out have really lost it.
I agree that Hull is an odd choice. Perhaps because Time Out is a UK-based media group they felt obliged to add a UK destination. And, this is about the ‘best value’ destinations as opposed to most attractive. I don’t doubt that Hull is all round cheap these days, in part because of the UK’s declining price level and because it’s a pretty downtrodden city in a downtrodden part of the country. However, it wouldn’t be my choice of holiday destination, not when the likes of Graz and Sarajevo are also on the list, both of which are vastly more attractive places for a visitor.
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HULL ??? Number 3 ? Oh my god Time Out have really lost it.
I agree that Hull is an odd choice. Perhaps because Time Out is a UK-based media group they felt obliged to add a UK destination. And, this is about the ‘best value’ destinations as opposed to most attractive. I don’t doubt that Hull is all round cheap these days, in part because of the UK’s declining price level and because it’s a pretty downtrodden city in a downtrodden part of the country. However, it wouldn’t be my choice of holiday destination, not when the likes of Graz and Sarajevo are also on the list, both of which are vastly more attractive places for a visitor.