Swedish Nomad: 55 reasons to visit Hungary

by SWEDISH NOMAD (Guest author)

Ever since I found out about my Hungarian ancestry as a kid, I’ve been inspired to learn more and eager to visit Hungary. In the recent years, I’ve been exploring the country quite a lot, and last summer, especially when Christine and I did a road trip by train from Budapest to Eger, Miskolc, Tokaji, Debrecen and back to Budapest!

This article is a tribute to my Hungarian heritage and my grandfather Géza Waltner, who lives in the small but charming town of Sajószentpéter.

If you haven’t yet been, I urge you to go and experience all that Hungary has to offer. Here are 55 reasons why I think everyone should visit Hungary at least once in their life!

1. FOOD

One of the first things that come to mind when I think about Hungary is the food. There are so many delicious and flavorful dishes to try. Below are some notable dishes that are traditional in the Hungarian kitchen: Pörkölt,  Gulyás, Halászlé, Meggyleves, Rakott Krumpli, Húsleves, Töltött Paprika, Lecsó, Paprikás Csirke, Töltött káposzta.

2. ESZTERGOM

An old city that already existed during Roman times and the former capital of Hungary between the 900’s and 1200’s, before King Bela IV moved the capital to Buda. The famous basilica is also the largest church in all of the country.

Esztergom is surely another good reason to visit Hungary beyond Budapest!

Photo: Wikicommons by Gábor Bejó

3. FISHERMAN’S BASTION

Few attractions have caught my eyes like the Fisherman’s Bastion and Mathias Church next to it. This place is like taken out of a fairytale, but it’s very real, and you can walk here yourself. If you come here early in the morning, you can almost imagine walking around in a scene from the Lord of the Rings!
fisherman’s bastion

4. TOKAJI ASZU

Probably the best sweet wine in the world. It’s so delicious. The first time you try it, make sure to select a good quality Tokaji Aszu with at least 5 puttonyos. Read more HERE.

Photo: Furmint Photo

5. ARCHITECTURE

Everywhere you go in Hungary, you will see old and beautiful architecture. In Budapest, you can walk around a whole day, just looking at old buildings and still haven’t seen them all. But also in other cities you will see some impressive architecture!
St Stephen’s Basilika

6. LILLAFÜRED

Famous for the natural caves and the Palace hotel in neo-Renaissance style as well as being home to the highest waterfall in Hungary.
lillafûred

7. INTERESTING AND UNIQUE FOLK TRADITION

Hungarian culture and traditions are some of the best-preserved ones in Europe. They go back to the old days, and as a tourist, it will be very interesting to attend events and festivals.

Photo: MTI

8. AGGTELEK

A world heritage site and also the longest stalactite cave system in Europe. If you like to explore underground, then you shouldn’t miss Aggtelek in Northeastern Hungary!
aggtelek – reasons to travel to hungary

9. IT’S STILL AFFORDABLE AS A TOURIST

While prices have increased in Budapest in recent years, it’s still very much affordable to visit Hungary as a tourist. You can see a lot of things, use public transportation, eat lots of food and have a good time without breaking the bank.

The same goes for hotel and spa experiences. You can stay at a luxury hotel here for at least half the price compared to cities like London or Paris.

10. BUDAPEST

One of my absolute favorite cities worldwide. There are just so many attractions, spa, neighborhoods, nature, cafés, bars and shopping that you could stay here forever and never get bored. As a tourist, you will probably only stay for a couple of days, but you’ll definitely want to come back!

Read my guide with the top things to do in Budapest

11. OPERA

While Opera originated in Italy, you will find plenty of extravaganza and quality for your money when attending the National State Opera House in Budapest. First of all, the opera house is one of the most beautiful in the whole world with fantastic acoustic. Secondly, it’s very cheap compared to La Scala, but you still get a high-class performance here!

If you haven’t been to an Opera before, then make sure to go in Budapest.

Hungarian State Opera House, photo: Wikimedia Commons

12. LÁNGOS

Probably the best snack/fast food in the whole world.

It seems like the world-conquering tour of lángos in unstoppable. More and more people hear about it, give it try and also hopefully send its word all around the world. It is not too complicated to make lángos and it is definitely worth to give it a try. (LÁNGOS RECIPE – Read more here and watch the video.)

13. HOLLÓKÖ

Another UNESCO world heritage site, and a place to visit if you want to get a cultural experience. Here you can also see the Hollokö castle.

14. BALATON SOUND AND SZIGET FESTIVAL

If you like to party with people from all over the world, you should visit Hungary when Balaton Sound or Sziget Festival is ongoing. I will let the videos talk for the festivals, and if you like it, then you know that you have to come!

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Source: Swedish Nomad