Top Places To See In Hungary
If you’re making the effort to visit Budapest, why not take a glimpse of the rural countryside. At least, that was our thought. With car rentals being reasonably priced (although not as affordable as Czech), we took a day to drive the Hungarian countryside and visit a few villages. Top places to see in Hungary include Szentendre, Eger and Hollókő.
Although we also have a few addition recommendations for places we didn’t get to see this trip.
Szentendre
Just a short 20 minute drive from our car rental (or an hour by HEV commuter train) was the town of Szentendre, what is considered one of the most well-kept towns in the country.
The town itself is known as an artist town, with many well kept streets complete with stores selling knickknacks and restaurants to eat at right near the Danube. This is a great place to spend an hour or two or make a breakfast stop.
Eger
Next on our list, we ventured over to Eger the town recognized as one of Hungary's top wine regions. By the time we arrived it was lunch time and we settled for the local Italian place with a 4.6 star rating.
After wandering the cobble-stone streets in the old town area, we drove the 1 km to the wine region is best known for its red blend, the Bull's Blood. The cellars themselves were unique, although after doing a quick Google search we noted Tokaj as being the cuter alternative, although a farther drive.
Hollókő
Third on our list is what other travel blogs described as being the most idyllic village in in Hungary, Hollókő. We had this quaint village (emphasis on quaint) village much of its buildings have been well-maintained or built to look like rural Hungary will in the 17th century.
It is worth noting that when you visiting you might be only one of a few visitors, giving an almost ghost town feel, although also providing a great backdrop for photos. Although there are a few food spots, you at most might take an hour or so to wander the streets that make up the village. Our biggest surprise even in one of the quietest areas of the country you still have to pay for parking (a minimum of 400 HUF) and bathrooms (200 HUF).
Other Recommendations
In addition to the towns we actually visited, here were a few others we had vetted as potential stops.
Hévíz
Although we didn’t make it this time, several blogs suggested visiting the spa town of Hévíz found west of Lake Balaton. The name Hévíz comes from the thermal lake, which is said to be the second largest of its kind in the world.
Any towns you’ve visited that you’d recommend? Or any stops you’d avoid? Let us know in the comments.
