Done Budapest? Here Are 9 Alternative Destinations in Hungary

Skip budapest this week and easily discover nine distinct destinations situated across Hungary, offering excellent food, welcoming local folk, and hotel options that suit every budget.

Eger sits about 140 km northeast of budapest, a two-hour train ride that appeals to wine lovers and history fans alike. Climb the castle stairs, stroll the main square, and sample Egri Bikavér; finish with gulyás or lángos from a street cart.

Szeged is a two-and-a-half-hour ride from budapest and sits on the Tisza river, where old and new quarters define a divided city vibe. Enjoy sunlit squares, open-air performances, and the iconic Szeged fish soup, then grab a hot lángos from a street stall. A central hotel puts all sights within easy reach.

Debrecen offers a larger-city feel in the eastern plains, a three-hour rail journey from budapest. The Great Church dominates the skyline, the Déri Museum adds culture, and nearby thermal baths turn a day of exploring into a health-friendly break.

Pécs sits in the Mecsek hills, about 2.5 hours by train, and rewards a full day with the Zsolnay porcelain collection, the early Christian necropolis, and a thriving cafe scene. The compact center makes week visits easy, with many boutique hotels within walking distance.

Sopron sits near the Austrian border, a two-hour rail trip that reveals a medieval core, a nearby wine region, and the Firewatch Tower with panoramic views. Stay in a boutique hotel on the main square, explore the town walls, and toast local wines and paprika dishes each evening.

Balatonfüred is a lakeside classic on the north shore of Lake Balaton, easily reached in under two hours from budapest by train or car. The promenade, parks, and spa-like vibe invite a week of sun and calm; sample fresh fish and lángos, and book a hotel with lake views.

Siófok offers a lively mix of beaches and nightlife, about 1.5–2 hours from budapest. It’s a solid base for day trips to Tihany or Balaton Uplands, with a broad range of accommodations and a local market where you can taste street snacks and local wines.

Keszthely hosts the Festetics Palace and a scenic lakefront on the western shore, a roughly two- to three-hour ride from budapest. The town is calm by day and becomes lively in the evenings; book a comfortable hotel and plan day trips to Heviz and quieter Balaton coves, with several museum visits along the shore.

Tokaj sits in the northeast wine country, a roughly two-hour ride from budapest. The vast vineyards shape the landscape, and guided tours lead to sweet and dry wines; stay in a guesthouse or boutique hotel to taste local vintages and meet the local wine folk.

Practical itinerary beyond Budapest: explore 9 towns and savor 5 Hungarian dishes

Start in Szentendre for a relaxed art stroll, then loop through nine towns and savor five must-try Hungarian dishes: gulyásleves, pörkölt, halászlé, lángos, kürtőskalács. This european route runs alongside the Danube and near the Balaton region, offering myriad experiences for walkers, cyclists, and curious travelers alike.

Szentendre invites you to wander its pastel lanes and look onto the river from hilltop viewpoints. You’ll find quaint museums and favorite galleries within a compact, relaxed setting, perfect for a gentle morning before a longer ride or drive.

Esztergom sits near the Slovak border, with the monumental Basilica overlooking the Danube. A short climb rewards you with overlooking views, then a stroll through the old town reveals centuries of Hungarian history alongside modern cafés and small shops.

Next, Visegrád crowns the Danube Bend with a fortress that dominates the skyline. Walk the hill routes, study the kingly history in the ruins, and cycle along winding lanes that connect villages with panoramic river looks.

Balatonfüred becomes your base for lake life: a lively promenade, marina scenes, and nearby cellars where you taste regional wines. Nearby Tihany offers a half-day add-on with lavender fields, abbey bells, and dramatic lake vistas that pair nicely with a dessert stop for kürtőskalács.

Tihany’s peninsula primes you for outdoor exploration: scenic walks, a historic church, and a harbor that looks across the lake to the opposite shore. It’s a perfect spot to balance cycling along the shore with a favorite pastry break.

In Eger, a compact castle town awaits with cobblestone streets and a famous wine scene. Sample gulyásleves or pörkölt in a cellar restaurant, then wander the Dobó Square to soak in baroque façades and a relaxed, European vibe.

Győr showcases a graceful Baroque core and a riverside rhythm. Walk the arcaded streets, take a short rest in a café near the office district’s green squares, and savor lángos hot from a street stall before heading to the next stop.

Székesfehérvár blends ancient foundations with Bory Castle’s sculptural oddities. The town’s compact center makes for easy strolls, and a kürtőskalács from a local vendor becomes a favorite finish before a short rail or road link back toward the capital region.

Aggtelek brings a dramatic cave experience with stalactite rooms that feel almost otherworldly. Guided tours reveal underground chambers, while above ground you can walk through nearby villages and learn about rural life in northern Hungary.

Five dishes anchor the flavors of this route: gulyásleves warms you early in the day, pörkölt satisfies hearty cravings, halászlé delivers river-fresh spice, lángos offers a crispy-salty treat, and kürtőskalács crowns the tour with a sweet, melted-sugar finish. You’ll find these dishes in different towns, often at family-run eateries where locals share tips and stories, turning meals into memorable experiences alongside scenic views and friendly conversations.

Debrecen: Where to spend a spa day and visit the Reform Church

Book a soak at Aquaticum Debrecen Thermal and Wellness Centre and choose a day-pass that includes indoor pools, outdoor thermal pools, and saunas. The smaller complex delivers robust facilities without budapests crowds, and the winds along the glass terraces feel refreshing. Plan about 3 hours to unwind before moving on.

Walk to the Reform Church, on the north side of Kossuth tér, overlooking the square. The building’s interior has been restored to reveal bright arches and a spacious nave, while a guided visit explains the 19th‑century reconstruction and its role in Debrecen’s religious life. This landmark anchors a compact itinerary that blends culture with wellness and tourism-friendly pacing.

From the church, stroll into Nagyerdei Park, a green corridor where forests give way to open lawns. Those paths wind past a lake and, at dawn or dusk, deer may appear along the wooded edge. The park creates a relaxed backdrop for a 60‑minute walk after a morning spa session and links easily to nearby cafés offering light bites.

Nearby, wine-producing cellars offer tastings and casual meals; some venues are run by families with robust flavors and welcoming hosts. A casual lunch plus a glass of local white or rosé pairs nicely with the park’s fresh air, making the most of Debrecen’s offering without leaving the city center.

Several spots around the square mix history with modern charm; Sisi-inspired motifs appear in some decorative details, giving a gentle imperial vibe without feeling contrived. For a quick caffeine stop, try a onevasco café near the Reform Church and enjoy a pastry with a view of the bustling streets.

Two days in Debrecen create a balanced plan: day one focuses on a spa soak and the Reform Church, day two covers Nagyerdei Park, nearby forests, and a riverside stroll. This approach keeps the pace relaxed while still packing in culture, nature, and easy options for dates and weekend events.

Check the tourism calendar for dates of local events; spring markets, family days, and classical concerts fill the autumn and summer months. If you time your visit around these events, you’ll experience a richer sense of the city’s character without the crowds you might associate with larger capitals in the region.

Szeged: Paprika menus, riverfront strolls, and standout eateries

Start with a paprika-forward lunch along the riverfront, then wander the Tisza promenade to absorb Szeged’s vibrant pulse.

In Szeged, paprika-based dishes anchor menus across vast venues, from casual bistros to refined taverns; deep-fried lángos brushed with paprika powder and paprika-stewed classics are common, while porcelain cups accompany coffee breaks. The scene feels very rooted in farm-fresh ingredients, with unique blends that are almost magnificent in flavor, and protected traditions that keep the citys food identity intact.

• Paprika menus and standout eateries

  Follow a walking loop that includes Dóm tér and the riverfront to sample world-class, paprika-rich soups, stews, and grilled peppers. Look for sites that host a tasting board pairing local bread and pickles, and ask locals for a recommended tavern where the spice level matches your taste; this small, tasty expedition turns a simple lunch into a memorable exploration.

• Riverside strolls, landmarks, and a fortress vibe

  The Tisza promenade offers picturesque views of the citys skyline, with landmarks that span centuries. A fortress-like river wall edges the old town, while the adjacent square hosts performances during warmer months. Nearby, an ancient necropolis site adds a quiet, protected contrast to the lively waterfront and grounds the visit in history.

• Parks, birdwatchers, and leisurely exploration

  City parks line the river, offering vast green spaces, shaded paths, and space for relaxed exploration. Birdwatchers glimpse waterfowl along sheltered wetlands, especially at dawn and dusk. These parks provide ideal settings for a slow, immersive walk through Szeged’s layered charm and landscapes.

• Nearby escapes: balatonf%C3%BCred and h%C3%A9v%C3%ADz

  For a broader Hungarian flavor, plan a day to balatonf%C3%BCred’s lakeside promenades and markets, followed by a soak in h%C3%A9v%C3%ADz’s famed thermal baths. Both destinations offer a world-class contrast to Szeged’s heat and paprika, enriching your itinerary with magnificent scenery, unique crafts, and rejuvenating spa experiences.

Eger: Szépasszonyvölgy wine-tasting and medieval sights in a compact visit

Start with a 60-minute wine-tasting in Szépasszonyvölgy, selecting 2–3 cellars with outdoor terraces to compare styles; reserve ahead to minimize waiting and keep the mood relaxed.

Then move to the fortress area for medieval sights: the castle, the towers, and landmarks around Dobó István tér; the castle museum presents a concise history of the city in a handful of rooms. If you plan a broader Hungary trip, this compact city visit stands in contrast to Hortobágy’s vast plains.

For a compact itinerary, allocate about 90 minutes for the fortress walk and the museum, plus 60 minutes for tasting and a break in the valley, totaling around 3 hours easily.

In Szépasszonyvölgy, taste Egri Bikavér (bulls’ blood) and a few varietals from adjacent cellars; pair with a local cheese plate and finish with a sweet cake from a nearby bakery; pick up souvenirs to remember the day.

Getting there from budapes is straightforward: the train runs in under 2.5 hours, or a car ride takes roughly 1.5 hours; the city center is compact and walkable, with a small park nearby and a spa option for a final great break before back toBudapes.

Pécs: Market halls, cafés, and Zsolnay Quarter food stops