Many people who visit Hungary never leave Budapest, and that is a shame! With history dating back over 2,000 years, breathtaking palaces and preserved Old Towns, sprawling vineyards, luxurious spas, and delicious locally produced wines, Hungary is a diverse country with tons to offer. Discover what makes Hungary special by following our road trip map, based on our Routeperfect users’ favorite Hungarian destinations!
Popular itinerary in Hungary:
Budapest
Your road trip map begins in Hungary’s capital, Budapest. This magical city is known for its style and grace, its castles and historic architecture along the banks of the Danube River, and its delicious cuisine, particularly pastries! Budapest is a dream for architecture enthusiasts, with elegant gems throughout the city, ranging from Baroque to Art Nouveau with Neoclassical, Gothic and more. Take advantage of Budapest’s wealth of hot springs, book a spa day (or several) and reap the benefits of the mineral waters.
Visegrad
One of the four main towns on the Danube bend, Visegrad is the next stop on your road trip map. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the 13th Century as you explore the ruins of the Renaissance palace and medieval citadel, taking in the breathtaking views and imagining life back then.
Gyor
Situated halfway between Budapest and Vienna, Gyor is an economic and religious center. Upon arriving in Gyor, you’ll be blown away by its beautiful Town Hall which was built in 1900. Explore its award winning preserved Baroque Old Town, rent a boat to explore the River Raba, and go for a soak in one of the thermal pools in the area. The town’s cathedral dates to the 11th Century, and it is one of the city’s many ecclesial buildings.
Sopron
The next stop on your road trip map brings you to one of the most beautiful cities in Western Hungary. Sopron features an impeccably maintained Old Town with cobbled streets and medieval and Baroque architecture. Take a day trip to the Austrian Alps, explore Sopron’s historic gems, and sample delicious wine produced from the grapes of the vineyards that surround the city.
Keszthely
Situated on the shores of the beautiful Lake Balaton, Keszthely is the next stop for your Hungarian road trip map. Thanks to the lake, Keszthely is home to several spas, and you can take some time to pamper yourself! The waterfront is one of the city’s main attractions, but don’t miss the wealth of museums, the lovely pedestrian streets, and the elegant Baroque Festetics Palace and the Helikon Palace Museum inside.
Pecs
An unexpected mix of cultures, this university city is a must. Situated near the Croatian border, various historical and cultural influences are seen throughout the city in its art, architecture, and cuisine. First settled by the Celts over 2,000 years ago, then inhabited by the Romans, the Ottomans, and more, Pecs is overflowing with ancient history, as evident by its archaeological sights, Ottoman era Turkish Mosque of Pasha Qasim-turned-church at its center, and 11th Century cathedral.
Szeged
Located on the borders of Serbia and Romania with the Tisza River flowing through, there is never a dull moment in this lively university town. From live performances to cultural events, there is always something going on here. Szeged is known for its green parks, decorated town squares, palaces, and thermal spas. For a relaxing getaway of history, culture, and gorgeous scenery, Szeged has it all.
Kecskemet
Surrounded by orchards and vineyards, this small Hungarian city is also known for its colorful collection of Art Nouveau architecture, museums, and delicious fruit and wine. Visitors enjoy day trips to Kiskunság National Park, nearby horse farms, and hikes through the surrounding hills. Make sure to sample some local barackpálinka – apricot brandy!
Eger
Your next stop on your road trip map is actually a stop back in time. With Ottoman era architecture and minarets, preserved Baroque architecture, a hilltop castle, and more, there is a slice of history waiting around every corner. Even with all of this, Eger’s real highlight is its proximity to the Valley of Beautiful Women, Hungary’s most famous wine region, which is walking distance from the town center. Sample delicious locally produced wines such as Eger Bull’s Blood (Egri Bikavér), and toast the end of your Hungarian road trip before heading to Budapest for your trip home.
Your Hungary road trip map is now complete!
How many of these places did you visit during your travels in Hungary? Which cities did you find most special? Let us known in the comments!
