Balaton

Balaton, located about 130 kilometers from Budapest, is the largest lake in Central Europe, and also one of the most visited destinations in Hungary. It’s surrounded by all sorts of wonderful villages and a multitude of sights to behold, proudly boasting the most multifaceted region in all of Hungary. Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend or a crazy summer vacation with semi-alcoholic friends, Balaton always delivers.

As you would guess, the Hungarian Sea is best enjoyed in the summer months, but due to the region’s rich flora and fauna, unbelievable selection of wines and culinary sensations, Balaton is worth visiting regardless of the season.

Must-see places of Balaton:

Siòfok. The Miami Beach of Balaton has beautiful beaches, postcard-worthy sunsets, and a vivid nightlife.
Tihany. Some say it’s the most romantic city in Balaton, we say you have to see and decide for yourself.

Szeged

Szeged is the third largest city in Hungary, sporting the most sunshine hours in the whole country, so being on the sunny side in Szeged is as easy as it gets. Hungary’s sunshine capital is located 170 kilometers south of Budapest, and its cultural life and history are right up there with the real capital’s, which, for instance, is evidenced by its spectacular Synagogue. River Tisza is an essential part of the landscape, and also a guarantee of a romantic, charming vibe.

Pécs

The fifth largest city in Hungary, located 200 kilometers southwest of Budapest, is often referred to as the city of Mediterranean vibes. Pécs proudly posed as the European Capital of Culture in 2010, and, on account of its multiculturalism (Hungarians, Croatians, and Germans have been living in the area for several hundred years), it was awarded UNESCO’s Cities of Peace in 1998. The presence of various nationalities resulted in remarkable monuments and attractions, with Széchenyi Square and Cemetery Chapel being a beautiful duo of examples.

Győr

Győr, located 120 kilometers west of Budapest, near the Slovakian and Austrian borders, boasts beautiful Baroque buildings and a spectacular city center. Among its attractions, the eleventh-century Basilica, the Synagogue, the Benedictine Church of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, and the Town Hall are must-see standouts, and the famous thermal bath, Rába-Quelle, is certainly much more than an honorable mention.

Kaposvár

Kaposvár is often denoted as the city of flowers, but is rather known as a university town with thousands of students and a youthful vibe, which, together with the historic monuments and the narrow cobblestone streets, create an irresistible charm. The vast square housing the City Hall and the cathedral should be the starting point of your Kaposvár-exploration.

+ 1 Villány

The usual ways of tourism are perfectly fine, but thinking outside the proverbial box is more than beneficiary, especially when it comes to getting to know a country through its cuisine. Hungary is celebrated for its deliciously meaty foods and world-class wines, and while the latter can be tasted basically anywhere, it’s best to sip full-bodied reds and easy whites right on the spot – in Villány, that is.

Villány is located in Southern Hungary, approximately 200 kilometers from Budapest, near the Croatian border. Villány’s high-quality wines can be attributed to the all-year-long sunny weather, and can be tasted in a plethora of cellars. Missing out on cellar tours and local cuisine are both cardinal sins, so don’t go over to the dark side.

Suggestions closer to Budapest

If you’re not in the mood to travel hundred plus kilometers, these suggestions will surely come in handy. Explore the options, then choose as you will, you won’t be disappointed.

Szentendre - around 20 km north
Visegrád - around 45 km north
Esztergom - around 50 km northwest.

The easiest way of roaming Hungary is by car, but there are trains and buses connecting the Hungarian capital with all these cities.

Published on XpatLoop.com with the permission of We Love Budapest