Hungary

Hungary is the “Heart of Europe,” a country that feels like a beautifully preserved secret. It is a land where grand imperial architecture meets a surprisingly bohemian spirit, and where the world’s most sophisticated thermal spa culture offers a sanctuary for the modern traveler.

Budapest: A Tale of Two Cities

The capital is split by the majestic Danube River into two distinct halves. Buda, on the west bank, is a world of quiet elegance and history. Here, you can wander the cobblestone streets of the Castle District and stand at the Fisherman’s Bastion, which looks more like a fairytale fortification than a defensive one. Pest, on the east bank, is the vibrant, bustling heart of the city. It is home to the stunning Hungarian Parliament Building—a Neo-Gothic masterpiece—and the historic Jewish Quarter, famous for its “Ruin Bars” where old buildings have been transformed into eclectic, art-filled social hubs.

The Spa Capital of the World

You cannot visit Hungary without experiencing its legendary thermal baths. The Széchenyi Thermal Bath is an architectural marvel of bright yellow Neo-Baroque buildings and massive outdoor pools where locals famously play chess in the steaming water. For a more intimate, local experience, the newly modernized Dandár Bath offers a quiet retreat, while the Gellért Baths feel like swimming inside a grand art nouveau cathedral.

Beyond the Capital: Lakes and Legends

• Lake Balaton: Known as the “Hungarian Sea,” this is Central Europe’s largest freshwater lake. The Tihany Peninsula, with its lavender fields and 11th-century abbey, offers some of the most cinematic views in the country. For a unique experience, visit Lake Hévíz, the world’s second-largest thermal lake, where you can float among water lilies in naturally warm mineral water.

• Eger & The Valley of the Belles: This charming northern city is famous for its resilient castle and its wine culture. In the Valley of Beautiful Women, you can visit hundreds of wine cellars carved directly into the rock to taste the legendary “Bull’s Blood” (Egri Bikavér) red wine.

• Pécs: Located in the south, Pécs offers a Mediterranean feel and a 2,000-year history. It features a UNESCO-listed Early Christian Necropolis and the vibrant Zsolnay Cultural Quarter, famous for its iridescent ceramics that decorate rooftops across the country.