Exploring Hungary by Train with iBestTravel

Ever since we lived in Budapest for a month last year, we’ve fallen in love with Hungary. The architecture, the people, the food – we just love it. However, a country is not defined by its capital. Therefore, we knew we had to explore more of Hungary. Now that we have, we think you should too. It’s an absolutely beautiful country with a rich culture and a vibrant history. It’s also a fantastic destination to explore by train, and here’s how:

Recommended Route

Budapest – Debrecen – Szeged – Pécs – Balaton – Győr – Budapest

This circular route will take you to most of the cities in Hungary. You can easily complement it with a trip to Romania and/or Serbia when you get to the south side, or head to Austria and/or Slovakia on the north side. Unfortunately, this time we didn’t make it to Pécs or Győr, but we did manage a trip to Eger (and then onwards to Germany and Scandinavia). These are the stops we made on our Hungarian Interrail trip, highlighting the top activities, accommodations, and duration for each stop:

Budapest: The European Gem

Budapest is a European gem, boasting stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. Additionally, it offers a lively nightlife and beautiful parks. Here are some top things to do in Budapest:

• Relax in thermal baths: A must-visit experience where you can unwind in the famous thermal baths.
• Explore ruin bars: Make new friends at a unique ruin bar that combines history with modern nightlife.
• Taste Hungarian wine: Participate in a wine tasting event to indulge in local flavors.
• Join a bike tour: Consider joining a bike tour to explore the city (Pest is particularly flat and bike-friendly).

Eger: A Hidden Gem

Less than three hours from Budapest lies Eger, a charming city known for its beautiful buildings and great vegan dining options. Here are some activities to enjoy in Eger:

• Visit historical buildings: Explore the impressive architecture that characterizes the city.

Debrecen: The Skyscraper City

Debrecen is Hungary’s second largest city and home to the largest university. One of the first things you’ll notice are the skyscrapers, a rarity in central Budapest. Here are some activities to consider:

• Kossuth Tér: Visit this square to see the Great Church and enjoy free Wi-Fi.
• Great Forest Park: This area features a stunning university building and the Nagyerdei Víztorony, a great spot for drinks with friends.

Szeged: The Sun City

Szeged, known as the Sun City, is Hungary’s third largest city and is famous for its sunny weather. Recommended activities include:

• SzegAdventure Tour: This fun tour covers all the main sights of Szeged, including the beautiful Szeged Cathedral.

Lake Balaton: A Natural Wonder

Lake Balaton is a stunning lake surrounded by beaches, mountains, and delightful towns, located just an hour and a half’s train ride from Budapest. Here are some activities to consider:

• Balaton Sound Festival: A popular outdoor music festival on the shores of Balaton Lake.

The Benefits of Train Travel in Hungary

Getting a rail pass can enhance your travel experience, making it more comfortable and hassle-free. The pass allows for seamless train travel across various destinations in Europe, including Hungary. The advantages include:

• No long queues for tickets.
• Flexibility to explore at your leisure.
• Competitive pricing when traveling frequently.

In conclusion, traveling through Hungary by train was an incredible adventure. The beauty of the countryside and the rich culture are experiences that shouldn’t be missed. With the convenience of the train system, exploring cities like Budapest, Eger, Debrecen, Szeged, and beyond is more accessible than ever. If you are considering an exhilarating European expedition, make sure Hungary is on your itinerary with iBestTravel!