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We left Hungary after having a great time there and got back to Romania, yeeiii!!! Romania is a country we like a lot. We have had the chance of exploring different cities already and the good news is that it is a big country, so we can visit new places or revisit our favorites.
This time, we decided to explore a new city (for us), Oradea. It looked close to our last stop in Hungary (Debrecen) so why not? We did not have big expectations. The reason? It is a border city. After traveling on different continents, now we know that the concept of a “border city” is not the same worldwide. At least in America and Asia, many “border cities” or towns suck! They are places literally just to pass through. Most of the time, such places lack tourist value, some look like ghost towns and sometimes, they are dangerous so the best decision is to skip them or to leave them as fast as possible! That poor concept has stuck deeply in our brains due to multiple experiences that have confirmed it. Anyway, we packed while thinking about what to visit in Oradea, Romania. Does this border city suck?
Where is Oradea?
Oradea is located in the northwest part of Romania, in between the hills of the Crișana plain, and it is nicely divided by the Crișul Repede river. Did you already find it on the map? Well, Oradea is very close to Borș (13 km), a well-known Romania crossing point to Hungary. We exactly crossed from Hungary to Romania through Borș.
What is the meaning of Oradea?
The name Oradea came from the Hungarian name this city used to have in the past. We will talk more about this in Oradea’s history point. In Hungarian, it was called Nagyvárad.
Nagy means large or great.
Vár, citadel, or castle.
-ad, is a suffix used for settlement names.
In regular use, people seemed to refer to the city only as Várad and this word marked the origin of the Romanian name, Oradea.
History of Oradea
Talking about history, you know we can dig deeply but let’s try to review only some highlights. It is particularly interesting how Oradea has been a Hungarian and Romanian territory through time. We will head there. You will see it is useful.
It seems signs of humans in this area have been traced to the 4th century BC, and some Dacian settlements were there in the 1st century BC. Celts and Romans were around too in ancient times.
The area housed different settlements after the Mongol invasion (1241-1242) that through time, made possible the origin of Oradea. It is said that exactly the unification of these settlements, gave shape to the city.
But let’s jump far to the Middle Ages when Oradea belonged to Hungary. At that time, the Hungarian king Ladislaus I the Holy built a monastery to honor the Virgin Mary who had a diocese, meaning followers. This event is considered the beginning of the development of the place. Ladislaus was even sanctified (1192) and named the spiritual patron saint of Oradea. Later, things got even better during the reign of King Charles Robert of Anjou, 1308-1342, and his son Louis I of Hungary. Both, inspired by the Renaissance period, wanted to make Oradea more refined, following the Italian style.
Then, another event set Oradea on the cultural map of Europe. John the Brave of Sredna, a Hungarian bishop with Croatian roots, created the first astronomical observatory on the continent.
Oradea was ruled by the Habsburg monarchy. After, World War I came and Austria-Hungary was one of the Central powers together with Germany, the Ottoman Empire, and Bulgaria. They were defeated and the Treaty of Trianon (1920) gave Oradea to Romania as an award due to its participation in the war on the Allies side. The population at that time was 90% Hungarian.
World War II started in 1939 and in 1940, the Second Vienna Award was brokered between Germany and Italy, as a result of territorial disputes. Oradea, northern Transylvania, Maramures, and part of Crisana territory were taken from Romania and assigned to Hungary. The war kept going and a the end, since Hungary was part of the defeated side again, it lost again this territory and it got back to Romania. This was established in the Treaty of Paris signed in 1947. So again, the Trianon frontiers were restored.
This part of Oradea’s history is very interesting because it explains a lot about the influences and the strong presence of Hungarian people, food, and traditions there. When we just arrived in Oradea, we saw some local shops so we stopped there to buy something to eat and drink. We found a chimney cake shop and we said something like “hey, let’s buy one not to miss Hungary” (remember we were just coming from there). One lady there heard us and fast replied “chimney cake is from here, not Hungarian”. And the same happened a little bit later when we bought a lángos. So, to know some history of Oradea is good not to feel completely disorientated.
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What to visit in Oradea?
Union Square or Unirii Square (Piața Uniiri)
We arrived directly at the center of Oradea and it could not be better! The first impression was awesome. Massive and colorful buildings welcome you there. Art Nouveau shines all around producing love at first sight!
The architecture is impressive and there are many buildings you can admire and visit there. Just to have a reference, it is said that Oradea houses 89 Art Nouveau buildings, 26 of which are officially considered historical monuments. Be sure that some of them are waiting for you here, in the center.
A good first answer to what to visit in Oradea is Unirii Square! You can walk a lot here. Too much to see! We did not know clearly where to start but our eyes were so excited with the variety we had in front of us! We knew from this moment that our first day in Oradea would be great and full of stuff just by exploring this beautiful center.
We are not art or architecture experts but you don’t need to be to admire the beauty of these buildings. And they are massive! A challenge for photographers hahaha There is a lot to fit into every photo you take. Decisions about the right angle to fit completely a nice building or a group of them are hard and fun! Different styles merge here, classicist, baroque, historicist, eclectic, modernist, and secessionist. That was like an “expert” comment, right? Well, we learned that here hahaha We can’t recognize every style by ourselves but that is why we love to travel. It is an amazing way to learn from locals and people who know. Union Square is the result of a lot of work of architects, builders, and painters to say the least, in different moments of its history.
The Moon Church, Saint Nicholas Church, Saint Ladislaus Church, the Black Eagle Palace, the Town Hall (its tower is a good spot to get a panoramic view), the Moskovits Adolf and Sons Palace, the Greek-Catholic Bishop’s Palace, the banks of the Crișul Repede river, its green areas, and much more, are worth a visit. If you are a history or architecture lover, every building in this area can become an adventure for you and take hours of exploration.
Still thinking about what to visit in Oradea? Well, besides all the icons (buildings and monuments), while walking in this square, you will find a wide variety of souvenir shops, cool restaurants, and cafes to enjoy. We spent a complete day here and we felt it safe, quiet, very interesting, and charming! It can be a great beginning for staying a weekend or several days in Oradea. If you are in a hurry, this can be a great full-day trip. We are sure you will feel like getting back to explore more.
The Crișul Repede river
What to visit in Oradea? The Crișul Repede river! It adds a great touch to Oradea’s landscape. It is a nice reference to explore the city. You can walk simply following the banks of the river. It is full of nice green areas, Austro-Hungarian empire traces, cool bridges with historical value, great views (be sure you check the Podul Intelectualilor or Intellectual’s bridge), restaurants, bars, cafés, and nice vibes. You can make the walking as long as you want. We started exactly at Union Square and we stopped at different times to take pictures, enjoy multiple views, get a coffee, and have lunch, and it took us several hours. We are just in the second recommendation and you already have many options for what to visit in Oradea!
Oradea Fortress (Cetatea Medievală Oradea)
This important medieval icon of Oradea was built by King Ladislaus. It is a very old building and it has suffered changes and renovations over time. It has been used for different purposes too. It includes twelve buildings and five bastions, the Red Bastion, the Crăișoru Bastion, the Ciunt Bastion, the Bethlen, and the Golden Bastions. Originally, it had a moat, four meters deep and fifty meters wide, which was key for security. Fed by the Crișul Repede river and the Peța, the moat received a stream of thermal water that kept the water running without getting frozen even during the harsh Winter. That meant, the fortress was not easily reachable by men. Currently, the space of that moat houses a park.
What you see today, was built between the 16th and 17th centuries (1570-1618). During this period, the fortification got transformed into an Italian bastion-type with wedge-shaped bastions. At that time, it was the only of its type in Eastern Europe. The fortress has been a cultural and religious center (the Oradea’s Roman Catholic Bishop was here, 1570-1557), an astronomical observatory, a library, a school, a printing house, etc. Its catholic church and cemetery hosted the human remains of seven crowned people: Ladisla I, Andrei II, Alexander II, Ladisla IV, queen Beatrix, queen Mary, and king Sigismund of Luxembourg.
It was a well-designed, successful, and lucky fortress, meaning it was not easy to be taken over by enemies. Its location, its moat, and the weather were factors that worked in its favor. Besides, its underground connections allowed people to communicate with the exterior so they could fight back different siege attempts. Not even the Turks managed. They besieged it for more than a month without succeeding because the constant rain flooded their camps with water (obviously) and illnesses that killed their men.
Nowadays, it is not the most impressive fortress you can see, that is true, but it is cool to visit a building that worked well for its purpose. It is said that during its long history, it was conquered only three times. So efficiency is not necessarily linked to being impressive.
Oradea Hill (Dealul Ciuperca or Mushroom Hill)
Something very nice is that Oradea is surrounded by nature. When deciding what to visit in Oradea, if you are a nature lover like us, you will appreciate that a lot. To start, you can climb Oradea Hill, another icon of the city. It means a cool walk and on the way, you can enjoy taking breaks on a bench or seating on the grass, you can check the open-air amphitheater where perhaps you can catch a music event, grab a coffee, and simply admire the views of Oradea you can get from this open, green space. Reach the top, it is the best reward! Besides, there you will find a restaurant so you can grab an extra reward for the belly!
The Oradea Hill is accessible by car too, but we recommend you walk!
Ferdinand I square
Let’s say you spend more than a couple of days in Oradea. This means you already visited Union square. So what to visit in Oradea? Well, you should go to Ferdinand square. It is not bigger or better than Union square but it is an extra cool sample of architecture in Oradea.
Give an eye to the State Theatre of Oradea (built in 1900), the Poynar House (1907), the Astoria Hotel and Pannonia Hotel (1903), etc.
Is it worth visiting Oradea, Romania?
Yes, it is worth visiting Oradea, Romania! The city offers enough for tourists to enjoy.
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Historical architecture, a very vast menu.
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Cultural attractions, art galleries, museums, and more.
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Natural beauty. Its location is great to explore green and beautiful surroundings, thermal baths, and lakes.
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Delicious food. We like very much Romanian ciorbe (soups). Besides, here in Oradea, we tried a very tasty “palacinta” in a tiny local shop. It was something like a European type of pancake made of potatoes by a lovely Romanian woman. We have to say that “palacinta” was the most delicious we tried on our complete trip through Romania. If you see this lady, don’t waste the chance to try the best “palacinta” and meet a very nice person.
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Friendly locals.
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Good beer, bars, and good souvenir quality.
Everything blends in a very cool city, Oradea, for you to have a great time! It is a nice destination for all types of travelers, but if you live in nearby countries (Hungary, Slovakia, North Serbia, South East Ukraine), Oradea is a great and easy choice to escape and have a relaxing, cool weekend. You have already a bunch of cool ideas for what to visit in Oradea!
Conclusion
Does this border city suck? No, Oradea, Romania is a border city that does not suck at all! It is a border city that is worth visiting! There are nice choices of what to visit in Oradea. It was awesome to find an exception to that negative concept of “border city” that has been stuck in our brains for a long time. It is very cool to be surprised in such a nice way when your original expectations were low. If you are in or around Romania, treat yourself to coming to Oradea! If you have been in a lousy border so its memories come to you every time you are in a border city or town, don’t worry, this is truly a great exception! Avoid lousy thoughts like “it can be a waste of time", or "maybe there is nothing nice there" because there is a lot to visit and enjoy here.
If you like Romania, you may find interesting:
Timisoara, the progressive city that broke the communist chain
Bigar, the once stunning waterfall that is collapsing!
Orsova, Romania, a beautiful discovery kicked off by an error
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Honestly, you can easily skip Debrecen and go to another place. Scroll down and you will see some great recommendations in Hungary or other countries around.
Sometimes it is better to find a negative travel article about a place than visit a place, that is just not worth it.
By now, I probably pissed off plenty of Debrecen residents, but hear me out. Debrecen has nice architecture and a very quiet vibe. It is a typical European city, with a mix of different styles ranging from Baroque, Neoclassical, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco to Modernist and contemporary architecture. It used to be the capital of Hungary in the 19th century, but not for long. It is just not enough to interest international tourists.
Who are we to judge?
We are a couple that loves to travel. Together we have been to around 20 countries and separately we have traveled to many more. If you want to see who is behind packandgo.info, read our “About Us” section.
In our previous long trips, we passed through Hungary and saw many interesting places. There are multiple towns worth visiting in this country, and others that you better just skip like Debrecen.
When was Debrecen the capital?
Debrecen was the largest city in Hungary in the 18th century. It was the capital of Hungary for a very brief period during the revolution of 1848-1849. The city was once more the capital of Hungary during the end of World War II in 1945-1946. After that, the whole attention went toward Budapest.
What to visit in Debrecen?
Even though we were not impressed, there are still some interesting places in Debrecen worth visiting.
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Visit the Great Church (Nagytemplom)
You will find it right in the old town. This massive cathedral is one of the largest in the whole of Hungary and a symbol of the city. It is a protestant church, so you won’t find a lot of decorations inside, but from the outside, you can enjoy its neoclassical mixed with Baroque style from the 19th century. As a visitor, you can climb its tower called Rakoczi Bell and see the view from there.
You will find it on many postcards. Buy one and send it to your grandmother.
Explore the Debrecen Botanical Garden
The botanical gardens are always nice places to visit and the Debrecen Botanical Garden is no exception. It has plenty of plants, beautiful flowers, cacti, and trees from around the world. Just make sure you visit it during one of the warm months because there is almost nothing in winter.
All prices were updated in late June 2023.
Ticket price per adult: 2500 HUF
Ticket price per child: 1700 HUF
Ticket price for 1 adult and 2 children: 5200 HUF
Ticket price for 2 adults and 1 child: 6000 HUF
Ticket price for 2 adults and 2 children: 7400 HUF
Children under 3 years old enter for free
10% for students.
20% discount for HungaryCard owners.
Discover the Old Town of Debrecen
Debrecen has a rich history, you can go around and explore its charming Old Town. There are narrow streets, coffee places, restaurants, and historic buildings. You will feel like in any typical European city. It is not really unique in any way, but yet it is quite pleasant for a day or two.
This is what made me not recommend Debrecen. It is just a little too quiet. There are not so many nightclubs, bars, or anything really exciting. Everything looks just too quiet and ordinary. Not a bad place, just maybe it is more suited for seniors, rather than younger travelers. And The Old Town of Debrecen is not so big. You can finish it in just a few hours.
Visit the Déri Museum
This museum is dedicated to the art and culture of Hungary and includes a collection of fine art, sculptures, and textiles. What was more interesting for me was the collection of old weapons. There were many European artifacts from the 15th to 18th centuries. Since there were a lot of battles between Europeans and Ottomans in the past, there are many items from the East too.
Ticket price per adult: 1800 HUF
Ticket price per student, and senior citizens (62-70): 900 HUF
Free entrance for children under 6 years old.
Free entrance for 70 years old and over.
Ticket per family (1 or 2 adults and up to 3 children): 3500 HUF
The temporary exhibitions may cost extra. Currently, the price is 600 HUF.
Take a dip in the Aquaticum Debrecen Thermal Bath
Many places in Hungary have thermal baths. We have explored such places in Budapest and near Miscolc, but it is never a bad idea to take a bath.
Debrecen is well-known for its thermal baths, and visitors can experience the healing powers of the hot springs at the Aquaticum Debrecen. It is a very tourist-orientated place and if you go there during the summer it will most probably be really full of people. There are also parties there, including night parties which cost around 4000-5000 HUF which can get really fun for young people.
Explore the MODEM Modern and Contemporary Arts Center
When you are not sure what you want to visit, checking out a modern art gallery always comes as a great choice. It will surprise you and bring freshness to the day.
MODEM Debeces is a cutting-edge museum that showcases contemporary art and design, including exhibitions of different international and local artists. Yes, most of the time you can’t really understand what the artist created, but it is still a fun activity.
Ticket price per adult for all exhibitions of MODEM: 2500 HUF.
Ticket price per person for all exhibitions of MODEM (students and pensioners): 1250 HUF.
Ticket price per adult (30+-2nd floor): 1500 HUF
Ticket price per student or pensioner (30+-2nd floor): 750 HUF
Ticket price per adult (close to the Soil-ground floor): 1500 HUF
Ticket price per student or pensioner (close to the Soil-ground floor): 750 HUF
Visit the Debrecen Zoo and Amusement Park
This family-friendly park is home to a variety of animals, just like any other zoo. What makes it different is the number of fun rides and attractions. The attractions that you can find at Debrecen Zoo are mostly for children 5-15 of age. Yes, very family-orientated. You can see some penguins, giraffes, monkeys, lions, tigers, and many more animals. There are also different coffee shops and restaurants, but still, if you like you can bring your picnic bag. When compared to other European zoos, this one is relatively small, and not that exciting.
Ticket price per adult: 4200 HUF
Ticket price per child: 2800 HUF
Stundent ticket price: 3000 HUF
Senior ticket price: 3200 HUF
Free entrance for children under 3 years old.
There are different packages for groups and you pay per ride per attraction in the amusement park.
http://www.zoodebrecen.hu/content/en/tickets.html
Take a walk in the Hortobágy National Park
This beautiful park is located just a short drive from Debrecen and offers stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and opportunities for outdoor recreation. This place looks like you have traveled to the past. There are horse riders, many herd animals like cows and buffalos, wild horses, and more. You can see traditional Hungarian houses from the past and understand more about the Hungarian people and their culture. We are talking about different ages, starting from 2000 BC and the first nomads that lived in Hungary.
Hortobágy Wild Animal Park (in Hungarian: Hortobágyi Vadaspark)
Tiket price per adult: 1600 HUF
Ticket price with discount: 1200 HUF
Family ticket price (up to 2 adults and up to 2 children): 4000 HUF
Puszta Rare Breeds Park – Puszta Zoo
Tiket price per adult: 1000 HUF
Ticket price with discount: 800 HUF
Hortobágy Bird Park – Bird clinic
Tiket price per adult: 1000 HUF
Ticket price per child: 800 HUF
Experience the Nagyerdei Park (Nagyerdő Nature Reserve)
This large forested area at the end of Debrecen is perfect for hiking, biking, and bird-watching, and offers a glimpse into the natural beauty of Hungary. It was our favorite place in the city. It is ideal for relaxing, and the water area makes it feel really refreshing. There are many places where you can throw yourself on the grass and enjoy the company of your fellow travelers or read a book for a while. If you get hungry, there are plenty of little fast food stands around. They sell beer too.
Which cities in Hungary does packandgo.info recommend instead of Debrecen?
We have a few better suggestions inside Hungary, where we think you can find many more interesting things. Sorry Debrecen, but you are not our favorite!
Budapest, the capital of Hungary
Go to Budapest! This city must be on everybody’s bucket list. It is one of the most beautiful European cities. I personally love this city. I have come to Budapest multiple times to party and enjoy the nightlife when I was a student. On other occasions, I managed to see some of the museums too and try the marvelous Hungarian cuisine. And on our last trip, I and G spent almost a month there.
Read our articles about Budapest:
Avoid the Pest side of Budapest at all costs! Here is why!
5 Reasons to Fall in Love with the Buda Side of Budapest: An Insider's Guide
Top 5 parks in Budapest for picnic lovers
Attractions near Budapest, that will leave you speechless!
Pecs
Pecs was a nice surprise. We came here by chance in 2014. We were on our Northern Light 2014 trip, hitchhiking from Bulgaria to Finland and we chose it as a place to stay. Going around its main square, it quickly showed its beauty and it was a very easy decision, we stayed a few days more.
Pecs has an atmosphere of a small and quiet town, where you can easily escape. Perfect for a romantic trip for couples.
Miskolc
Miskolc is another town worth visiting. It has a very nice main street and what makes it different from the rest of the towns in Hungary is that there are mountains around. It is not as plain as most of the country. You can enjoy small trekking to the TV tower and mix town and hiking on the same day. And if you are traveling by car, there are castles and mineral baths around, which are great. For more details, read "Skip or visit Miskolc in Hungary? Is it worth it?".
Eger
Eger smells like love. It is a little town that has everything to make you happy. The streets are really picturesque. Full of restaurants and cute coffee places. There is a castle on the hill and even a Ferry’s wheel. And on top of all, Eger is known for its great red wine called Bull’s blood vine. If you want to know the story behind it read “Eger (Hungary), a bloody wine place. Why visit it?”.
What cities to visit, outside Hungary?
If you find yourself in Budapest, there are nice places to visit all around if you don’t mind driving for up to 3-4 hours or taking a bus.
You can get to Slovakia and explore Bratislava, Kosice, or Banska Bystrica. I have been in all of them, and strongly recommend all of them.
If you go east to Romania, Timisoara, Oradea, and Orsova are great too.
In the south, there are Novi Sad (Serbia), Zagreb (Croatia), and Maribor (Slovenia) all worth visiting too.
And lastly, on the west, Austria has Vienna and Graz which are fantastic too.
So, is Debrecen worth visiting?
No, if you compare it to other, more interesting cities in Hungary like Budapest, Miskolc, and Eger, or cities in nearby countries. If you are staying for a long time in Hungary, and you have already explored other destinations in this country, you can visit Debrecen for a weekend.
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Previously, we shared with you why Miskolc, Hungary is very dear to us (read our previous article here). We told you about our first visit to this city and the treasure we found here. Besides the emotive story we experienced here years ago, we explored Miskolc. Now, we will share with you the types of tourist attractions we found there during our last visit (May 2022). So you will know if to skip or visit Miskolc in Hungary. Is it worth it?
Where is Miskolc, Hungary?
Miskolc is 187 km (around 2 hr and 15 minutes, based on Google maps) East of Budapest, the Hungarian capital, and 84 km away (1 hr and 10 minutes) from Eger. You can arrive via M3.
What to visit in Miskolc, Hungary?
Miskolc is a very enjoyable city. It is a rich Hungarian city in terms of outdoor spaces, history, and culture. Being there, you can visit:
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Miskolc downtown
Without a doubt, walking around downtown is a great choice. We enjoyed it a lot and you will be on the way to discover its quaint streets, old buildings, churches, fountain squares, green areas, monuments, galleries, and restaurants. A good reference to walking is the Széchenyi István utca, a wide, alive and we think, that it is the longest road in Miskolc. The tram rails are a good sign for you to walk, get lost in the small and cool streets, and later get back to this road to retake direction. You can take the tram, but you will miss the small businesses, cafés, souvenir shops, and the tourist information office. We preferred to walk and explore in detail. There is something nice about encountering again a place you liked in the past. It is a good challenge for the memory to identify the places, streets, and changes. This road is mostly for pedestrians since 1984. The tram is the only vehicle that passes through it. You will enjoy walking!
Szinva terrace
This is one of our favorite squares in Miskolc. The terrace has the name of the Szinva stream that crosses the city. The stairs of this terrace lead to an artificial stream bank that creates a waterfall. In this square, you will find the cute Lovers’ bridge. Yes, love has also its place in this cute city. You will easily identify it. There is a small bridge and a vast collection of the traditional padlocks that couples leave.
City Hall square
It is the historical center of Miskolc and the County Hall and the City Hall are there. You will reach it too by following the Széchenyi István road and by the way, there, you can find a statue of Count István Széchenyi, or “the Greatest Hungarian” as he is also called. He was a political reformer and writer. He got born into an aristocratic family. He fought against Napoleon I and travel a lot around Europe. After being impressed by the modernity of France and England, he decided to improve Hungary. There is no doubt, that travels inspire! Széchenyi knew it then and we confirm it now, 163 years after his death (1860)!
Elizabeth square
Another cute and peaceful outdoor space you will enjoy. There is a fountain and it was a refreshing stop to rest. You know you are there if you see a bronze statue of Lajos Kossuth, a Hungarian politician, journalist, lawyer, and Regent-President of the Kingdom of Hungary during the revolution of 1848-1849. From there, the Gothic and Romanesque Avas Reformed Church is visible, together with the Bell Tower at the foot of the Avas' hillside.
Heroes’ square
Another place full of history and buildings (Classicist and Baroque) to see. The Minorite Parish, the Post Office Palace, some very old schools, and a fountain system that Hungarians use to refresh during hot days. It is well known due to the Fallen Heroes Memorial.
St. Stephen’s square
Its main figure is the St. Stephen statue. We have already talked a bit about how important is St. Stephen's history and legacy for Hungarians (LINK). There is a popular Flower Clock there. It is a nice open space that holds different events during the year. That day, it was holding a marathon, and many people were supporting the participants. From there you will see Avas Hill. Get motivated and climb it!
The Avas Hill and lookout tower
We did it! Because even if we are tired, we always find a way to get even more tired hahaha. So we decided to climb the 234-meter-high Avas Hill. Honestly, it is not hard walking. The issue is to do it when your feet are already screaming for a break. The path is clear and the stairs are ok. This time (May 2022), a long area close to the top was under renovation so it was a bit uncomfortable to jump around the machines, tools, and construction materials that were there.
Besides, we lost the main path and we finished in a graveyard. It was cool because if you go there, you can see some very old tombs. The contrast between the modern style of tombs and the old is big. The oldest tombs are the coolest. Some date back to the latest 1800s and early 1900s.
After some extra effort to leave the graveyard, we reached the 72-meter-tall Avas TV tower. So, we made it to the top! There we rested and enjoy the view over Miskolc that windy day.
Folks’ garden
It is a cool and relaxing park that houses different statues of relevant Hungarian figures, benches, playgrounds, etc.
Ferenc Deák square
One more open area surrounded by interesting buildings like the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, the Neo-Renaissance Forestry Palace, the Orthodox Museum, and more. At the center of the square, you will see the statue of Ferenc Deák. He was a Hungarian statesman and Minister of Justice, also known as “The wise Man of the Nation”. He was part of Hungary’s liberal movement.
National Theatre of Miskolc
It is almost 200 years old and it was the first theatre in modern Hungary to offer performances in Hungarian. It is the main theatre in the city and the oldest Hungarian theatre company. It is located downtown and you will find it while following the Széchenyi István utca.
Arts Hall or Müvészetek Háza
It is the spot to visit if you look for entertainment. It holds alternatives to high art, like other easy-going genres and different types of presentations, academic included. You can take a look at the choices they have during your visit. Perhaps something suits your taste.
The Palace of Music
It is close to the main square and it is a place for classical music lovers. The building is Neo-baroque style and it was built between 1926 and 1927.
Besides, you can visit the Diósgyör castle to get a glimpse into the medieval past of the city, or the Tapolca Cave Bath, a thermal bath experience. There is a zoo too. We haven't visited these last three spots. If you visit them, share your opinion with us!
Skip or visit Miskolc in Hungary? Is it worth it?
Our opinion is Miskolc is worth a visit. Don't expect the size and magnificence you find in the Hungarian capital. Miskolc has less impressive stuff than Budapest but if you are not rushing and you enjoy quiet and scenic places, go. It is a very good spot to escape from the noise and stress of bigger cities. We recommend it for a weekend or several days. If you are on a long trip, this can be an ideal stop to recharge energy and continue. It is a good idea to have a wider picture of Hungary. This country has a lot to enjoy but many travelers only visit and talk about Budapest.
Conclusion
If Miskolc is on your way, stop by! It is a quiet and nice city where you can enjoy and be submerged in nature, history, and culture. Surprises can be just around every Miskolc’s corner!
You may also like:
Top 5 parks in Budapest for picnic lovers
Attractions near Budapest, that will leave you speechless!
Eger (Hungary), a bloody wine place. Why visit it?
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- Details
- Written by: Gianna Esquivel
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Today was a difficult day for us! After spending a month in Budapest, we left that beautiful capital and the most painful part was saying bye to our dear Hungarian friends. This plan to meet them was ruined by the start of the pandemic. We waited two long years to make it possible and now, a month together has flown light speed haha. Guys, friendship is a great motivation to travel! A beautiful city like Budapest can get even deeper into your mind and heart if you link it to nice friends.
Anyway, we jumped in the car to continue this adventure. During some minutes we also thought, why visit Eger? A 'bloody' wine place? But just an hour and forty minutes later, we discovered very good reasons to do it. Now, we will share them with you.
Where is Eger?
Eger is a city located in northern Hungary, on the southern slopes of the Bukk mountains. Based on Google’s calculation, it is 137 km away from Budapest, the Hungarian capital. It should take you an hour and a half, approximately, to drive there.
In the beginning, we were a bit down. There were no words between us, only the music of our playlist and the car moving were hearable. Driving to Eger was easy and comfortable due to the good conditions of the road (M3 and M25 motorways).
You can also go by train to Eger. Take it at Budapest-Keleti station and one hour and fifty minutes later, you will be there. The train will leave you only one and a half km away from the city center.
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What to visit in Eger, Hungary?
We arrived at Eger. The first mission was to find free parking. This is becoming kind of an impossible mission nowadays. Eger center looked compact on the map so we left the car out of that area to avoid restrictions and problems to park. After walking for around twenty minutes, we arrived and it was a great first encounter with this city!
Why visit Eger? Because it is a charming place! Baroque buildings, cobbled streets, and a nice vibe! The first thing we found was a Ferris wheel and a city sign “Eger”. Obviously, we got a picture there! Haha.
Let’s say we were in the lower part of the center and from there, a fortress on top is visible. It became automatically our first target. We walked up while checking the surroundings and it was very nice. It was quiet. We saw tourists but not many. Mostly, local people were enjoying the day. This is what we visited!
Eger Castle and the bloody wine
This castle is a well-preserved medieval fortress built on a rocky spot above the city. The walking to reach the gates takes some effort because it is a bit steep, but it is very pleasant. There are many nice views on the way so be ready to take many pictures.
The Eger castle was built originally in the thirteenth century. There is a famous chapter that tells how in 1552, an army of only four hundred Hungarian men repelled a Turkish army of four thousand soldiers. Another version says, the Hungarian were two thousand and the Turkish were forty thousand. Never mind, just think that the Hungarians were far fewer than the Turkish. The Hungarians were led by Dobo Istvan. In a moment, he ordered the cellars beneath the castle to be open. His men of course drank the Egri Bikaver wine (also known as Bull’s Blood wine) that was there. Who could resist that? We could not! But don’t think they got cups to drink the wine comfortably seated around a table. They were under siege by an army ten times bigger! Let’s say their manners were more savage so their clothes and those long and bushy beards they wore got thick red stains from the wine. When Turkish men saw the courage and strength of the Hungarian soldiers and such red and thick stains in their beards, they thought that the wine they drank was mixed with the blood of a bull. This was the source of their power, thought the Turkish, and they got deeply demoralized until the point they got defeated.
This historical chapter is something nice to know because the Egri Bikaver or Bull’s Blood wine is still an icon of Eger. Spoiler alert! A wine expert told us this story about the Bull’s Blood wine and the soldiers is unlikely to be true because, in the sixteenth century, Hungary produced only white wine. Only after the Phylloxera (a plant louse that is a pest of vines) attacked the vineyards in the 1880s, some people decided to plant red grapes instead.
We enjoyed the story, we don’t need it to be true. In our opinion, what matters is that the wine certainly exists and you can try it during your visit! Well, and to finish with the castle’s history, finally, in 1701, it was blown up by the Austrians.
If you have visited castles, you know that their history almost always involves multiple destructions and reconstructions through time.
What we liked the most were the walls and the views from the towers. You can also take a look at the Istvan Dodo museum to find out the complete history of the castle, and see objects of historical, ethnographical, archaeological, and literary value. The cellars in the underground corridor system and the dungeon can be visited. The exhibition in this last shows types of torture and executions.
Entrance fee: 1,200 HUF (3 EURO). Note: we paid this per adult because we arrived in the evening. There are different options of tickets you can buy based on what you want to see, the day, the schedule, if you want a guide, etc. You can even get your wedding pictures here. So check it properly!
You can visit the official website to see what the place offers (exhibitions, services, events), organize your visit, and confirm updated entrance fees. https://www.egrivar.hu/en/c/ticket-prices-257
Dobo Istvan Square
The main Eger’s square has the name of the famous leader of Eger’s heroes, Dobo Istvan. You can spend a very nice time there. It is compact but surrounded by more Baroque churches and buildings. You will see there a bronze statue of the Dobo captain, the Town Hall, and the Minorite Church.
The Minorite Church
There is no way to skip it because it is a big architectural landmark of Eger’s center (Dobo Square). It is a Baroque building, constructed in the eighteenth century. It is in very good condition. You will easily see its twin bell towers. The original building was destroyed by floods and the current was ended in 1771.
Enthusiasts of the Baroque style will be happy here admiring the details and decorations in the vaulting, the St. Anthony life passages, the altars, and the carvings on some pews.
There are more churches you can visit in Eger, the Basilica, and the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Serbian Church (outside the center).
Walking in Eger streets
The weather was perfect to be on the street when we visited Eger (May). It was very pleasant to stroll around. We liked a lot its cobbled streets, colorful Baroque buildings (blue, yellow, pink, etc.), small coffee shops, restaurants, ice cream spots, and the small river that is a nice addition to the landscape. Most of the streets are only for pedestrians so you can walk there safely and calmly. Once there, we do celebrate we left the car outside the city center. It could be very hard to find a proper spot to park in the center.
Eger Thermal Bath
If you have been to Hungary, you know they have a deep tradition of thermal baths. You can find them pretty much in every place you visit in the country. Eger is not an exception! It has a popular thermal bath complex located in the heart of the city and features a variety of pools, saunas, and spa treatments. It is a good place to relax and rejuvenate. This time we skipped the visit to the thermal bath. We were in front of the complex but we missed the chance to rejuvenate hahaha This time, we enjoy more moving around Eger. But the choice is there if you are interested.
Valley of the Beautiful Women
It is not in the center but it is only two km away from Dobo Square or four km from the entrance to the center. You can go by foot or bus (it takes a few minutes to arrive). Why go? Single men for sure will answer “to meet the beautiful women”. More cautious men (married or with a girlfriend) will say “to try the wine”. This place is very popular because of the many wine cellars you can visit there. It is the wine trade area of Eger. Walking there is nice and you can try different versions of the famous Egri Bikaver or Bull’s Blood wine (a blend of five different grapes or at least three) and white wine from the region too.
It is a nice experience to walk into those cold, damp, old-style cellars. Wine producers are kind and wine is just delicious! If you are a wine enthusiast, for sure you will find a choice that suits you. Just go with time enough to taste the variety there.
You can spend several hours in this valley. Food is tasty and wine… you will see when you try it!
Life-saving advice: eat properly! Don’t take your belly on this wine adventure without eating!
About the name “Valley of the Beautiful Women”: If you go and discover the reason behind it, share it with us. It is a name that awakes tourists’ curiosity. You expect a story, behind it, but we asked many times, to different people and we did not get a solid answer.
Why visit Eger, Hungary?
You should visit Eger, Hungary because it offers nice stuff:
History and culture. Eger has a vast and interesting history dating back to the Middle Ages. It is home to a variety of cultural attractions, like its castle (fortress), churches, museums, and galleries.
Natural beauty. Eger surroundings offer you forests, hills, and vineyards to make your stay longer. There are different outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and swimming. We strongly recommend you visit the vineyards and wineries. You can enjoy the natural landscape and try the popular wine.
Gastronomy. Eger, just like the rest of Hungary, has delicious food and wine you should try. As we mentioned, there are many wineries and vineyards in the region and Hungarian cuisine features a variety of tasty dishes.
Proximity to more attractions. Eger is located in a convenient location, making it easy to explore other parts of Hungary and the surrounding region (villages, towns, natural mineral baths, etc.). It is a short drive from Budapest and more nice Hungarian destinations.
How to move around Eger?
Our recommendation is to move on foot. It is easy, the streets are nice, the distances are not very big among attractions in the center, and it is the best way to explore and discover interesting stuff there.
Anyway, if you prefer transportation, there are buses. They connect you pretty well with the center, the bus and train stations, and the popular Valley of the Beautiful Women.
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Conclusion
We visited Eger because we had time. Many tourists focus only on Budapest when planning trips to Hungary, but there is much more to enjoy in this country. Eger’s charm will easily conquer you! We describe what we liked the most during our trip but we didn’t mention other attractions you could like. You can plan a long staying there and you won’t get bored. Stay for at least two days! We are sure, you won’t regret it! From now, we hope to get back one day! See you, beautiful Eger!
Why don't you read also:
Top 5 parks in Budapest for picnic lovers
Why does Szentendre smell like Serbia?
Attractions near Budapest, that will leave you speechless!
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- Written by: Gianna Esquivel
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Budapest is a capital full of places and activities to enjoy. This week, we just decided to make a break and put Budapest on hold, to explore its surroundings too. We put a limit on distance for this exploration because we will visit further places later when we leave the capital.
Therefore, we prepared for you our recommendations about what to visit nearby Budapest, meaning by “nearby”, places up to 100 km. This distance using a vehicle (your car, public transportation, or hitch-hiking) in regular traffic conditions should take you 1 hour and a half, 2 hours in a very crowded scenario. Still possible to do it in a day without big worries or hurry.
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Szentendre
23 km north of beautiful Budapest, we visited a very cute and picturesque town called Szentendre (Saint Andrew). It’s a very cool destination. We went there on a working day so it was not crowded. During some days or weekends, it can be full of visitors. It is a common destination not only for international tourists but also for locals looking for a quieter place.
Its main square, Baroque architecture, monuments, museums, multiple restaurants, coffee shops, souvenir spots, and the proximity to the Danube river provide everything you need to spend a great time. Walk around Szentendre is a very cool sensorial experience. Your eyes, ears, touch, taste, and nose will be fulfilled whit Szentendre’s Mediterranean vibes, Slavic accent, food, cobbled and narrow streets, Baroque buildings, people’s kindness, the creations of the large community of artists living there, and the presence of the romantic Danube.
By car, it should take you half hour to reach Szentendre from Budapest. By public transportation, from 40 to 45 minutes. The suburban train (HÉV, Hungarian abbreviation of railways of local interest) is an efficient, affordable, and comfortable choice. For more details about transportation, what to do in Szentendre, and if you are interested in the story behind a mystery we discovered there, click Why does Szentendre smell like Serbia?
Gödöllő Palace
Being in Hungary, of course, you will visit castles and palaces. Wait, aren’t they the same? No, they are not. A palace is supposed to be built to live and show off wealth. While a castle has defense objectives.
So, we went 30 km northeast of Budapest to visit this large Baroque palace. It was the Summer residence of Emperor Franz Joseph I and Elisabeth, Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary. It was given to her when she got crowned Queen of Hungary in 1867. The royal couple spent time in this building between 1867 and 1916. It’s kept in very good condition and there’s a lot of history there. You can see the fancy rooms and secret passages inside and explore the beautiful gardens and stables surrounding the palace. There’s a fee of 3200 Huf (8 EURO) per adult to access the palace.
Vác
We drove 46 km north from Budapest, to visit Vác, a nice town located in a zone called the Danube Bend, a popular curve of the Danube river. We felt a big difference when compared with Szentendre. While Szentendre has become a tourist spot, Vác offers kind of a similar atmosphere and things to do but with a local touch. This provides it with an even quieter and more relaxing vibe.
We arrived close to noon. We bought a very tasty Hungarian lángos in the center. We walked around and we saw more Baroque style, cute houses, churches, the Mary’s Ascension Cathedral, and the arch of triumph (18th century).
Then we headed to the Danube bank. From the center, at different points, there’s access to a very nice long park next to the Danube. We found a fair installed there, families walking, folks exercising, kids playing on the grass, and couples enjoying the Danube’s view from a bench. We bought an ice cream and chose a bench to join the locals.
Talking with people there, we were told that there were some boats to enjoy the Danube, even to arrive here from Budapest. But due to the pandemic, first, they were canceled, and later some got back but you should check properly availability and schedules if you are interested. These services are not as constant as they were before the pandemic.
To reach Vác by driving was not hard, the road from Budapest kind of led us there. And to find a parking spot was easy. This is great news because currently, free and safe parking is on extinction. You also can arrive in Vác by public transportation.
Balatonvilágos - Siófok – Tihany and the Balaton lake
A visit to the popular Balaton lake is a must if you are in Hungary. Balaton lake is a nice, friendly, and refreshing lake you should visit to relax and refresh in a natural place. It’s one of the favorite destinations of Hungarian and international tourists. There are beaches, nice villages, resorts, protected wetlands, volcanic hills, wine-producing zones, and hiking trails, all along the many kilometers of the Balaton’s shoreline.
On this day we broke the limit of the 100 km we originally established but it was Balaton’s fault!
We took the car around 6 am in Budapest. Our mission was to visit an old friend: Balaton lake. We love it! We drove 93 km southwest of Budapest (1 hour and 15 minutes) to reach Balatonvilágos, meet the lake, walk around, get some pics, and that’s it. But being in Balatonvilágos was nice. Our encounter with Balaton lake was great and Világos was very cute. You easily can spend a day there, enjoying the beach, and eating tasty food in one of its restaurants. But it was still early when we were there. Most places were close. We got tempted by the beautiful turquoise color of the lake and were very touched by our traveling memories.
Years ago, "M" and I visited Siófok during a hitch-hiking trip and we got an awesome time together. When we met, we hitchhiked a lot around Europe. And that day, it was very hard to reach Siófok. It took us hours to get a ride. We were very tired but when we saw the lake, wow, we directly jumped into it wearing underwear! Hahaha. We didn’t want to waste time looking for a changing room. We swam, played in the fresh, turquoise-color water, and saw together a beautiful sunset. Lovely and unforgettable!
So, after realizing that Balatonvilágos is only 15 km away from Siófok, 20 minutes away tops, soon we were driving direction of Siófok hahaha.
Guys, to be in Siófok again and together was extremely nice! We got awesome flashbacks! The central beach, the water tower, the camping spot where we slept, and that sunset! You have to visit this lake and jump into its fresh, turquoise water at least once in your life. You will have a great experience. It’s a very friendly lake. Depending on the area where you are, it can be shallow for you to walk or to reach 10 or a bit more meters in depth. Swimming there is delicious. And you can walk as long as you feel like it along the shoreline. It’s more than enough to have a nice chat with friends or with your loved one.
By now, shops and restaurants were open. We grabbed some tasty bread from a bakery and a coffee and we got breakfast in front of the beautiful Balaton lake. Once we made the belly happy, we checked the map and we saw Tihany, an interesting peninsula on Balaton lake. By then, we were hypnotized by the charm of the lake. We were 20 km away from Tihany so… Yes! We drove in its direction!
We took our car on the ferry to shorten the trip and it was a fun experience. There’s a fee for every car (2,000 HUF) and each person (800 HUF) to go on board. You can pay with cash or a bank card. The ferry just takes around 10 minutes, even less, to cross the lake and reach Tihany. You can get there without the ferry but it will take you longer. Once there, we saw:
Tihany’s abbey. It’s maybe the main attraction in the peninsula and it dates back thousands of years ago (1055). Through time, it has been a monks’ shelter, a castle in Turkish times, a home for old people during socialist times, and now, a big attraction for locals and foreigners. It’s located in a privileged place on the peninsula. The view from there is great. Unfortunately, we couldn't get inside because, during our visit (2022), it was closed due to renovations.
People recommend going there also to play with a specific phenomenon of echo (echo hill). People say that if you are on this hill and you shout towards the building of the abbey, your voice will be echoed 7 times in 2 seconds, mostly during the Winter. It’s fun to see how some people were attracted to this hill just to try the echo. Nobody managed to get the 7 repetitions even though they screamed hard hahaha. People said that the echo now it’s harder to get due to the landscape changes the area has experienced over time. And we have to say that the place was noisy and not in its normal condition. The renovation work was intense. Workers, heavy machines, and the constant sound of hammers hitting rocks could be the reason for this failure. But who knows, maybe it’s true! ;)
The lavender house. A place to learn about Tihany’s geology, from the time it was full of volcanos to the present quiet landscape. And of course, you will get information about lavender planting and its importance for the place.
The paprika house. Walking into the center we saw this cute and exotic thing. A house completely covered by paprikas. All sizes of it, organized in a very cool way so they become exotic ornaments, like curtains for the house. They sell a variety of products made of paprika.
Restaurants with terraces towards the Balaton. We walked for a long time admiring the lake. To lie on the grass for a while with such a view in front of you is something we recommend. We got hungry so we walked to pick a restaurant. There are different choices but what it’s a must is to choose one with a terrace to keep enjoying the Balaton.
I ordered a beef goulash, a very tasty and warm stew with potatoes, onions, paprika, and beef. "M" ordered a chicken paprikash, some like chicken dumplings with a creamy sauce of onion, garlic, sweet peppers, and tomatoes. I drank a cold beer and "M" a cappuccino because he was the brave driver of this adventure. And in Hungary, there’s zero tolerance for alcohol if you drive.
After that, we got back to Budapest. This trip was very nice and we confirmed that Balaton lake and its surroundings have a lot for you to see. This was our second time here but we explored new places this time and for sure we will get back to greet the Balaton again and discover more stuff.
Distance (Based on Google maps):
Budapest to Balatonvilágos, 93 km.
Budapest to Siófok, 105 km.
Budapest to Tihany, 123 km (using the ferry). Approx. 139 km via M7 and route 8 (without ferry).
Our route this day:
Budapest to Balatonvilágos, 93 km.
Balatonvilágos to Siófok, 15 km.
Siófok to Tihany, 20 km.
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Conclusion.
So, we just gave you 6 awesome places to visit near Budapest. Check them out when you are on your next Budapest trip, or, if you are living in Budapest (lucky you), use them for your next weekend trips.
And remember, to have fun, you only need to pack and go!
Check more interesting articles about Budapest, Hungary:
5 Reasons to Fall in Love with the Buda Side of Budapest: An Insider's Guide