Travel Hungary with ELTE
One of the best decisions I made was buying a monthly Hungary pass. For 1890 HUF (5 EUR), you can travel across the country on weekends, and trust me, it's worth every forint. My Hungarian friends kept telling me, "Budapest is beautiful, but Hungary is more than just Budapest." They were absolutely right.
First Stop: Lake Balaton
Lake Balaton
Keszthely
My first adventure was to Lake Balaton in early September, right before the tourist season ended. I went to Siófok with two classmates after our Friday lecture. We booked a hostel for 3,000 HUF (8 EUR) per night - nothing fancy, but clean and close to the water. The next morning, we rented bikes and cycled along the shore.
The sunset that evening was unreal. We sat on the pier with some energy drinks from a local grocery store, and for the first time since arriving, I felt like I wasn't just a student passing through - I was living here.
We also visited Keszthely on the western shore. It's quieter than Siófok, with the stunning Festetics Palace and botanical gardens.
Medieval Magic in Visegrád and Esztergom
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Esztergom
A month later, I took a spontaneous day trip to Visegrád with a friend from my algorithms class. The train from Budapest took about an hour, and we hiked up to the castle ruins. The view of the Danube Bend from the top was breathtaking. We packed sandwiches from home because we'd learned the hard way that tourist-spot restaurants can drain a student budget fast.
From Visegrád, we took a local bus to Esztergom, home to Hungary's largest basilica. Climbing to the dome gave us a panoramic view of both Hungary and Slovakia across the river. We joked that we'd "technically" visited two countries in one day.
Hidden Gems: Hollókő and ü&Բ;
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One weekend in October, my dormmate convinced me to visit Hollókő, a UNESCO World Heritage village. It felt like stepping back in time - cobblestone streets, traditional houses, and locals in folk costumes during a harvest festival. We stayed in a guesthouse for 4,500 HUF (12 EUR) and ate the best goulash I've had in Hungary. The host barely spoke English, but her gestures and warm smile said everything.
Later that month, I visited Miskolc to see Lillafüred, a small resort town with a stunning hanging garden and cave bath. The cave bath was magical - swimming in warm thermal water inside a natural cave. It cost around 2,500 HUF (6,5 EUR), a small splurge, but absolutely worth it.
Southern Adventures: Pécs and Szeged
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Szeged
In November, I traveled south to Pécs, known for its Mediterranean vibe and Turkish architecture. The early Christian necropolis and Pécs Cathedral were fascinating. I ate at a small student-favorite restaurant near the city’s university lángos for 800 HUF (2,5 EUR) and a massive plate of pasta for 1,200 HUF (3,5 EUR).
Szeged surprised me even more. The city felt modern yet cozy, with beautiful Art Nouveau buildings and the famous Votive Church. I tried the local fish soup, which was spicy and rich - definitely an acquired taste, but locals swear by it.
Quick Escapes: á and Debrecen
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Debrecen
When I needed a break from thesis stress, I'd take the train to á, just 40 minutes from Budapest. It's a charming small town with a lovely promenade along the Danube. Perfect for a quiet afternoon with a book and some street food.
Debrecen, Hungary's second-largest city, was my last big trip before winter exams. The Reformed Great Church and Déri Museum were highlights, and the university area had great cheap eats and for under 1,500 HUF (4 EUR).
Travel Tips for ELTE Students
- Get a monthly Student pass if you plan to explore. It saves so much money.
- Always carry your ELTE student card - many museums and attractions offer discounts or free entry.
- Hostels and guesthouses outside Budapest are incredibly affordable (2,500–5,000 HUF (6,5-13 EUR /night).
- Don't hesitate to ask locals for recommendations. Hungarians are incredibly helpful once you break the ice.
Traveling around Hungary taught me that learning doesn't stop in the classroom. Every town has a story, every meal is a cultural lesson, and every weekend trip reminded me why I chose to study here. If you're an ELTE student reading this, don't wait. Buy that train ticket. Hungary is waiting for you.
Happy Travelling,
Thausif