Affordable and Serene Holiday Spots in Hungary Away from the Crowds

Published: 2023-05-22

While Hungary is not as popular a tourism destination as some other cities, such as Paris or Tokyo, there are certain locations within the country that are still crowded during peak seasons. Avoiding crowded places can be difficult, but it’s not impossible. In this article, we will show you some of Hungary’s serene and affordable holiday spots that are beautiful, less crowded, and budget-friendly.

Located just 30 km west of Budapest, Zsámbék is situated in the northwestern region of the Gerecse landscape. The Premonstratensians church and the remains of a monastery from the mid-13th century are valuable historical monuments and tourist attractions. Visitors can stay in cosy guesthouses starting from HUF 9,000 (EUR 23.88) per person or a 4-star art hotel for HUF 19,000 (EUR 50.42) per person.

Hajós wine village comprises approximately 1300 press houses and is proud of its good wines which are famous across Hungary. The construction of the town dates back to the same time as the development of the village. In mid-summer, visitors can choose to stay at the Takács Pince Apartment for HUF 9,000 (EUR 23.88) per person per night, or the Borház Pension for HUF 8,000 (EUR 21.23) per person per night.

Ballószög is popular with tourists who prefer wellness activities and need to avoid big crowds. The spa in Ballószög is renowned for its thermal water with a temperature of 38°C, which is great for rheumatic and gynecological complaints. Visitors can enjoy the steam room and saunas, participate in the sauna sessions held every weekend, and play tennis. With an entrance fee of HUF 5,000, it's one of the best value-for-money experiences in the country. Visitors can also stay in the Nyúlház Pension for HUF 8500 (EUR 22.56) per person during the summer.

Uppony is a small but picturesque village in the hills of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County. It’s located 14km east of Ózd, in the valley of the Csernely stream, with a number of prehistoric artifacts found in the settlement and its caves. An ancient iron smelting site has also been identified here. Visitors can explore the Lázbérc Landscape Protection Area, which was established in 1975 and preserves unparalleled natural beauty. Guests can stay in one of the various inexpensive guesthouses in and around the village.

Overall, Hungary has plenty to offer for travelers who are willing to venture off the beaten path and explore lesser-known locations. Most importantly, these places remain budget-friendly, unique, and beautiful, providing an experience that one would not get in crowded tourist hotspots.

What are some affordable and less crowded holiday spots in Hungary?

If you're looking for affordable and serene holiday spots in Hungary that are less crowded than popular places like the Castle District in Budapest or Lake Balaton, then you might want to check out Zsámbék, Hajós, Ballószög, and Uppony.

What is there to see in Zsámbék?

Zsámbék is home to a Premonstratensians church and the remains of a monastery, both of which are valuable monuments. The church was built in the mid-13th century in the late Romanesque/early Gothic style. The interior of the ruin is now open to visitors. The former monastery’s hall with a dome vault houses a stone gallery.

How much does it cost to stay in Zsámbék?

You can stay in a cosy guesthouse for up to HUF 9,000 (EUR 23.88) per person, or in a 4-star art hotel for HUF 19,000 (EUR 50.42) per person.

What is there to see in Hajós?

Hajós is known for its Wine Village, which is made up of around 1300 press-houses and the cellars dug into the loess below. Typical wine varieties are cabernet sauvignon, kékfrankos (Blaufränkisch), kadarka, grey friar and Cserszegi fűszeres. The highly-rated Takács Pince Apartment in Hajós costs HUF 9,000 (EUR 23.88) per person per night in mid-summer, while the Borház Pension costs HUF 8,000 (EUR 21.23) per person per night.

What is there to see in Ballószög?

Ballószög is worth visiting if you like wellness but want to avoid the crowds. There's a spa with thermal water that is 38 °C, which is beneficial for articular (rheumatic) and gynaecological complaints. There are three pools and many other facilities. All-day admission is HUF 5,000, with half-price admission for pensioners and students. The entrance fee includes use of the tennis court, loungers, pools, steam room, saunas, and participation in the sauna sessions held every weekend. A night in the Nyúlház Pension costs HUF 8500 (EUR 22.56) per person in summer, and the Betyárfogadó in nearby Kecskemét costs HUF 6500 (EUR 17.25) per person.

Where is Uppony located and what is there to see?

The tiny village of Uppony is located in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County, 14 kilometres east of Ózd, in the Bükk region, in the valley of the Csernely stream. There are prehistoric artefacts on the outskirts of the settlement and in its caves. The oldest part of the Bükk, the Uppony Mountains, embraces the village. The Lázbérc Landscape Protection Area was created in 1975, it preserves unparalleled natural values and the National Blue Trail (Országos Kéktúra) passes through the village. There are several cheap guesthouses in and around the village.