Hungary Is For Lovers–5 Romantic Spots in Budapest and Beyond

For all of the cynicism and baggage of Valentine’s Day, the quiet romance of Hungary is timeless. Of course I used to be obsessed with the variety that Budapest offers, but there’s plenty to do and see beyond the capital. Whether you want to discover hidden gems, have a luxurious spa day, or find a cheap date, these five locations around Hungary each have something to give you and your partner that fuzzy feeling. Go get loved up!
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The Wine Lovers: Eger
If your idea of romance includes schmoozing around with glasses of regional wine and strolling through castles, then Eger can provide. One of the most famous wine regions in Hungary, you can try a glass of the famous Egri Bikaver (Bull’s Blood) or settle into one of the many cafes.

There’s quite a bit to do around the town as well. Just next to Eger is the village of Egerszalok with its baths and wellness resorts. And if you want to top off the cliches, go for a romantic night under the stars–15 minutes from Eger lies Nomad Hotel and Glamping.  Rent a bubble for two for 18000 Ft ($63)/night and work on your constellation spotting!

The Instacouple: Szentendre
Szentendre is only 40 minutes north of Budapest, but it will still give a unique change of scenery to help you stand out from all of those other pics of Parliament and Heroes Square. And there’s plenty in Szentendre to keep any Instaboyfriend busy. Freshly restored colorful doorways, side alleys with crawling ivy, cobblestone streets, hilltop churches… the list goes on. And when you’re ready for a snack, you can all close and comfy with your main squeeze as you squish into a tiny alley that leads to the popular Álomlángos.
Also, if your sweet has a sweet tooth (ahaha gag, okay, love puns over), Szentendre is a great place to ditch the heart shaped box of chocolates and find a dessert that’s worth it. A main square favorite is Levendulá’s handmade ice cream, and of course, the Szamos Marzipan Museum cafe has loads of classic Hungarian cakes to try.

The Small Towners: Tihany
If you’re the kind of person who can’t walk through a shampoo aisle without covertly smelling every other bottle, then Tihany is sure to be a sensory delight. The tiny town of Tihany is known for its lavender…everything. Ice cream, lotion, soap…you name it. If you manage to visit in June/July you might even catch the famous Tihany Lavender Festival!  The Tihany Peninsula juts out into Lake Balaton, so once you make your way out of the winding streets you can walk along the cliffside and take in the electric blues of the water and sky.

The Off-the-Beaten-Path-ers: Tapolca Lake Caves
Water sports and adrenaline abound at Lake Balaton, but head 40 minutes west to Tapolca for a deeper attraction. Soon enough you’ll find that the true treasures of this small town lay underneath the surface. The Tapolca Lake Caves Visitor Center seems inconspicuous enough, and after the hour-ish long tour (German and English options are available, with prior notice), you get to head down, down, down, into what feels like the belly of the earth. Once you get to the front of the line, you’re handed a paddle, plopped into a boat, and are soon rowing your way through luminous blue waters, brushing past centuries-old stone. (If claustrophobia is a big issue for you, this might not be the best activity…but it’s definitely low risk for people who sunburn easily, hah). For the 15 minutes or so of gliding through the underground lake, you and your partner are discovering a new part of the world together, a part that loads of people never even knew existed. And if you are a bit claustrophobic, then the thrill of survival is sure to bring you even closer together.
Tickets go for 2200 HUF ($7.80) per person.

The Classic Couple: Budapest
Of course, I can’t talk about romantic spots in Hungary without mentioning Budapest. This city makes you feel romantic even when you’re walking around solo. One of the strengths of the city is its diversity, and you can check out a lot of its offerings here. But if you’re looking for low-pressure, wallet friendly dates, look no further! When the sun’s out, there’s no better place to take picnic to than Margaret Island. After you polish off your kifli and kolbasz, you can stroll through the flower gardens or even be that couple and rent a tandem bicycle.

Or if you’d like to hit the river, ditch the expensive dinner cruises and catch one of the BKK public transportation ferries instead. Tix are free with a transportation pass, or 750 forint ($2.60) without, and you still get allll the same views. There’s nothing like a Budapest sunset over the Danube. (Find more fare and route information here.)