Michael On The Move: Exploring Hungary

Hello all and welcome back to the next edition of Michael on the Move. I hope you all enjoyed reading about China, I certainly learnt a lot from researching it.

It has been a few editions since I last wrote about a place I’ve actually visited, so today we’re changing that. 

Known for its stunning architecture, thermal baths and rich history, this country will be sure to leave you with great memories

The country I have chosen for this week’s column is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is one of the ten countries that the Danube flows through. Known for its stunning architecture, thermal baths and rich history, this country will be sure to leave you with great memories. With its tantalising cuisine that has been popularised all over the word like goulash and salami, this country is a must for foodies.

You guessed it, of course I’m talking about Hungary!

Its capital, Budapest, is renowned for its UNESCO-listed architecture and its vibrant ruin bars. Often nicknamed the ‘Pearl of the Danube’, the city is a tourist hotspot and attracts around 30 million tourists visiting each year. That is why I chose to focus on a different city: Gyor. I visited this specific city on a day trip from Bratislava, and it turned out to be an excellent decision.

The golden theme continues throughout the church, with ornate decorations and beautiful ceiling paintings

One of the things I’d definitely recommend doing when in Gyor is taking a stroll down Baross Gabor út. Not only is this one of the few places where you can pick up a Gyor magnet, but it is also home to several sites worth seeing in the city. Along the street you’ll find the Boy in a Boat monument which depicts a young boy rowing a boat in the middle of the square. The street itself is also pedestrianised, making it a pleasant place to wander and it even features a small  street library: a little red cart filled with books that visitors can borrow. And while I don’t usually highlight places like these in my columns, this street also happens to have a surprisingly decent McDonald’s. When we visited, you could even buy the McDonald’s staff uniform! 

Another reason why the Baross Gabor út is so convenient is its proximity to many of Gyor’s other main sights. One of these must visits is the Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Built in the 17th Century by the Jesuits, the church is easily recognisable thanks to its striking twin towers. When I visited, I was particularly struck by their unusual design: white columns topped with green domes and finished with a golden cross on top. It’s certainly a sight that made me stop and take a few photos. Although I didn’t manage to step inside, the interior looks just as impressive. The golden theme continues throughout the church, with ornate decorations and beautiful ceiling paintings. Seeing this church was definitely one of the highlights of my time in Gyor.  

Whatever your tastebuds desire, you’re almost certain to find something in Hungary that tickles your fancy

Baross Gabor út is also conveniently close to the Danube. From here, it’s only a short walk to a  bridge where you can capture stunning views of what is, in my opinion, one of the most iconic rivers in the world. Just across the street, you’ll also find a lovely park, perfect for sitting on a bench and enjoy some lunch. Next to the park, you’ll find another church worth visiting: the Gyori Szentharomsag templom. This small catholic church is easily recognisable thanks to its yellow and white exterior. The church sits in a particularly peaceful part of the city, blending beautifully with the surrounding park. One thing that surprised me while sitting there was that I was able to connect to Eduroam. After a bit of research, I found out that right next to this park is the University of Gyor. This University is actually one of the top five in Hungary and for some reason has an Eduroam connection that covers the local park!

Obviously, a trip to Hungary wouldn’t be complete without trying some of the local food! I’d always recommend starting with Goulash, a hearty stew made with meat, vegetables and plenty of paprika. If stews aren’t quite your thing, you could try Kolbasz (a Hungarian sausage served with mustard and bread) or a Langos (deep fried dough served with toppings). Whatever your tastebuds desire, you’re almost certain to find something in Hungary that tickles your fancy. 

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about Gyor. Hopefully, it’s introduced you to somewhere a little different, a place you’ve never heard. If you ever find yourself travelling around Central Europe, it’s definitely worth considering a day trip. I certainly don’t regret my visit!

Until next time…