Best Small Towns to Live in Hungary

People love living in big cities, but sometimes the hustle and bustle are too much. Whether you’re looking for cheaper rents, a calmer environment, or you want to be closer to the countryside, living in small towns in Hungary can be an enjoyable experience. And though it is recommended to have some experience as an ex-pat before you live in smaller cities, don’t let that scare you off if this is the first time you’re striking out on your own in a different country. Here are the four best small towns in Hungary to live in.

Eger is a beautiful small town full of things to do and places to visit. Popular with tourists, there are tons of restaurants on the main square and a whole part of town populated exclusively with wineries called The Valley of Beautiful Women. Above the city is the Eger Castle and the city itself is full of small markets, Turkish Baths, and more. Eger also has its university, and the Bukk National Park is right around the corner, making it the perfect place for weekend trips.

Esztergom is probably most famous for its basilica, the largest in all of Hungary and one of the largest basilicas in Europe. But Esztergom has more than just that. It has a picturesque old town and a Museum of Christian Art. And after dark, the whole city changes into a romantic dream which will lead you to the Dark Gate, a wine cellar, where you can meet fun and exciting people. Being popular with tourists, it still has a bit of a buzz, but it is a quiet and pleasant place to live most of the year.

This town is perfect for when you want to live calmly, but you also want to have a large city just around the corner. While its many museums and traditional Hungarian cuisine are nested up against the calm Danube River, the bustling metropolis of Budapest is just 40 minutes away by car or by public transport. If you love cycling, this place is perfect for you as the Danube also serves as a long cycling road that goes all the way to Budapest and beyond.

This pleasant little town is situated on the northern shore of Lake Balaton and is a perfect place for retirees. The city has experienced rapid growth due to an influx of wealthy Hungarians. It’s home to a variety of spas, a good hospital, the lovely Tagore Promenade, as well as many restaurants and natural sights. And in the summer, you can look forward to wine-tasting festivals and the perfect weather to enjoy walks in the surrounding countryside.