Győr is a historic city located in northwest Hungary, situated at the confluence of three rivers: Rába, Rábca, and Mosoni-Duna. With its Baroque architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and proximity to scenic areas like Pannonhalma Abbey, Győr makes for an exciting destination.

No.	Activity/Attraction	Description
1	Győr Castle	Explore historical castle and its surroundings
2	Baroque Architecture	Wander through the city’s historic buildings
3	Révfürdő Aquapolis	Enjoy the thermal waters and spa facilities
4	Győr Market Hall	Browse local products and foods
5	Győr National Theatre	Watch performances and plays
6	Győr Summer Festival	Participate in local cultural events
7	Pannonhalma Abbey	Visit a historic monastery and its wineries
8	Xántus János Zoo	Family-friendly animal encounters
9	Local Wineries	Taste local wines and vineyard tours
10	Bike Tours	Explore the area on bicycle tours
11	New Orleans Jazz Fesztivál	Enjoy jazz music and festivities
12	Dunakapu Square	Visit a central, vibrant city square
13	Day Trips to Tata	Explore nearby attractions
14	Győr Craft Market	Shop for traditional crafts and souvenirs
15	Danube River Cruise	Experience a scenic river cruise

2024 is shaping up to be an excellent year to visit Győr. New developments like the expansion of Győr National Theatre and the addition of a new thermal spa at Révfürdő Aquapolis will give travelers more options.

Beloved festivals like Győr Summer Festival and New Orleans Jazz Fesztivál will delight return visitors. And classics like exploring Győr Castle, people watching in Széchenyi Square, and sampling local wines will charm first-time tourists.

To help you make the most of your trip to Győr in 2024, here are 15 top things to do:

Explore the Historic Győr Castle

Name and Location: Győr Castle is located in the center of the city on Castle Hill.

History and Significance: The castle dates back to the 13th century and has been expanded over centuries. It’s one of Hungary’s largest castle complexes.

What to Expect: Guided tours of the castle’s museums, medieval walls, bastions, prison tower and Gothic statues. Great city views from the top.

Visitor Information: Open daily from 10AM-6PM. Admission fee applies for the Castle Museum.

One of Győr’s most iconic sites is the sprawling Győr Castle located downtown. Dating back to the 13th century, the castle has been expanded and rebuilt many times over the centuries. When you visit the castle grounds today, you can see ruins dating to the 15th century and palaces built in Renaissance and Baroque styles.

Inside the castle, you’ll find museums like the Győr Castle Prison Memorial and the Franz Liszt Memorial Museum. Don’t miss climbing up the observation tower for panoramic views over Győr.

Wander Through Baroque Architecture in the City Center

Name and Location: Győr’s historic city center features many baroque buildings.

History and Significance: After fires in the 17th century, Győr was rebuilt in baroque style, earning it the name “Baroque Pearl of the Pannonian Plain.”

What to Expect: Admire elaborate baroque facades, churches, statues and ornate details as you explore the cobblestone streets.

Visitor Information: The city center can be visited freely any time. Guided walking tours also available.

Győr’s city center is home to some of Hungary’s finest Baroque buildings, lending the area a regal ambiance. The stately mansions and public buildings surrounding Széchenyi Square create one of the country’s most impressive Baroque town centers.

Important buildings to see include the town hall, episcopal palace, and cathedral. Nearby Baross Gábor Avenue and Király Street also feature historic architecture and colorful buildings.

Relax in the Thermal Waters at Révfürdő Aquapolis

Name and Location: Révfürdő Aquapolis is a thermal spa complex located south of Győr’s city center.

History and Significance: It draws its therapeutic waters from five thermal springs dating back to ancient Roman times.

What to Expect: Indoor and outdoor pools, water slides, saunas, treatments and relaxation areas. Swim, soak and revitalize.

Visitor Information: Open daily 8AM-10PM. Day passes must be purchased. Book treatments in advance.

The excellent Révfürdő Aquapolis is one of Győr’s top thermal spa complexes. The indoor and outdoor pools contain therapeutic mineral waters drawn from five different springs.

A major expansion is slated to open in 2024, which will add five new pools and saunas. Visitors love soaking in the warm waters, getting spa treatments, and enjoying the lush, palm-filled indoor spaces. Don’t skip the fun waterslides and adventure pools either!

Browse the Produce at Győr Market Hall

Name and Location: Győr Market Hall is located in the city center near Széchenyi Square.

History and Significance: This historic market hall has been operating since 1899, selling fresh local produce and goods.

What to Expect: Stalls selling fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, baked goods and artisanal products from the region. A lively shopping experience.

Visitor Information: Open Tuesday – Saturday from 6AM to 6PM. Busiest in the mornings.

No trip to Győr is complete without a visit to the Győr Market Hall downtown. This large indoor market overflows with vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables, artisanal cheeses, cured meats, baked goods, and more.

The ornate building itself dates to the early 20th century and is lined with food stalls and eateries. It’s the perfect place to grab ingredients for a picnic lunch or sample Hungarian delicacies like lángos flatbread. Don’t forget to peek upstairs at the folk art booths too!

See Musical Performances at the Győr National Theatre

Name and Location: The Győr National Theatre is located in the city center on Színház tér.

History and Significance: This prestigious theater opened in 1978 and presents dramas, operas, ballets and concerts.

What to Expect: Attend excellent musical, theatrical and dance performances in a beautifully ornate building.

Visitor Information: Tickets and schedules are available on their website. Tours can be arranged by request.

Győr’s premier performing arts venue is the stately Győr National Theatre located downtown. The neo-Renaissance-style building dates to 1884 and is being expanded for the theatre’s 150th anniversary in 2024.

Throughout the year, you can see drama, opera, and ballet productions in an intimate historic setting. Enjoy classics by Hungarian composers like Bartók and Kodály. With increased capacity after the renovations, 2024 promises to be an exciting year for shows!

Party at Győr Summer Festival

Name and Location: Győr’s annual summer festival takes place in the city center.

History and Significance: The festival began in 1998 and features concerts, activities and attractions over 3 weeks in June/July.

What to Expect: Live music on multiple stages, carnival rides, food stalls, arts, crafts, fireworks on 4th of July and more. Great energy.

Visitor Information: Free entry to most events. Check website for schedules. Events centered around Dunakapu Square.

From late June to early July 2024, Győr comes alive for the annual Győr Summer Festival. This massive event spans several weeks and venues, bringing hundreds of concerts and performances to the city.

There are programs for kids, open-air concerts downtown, theatre shows, classical music recitals, opera under the stars, and more. International pop, rock, and jazz musicians also perform. Don’t miss the closing extravaganza with fireworks over the Rába River!

Marvel at Pannonhalma Abbey

Name and Location: The historic Benedictine Pannonhalma Abbey is located just south of Győr in the village of Pannonhalma.

History and Significance: Founded in 996, it’s one of the oldest historical monasteries in Hungary and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What to Expect: Admire the impressive medieval architecture. Visit the cloisters, churches, library and museums to learn about monastic life.

Visitor Information: Open daily from 9AM-5PM. Guided tours recommended to see the highlights.

Just outside Győr lies one of Hungary’s most important landmarks: Pannonhalma Abbey. This thousand-year-old Benedictine monastery sits atop a hill overlooking the countryside. Visitors can explore the historic church, cloisters, library, and museums to learn about monastic life.

Don’t miss seeing the St. Martin’s Chapel and its Byzantine-style frescoes. Time your visit to coincide with a Gregorian chant performance for an extra treat. The monastery’s grounds and trails also make for peaceful walks.

See Rare Birds at the Xántus János Zoo

Name and Location: Located in the natural area of Ányos Forest, about 10 km south of Győr.

History and Significance: Home to rare and endangered species like snow leopards, Sumatran tigers and Komodo dragons.

What to Expect: Observe exotic animals in thoughtfully designed habitats. Kid-friendly educational displays.

Visitor Information: Open daily from 9AM-6PM. Admission charged. Check website for shows/feedings.

Families traveling to Győr should spend an afternoon at Xántus János Zoo, located at the edge of the city. Opened in 1974, this 25-acre zoo is home to over 500 animal species including rare and endangered animals. See native brown bears, lions, seals, and reindeer.

There’s also a dinosaur park with life-sized replicas. Exciting new species additions slated for 2024 include koalas, chimpanzees, and pygmy hippos. Kids will love interacting with animals at the petting zoo too.

Sample Local Wines at Győr Wineries

Name and Location: Wineries near Győr located in wine villages like Ravazd and Gyirmót.

History and Significance: The Pannonhalma-Sokoróalja region produces quality Hungarian white wines like Rhine Riesling.

What to Expect: Winery tours, wine tastings and insight into local wine making traditions. Relaxed country setting.

Visitor Information: Many wineries open for visits. Reserve tours in advance online or by email.

The vineyards around Lake Fertő have produced wine for centuries, and Győr serves as the gateway to this noted winemaking region. Spend a day visiting wineries for tours and tastings. Highlights include the Lőcsei Winery, known for its Tramini; and the Bertha Winery, which produces award-winning dessert wines.

September and October harvest seasons are especially lively. Many cellars and vineyards also host charming wine festivals with folk music and dance performances throughout the year.

Explore Győr on a Bike Tour

Name and Location: Bike rental and tours available in downtown Győr.

History and Significance: Biking is a fun, active way to explore Győr’s historic sights and architecture.

What to Expect: Themed tours such as “Castles and Palaces” or “Along the Danube” led by knowledgeable guides. Bike rental also available.

Visitor Information: Book tours in advance online. Bring sun protection, water, and wear proper shoes.

Cycling is one of the best ways to tour Győr’s major landmarks while soaking in the atmosphere of the city. Guided bike tours cover top sites like the castle, cathedral, City Hall, and historic residences and churches. Tours run daily from April through October.

Private and self-guided bike rental options are also available. Pedaling past Baroque facades and stopping to enjoy viewpoints of the Danube River make for an active and refreshing outing.

Experience Open-Air Concerts at New Orleans Jazz Fesztivál

Name and Location: Annual jazz festival held in the center of Győr.

History and Significance: Győr has hosted this popular jazz festival annually since 1992, usually in late July.

What to Expect: Local and international jazz performers on outdoor stages. Food stalls, arts and crafts vendors, and festive crowds.

Visitor Information: Check website for tickets and schedules. Evening jam sessions at local venues.

Jazz fans visiting Győr in late June should attend the city’s famous New Orleans Jazz Fesztivál. Held outdoors, this fest brings Dixieland music, food, and culture to Hungary over three days. Local and international acts perform on multiple stages set up along the Danube riverfront.

Visitors can also enjoy jazz cruises on the water, second line parades, street music, and Creole cuisine. With food trucks, arts & crafts booths, and fireworks over the river too, it’s a highly entertaining event.

Relax at Dunakapu Square

Name and Location: Dunakapu Square is a central square in Győr next to the Danube River.

History and Significance: The main gathering place in the city, surrounded by historic buildings and outdoor cafés.

What to Expect: Benches, fountains, statues and lively foot traffic. Grab a coffee and watch street performers.

Visitor Information: The square can be enjoyed any time of day. Lots of restaurants nearby.

For a more laid-back afternoon, head to Dunakapu Square located along the Danube. This leafy plaza is a gathering place and one of Győr’s most picturesque spots. Pop into one of the many riverside cafés or restaurants to sip coffee or sample Hungarian fare al fresco.

People watch as boats cruise up and down the river. You can also stroll through neighboring Dunakapu Park with lovely water views. It’s the perfect place to unwind on a sunny day.

Take a Day Trip to Tata

Name and Location: The scenic town of Tata located about 45km southeast of Győr.

History and Significance: Known for its lakes, baroque-era Esterházy Palace, and thermal spas. A relaxing countryside escape.

What to Expect: Swimming, boating, castle tours, hiking and soaking in hot spring baths. Peaceful natural beauty.

Visitor Information: Regular direct buses from Győr. Or join a guided day tour.

Just 30 minutes outside Győr lies the charming town of Tata, known for its lovely Baroque architecture. Highlights include Tata Castle, English Park with spring-fed lakes, and historic Esterházy Palace.

You can easily spend a day visiting Tata’s sites, hiking in the surrounding nature preserve, or relaxing at a café. The Tata Grand Prix historic car race also takes place here every May. With frequent trains between the towns, getting to Tata for a day trip couldn’t be easier.

Shop for Folk Crafts at Győr Craft Market

Name and Location: Győr’s Craft Market takes place weekly in Káptalan Lane in the city center.

History and Significance: An open-air market selling traditional folk arts, crafts and textiles from the region.

What to Expect: Vendors selling pottery, embroidery, natural soaps, painted glassware, wooden toys, and more. Unique souvenirs.

Visitor Information: Fridays from 8AM-2PM. Visit in the morning for best selection.

Held every August in downtown Győr, the Győr Craft Market brings hundreds of artisans and vendors to sell traditional wares. Shop for handmade pottery, woven baskets, embroidery, carved wood items, stained glass, and more. Along with crafts, you’ll find folk music and dance performances.

The market celebrates both Hungarian and ethnic minority traditions. It takes place over three days and gives visitors a wonderful taste of Hungary’s living folk arts scene. Don’t forget to browse the food stalls too!

Take a River Cruise on the Danube

Name and Location: Danube river cruises depart from Győr’s Danube riverfront.

History and Significance: The Danube has long been an important trade and transport route connecting Europe.

What to Expect: Relaxing cruises along the Danube with scenic views of the city. Food, drinks and sometimes music provided.

Visitor Information: Cruises typically 1-2 hours long. Book ahead online, tours available.

No visit to Győr is complete without seeing the city from the water. Visitors can book cruises along the Danube that pass top riverside sights like the castle, Baroque center, and Dunakapu Square. Lunch and dinner options are available too.

Special event cruises include sunset tours and live music. Outside Győr, full-day excursions cruise downstream to attractions like the Danube Bend, Szentendre, and Budapest. Relaxing on the open upper deck with stunning water views is a must.

Conclusion

With its historic ambiance, cultural offerings, and abundance of outdoor recreation, Győr provides the perfect Hungarian getaway. By mixing crowd-pleasing sites like Győr Castle with special events and hidden gems, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable 2024 visit.

From soaking in thermal baths to sampling wines to admiring the city’s Baroque architecture, Győr truly has something for every type of traveler. Use this list to experience the best of this underrated destination in northwest Hungary.