Nestled at the foothills of the Bükk Mountains, Hungary’s fourth largest city Miskolc charms visitors with its hillside setting and blend of historical sites and cultural attractions.

#	Activity	Description
1	Tour the Castle	Visit the historic Castle of Miskolc, dating back to the 13th century, with panoramic views.
2	Relax at Miskolctapolca	Enjoy thermal baths in naturally formed caves at Miskolctapolca.
3	Ride the Szinva Fogaskerekű	Take a nostalgic ride on Miskolc’s historic cogwheel railway.
4	See the Greek Orthodox Church	Admire the Baroque architecture and 18th-century frescoes of this church.
5	Tour the Cellars of Miskolc	Explore the historic cellars carved out of solid rock underneath Miskolc.
6	Taste the Wines of Tokaj	Sample sweet wines from the nearby historic Tokaj wine region.
7	Experience Folk Culture	Enjoy Hungarian folk heritage, including crafts and traditional dances.
8	Tour the Wooden Church	Visit the Greek Catholic Church with its original wooden interior and 1802 wall paintings.
9	See a Performance at the National Theatre	Attend a show at the illustrious Miskolc National Theatre.
10	Relax in Szabadtéri Thermal Bath	Soak in the open-air thermal baths surrounded by gardens.
11	Go Caving	Explore the caves in the Bükk Mountains with guided spelunking adventures.
12	Browse the Art Scene	Discover Miskolc’s art and culture through its galleries and street art.
13	Shop at the Market Hall	Experience shopping at Miskolc’s grand market hall with a variety of local goods.
14	Hike in Bükk National Park	Hike through the stunning landscapes of Bükk National Park.
15	Enjoy Green Spaces	Relax in Miskolc’s parks and gardens, including Tapolca Park and Avasi Arboretum.

While Miskolc often gets overlooked by tourists heading to Budapest, this Northeastern city rewards those who venture off the beaten path. In 2024 and beyond, new developments give travelers even more reasons to add Miskolc to their Hungarian itinerary. Here are 15 of the best things to do in Miskolc, Hungary in 2024:

Tour the Castle

Name and Location: Diósgyőr Castle in Miskolc, northeastern Hungary.

History and Significance: Ruins of a medieval castle first built in the 13th century, surrounded by lush grounds. Important archaeological site.

What to Expect: Exploring the restored exterior walls and remaining castle ruins. Picturesque views from the hilltop site overlooking Miskolc.

Visitor Information: Open daily. Admission fee around $5 USD. Walking tours available.

Perched atop a hill, the imposing Castle of Miskolc dates back to the 13th century when it was built to help defend against Mongol invasions. Explore the medieval stone walls and towers along with additions from the Renaissance and Baroque eras.

Inside, exhibits showcase archaeological finds and weaponry used through the centuries to control this strategic fort. Climb to the highest point for panoramic views over Miskolc.

Relax at Miskolctapolca

Name and Location: Miskolctapolca is a scenic cave bath complex on the outskirts of Miskolc.

History and Significance: Site features natural thermal springs and limestone caves since the 15th century. Popular spot for relaxation.

What to Expect: Swimming in warm mineral water pools inside atmospheric cave chambers. Spa treatments available.

Visitor Information: Open year-round. Admission fee around $15 USD. Towel/locker rentals available.

This unique thermal bath complex lies in the Cave Bath of Miskolctapolca just outside the city. Descend into naturally formed caverns and grottos to find sublime bathing pools of crystal-clear, mineral-rich thermal water perfect for a relaxing soak.

New waterslides and spa facilities open in 2024 for family-friendly fun. Above ground, stroll through the scenic microclimate of Tapolca Park surrounding the cave entrance.

Ride the Szinva Fogaskerekű

Name and Location: Szinva Fogaskerekű, a historic cogwheel railway in Miskolc.

History and Significance: One of the few remaining cog railways in Europe, operating since 1896. Key city landmark.

What to Expect: Riding the railway car uphill through picturesque forests to Lillafüred. Scenic views along the way.

Visitor Information: Operates daily. Fare around $5 USD roundtrip. Located near downtown Miskolc.

Catch a ride on Miskolc’s historic cogwheel railway dating back to 1908. The Szinva Fogaskerekű ascends nearly 1,000 feet up into the scenic Bükk Mountains.

From the quaint railway stations to the meticulously maintained original wooden coaches, this funicular offers a nostalgic transportation experience with panoramic views of Miskolc as you climb. At the top, hiking trails, restaurants and the Jávorkúti pihenő wait to reward your ride.

See the Greek Orthodox Church

Name and Location: Greek Orthodox Church in Miskolc, Hungary.

History and Significance: Built from 1791-1806, the church has unique late baroque architecture. Home to Orthodox icons and frescoes.

What to Expect: Viewing the ornate interior and golden iconostasis. Experiencing an Orthodox service.

Visitor Information: Located downtown. Open for services and visits. Free entry but donations welcome.

Built in 1799, this historic church with its ornate gilded iconostasis provides a beautiful example of Baroque architecture and Greek Orthodox traditions. Lavish interior details honour the church’s patron, Archangel Michael.

Intricate 18th century frescoes cover the soaring central dome and vaulted ceiling. Concerts performed on the church’s noted pipe organ enhance the amazing acoustics of this captivating space. Don’t miss the dazzling sight of the church lit up at night.

Tour the Cellars of Miskolc

Name and Location: Historic wine cellars underneath Miskolc, some dating back centuries.

History and Significance: Once used to store local Tokaj wine; many cellars now serve as atmospheric bars and event venues.

What to Expect: Exploring cavernous underground cellars with vaulted ceilings. Having a glass of wine in a unique setting.

Visitor Information: Located throughout the city. Many cellars are free to enter. Opening hours vary.

Underneath Miskolc lies a fascinating world of cellars carved out of solid rock dating back centuries. Join a group tour to safely navigate this damp subterranean maze while learning about Miskolc’s unique geology and the many uses of these caverns over time.

New lighting and art installations add atmosphere in 2024. Above ground, keep an eye out for cellar entrances marked by wrought iron gates peeking out between buildings around the city.

Taste the Wines of Tokaj

Name and Location: Tokaj wine region near Miskolc known for sweet wines.

History and Significance: Tokaj has produced acclaimed sweet dessert wines for centuries, holds UNESCO status.

What to Expect: Sampling famous Tokaji Aszú wines. Visiting area vineyards and cellars for tours and tastings.

Visitor Information: Tokaj is reachable by car or tour from Miskolc. Wineries open daily.

Sample acclaimed sweet wines made around the nearby historic Tokaj wine region established in the 1600s. Local wine cellars or ‘pincészetek’ offer tours, tastings and fine dining with scenic views of the vineyards.

In Miskolc, wine bars like DiVino provide relaxed spaces to try Tokaji Aszú and other celebrated Hungarian vintages. Don’t leave Miskolc without sipping its famous sticky-sweet golden wine.

Experience Folk Culture

Name and Location: Opportunities to experience Hungarian folk traditions exist throughout the Miskolc area.

History and Significance: Miskolc showcases Hungarian folk music, dance, costumes, arts, and cuisine.

What to Expect: Attending folk dance performances. Visiting museums displaying costumes. Sampling traditional foods.

Visitor Information: Check event listings for folk performances. Museums have entry fees around $5 USD.

The region surrounding Miskolc holds fast to Hungarian folk heritage, reflected in local festivals and performing groups. Watch master craftspeople demonstrate skills passed down for generations at the open-air Ethnographic Museum.

Don colorful costumes to learn regional dances during cultural workshops. Check the event calendar for festivals celebrating everything from harvest traditions to the winter solstice featuring lively music and dance performances.

Tour the Wooden Church

Name and Location: Wooden Church in Háromhuta village near Miskolc.

History and Significance: Built in 1741, it showcases intricate religious folk art and is UNESCO listed.

What to Expect: Viewing the church’s ornately carved interior and icons. Unique Gothic wooden architecture.

Visitor Information: Located in Háromhuta, about 35km from Miskolc. Small entry fee. Tours available.

The Greek Catholic Church in Miskolc retains its original wooden interior decorated with 1802 wall paintings by famed Hungarian artist István Dorfmeister. Intricate details honour the church’s saints and martyrs with a rare level of artistry.

While the exterior brickwork dates from 1912 renovations, the interior remains a sublime surviving example of an 18th century wooden church. Be sure to see it on your visit for an authentic slice of Hungarian cultural heritage.

See a Performance at the National Theatre

Name and Location: Miskolc National Theatre in downtown Miskolc.

History and Significance: Prestigious venue for theatre, opera, and dance since 1925.

What to Expect: Seeing top-notch performing arts in an elegant setting. Productions often in Hungarian.

Visitor Information: Box office open daily. Ticket prices vary by show. Tours available.

Catch a show at Miskolc’s illustrious National Theatre, founded in 1789 and rebuilt in an ornate Eclectic style after an 1843 fire. This grand cultural hub presents dramas, musicals, operas and ballet productions in an opulent setting.

Backstage tours provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse of elaborate costume and set design. With reasonable ticket prices, seeing a performance here makes for an affordable night out in Miskolc.

Relax in Szabadtéri Thermal Bath

Name and Location: Szabadtéri Thermal Bath complex in Miskolc-Tapolca.

History and Significance: Open-air baths supplied by natural thermal springs. Facility opened in 2012.

What to Expect: Bathing in relaxing mineral water pools surrounded by lush park setting.

Visitor Information: Open year-round. Admission around $15 USD on weekdays.

The open-air Szabadtéri Thermal Bath in nearby Lillafüred allows you to soak in the healing waters while surrounded by fresh mountain air and lovely garden landscapes. Pools of different shapes and sizes provide areas for swimming, relaxing, or playing with the kids.

Treat yourself to a massage or beauty treatment in the spa area. The baths stay open late into the night, making it easy to soak under the stars.

Go Caving

Name and Location: Caving opportunities in limestone caves around Bükk National Park near Miskolc.

History and Significance: The Bükk caves have unique stalactite and stalagmite formations to explore.

What to Expect: Descending into caves with headlamps and a guide. Navigating narrow spaces and seeing cave formations up close.

Visitor Information: Organized tours required. Offered seasonally, reservations needed. About $20 USD per person.

The Bükk Mountains hold over 1,000 caves perfect for guided spelunking adventures. Tour mysterious caverns like Istállós-kői Cave filled with dramatic stalactite and stalagmite formations. Learn cave exploration basics during thrilling beginners’ tours of Pálvölgyi and Szeleta Caves.

Experienced cavers can sign up for adrenaline-filled excursions through wild caves with underground climbing and rappelling. With endless subterranean options, a caving expedition makes for an unforgettable Miskolc experience.

Browse the Art Scene

Name and Location: Miskolc has numerous art museums and galleries.

History and Significance: Miskolc has a thriving arts community and hosts an annual arts festival.

What to Expect: Viewing Hungarian paintings, photography, and sculpture. Attending gallery openings and arts events.

Visitor Information: Major museums like the Herman Ottó Museum charge admission. Galleries are often free.

Miskolc celebrates art and culture through an array of small galleries perfect for getting to know the city and local artists. The Képtár-Ház features captivating contemporary photography and mixed-media art. Cutting-edge temporary exhibitions happen at Feledy Galeria.

The misunderstood Art Nouveau paintings of native son István Csók fill the Csók Gallery. Creative outdoor sculptures and murals add artistic flair around Miskolc’s streets and plazas.

Shop at the Market Hall

Name and Location: Central Market Hall in downtown Miskolc.

History and Significance: Historic indoor market with vendors selling local produce, meats, cheese, baked goods since the early 1900s.

What to Expect: Browsing stalls of fresh foods and local goods. sampling Hungarian delicacies. Lively atmosphere.

Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Sunday. No entry fee, just pay for what you purchase.

Shopping for local ingredients gets elevated to an experience in itself at Miskolc’s grand market hall with folk accents celebrating the region’s heritage. Sample cheese, cured meats and barrels of pickles sold by vendors in traditional dress.

Browse handicrafts and painted pottery for the perfect souvenir. The upstairs restaurant lets you take in the bustling market view while enjoying cheap, authentic Hungarian cuisine. Don’t miss the beloved market hall on your visit.

Hike in Bükk National Park

Name and Location: Bükk National Park, south of Miskolc.

History and Significance: Hungary’s first national park, established in 1976, filled with forested mountains, caves, streams.

What to Expect: Hiking on scenic wooded trails. Spotting wildlife like deer. Seeing karst rock formations.

Visitor Information: Trails suitable for all levels. Park open year-round. Entry fee ~$4 USD per person.

Lace up your walking shoes and venture into the lush forests, rolling hills and limestone canyons protected within Bükk National Park bordering Miskolc. Well-marked trails range from short nature hikes to more strenuous rock climbing routes.

Tour mysterious caves by lamp light. Overnight camping sites available for multi-day treks through this stunning landscape. With helpful guides and maps available in Miskolc, hiking the Bükk Mountains makes for an easy getaway.

Enjoy Green Spaces

Name and Location: Parks and gardens around Miskolc such as People’s Garden and University Botanic Garden.

History and Significance: Green spaces provide scenic areas for locals and visitors to relax in an urban setting.

What to Expect: Strolling landscaped grounds, enjoying fresh air. Picnicking and people-watching. Photographing flowers and fountains.

Visitor Information: Located within Miskolc. Largest parks open daily. Entry is free.

Lovely parks and gardens sprinkled around Miskolc provide scenic spots to relax. The mountain-fed thermal baths of Tapolca lie within bucolic Tapolca Park at the city’s edge. People watch from wrought-iron benches around ornate Szent István tér.

Don’t miss the sprawling Avasi ArboretumBlank displaying over 2,000 tree and plant species. When you need an urban escape, Miskolc’s lush green refuges offer fresh air and beautiful scenery.

Experience Bathory Castle

Name and Location: Ruins of Cachtice Castle near the town of Cachtice, associated with Elizabeth Bathory.

History and Significance: 16th century castle in ruins, linked to infamous Hungarian countess Elizabeth Bathory.

What to Expect: Viewing the ruined castle walls and towers perched on a hill. Learning about its macabre ties to Bathory.

Visitor Information: Located near Cachtice, about a 2 hour drive from Miskolc. Small fee to enter ruins.

Venture just outside Miskolc to find the well-preserved renaissance Bathory Castle, which offers guided tours of its ornate rooms and medieval weaponry collections. The scenic grounds contain the tomb of Countess Elizabeth Bathory, notorious for allegedly bathing in blood to retain her beauty.

Costumed tour guides recount the countess’s gruesome story and the castle’s strategic role in regional battles. On summer evenings, the candle-lit courtyard sets the mood for chilling ghost tours.

Conclusion

With its unique spa caves, historic castle, diverse art galleries, scenic hiking and excellent wine, Miskolc provides delightful discoveries off the tourist track. In 2024 and beyond, new developments continue to expand options for soaking in thermal waters, exploring wine regions, or basking in beautiful mountain vistas.

From medieval fortresses to underground caverns, Miskolc’s remarkable attractions make the city an ideal destination for adventurous travelers seeking authentic Hungarian experiences.