Györ is a European city in Northwest Hungary that is frequently overlooked by tourists. It is filled with a rich history, hearty Hungarian food, baroque architecture, and chummy locals. Due to its location, this town makes one fabulous day trip if you are visiting Vienna or Budapest.
In this article I’m excited to share why you should visit Györ for a day trip and some of the best things to do while you are there!
BACKGROUND ON GYÖR
Györ is a charming village located in Northwestern Hungary – close to the Danube River. It is centrally located between Vienna and Budapest and is the 6th largest city in Hungary.
This charismatic town is surrounded by vast meadows and forested hills. During the 15th-century Györ was rebuilt after being nearly destroyed by a fire.
HOW TO GET TO GYÖR
Getting to Györ is very quick and simple. The easiest way to arrive is by train, which is around a 60 minute commute from Vienna. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or on the day of your trip, at the train station.
However, I highly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance online for your day trip in Györ. Staff quickly informed us after purchasing our tickets there was a high probability we wouldn’t be allowed on the train for our day trip. The train was already overbooked with passengers, which was more than likely due to the holiday season. However, thankfully everything worked out and we made it Györ.
Tickets will cost you less than $30 USD if purchased outside of the holiday season or in advance. Our tickets cost us around EUR €50 roundtrip; however, it was right before New Year’s Eve and an hour before the next available train.
THE HUNGARIAN CURRENCY
The official currency in Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). Upon arrival, we immediately noticed the cost of everything was written in the HUF instead of Euros.
Thankfully, some restaurants and shops would allow us to pay in Euros, but not all of them. The cost of food and souvenirs in Györ is very inexpensive. So, you don’t need too much money for a good time for a day trip in Györ.
Make sure if you are using Euros, take small bills only if you’re not going to exchange it to the HUF. We were unsure if the specific places we visited could or would provide change back in Euros from large bills.
If you prefer to exchange your currency to HUF, the Corner Pénzváltó is nearby and will be happy to transfer your money.
LANGUAGE SPOKEN IN GYÖR
The primary language in Györ is Hungarian. Don’t expect many locals to speak English since tourism is very minimal there.
You may encounter frequent language barriers during your visit. But, it sure does make for one memorable experience. However, the locals do their absolute best to understand you and are extremely patient.
GETTING AROUND GYÖR
Everything in Györ is within walking distance from the train station. Going by foot is also a great way to delve deep into this city.
There are many narrow cobblestone streets that cannot be reached by car. You will discover some amazing hidden gems down these pathways.
THINGS TO DO IN GYÖR
Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect visiting Györ. Immediately after exiting the train station, the town appeared a tad bit outdated by the train station. However, as I began to continue to explore the city, I began to feel as if I stepped into an illustration from a fairytale.
Györ’s city center was brimming with multicolored homes, ornate churches, and baroque architecture around every corner. Here are the 6-best things to do if you find yourself in Györ for a quick day trip.
1) GYÖR TOWN HALL
A couple of meters away from the train station you will see the city’s primary landmark – Györ’s Town Hall. This Neo-Classical building has been open since 1898.
When you stumble upon the Town Hall, your eyes will immediately center on the 59-meter tower and its protruding green top. On the outside of the Town Hall, you will clearly see Györ’s coat of arms. Due to its colossal size – it makes it nearly impossible to capture it all in one photo.
Curiosity arose to see what was hidden behind those colossal doors of the Town Hall. We slightly peeked our heads inside the large wooden doors of the Town Hall building. What we discovered was a simply astonishing lobby. You’re promptly greeted with the most exquisite staircase and enormous marble sculptures dating all the way back to the 13th-century.
2) GRAB A BLUEBERRY BEER
After your journey and perusing Györ’s Town Hall – you may have built up quite a thirst and appetite. Go grab a bite to eat where the local’s hangout at Kotygós Café.
This was a hidden treasure we stumbled upon accidentally. Kotygós Café is one adorable nook on the off streets in Györ. It is a tiny café that only has 5-tables on the inside.
The interior is quaint and cozy and set up as if you’re inside a local’s home. Their menu is only in Hungarian, but the servers do their best to translate the items for you. Put that menu down, no need for it as I have great recommendations and you will not be disappointed!
Start off by ordering a beer for your beverage. Typically, beer is not my first pick for a libation when dining out. However, the server strongly recommended, not just any beer, but a blueberry beer.
This beer had my tastebuds simply dancing. To be completely honest with you, it was the best beer I ever had and would love to be sipping on one right now. Unfortunately, I have been unable to find this beer back home.
For my entree, I needed something hearty for our journey in the cold weather. I suggest ordering the salami, bacon, and cheese sandwich. Bread, meat, and cheese. It was pretty darn tasty and will satiate your appetite.
3) CATHEDRAL OF THE VIRGIN MARY
There are many Baroque cathedrals in Györ that are deserving of a visit. However, one church you must see is the Cathedral Of The Virgin Mary.
I absolutely love browsing the inside of churches and mosques when abroad. To my dismay, I was unable to tour inside of this chapel because it was closed during the holidays.
Hopefully, you will be able to enter the Cathedral Of The Virgin Mary if you visit outside of the holiday season. This church is a popular destination for the Hungarians. It apparently holds a beautiful painting called “The Irish Madonna of Hungary” that is significant to the locals.
4) CARMELITE CHURCH
Another breathtaking church to visit while in Györ is the Carmelite Church. This church cannot be missed with its blazing yellow baroque Italian exterior and ascending the onion-domed tower. The Carmelite Church’s had been around since its completion in 1725.
I wasn’t able to see inside, but rumor has it though the interior of the Carmelite Church is absolutely stunning. Apparently, you can find a pretty impressive alter and church organ with an angel centered perfectly on top.
The dome inside is also painted with assorted Biblical stories. Hopefully, you can browse the interior of the Carmelite Church during your visit to Györ.
5) GYÖR SYNAGOGUE
The Györ Synagogue was built between 1868 to 1870. The exterior is breathtaking as it was constructed with a neo-Romanesque style. You can spot its colossal grey dome from afar.
During the late 19th-century, the architecture of this building was used as an inspiration for other synagogues across all central Europe. Now, it is currently being occupied to host concerts and cultural events within the community.
6) BAROSS GÁBOR STREET
Walk along the pedestrian-only street Baross Gabor – which is not too far off from the train station. Exploring Baross Gábor is a great way to end your day trip in Györ.
This cobblestone street is filled with numerous cafes, shops, bars, and restaurants. Here is the perfect spot to find memorable souvenirs to take back home.
While perusing Baross Gabro, don’t forget to stop by one of the street vendors and try Lángos which is a Hungarian pizza. This is a portion of popular street food in Hungry that is a deep-fried flatbread. The Hungarians like to top it with either sour cream and grated cheese, garlic butter, or a splash of garlic water.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO SEE IN GYÖR
Here is a quick summary of some additional sites to see while spending a day in Györ.
- Bishop Lookout Tower – See Györ from a different perspective. Catch a view of this charming city from a tower.
- Divino – If you had enough of beer and ready to wind down, go sample some Hungarian wine at the wine bar, Divino.
- Get lost in Györ – Wander this picturesque town by turning on every winding street in Györ. The architecture and colors of this city are truly fascinating.
- Árkád – If shopping on Baross Gábor wasn’t enough, you are bound to get your fill at the 120-shops at Árkád.
- Szechenyi Square – Browse Györ’s main square that has a plethora of lovely shops, outdoor seating, and bars.
If you find yourself nearby, don’t overlook this quaint town in Hungary. Györ’s charisma will completely captivate you with all the culture this town holds!
We hope that this article has helped inspire you to visit Györ, Hungary. If you have any questions about the destination or have your own travel tips to share please leave these in the comments below.
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Our Top Places To Stay In Györ, Hungary:
- Hotel Famulus
- Barokk Hotel Promenád
- ETO Park Hotel
- Find the best price on hotels in Györ, Hungary
- Sign up to AirBnB and receive US $45 off your first booking
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We Are Travel Girls Contributor Chrissy Koulouris of JetLaggedRoamer.com
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