Titled one of Europe’s Capitals of Culture, Pécs, Hungary is an overflowing treasure trove of monuments, squares, and gathering places. Also known as the “The Borderless City,” Pécs has been positively influenced by its neighboring countries. With Croatia to the immediate south, and Serbia to the east, plus influences and remains from Ancient Roman rule, Pécs is diversified in its architecture, events, and city-wide goings-on. It gives its visitors a wholesomely unique experience in sightseeing! Whether you’re into family-friendly activities at the zoo, cultural performances at the theatre, or strolling through art exhibits, you’ll want to keep reading to find the best things to do in Pécs, Hungary.
1. Challenge yourself with fun-filled adventure courses at Mecsextrém Park
Posted by Mecsextrém Park on Saturday, 30 March 2019
Think theme park mixed with an outdoor adventure center and you have Mecsextrém Park. Satisfy your thrill-seeking soul with a high-speed bobsled ride on 1 km (0.6 m) of track through the forest at wild speeds of up to 40 km/h (24mph) with Erdei Bob! Try to stay on the rodeo bull as it mercilessly tosses you around! Or get yourself good and lost in the Pine Maze and put your directional skills to the test as you find your way out. With nearly 20 different activities and adventure courses, it will be no difficult task spending a whole day here!
Mecsextrém Park
Address: Pécs, Mecsextrém Park, 7628 Hungary
Website: Mecsextrém Park
Opening hours: 10am - 7pm (daily)
Price: 14.81 USD
2. Explore Pécs' vibrant cultural life at Zsolnay Cultural Center
Posted by Zsolnay Negyed on Monday, 17 September 2018
The Zsolnay Cultural Center offers guests a unique chance to experience authentic Hungarian entertainment. Spend your evening wrapped in the music performed in the Center’s concert hall! From jazz trios to guitar soloists, the Cultural Center is always sponsoring an event to encourage a love the musical arts! Or, if you’re more into theatre, check the website’s schedule for performances from renowned actors you won’t want to miss!
Zsolnay Cultural Center
Address: Pécs, Felsővámház u. 52, 7626 Hungary
Website: Zsolnay Cultural Center
Opening hours: 6am - 1am (daily)
Price: 18.99 USD
3. Get up close with exotic animals at Pécs Zoo
Most Ön is segíthet nekünk a Tesco akciójában: látogatóink összefogásával Illat-és Fűszerkert épülhet a Pécsi...
Posted by Pécsi Állatkert és Akvárium Terrárium hivatalos on Thursday, 4 July 2019
Pécs Zoo is certainly bustling with all kinds of wild animals. What started as a simple exhibit of solely Hungarian wildlife has expanded over the years to display more than 2,000 animals in diverse habits, including an aquarium. Make sure your check the schedule of animal feeding shows, some of which include audience participation! You’ll get some serious attention when you post that picture of you feeding the Nile hippo!
Pécs Zoo
Address: Pécs, Ángyán János u. 1, 7635 Hungary
Website: Pécs Zoo
Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)
Price: 8.29 USD
4. Step into an oasis of blooms at Pintér Botanical Garden
Májvirág
Posted by Pintér-kert Arborétum on Sunday, 10 March 2019
Pack your hiking boots, for the Pintér Botanical Garden isn’t just your simple stroll. This garden is designed with two parts, an upper part and a lower area. The upper part is a very steep incline which showcases the unique growth of the oak trees on such a sharply slanting plane, as well as overlooks the karst forest of the Mecsek mountain range. The lower area offers guests the chance to wander through the Nagyharsány Sculpture Park and see the two small lakes from the winding stairways and passages, admiring the botanical beauty along the way.
Pintér Botanical Garden
Address: Pécs, Tettye tér 9, 7625 Hungary
Website: Pintér Botanical Garden
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 6pm; Mon - Thu: 8am - 4pm; Fri: 8am - 2pm
Price: 1.38 USD
5. Tour Pauline Church, a modern Hungarian architectural masterpiece
The Pauline Church is noted as one of the most beautiful churches in Pécs and is well worth a visit. Out front you will notice an elegant Zsolnay statue of the Virgin Mary, watching over the grounds. Once inside, you will immediately be in awe of the intricacy of the artwork put into the walls, ceiling, and even the floors, wondering how on earth someone could create a mosaic that high up. And then, take the stairs to the top of the tower for a bird’s eye, panoramic view of the city.
Pauline Church
Address: 7625 Pécs, Hunyadi János u. 72
Website: Pauline Church
6. Snap a photo beneath the famous almond tree by the Church of Our Lady of the Snows
The stunning Church of Our Lady of Snows stands regally on the southern side of the Szent István and still represents a place of peace and security to tourists and pilgrims alike. The church was originally built in 1727 and has since undergone various renovations, keeping the effects of time at bay. Also standing the test of time is the delicate, or not so delicate, almond tree out front – this 135-year-old gem continues to inspire generations and has become a “symbol of eternal growth and renewal,” as pronounced by the 2019 European Tree of the Year Award.
Church of Our Lady of the Snows
Address: Pécs, Havi-hegyi út 7, 7627 Hungary
Website: Church of Our Lady of the Snows
7. Make a pilgrimage to the Crucifix of Havihegy
The work of artist György Kiss, the Crucifix of Havihegy stands in front of the Havihegy Chapel and gazes out across the city. Climb up the gentle slope to the chapel and the crucifix, and admire Kiss’ skill in capturing the peace and tranquility of Christ up on the wood. Sit at its base and rest, letting the peace of the hill wash over you as you, too, gaze out over the beauty of the city.
Crucifix of Havihegy
Address: Pécs, Havi-hegyi út 7, 7627 Hungary
Website: Crucifix of Havihegy
8. Brave the labryinthine Tufa Cave of Tettye
Posted by Tettyei Mésztufa-barlang on Tuesday, 18 January 2011
Initially called “The Gate of Hell,” the Tufa Cave was used in the 1900s as an attraction used to frighten guests with the threat of a dragon hidden in its bowels. But don’t worry, nothing fire-breathing lives down there today. In fact, the Tufa Cave is primarily used as a teaching device to educate visitors on the science of caves and the “time traveling” which metaphorically can happen with the discoveries found down in the depths! That being said, be cautious when poking around dark corners, because those ancient dragons legends had to come from somewhere …
Tufa Cave of Tettye
Address: Pécs, Tettye u. 65, 7625 Hungary
Website: Tufa Cave of Tettye
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 4.14 USD
9. Explore Hungary's diverse religious history at the Mosque of Pasha Qasim
A still-standing indicator of the Turkish influence upon Hungary, this building formerly known as the Mosque of Pasha Qasim currently is a Catholic Church. The Mosque was originally built during the Ottoman conquest between the 16th and 17th centuries, but was converted to a church in 1702. However, the architecture of the building is highly reminiscent of Turkish design, both on the inside as well as the outside, and remains an important piece of history.
Mosque of Pasha Qasim
Address: Pécs, Hunyadi út 4, 7621 Hungary
Website: Mosque of Pasha Qasim
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 6.56 USD
Tip from tour guide
The Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the city centre of Pécs is an unequalled Ottoman monument of our country, the most important example of Turkish-Islamic architecture in Hungary. A pleasant, greenish-yellow light illuminates the church’s interior through the hive-patterned arched windows.
You can admire the finely decorated mihrab (praying niche), which faces Mecca, and you can also discover some calligraphic lines from the Koran scattered on the walls. Right next to the vestry, there are two vessels that had previously been used in the bath of Pasha Gazi Kassim and now serve as containers for holy water.
Visitors can wander around this enchanting building where the East meets the West, this sacred place where different religions interact, by using modern equipment, exciting interactive elements and animations. Thus, in the church that is considered to be the symbol of Pécs, we can get acquainted with the history of the edifice and its changing appearance throughout the past.
10. Climb Pécs TV Tower
Posted by Pécsi Tv-torony on Sunday, 3 June 2018
When you get to the top of the Pécs TV Tower, you’ve earned yourself some serious bragging rights as its rates as the tallest building in Hungary. Standing at 197 meters (646 feet) tall, you’re guaranteed the best view of the city from way up there. Climb to the top and then sit in the mostly windowed restaurant, sipping on your cocktail as you gaze at the city down below. Be sure to take pictures of the unbelievable views.
Pécs TV Tower
Address: Pécs, Misina tető, 7635 Hungary
Website: Pécs TV Tower
Opening hours: 9am - 7pm (daily)
Price: 6.10 USD
11. Pose with the groovy art at Victor Vasarely Museum
Victor Vasarely himself was born in Pécs and contributed heavily to Hungarian artistic culture. Sometimes considered the father of Op-art (optical art), Vasarely made a name for himself with his unique manipulations of shapes and colors. His paintings use optical illusions to enchant and play tricks with your eyes. You’ll want to take an afternoon to wander through the museum and see his works in person!
Victor Vasarely Museum
Address: Pécs, Káptalan u. 3, 7621 Hungary
Website: Victor Vasarely Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm
Price: 5.20 USD
12. Visit the quaint shops and cafes along Kiraly Utca
Kiraly Utca is a long side street branching off the main sqaure of Szechenyi ter. Along it you will find a wide range of shops, eateries, cafes, and bars, making it a nice place to spend an afternoon of wandering, shopping, and eating! And even if you aren’t planning on doing any shopping, the buildings which line the street are notable for their intricate architecture, allowing for a scenic place to walk.
13. Visit the striking sarcophagi in the Early Christian Mausoleum
This large mausoleum was uncovered in recently in 1975 and unearthed a wide amount of history with it. It was most likely built towards the end of the 4th century and belonged to a family of prominence, as indicated by its size. Today, take a look at the biblical images painted on the sides of the mausoleum, telling stories through the art, and marvel at the details which stood the test of time.
Early Christian Mausoleum
Address: 7621 Pécs, Szent István Sq.
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 4:45pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 6.58 USD
14. Admire beautiful ceramics at Zsolnay Múzeum
The Zsolnay family was a prominent influence in the flourishing of art in Hungarian history, especially in the specific area of pottery. Take a trip to Zsolnay Múzeum and wander the halls to admire the intricately formed pottery which they were known for. Or see the “Zsolnay Family and Product History Exhibition” to better understand the history of this immensely important family in Pécs’ history. Make sure you stop by the “Pink Zsolnay Exhibition” to find out the significance of the pink pottery!
Zsolnay Múzeum
Address: Pécs, Káptalan u. 2, 7621 Hungary
Website: Zsolnay Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 5.20 USD
15. Catch a show at the beautiful National Theatre of Pécs
The National Theatre of Pécs is not to be overlooked on your trip. From the stunning architecture and design of the theatre to the calibre of the performers themselves, you’ll be enchanted the entire night long! The Pécs Ballet Company has its home here, which promises for a stunning performance. Also, the theatre company is no stranger to opera, comedy, drama, and musicals, leaving you with the not-so-easy task of choosing just one event to attend!
National Theatre of Pécs
Address: Pécs, Színház tér 1, 7621 Hungary
Website: National Theatre of Pécs
Opening hours: (Box office) Mon - Fri: 10am - 7pm; Sat - Sun: 2pm - 7pm
16. Appreciate Csontváry's imaginative murals at Csontváry Museum
Named after Tivadar Csontváry Kosztka, the Csontváry Museum prides itself in showcasing the paintings of Hungarian artists, particularly Csontváry’s. His canvases are giant, and leave many spectators standing in awe of the emotions he was able to capture and transmit through his works. Though the museum is not large, it is not one to be skipped over since his artwork played such an important role in this country’s culture, not to mention the fact that they are remarkable in their uniqueness.
Csontváry Museum
Address: Pécs, Janus Pannonius u. 11, 7621 Hungary
Website: Csontváry Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 5.20 USD
17. Get a glimpse into the lives of bishops at The Bishop's Palace
The Bishop’s Palace was once used as a home for the elected bishop of the time, housing its first resident back in the 12th century. As time went on, the buildings which were built surrounding the cathedral became formally known as the Bishop’s Palace as they began to form a large unit close to the cathedral. Renovations and upkeep kept the palace ever-changing, giving it the mixed Renaissance/Baroque style which it has today. Visitors can walk through the parlour, chapel, library, dining room, conference room, and the Habsburg room to gain an understanding of what the clerical life was like.
The Bishop's Palace
Address: Pécs, Dóm tér 2, 7621 Hungary
Website: The Bishop’s Palace
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 4pm; Sat - Sun: 9am - 12pm
Price: 8.66 USD
18. See Pécs' only surviving minaret at Jakovali Hassan Mosque
The Jakovali Hassan Mosque still remains a mosque used by the Muslims in Pécs today and for this reason is an incredibly authentic representation of the influence the Turks had on this city. In fact, inside is an exhibition of artifacts donated to the mosque by the Turkish government. It is the only mosque in the city to be left untouched so it stands nearly five centuries old, complete with its minaret, as an awe-inspiring piece of history and culture.
Jakovali Hassan Mosque
Address: Pécs, Rákóczi út 2, 7623 Hungary
19. Listen to organ music at the Angster memorial
A Nyugati Várfalsétányon gurulva megcsodáltuk a „Tisztelet az Orgonaépítőknek – Angster Emlékmű” címet viselő alkotást....
Posted by Segway Pécs on Sunday, 12 July 2015
Dedicated to the renowned Angster József & Son Organ and Harmonium Factory, the Angster memorial stands in Pécs as a dedication to the immense work the company did by creating organs, many of which are scattered throughout Europe. Sit on one of the white benches beside the memorial, place your hand over the light sensing buttons on the armrest, and listen – you’ll be able to hear organ music as well as interviews about the rare and unique job of building such powerful instruments.
Angster memorial
Address: Pécs, Esze Tamás u. 5, 7624 Hungary
Website: Angster memorial
20. Enjoy a concert at Kodály Center
Posted by Kodály Központ on Wednesday, 27 September 2017
The Kodály Center cannot be missed due to its architectural modernism. Designed for optimum acoustics, you’ll want to not only take a tour of the building beforehand to learn the science which went in to designing such a theatr, but to also sit in on a concert to hear those acoustics at work. Check the website for concert and performance details, and get ready for a night at the theatre unparalleled by no other.
Kodály Center
Address: Pécs, Breuer Marcell sétány 4, 7622 Hungary
Website: Kodály Center
Opening hours: (Box office) Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm (closed on Sun)
21. Savor quality regional wines at Tüke Borház
Posted by Tüke Borház on Saturday, 13 May 2017
Tüke Borház offers not only a yummy restaurant experience, but an exciting wine tasting opportunity as well! And for those wanting a to add some richness to your wine tasting evening, opt for the chocolate wine tasting option where you’ll be guided in the proper chocolates to drink to amplify the flavors! Whether you fancy a moody merlot, a peppy rosé, or a light cabernet sauvignon, Tüke Borház guarantees to delight you!
Tüke Borház
Address: Pécs, 2, Böck János u. 39, 7625 Hungary
Website: Tüke Borház
Opening hours: Thu - Fri: 4pm - 10pm; Sat: 12pm - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 7pm from Mon - Wed)
22. Taste some delicious Balkan-style dishes at Blöff Bisztró
Posted by Blöff Bisztró on Friday, 28 September 2018
Reading the menu alone will make your mouth water at Blöff Bisztró! Flavored to the max, they take your typical chicken and fish items and toss exciting new spices and ingredients in to give it that Balkan twist. Try the chicken breast with sage and Panko crumb, cheddar cheese, dried ham, dried tomato, and a green herb risotto on the side. Pair it with a nice glass of red wine, and top it off with some Belgian chocolate pie for a meal you won’t soon forget!
Blöff Bisztró
Address: Pécs, Jókai tér 5, 7621 Hungary
Website: Blöff Bisztró
Opening hours: 11am - 12am (daily)
23. Tap into your artistic side at the Gallery of Modern Hungarian Art
Stroll through the Gallery of Modern Hungarian Art and admire the many different pieces of 20th-century Hungarian art. Keeping with the trend of modernism, the galleries and exhibits are ever-changing according to the up-and-coming artists, offering something new and interesting each time you visit! Always be sure to check the museum’s schedule of events as there are regularly scheduled art walks and shows for the art enthusiasts!
Gallery of Modern Hungarian Art
Address: Pécs, Papnövelde u. 5, 7621 Hungary
Website: Gallery of Modern Hungarian Art
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 2.42 USD
24. Hang out in the eclectic vibe of Csinos Presszó
Csodás napsütés❤️?????
Posted by Csinos Presszó on Saturday, 13 October 2018
From random food to random furniture to random entertainment, Csinos Presszó is a restaurant totally in its own category. As the website itself says, “just come see.” Order whatever you’re in the mood for, whether that be a hamburger or a burrito or something in between, and allow yourself to be pleasantly surprised with whatever kind of entertainment they have on the docket for the evening! Csinos Presszó promises a new and unique experience every time you visit!
Csinos Presszó
Address: Pécs, Várady Antal utca 8, 7621 Hungary
Website: Csinos Presszó
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 2am; Fri: 10am - 3am; Sat: 12pm - 3am; Sun: 12pm - 12am
25. Indulge in Hungarian desserts at Jókai Cukrászda
Posted by Jókai cukrászda on Tuesday, 18 June 2019
Talk about desserts that look too good to eat! Jókai Cukrászda stocks its cases with stunning displays of traditional and modern Hungarian desserts–cookies, biscuits, rolls, cakes, and macaroons so artistically decorated you’ll wonder it isn’t made of plastic! Order a couple of macaroons, or maybe a gooey lava cake, and thrill your tastebuds with these delicacies and a well-paired cup of coffee.
Jókai Cukrászda
Address: Pécs, Jókai tér 6, 7624 Hungary
Website: Jókai Cukrászda
Opening hours: 10am - 9pm (daily)
26. Pick up fine leathercraft souvenirs at Bottlik Kft
Everyone likes a good souvenir but everyone loves a handmade piece of leather artwork from a local Hungarian store! Stop by at Bottlik Kft for some truly gorgeous leather goods. Peruse the rows of handmade book bags, purses, wallets, belts, key chains, and even phone cases. And of course, check out their selection of shoes for a little something new to spice up your favorite outfit!
Bottlik Kft
Address: Pécs, Szabadság u. 8, 7623 Hungary
Website: Bottlik Kft
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
27. Shop till you drop at Pecs Árkád
Posted by ÁRKÁD Pécs on Friday, 17 August 2018
With 130 top-quality stores in one mall, you’ll want to throw self-control out the window and treat yourself at Pecs Árkád. Make sure you’re looking super cute with some new beachwear from Dockyard; get some trendy new kicks at CCC; rock the latest runway fashion from Cosmos City; and at the end of the day, treat yourself to some unique flavors of gelato at Gelati to top it all off!
Pecs Árkád
Address: Pécs, Bajcsy-Zsilinszky u. 11/1, 7622 Hungary
Website: Pecs Árkád
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 8pm; Sun: 10am - 6pm
28. Admire the stunning Hungarian Academy of Sciences
Contributed by Tour Guide, Ildiko Varga
The Hungarian Academy of Sciences building in Pécs was built in 1884 as the mansion of the Vasvary family. The Italian-style villa is richly decorated with pirogranite elements of the Zsolnay factory. Its beautiful architecture and intricate details are definitely worth seeing.
29. Check out Zsolnay Mausoleum
Contributed by Tour Guide, Ildiko Varga
After Vilmos Zsolnay, founder of the Zsolnay factory, passed away in 1900, his son had the mausoleum erected right next to the factory on top of a little hill that had been the scaffold of the city before. The small hill used to be a dear place for the founder of the factory. He had spent a lot of time just gazing down at the factory lying underneath.
The ore coffin of Vilmos Zsolnay was put to its eternal rest in the crypt of the family in 1913, and he was followed by his wife Terézia Bell in 1919. The only other person lying in the crypt today is their son Miklós because the mortal remains of the other family members had fallen victim to destruction. After which, they were reburied in the Pécs Cemetery of Honour in a damaged state in 1986. Legend has it that at the time of the winter solstice when the sun is at its zenith, the light coming in unravels the secret of eosin, the famous invention of the Zsolnays.
Art and culture all in Pécs
With various art museums and performance theaters, Pécs certainly offers a wide variety of entertainment for the art enthusiast. And for the history buff, mosques, churches, and mausoleums abound! And don’t forget the adventurer, who’ll be thrilled at the chance of diving into a cave or careening past on a bobsled. Varied in so many ways, the things to do in Pécs will never leave you bored!
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data