The pretty city of Pécs is a strong competitor to Hungary’s capital, Budapest, for attractiveness and cultural offerings. Surrounded by vine-covered mountain slopes, and blessed with a mild climate and beautiful architecture, the city is a gem of a destination waiting to be discovered. Being named European Capital of Culture 2010 has led to Pécs refurbishing its central squares and museums, as well as converting parts of the old Zsolnay Factory to house a new exhibition hall, arts and crafts centre and theatre, one of the largest such projects in Europe. Here is just a sample of some of the delights Pécs has to offer…

Top 5 sights and attractions

See the remarkable Roman remains at the Cella Septichora Visitor Centre, a Unesco World Heritage Site. The centre displays sepulchral monuments such as the wine pitcher chamber, with rich wall-paintings; and the 4th-century Peter-Paul burial chamber, a two-storey construction with a chapel. More...

For a good mix of history, culture, food and relaxation, Hungary offers its fair share of attractions for tourists. My trip to Hungary took in quite varied pleasures, from relaxing in the Turkish baths of Budapest (try jumping from a boiling hot sauna into a pool of cold water) to intrepid quad driving through the beautiful, verdant fields and woods of the north-eastern Kisalföld region.

The Kisalföld offers not only nature, but also the pretty city of Györ and the historically rich Pannonhalma Monastery, perched on a hill with fine More...