Things To Do
in Veszprém

A spicy paprika-based river fish soup made with carp or catfish — look for versions at restaurants around the Balaton and in Veszprém's taverns.

Must-Try!

Traditional Hungarian meat stews (beef, pork or game) served with dumplings or potatoes; widely available in local bistros and family restaurants.

Fried flatbread often topped with garlic, sour cream, cheese or other toppings — commonly found at markets, festivals and street vendors.

Freshwater fish specialties from the lake, sometimes smoked or grilled, often featured in local restaurants and seasonal menus.

Small indoor market selling fresh produce, local cheeses, sausages and baked goods — a good spot for sampling regional ingredients and small snacks.

During summer and festival weekends you’ll find lángos stands, grilled fish stalls and pastry vendors near the town centre and at events.

A polite handshake and direct eye contact are common; use formal titles until invited to use first names. Saying ’jó napot’ (good day) when entering shops or meeting people is courteous.

Wait for the host to start eating; keep hands visible above the table and use utensils for most foods. Toasts are common—maintain eye contact when clinking glasses.

Hungarians appreciate respectful curiosity about history and traditions; avoid loud or disrespectful behavior in churches and monuments.

Attempting a few Hungarian phrases (thank you, please) is appreciated even if English is widely understood in tourist areas.

Rounding up or leaving 10% at restaurants is common if service isn't included; for taxis, rounding up or adding 5–10% is acceptable. Small tips for hotel porters and housekeeping are appreciated but not mandatory.

Major cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels and shops; smaller vendors and some markets prefer cash (Hungarian forint). Contactless payment is common in urban places.

Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes make spring ideal for hiking and early festivals; expect occasional rain and still-cool evenings, so bring layers.

Warm to hot weather, busy tourist crowds, and active lake life at Balaton; long daylight hours are perfect for outdoor activities but book accommodation early for festivals and weekends.

Pleasant temperatures and beautiful fall foliage in the Bakony and Balaton Uplands; harvest season brings wine events and quieter streets after peak tourist season.

Cold weather with occasional snow; the town is quieter and some seasonal attractions close, but you can enjoy cozy cafés, thermal spas in the region and peaceful landscape photography.

The highest peak in the Bakony range with trails through mixed forest and ridgeline views; good for day hikes and panoramic photography.

Short coastal hikes around the peninsula, including routes to the abbey vantage points and birdwatching areas on the inner lake side.

Gentle walking routes through curated tree collections and monastery grounds, suitable for relaxed nature walks close to town.

Hills and volcanic ridges on the north shore of Lake Balaton offering varied trails, vineyard paths and dramatic lake-facing lookouts; best accessed by a short drive from Veszprém.

The majority population of Veszprém and the region; Hungarian language and culture predominate.

University of Pannonia and other institutions bring students and academics, contributing to cultural events and cafés geared toward younger crowds.

Many long-term, locally rooted families and older residents preserve traditional customs and community life.

A smaller community of expatriates and second-home owners, plus seasonal tourists and Balaton-area visitors during summer months.

Handball is very popular in Hungary, and Veszprém has a strong professional handball team (MOL-Pick Szeged and Telekom Veszprém are nationally prominent), drawing local support and regular matches.

Local amateur and youth clubs are widespread; national football is followed enthusiastically by many residents.

Lake Balaton fosters sailing, windsurfing and other water sports, popular among locals and visitors alike during the summer season.

Cycling for leisure and sport is common, with routes around the lake and in the Bakony Hills suitable for road and mountain biking.

Vegetarian options are increasingly available in cafés and bistros (salads, vegetable stews, egg dishes). Ask for vegetable-based versions of traditional dishes or for pasta/pizza menus. In markets you can buy fresh produce and cheeses, but some classic dishes are meat-heavy.

Vegan choices are more limited but possible in trendy cafés and by requesting vegetable dishes without dairy. Carry snacks or check menus online; larger towns and tourist-oriented restaurants are likelier to accommodate.

Awareness of gluten-free diets is growing; some restaurants offer gluten-free pasta/bread. Always mention ’gluténmentes’ and confirm food preparation to avoid cross-contamination.

Carry translations for key allergies (nuts, dairy, gluten) in Hungarian and inform servers; smaller kitchens may have limited allergy-proof options.