Located in southwestern Hungary near the Croatian border, Pécs is one of Hungary’s most beautiful and culturally rich cities. Pecs has a population of around 140,000 (making it the fifth most populous city in Hungary) and is a mix of history, art and a laid-back atmosphere. The city has been a cultural melting pot for centuries, with its diverse architectural styles, vibrant art scene and rich history. With Roman ruins, Ottoman artifacts and contemporary galleries, Pécs is the perfect destination for anyone looking to explore Hungary beyond Budapest. In German, the city was formerly called Fünfkirchen, but now it is also commonly called Pecs.

Getting to Pecs

By plane: The closest international airport to Pecs is in Budapest (Liszt Ferenc International Airport), about 200 kilometers away. From Budapest, you can get to Pécs by train, bus or car. Another option is to fly to Zagreb (Croatia), which is about 120 kilometers away, and then drive to Pécs.

By train: Pecs is well connected to Budapest by train. The journey from Keleti Station in Budapest to Pecs takes about two and a half to three hours. The train is comfortable and offers beautiful views of the Hungarian countryside. Once in Pécs, the city is easy to explore on foot due to its small size.

By car: The journey from Budapest to Pécs takes about two and a half hours on the M6 ​​highway. If you have or rent a car, you also have the opportunity to explore the surrounding countryside and nearby attractions.

Attractions in Pecs (Fünfkirchen)

Pecs Cathedral (Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul): Pecs Cathedral is an impressive example of Romanesque architecture and the city’s landmark. The cathedral combines Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque elements and has been rebuilt several times over the centuries. Climb the tower for panoramic views of the city.

Zsolnay Cultural Quarter: This vibrant cultural quarter honors the Zsolnay family, famous for their pottery and ceramics. The quarter includes museums, galleries, workshops and cafes. The Zsolnay Porcelain Museum is another attraction in this district.

Pecs Early Christian Cemetery: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this ancient burial site dates back to the 4th century. The underground tombs are decorated with well-preserved frescoes depicting biblical scenes. Worth seeing.

Csontvary Museum: This museum is dedicated to the work of Tivadar Kosztka Csontvary (1853 to 1919), one of Hungary’s most famous painters. Csontváry’s paintings are known for their bright colors.

Pecs Synagogue: The Pécs Synagogue is a good example of Jewish architecture in Hungary in the 19th century. Beautiful building with lots of info about the Jews of Pecs and more.

Kiraly Street: This pedestrian street is the center of Pecs and is lined with charming cafes, good restaurants and interesting shops.

Mecsek Mountains: Located north of Pécs, the Mecsek Mountains offer excellent opportunities for short and long hikes. The TV tower on Misina Hill offers a great view of Pécs and the surrounding countryside.

Pecs National Theater: The Pécs National Theater, with its elegant neo-baroque architecture, offers a variety of high-quality performances, including opera, ballet and theater.

Villány Wine: The Villány wine region, just a few kilometers from Pecs, is known for its red wines. Take a day trip to explore the vineyards and visit the wineries,

Cave near Pecs: Located about 20 kilometers from Pecs, Abaliget Cave is a popular destination. Guided tours are available that provide an insight into the cave.