Things To Do
in Heves

Heves is a small town in northeastern Hungary, set among gentle hills and farmland. It serves as a quiet base for exploring the nearby Bükk Mountains and the region’s wine routes. The town enjoys a relaxed pace, with local cafés, markets, and seasonal events that showcase Hungarian hospitality.

Visitors can easily combine countryside walks with day trips to larger historic towns in the area.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Heves
morning
:

Arrive in Heves and settle into your accommodations. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional pastries and coffee. Take a stroll to familiarize yourself with the charming streets and vibrant atmosphere of the town.

afternoon
:

Visit the historic Heves Castle, where you can explore its medieval architecture and learn about its fascinating history. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the nearby park, surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of nature. Afterward, admire the local artisans at the Handicraft House, showcasing unique handcrafted goods.

evening
:

Savor dinner at a traditional Hungarian restaurant, indulging in local specialties such as gulyás and lángos. Experience the vibrant nightlife by visiting a local bar or tavern, where you can try Hungarian wines and socialize with locals. Conclude your evening with a peaceful walk along the riverbank, taking in the serene atmosphere.

day 2
Exploring Eger
morning
:

Take a short trip to the nearby city of Eger, renowned for its stunning baroque architecture. Start your day with a visit to Eger Castle, climbing to the top for panoramic views of the city. Enjoy breakfast at a café nearby, trying local favorites such as túrós csusza.

afternoon
:

Explore the beautiful Eger Minaret, one of the few remnants of the Ottoman occupation in Hungary. Visit the Dobó István Square, where you can relax at an outdoor café and sample traditional pastries. In the afternoon, head to the Eger Lyceum, a historic building housing a stunning library and observatory.

evening
:

Dinner at a local wine cellar allows you to sample famous Eger wines like Egri Bikavér. Enjoy a cultural performance at a nearby theater, perhaps a concert or local folklore dance. Stroll through the illuminated streets of Eger, soaking in the charming ambiance.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
Coffee (12 oz)$2-3
🚌Local transit ticket$1-2
🍺Beer at pub$2-4
🎟️Museum entrance$4-8

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Charming small-town atmosphere
  • Gateway to Bükk Mountains and wine regions
  • Limited nightlife and nightlife options
  • Longer trips required for major city amenities
  • "Köszönöm" - Thank you
  • "Szia" - Hi/Bye
  • "Jó napot" - Good day
  • "Beszél angolul?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Hol van a..." - Where is the ...?
  • "Kérek egy ajánlatot" - I would like a recommendation

Places to Visit in Heves

Visit one of these nice places.

Historic town square at dawn

Colorful facades, cobblestones, and the soft morning light create classic street photography scenes.

Riverside and green hills viewpoint

Wide, open landscape with water, fields, and distant hills for sweeping compositions.

Hilltop church or vantage point overlooking the town

A quiet perch offering a panoramic view of the town’s skyline and surrounding countryside.

Culinary Guide

Food in Heves

Hungarian countryside cuisine features hearty stews, paprika-forward dishes, fresh produce, and regional wines. In Heves, you’ll find homestyle meals at family-run inns and casual taverns, with easy access to vineyards further afield. Expect to pair robust flavors with local white and red wines from the surrounding hills. Vegetarian options are available but may require asking for meat-free preparations.

Heves Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Gulyás (Goulash)

A hearty meat stew seasoned with paprika, usually served with potatoes or nokedli (dumplings).

Must-Try!

Pörkölt with nokedli

Slow-cooked meat stew (often pork or beef) served with soft dumplings.

Lángos

Deep-fried dough topped with sour cream and grated cheese; garlic or sweet toppings are common.

Töltött paprika

Stuffed peppers filled with seasoned meat and rice in tomato sauce.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Heves Town Market

Weekly market offering fresh produce, cheeses, meats, baked goods, and small street foods.

Markets in Eger

Vibrant markets nearby with regional cheeses, wines, lángos, and kürtőskalács (chimney cake).

Climate Guide

Weather

Hungary experiences a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Expect warm July temperatures, cold winters with occasional snow, and pleasant springs and autumns.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A handshake is typical; address people by surname with polite titles when appropriate.

Dining

Wait to begin until everyone is served; speak in a measured tone in public spaces.

Safety Guide

Safety

Generally safe for travelers; practice normal precautions, watch belongings in crowds, and follow local guidance. In emergencies, dial 112 for police, ambulance, or fire.

Tipping in Heves

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Rounding up the bill or leaving 10-15% for good service is common in restaurants and cafes.

Payment Methods

Credit/debit cards are widely accepted in towns; smaller establishments may prefer cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm days with occasional thunderstorms; carry water, sun protection, and light layers for cooler evenings.

Autumn

Harvest time and wine routes are in full swing; pleasant temperatures and colorful landscapes.

Winter

Cold with possible snow; some outdoor trails may be icy and shorter daylight hours.

Spring

Mild temperatures, blooming countryside, and active wildlife; great for outdoor activities.

Nightlife Guide

Heves at Night

In Heves, nightlife tends to be low-key with cozy pubs and wine bars. For more diverse options, the nearby town of Eger offers a range of bars, live music events, and seasonal festivals.

Hiking in Heves

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Istállóskő cave trails (Bükk Mountains)

Popular cave and forest trails with scenic views.

Lillafüred nature trails

Forest trails near Miskolc with waterfalls and scenic landscapes.

Airports

How to reach Heves by plane.

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport

Main international hub; frequent connections to Hungary and beyond.

Debrecen International Airport

Regional hub serving eastern Hungary; connections to several European destinations.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is walkable with easy access to cafes, shops, and the riverside; some hills may require a car or bike for full exploration.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Ethnic Hungarians

Predominant population in the area.

Roma community

Present community with cultural contributions; integrated into town life.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport, with local clubs and matches.

Handball

Common in community and school teams.

Cycling

Popular on country roads and in the Bükk region.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light within town limits; good bus connections to Eger and other towns. Roads can be narrow in rural areas, so cautious driving is advised; trains connect to nearby cities.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Heves.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Choose dairy- and egg-based dishes, request meat-free versions of stews, or opt for mushroom-based plates.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare centers are available in Heves; for more comprehensive care, hospitals and specialists are located in Eger or Debrecen. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 112.

Discover Hungary

Read more in our Hungary 2025 Travel Guide.

Hungary Travel Guide