Things to see and do on your trip to Tokaj?

Tokaj is a small town of just 5,000 inhabitants located in the heart of the wine-growing region, so its main attraction is the numerous wineries and restaurants where you can taste its excellent quality wines. In addition, we highlight the sights to see in and around Tokaj, and the old buildings that still have their charm intact, such as churches and synagogues. Ready to find out more about Tokaj?

What places to visit in Tokaj

Tokaj gives its name to both the quintessential Hungarian wine-growing region and the small town that serves as its capital, due to its strategic position on the banks of the Tisza River. While there is plenty to do in the region, there is very little to see in Tokaj town. However, it is worth making the town the centre of operations for getting around the area, as it is well-connected and very quiet. In your free time, you can also visit the following places in Tokaj.

1. Wineries to see in Tokaj

Wine tasting is a must if you travel to Tokaj. There are numerous wine cellars and bars in the town that offer tastings of the region’s typical wines, such as Aszú wine. One of the best-known wineries is Hímesudvar, where for 9€ you can taste five different wines from the region and learn how they are made. You can also buy bottles there for a very good price.

Erzsébet Winery is another winery to see in Tokaj. From the outside you can’t imagine the vats they keep in the cellar, where before the tasting they give you a tour and explain the whole process. The visit lasts between 2 and 3 hours. Also, as it is located on the outskirts of the village, it has good views of the vineyards.

2. Temples to see in Tokaj

Due to its good location, Tokaj was a trading town characterised by its diversity. Proof of this are the numerous temples of different religious lines that endow the town with history. There are five churches to see in Tokaj: a Roman Catholic, a Calvinist, a Greek and a Russian Orthodox church, as well as a synagogue. They’re all within a five-minute walk of each other, so you can visit them all in one stroll.

3. Tokaj Museum

This small museum is probably the most interesting thing to see in Tokaj. It’s built in an 18th-century house, and inside it tells the story of the region’s wine-growing history. There are also exhibitions of local artists and old ecclesiastical items. Entry to the museum costs 800HUF, but it’s worth it as it’s fun, very interactive and interesting, perfect for children.

4. Cruise on the river Tisza

The Tisza River is one of the largest rivers in Hungary, and its main feature is that it is navigable. For this reason, cruises of between two days and a week are organised by boat along the river, stopping at points of interest in the country, with Tokaj being one of the main stops. A 9-day cruise costs about €1700.

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What to see around Tokaj

The area around Tokaj is a collection of vineyards stretching for miles around into Slovenia. Among them are small, picturesque wine-growing villages where the wineries are located, and there are plenty of areas to stroll through surrounded by nature.

1. Tarcal hilltop

A mere 10 minutes’ drive away is Tarcal hilltop, a small hill crowned with a statue of a Christ. It takes about 25 minutes to get to the top and it’s definitely worth it for the views. From the top you can see all the terraced vineyards. The trail ends at the Kikelet winery, in case you want to finish the walk with a nice glass of local wine.

2. Sárospatak 

This small university town near the Slovak border is a must-see in Tokaj. The university library can be visited, and they run tours in English every day from 9am-4pm. The town also has a Gothic castle with some Renaissance and Romanesque elements. Inside is the Rákóczi museum, dedicated to Hungarian history.

The village is about 35 minutes’ drive from Tokaj, and between 1.5 and 2 hours by public transport (it’s not very well connected). It’s worth spending a morning in this pretty village enjoying its streets and gastronomy.

3. Mád

Mád is another obligatory stop in the Tokaj region, which can be reached by car in just 20 minutes. In the village is a beautiful Orthodox synagogue built in the 18th century by a community of Jewish wine merchants. Just behind the building there is also a visitors’ centre and a Jewish cemetery about 25 minutes’ walk away.

Another 25 minutes from the centre is the Szent Tamás vineyard, one of the most beautiful vineyards in Tokaj. You can stroll among the vines growing on volcanic soil. And at the end of the road you will reach the top of the hill, where the views are a real spectacle.

4. Boldogko Castle 

This is a medieval fortress built on the Zemplén hill near the village of Boldogko. From the fortress there is a footbridge over the crest of the hill from where the views are breathtaking. Boldogko Castle is almost an hour’s drive from Tokaj, but it’s well worth the trip if you’re also going to see some of the local wineries.

What to see in Tokaj in two days

Tokaj is a perfect weekend destination. It’s a peaceful and beautiful place to take long strolls enjoying the views and indulging your taste buds with its fine wines and cuisine. But apart from that, there is not much else to see in Tokaj. That’s why two days is perfect.

In this time you can visit a couple of wineries, discover the medieval villages of Tokaj, Mád or Sárospatak, stroll through the vineyards and climb the hills from where the views are perfect. You can also visit the wine museum in Tokaj, look for its many churches and buy other typical local products such as honey and vinegar. But don’t rush, and enjoy every moment of it.

How to get to Tokaj

Tokaj is fairly well connected to Budapest, so the best option is to fly into the capital’s airport and take the train from the city centre. Trains run regularly from Nyugati and Keleti stations to Tokaj, taking 3.5 hours and costing HUF3890 (€12).

The Intercity train is a faster alternative, taking only 2h30. However, it is slightly more expensive at 4430 HUF (€15). Another option is to rent a car at Budapest Airport. This is the best option if you’re going to be driving around Tokaj.

Best Restaurants in Tokaj

The most famous product of the Tokaj region is undoubtedly wine, however, there are also other products such as honey or wine that deserve our attention. In fact, many shops have their own museums to see in Tokaj.

• LaBor Bistro: one of the most famous restaurants in the city for the presentation and quality of its dishes. Its menu offers Hungarian as well as Central European and Mediterranean specialities, and you can eat very well for less than 15€.
• Szedmak Wine House: is a spectacular place to sample local wine as it’s surrounded by vineyards and the views are breathtaking. The price ranges from €10 to €50 and includes a guided tour of the winery.
• Tímári Fish Fryer: As the name suggests, this place specialises in fried fish. The portions are plentiful and the prices are very reasonable. Be prepared to get your hands dirty, though. Another plus point is that it’s located on the banks of the river and is a very pleasant spot.
• Tokaji Kaveporkolo Manufaktura: is a nice coffee shop with top-quality coffee. They also have local cakes and pastries, making it a good place to have breakfast or a snack.

Best accommodations in Tokaj

In the Tokaj region there is a wide range of accommodation at very good prices. There are hostels, guesthouses, cottages and flats where you can spend a wonderful stay surrounded by vineyards. Here is a small selection of places to stay.

•  Tokajvár Hotel: is a really cosy 3-star hotel. It is located in the village of Tokaj, just a few metres from the river Tisza. The price per night is 60€.
• Bogoly Apartman: these flats are located right in the centre of Tokaj. They are simple but have common facilities such as a garden, barbecue and table tennis. The price per night is 50€/night.
• Öregakác Vendégház: is a beautiful 3-bedroom cottage with a garden and magnificent views. It is located in Tiszaladány and costs 76€ per night.
• Huszárvár Hotel Kastélyszálló: for €30 a night you can stay at this hotel in Szerencs. It’s a quiet hotel that also serves a wonderful continental breakfast.

Travel tips to Tokaj

• The official currency of Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF).
• We recommend that you exchange money before you set off on your trip, as it will be cheaper.
• As European citizens, we don’t need a visa to enter the country either, just an ID card or passport is enough.
• The best time to travel to Tokaj is in spring and autumn, when there are fewer tourists and temperatures are mild.
• Buy museum tickets in advance to avoid queues.
• The city is safe, but as with any tourist destination, it’s best to be careful with your belongings.
• Be covered for possible medical emergencies: travel insured.
• Pack plenty of room in your suitcase to buy wine. And remember you’ll have to check it on the plane home.

Organise your trip to Tokaj

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• Add the stops you’re most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
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Frequent questions when travelling to Tokaj