Located at the foot of the Mecsec mountains, Pecs is known as the ‘borderless city’ as it is home to many ethnic groups. It has a relaxed atmosphere, despite being Hungary’s fifth largest city.
After a lively week in Budapest followed by a relaxing time in Heviz by Lake Balaton, I decided to head towards Croatia. I was looking for one last stop in Hungary to break the journey and Pecs was on the way and I had read favourable online reports. I decided to book a stay for three nights before trying to get to Zagreb.
How To Get To Pecs From Lake Balaton
This initially looked more difficult than I had anticipated. There were no direct trains that I could find and I was finding it difficult to locate information about buses. In the end, I discovered that there was a direct bus and it left from Heviz station, meaning I didn’t have to take a local bus to Keszthely. More info can be found here: https://menetrendek.hu/.
Arriving in Pecs
The bus arrived on time at Pecs bus station which is approximately a 15 minute walk to the centre where my apartment was located. On first appearances, Pecs looked like any other non-descript city. It wasn’t filling me with confidence.
Where To Stay In Pecs
These are some of the best budget hostels in Pecs, according to user reviews. These are affiliate links to the Agoda web site. I receive a small amount for any bookings made through these links at no extra cost to you.
I stayed at a place called ‘Old Town Apartment’ (map) which was right in the centre of the old town. It was pretty much the only option within my budget and it was still more expensive than I had paid so far in Hungary, even more than the wonderful apartment I stayed at in Heviz.
Finding it was a chore! I had the address on Google Maps but once I reached my destination, there was nothing to suggest any rented accommodation.
I eventually found a door which led me into an alley where I eventually found a box with a key inside. One of the keys opened another door into a courtyard. From here, I had no clue. My only option was to try every door. Eventually, I noticed one window with a sign. I got close and it read “Old Town” in yellow marker so you couldn’t see it unless you were up real close. Useful. Still, at least I had found my digs!
The apartment was a little worn around the edges but it was OK. The WiFi was good and there was a kitchen with a limited range of utensils. No tin opener though. I mean, come on!
The first time I used the sink in the kitchen it leaked all over the floor. I informed the owner who came out to fix it but was unable to do so. He let me off with the city tax as an apology.
There really isn’t much choice for cheap accommodation in Pecs so this might be your best option. As I said, it’s a little run down but it’s adequate for a short stay.
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I paid £58 for a three night stay in an apartment with kitchen and bathroom.
Food And Drink In Pecs
As I had access to a kitchen in my apartment, I took advantage and saved some money by not eating out too much. I did, however, sample some of the local bars. Most can be found on the lively Kiraly Street (map).
Bohemia Sorkonyha
Serving traditional Czech food and artisan burgers with various Czech beers to wash it down with. The menu had a few tempting options but in the end I went with a pulled pork hot dog. The meat is smoked for 12 hours so my expectations were fairly high. I have to say, I was a little disappointed. The sausage wasn’t anywhere near as tasty as I’d imagined it would be. It was huge though; I had to use cutlery to eat it! Map.
Bohemia Sorkonyha
Csinos Presszo
Easily, the best bar in Pecs. Very much like the ruin bars in Budapest. The place is actually much bigger than you might think on entering. I only discovered most of it on my second visit. Good IPA on draught for a very reasonable price. A must-visit when in Pecs. Map.
Csinos Presszo
Nappali Bar
Located on the busy Kiraly Street, I came here for a beer on the first night. It is a good place for groups as it is sizable. They have live music on some nights, though not on the next night I visited despite a poster in the window saying there would be. Map.
Pécsi Kávé
Coffee shop located down an alley in the heart of the old town. The coffee is good and well-priced. They have WiFi and it just seemed like a very friendly place. I came here every day. On my last day, there was a Hungarian choir singing whilst sat sipping coffee. It was wonderful! Map.
Pecsi Kave
Sárkány Barlang Rock Pub
This was the first bar I visited as it was just around the corner from my apartment. Rock bars are usually friendly places so it seemed a good place to start. I didn’t really get the feel for this place. It had nothing to keep me there. I had the one drink and moved on. Map.
Things To Do In Pecs
Mosque of Pasha Qasim
Now a catholic church, this former mosque is an Ottoman monument, considered to be the most significant example of Turkish-Islamic architecture in the country. Visitors can experience the mihrab and enjoy interactive elements and animations that explain the history of the building and the area. Map.
Mosque of Pasha Qasim Opening Times: 9 am – 5 pm, Mon – Thurs & Sat. 9 am – 9 pm, Fri. 1 pm – 5 pm, Sun.
Mosque of Pasha Qasim Entrance Fee: 1900 HUF.
Mosque of Pasha Qasim
Pecs Cathedral
Built in 1009, this cathedral has relaxing gardens, religious art and a bell tower that you can climb. Unfortunately, it was closed on my visit. Map.
Pecs Cathedral Opening Times: 9 am – 5 pm, Mon – Thur & Sat. 9 am – 6 pm, Fri. 11.30 am – 5 pm, Sun.
Pecs Cathedral Entrance Fee: 1800 HUF.
Pecs Cathedral
Pecs Old Town
The heart of the city. This is where most of the interesting sights are. The old town is pretty and well maintained. Wander the cobbled streets of the old town with no particular direction and you will see some truly fantastic buildings.
Pecs Old Town
Buildings of Pecs old town
Romai Udvar
Saint Francis Church
Pecs Synagogue
Built in 1868, the synagogue began to fall into disrepair after the most of the Jews of Pecs were killed in the Holocaust. Restoration began in the early 1980s to what is the largest synagogue in western Hungary. Map.
Pecs Synagogue
TV Tower
The 197 metre tall tower stands proudly overlooking the city of Pecs. You can take an elevator to the top to enjoy the views of the city and of the Mecsek area. There is a restaurant at the top. You can take a public bus from the city centre and combine it with a visit to the nearby zoo. Map.
Pecs TV Tower Opening Times: 10 am – 6 pm, Mon. 10 am – 8 pm, Tue – Fri. 9 am – 8 pm, Sat. 9 am – 6 pm, Sun.
Pecs TV Tower Entrance Fee: 1300 HUF
TV Tower
Victor Vasarely Museum
Museum dedicated to the work of Victor Vasarely who was widely accepted as the ‘grandfather’ of the op-art movement. The museum is over two floors and shows his work from different periods. There is not much information about the man himself, unfortunately, but it is worth a visit for the art alone. Map.
Victor Vasarely Museum Opening Times: 10 am – 6 pm, Tue – Sun.
Victor Vaserely Museum Entrance Fee: 1400 HUF.
Victor Vasarely Museum
Zsolnay Cultural Quarter
A 19th century former ceramics factory that has been transformed into a cultural quarter with galleries, live music venues, craft shops and cafes. It’s a 20 minute walk outside of the centre but is worth checking out, particularly if there are any exhibitions taking place. For more info: https://www.zsolnaynegyed.hu/. Map.
Zsolnay Cultural Quarter Opening Times: 9 am – 5 pm.
Zsolnay Industrial Quarter
Other places of interest: Modern Hungarian Gallery, Zsolnay Museum, Early Christian Burial Chapel and Graves, National Theatre of Pecs.
Is Pecs Worth Visiting?
Pecs is worthy of two day visit as there are plenty of museums and historic buildings to explore. I wouldn’t necessarily go out of your way to come here but if you are in the region, it’s worth a short stay.
