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Hassan Jakovali's mosque in Pécs
Not to be confused with Peć.

Pécs (PEH-ch) is a town in the south-west of Hungary. Pécs is the administrative and economical centre of Baranya County The city has Mediterranean atmosphere and a treasure-house of science, arts and sacrality. It had famous and glorious periods. Here are several values of the Roman times, the Middle Ages, the Turkish occupation and the development of the middle-class are built on one another or next to one another such as Gothic, Renaissance, baroque dwelling houses, Christian churches and Islamic houses of prayer, djamis and minarets, baths and public buildings.

Understand

Located on the slopes of the Mecsek mountains. The heritage of the past goes back to the neolithic age. The territory always provided good essential conditions for the different ethnic groups who settled down here, which is proven by the arcaheological findings excavated here. Founded as Sopianae 2000 years ago by the Romans (most relics date back to the this period) and known as Fünfkirchen by the Germans.

After the period of migration, St. Stephen founded an episcopate in Pécs around 1009.

Pope Urban signed the foundation document of the university during the reign of Lewis the Great, in 1367, - consequently the town of Pécs became the seat of the first university of Hungary.

Today's Pécs is a pleasant small (but still one of the largest in Hungary) university town that has largely escaped the ravages of both communist-era architecture and modern-day mass tourism. In 2000, the Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is one of the European Capitals of Culture in 2010.

Get in

By train

By bus

  • 2 Bus Station (Autóbuszállomás Pécs, Pécsi Távolságiautóbusz-állomás), Nagy Lajos király útja (Northeast 600m of Railway Station), ☏ +36 72 502-500, fax: +36 72 311-055. Season ticket Cashdesk M-F 6.30–18.00, 6.30–12.00. Numerous buses from all directions (including from cities in northern Croatia) serve the city. Buses to Budapest's Nepliget station operate numerous times daily (timetable), though the trip is slower than the train, and far less scenic or comfortable. 

By plane

  • 3 Pécs Airport (Pécs-Pogány Repülőtér), Pogány Village (6km South), ☏ +36 72 526 140, fax: +36 72 526-144, . opened in 2006 and currently there are year-round flights to Corfu in Greece. There are no timetabled, domestic flights operating in Hungary at present. 

Get around

The core of Pécs is small enough to cover on foot, but for those who wish to explore the town, there is a cheap and efficient bus service, single tickets are available for 360 HUF from the driver or HUF280 from the many kiosks dotted around the city. Make sure you have tickets, the bus inspectors have no mercy and will fine clueless foreigners.

Volan Taxi and Euro Taxi are both safe.

See

Holy Places

Inside the Catholic Church on the main square (once the Mosque of Pasha Ghazi Quasim)
Love padlocks in down-town
  • 1 Early Christian monuments (Kora keresztény síremlékek), Multiple ( Szent István tér, Apáca utca) (In the Old Town, close to Csontváry Museum). Remains of Sopianae, the Roman city of some 8-10,000 people in Pannonia Province, are found at several points below the inner city. The most important one is the Early Christian Necropolis, a World Heritage site dating back to the 4th century and the largest necropolis remaining in the European provinces. Currently, seven of the burial chambers are open to the public under the name Cella Septichora; the main visitors’ complex includes Cella Septichora, the Peter-Paul Chamber (Péter-Pál - sírkamra), the Chamber of Jugs (Korsós sírkamra), a baptismal chapel converted into a burial site and chambers III, IV, XIX and XX. Many of the chambers are unadorned; some have surviving figurative and geometric frescoes dating back to the date of their construction and similar to Roman catacomb paintings in their style and symbology, including the St. Peter and Paul Chamber with one of the earliest depictions of Virgin Mary. A unique feature of the site is the presence of two-level chambers, which originally served a dual role for both burial site (cubiculum) and ceremonies (memoria). - The Chamber in Apaca Street build in 390. 
  • 2 The Mosque of Pasha Quasim (Gázi Kászim pasa dzsámija - Belvárosi Plébániatemplom), Széchenyi István square, 2 (Near to Hotel Főnix), ☏ +36 30 474 0175. From 14.02.2014 temporarily closed. Built on site and from the stones of Saint Berthold’s gothic church by Pasha Quasim the Victorious, the Turkish character of the church was restored during the most recent, early 1940s renovations. Inside the building, which functions as a Catholic church, frescoes depicting quotes from the Qur’an from the 16th century are visible. The other mosque in the city, built by Yakovali Hassan, is located at Kórház Square at the western terminus of the main pedestrian street, and is also open for visit when not in religious use by the city’s Muslim community. 
  • 3 Cathedral (Pécsi bazilika és székesegyház), Szent István tér 14 (Right north of Early Christian monuments), ☏ +36 72 513030. The Cathedral of Pécs dates back to the 11th century and the times of Peter Orseolo, second king of Hungary. Bearing the traces of the Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance periods as well as the Turkish conquest when it was partially used for storage. It was renovated in Rococo and Classicist styles, but gained its modern form in the 1880s, when it was mostly restored to its imagined Romanesque origins, destroying much of the subsequent decorations. On John Paul II’s papal visit in 1990, the Cathedral gained the rank of Basilica Minor. 

Museums

Ancient Christian tombchapel 'gave' World Heritage title to the City
  • 4 Archaeological Exhibition (Early Christian Mausoleum, Régészeti Kiállítás), Széchenyi tér 12. (By buses 34, 35 and 36 from the railway station – get off at Barbakán bus stop and walk two minutes through Esze Tamás Street to Szent István Square.), ☏ +36 72 213719, . Opening hours Apr-Oct Tu-Su: 10.00-17:30, Mo: closed - Nov-Mar Tu-We, Su: 10.00-15:30, F-Sa 10.00-16:30, Mo: closed. The upper part of the two-storey building was a chapel while the lower part, decorated with murals depicting scenes from the Bible, functioned as a burial chamber. - Buy some souvenir in museum shop. Guide: Available Admission: Adult HUF1700, reduced 900 Entrance fee included visiting the Cella Septichora Visitor Centre. (2014). 
  • House of Arts and Literature (Művészetek és Irodalom Háza), Pécs, Széchenyi tér 7-8, ☏ +36 72 510628, fax: +36 72 510629, . An exhibition hall different - mostly contemporary - exhibitions. Locatad in 'Elaphat building complex' in the Hoitsy house (late Baroque, end of the 18th century), and the Piatsek house (second half of the 19th century). Events: classical chamber music, jazz, and world music presentations, chamber theater and literary programs 
  • 5 Csontváry Museum (Csontváry Múzeum), Janus Pannonius u. 11. (Centre), ☏ +36 72 310544. Opening hours Tu-Su 10.00-18.00. This museum houses the largest collection of visionary painter Tivadar Kosztka Csontváry. A pharmacist by trade, Csontváry became a self-educated painter after receiving a vision at the age of 27 with a voice announcing “you will be the greatest sunway painter, greater than Raphael!” Gradually abandoning his civilian profession, he travelled the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Middle East as well as the Dual Monarchy for inspiration, and painted strange vistas of vivid colour in a unique style that has traces of post-impressionism and expressionism, but ultimately defies classification. Csontváry has been praised by Dalí as the second greatest painter of the century after himself. A must-see. HUF1200. 
  • 6 Ethnographic Exhibition (Néprajzi Kiállítás), Rákóczi u. 15. (East of Museum of Natural History), ☏ +36 72 315-629. Tu-Sa 10.00-16.00. It presents the material and spiritual culture of Hungarian and ethnic minority groups of Baranya county. Here is the second largest textile collection of Hungary. HUF500. 
  • Gyugyi Laszlo Collection (Gyugyi-gyűjtemény), Pécs, Zsolnay Vilmos utca 37 (Next to Miner Museum), ☏ +36 72 500350, +36 20 2354722 (Mobil), . Apr-Oct M: closed Tu-Th, Su: 10.00-18.00, F-Sa: 10.00-19.00. - Nov-Mar M: closed, Tu-Th, Su: 10.00-16.00, F-Sa: 10.00-17.00. Laszlo Gyugyi's private collection. It covers two period of art era is historicism and secession. There are some of the most beautiful ceramics of the 'Golden Age' of Zsolnay Factory. - Guided tour available by appointment HUF5000 Adult: HUF1400, reduced: HUF700. Photo/Video ticket: HUF500. 
  • 7 Modern Hungarian Gallery I. (Modern Magyar Képtár I.), Káptalan u. 4., ☏ +36 72 514040. Opening hours Tu-Sa 10.00-16.00. Parts of its: Amerigo Tot Museum. http://www.jpm.hu/index.php?m=1&s=2&id=44 Martin Ferenc Museum. A collection of works of Ferenc Martyn (Kaposvar, 1899 - Pécs, 1986), sculptor, painter, graphic designer, illustrator 
  • 8 Modern Hungarian Gallery II. (Modern Magyar Képtár II.), Papnövelde u. 5. (Next to Miner Museum), ☏ +36 72 514040, fax: +36 72 514042, . Opening hours Tu-Sa 10.00-16.00. A permanent exhibition of the Modern Hungarian Gallery presents the broadly interpreted 20th and 21th centuries Hungarian Art, paintings, sculptures, installations. HUF500. 
  • 9 Miner Museum (Mecseki Bányászati Múzeum), Káptalan utca 3 (Old Town), ☏ +36 30 2185659, +36 99 338902, . Opening hours Tu-Sa 10.00-18.00 (WINTER until 16:00). The Mining Museum of Pécs located in a part of the former wine cellar storage system with several levels below where they show eliminated coal and uranium mining relics of the region. Adult: HUF700, reduced: HUF350. 
  • 10 Museum of Natural History (Természettudományi Múzeum), Szabadság u. 2. (Located on south part of the Old Town), ☏ +36 72 213419, . Tu-Sa 10.00-16.00. Adult: HUF500, reduced: HUF350. 
  • 11 Local History Exhibition (Várostörténeti Kiállítás), Felsőmalom u. 9. (Located on eastern part of the Old Town), ☏ +36 72 310165, +36 72 514040, . Opening hours Tu-Sa 10.00-16.00, closed on Sundays, Mondays. The exhibition on the history of Pécs,-between 1686 and 1948,-located in a former tannery house On the first floor there are two interiors: one in biedermeier-style and a sitting-room from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries.In the exhibition there are objects, documents, photos, interiors, models of buildings and the town. The intimate court of the tannery can add to the visitors' impressions. - Gift shop. Adult: HUF700, reduced: HUF350 (2014). 
  • Pink Zsolnay Exhibition (Rózsaszín Zsolnay Kiállítás), Zsolnay Vilmos utca 37 (Take bus to the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter: 2, 2/A, 20, 20/A, 21, 31, 31/A, 43, 60 - Get off at "Zsolnay Negyed" or bus 27, 40 - Get off at "Bóbita Bábszínház" or "Csillag utca"), ☏ +36 72 500350, +36 20 2354722 (Mobil), . Apr-Oct Tu-Th, Su: 10.00-18.00, F-Sa: 10.00-19.00. - Nov-Mar Tu-Th, Su: 10.00-16.00 F, Sa: 10.00-17.00. The best of everyday objects for visitors. Each piece is unique. - Guided tours can be ordered, available in different languages. Adult HUF1200, Reduced ticket HUF600 (2014). 
  • Planetarium of Pécs (Planetárium Pécs), Zsolnay Vilmos utca 37. (See at 'Pink Zsolnay Exhibition'), ☏ +36 72 500350, +36 20 2354722 (Mobil), . Th-Su: According to schedule, Mo: closed. Offers substantial pastime for all ages. 45-persons capacity. You can do time travel into the past and the future. HUF1100/700 (2014), - in foreign language: HUF4000 per group. 
  • Puppet Museum and Theater, Pécs, Felsővámház utca 50., ☏ +36 72 210301, +36 20 9675999 (Mobil), fax: +36 72 211791, . Opening hours Mo-Fr 09.00-16.00, Sa 09.00-18.00, Su closed.. This is an interactive Puppet Museum. Children can try out the old puppets, learn more information about the techniques of puppets. - Guided tours are available HUF400. 
  • 12 Renaissance Stonework (Reneszánsz Kőtár), Káptalan u. 2, ☏ +36 72 514046. Tu-Sa 10.00-16.00 (TEMPORARELY CLOSED 2014 APR!). HUF500. 
  • 13 University History Collection (Klimo Collection, PTE University Library, University History Museum, Egyetemtörténeti Gyűjtemény), Szepesy Ignác utca 1-3., ☏ +36 72 501600/22651, fax: +36 72 325552, . Apr-Oct M-F: 09.00-15.00, Sa: 08.00-16.00. - Nov-Mar M-F: 09.00-15.00. Located in the University Library. Here can be seee the valuable Klimo-collection HUF500. 
Garden of Zsolnay Museum
  • 14 Vasarely Museum (Vasarely Múzeum), Káptalan St 3 (Next to Miner Museum in the Old Town), ☏ +36 30 8738129 (Mobil). Opening hours Tu-Su 10.00-18.00. dedicated to the works of Victor Vasarely, founder of the op-art movement. Faux-threedimensional paintings, gobelins and "kinetic statues". One of the three collections of Vasarely's work besides Gordes (France) and Budapest. HUF1200. 
  • 15 Zsolnay Museum (Zsolnay Múzeum), Káptalan utca 2 (Centre, north of Vasarely Museum), ☏ +36 72 514040. An exhibit on the life, times and decorative ceramics of Vilmos Zsolnay and the Zsolnay Ceramic Factory. The lustrous eosin glaze and colourful pyrogranite developed in the 1870s has given the Manufacture its fame and a Grand Prize at the 1878 Paris World Exhibition. Eosin had gained particular significance in Hungarian Art Nouveau, and became a popular material for public and private buildings as well as art objects. Although the fortunes of the company have been uneven, with world wars, family troubles, nationalisation in 1948 and the mass production of industrial ceramics, the hand-painted charm of the brand survives. The museum collects the lustrous ceramics of the Zsolnay legacy in chronological order in addition to plans, documents and other relics of this cornerstone of the city’s industrial heritage. HUF1200. 

Others

  • 16 Television tower (Tv-torony), Misina tető (North 2km - To visit the impressive TV tower catch bus 35 or 35A to Misina (the last stop), from the Train Station or Kórház Tér (Hospital Square).), ☏ +36 72 336900. Open M-F 09:00-19:00, Sa 9:00-20:00, Su 9:00-19:00. provides a nice panorama on the city, on the neighbouring Mecsek Mountains, and on the hills in the south. HUF950. 
  • Love padlocks. padlocks are affixed to fences in down town, on the street running from main square to the cathedral. These public fixtures by sweethearts symbolize everlasting love. 
  • 17 Bishop's Palace and Archives (Püspöki Palota és Levéltár), Szent István tér 23.. 
  • 18 Western Wall Promenade of Castle (Nyugati várfalsétány), Klimó György utca 19-23. 

Further afield

Baja
  • 19 Baja (Hungarian pronunciation: [ˈbɒjɒ]) (East in Bács-Kiskun County). This is a local commercial centre and the provider of public services such as education and healthcare. A small cosmopolitan town (pop.37000) with some minorites such Germans; Croats; Serbs; Slovaks and Romanis. Also there are some museums and art galleries. The city churches representing the variety of religion. 
  • 20 Gemenc Forest Nature Park (Gemenci Erdő), Porboy (Pörböly) (NE 40 km - mostly of Baja direction buses stop here (from Pécs)). This is part of the Danube-Drava National Park, and it is a nature reserve. Enjoy a ride on the Gemenc Forest Train. Visit the Karapancsa Castle and Farm. Water sports. Forest Walking. Birdwatching. Danube Swamp Forest. Also from Baja take a Pleasure-boat Trip on the Danube River to and around Gemenc Forest. 
  • 21 Harkány (Croatian: Harkanj) (South 30km - Buses from Pécs ~every second hour (06:00-18:00),). Medical waters. One of the most famous city spas. Tourinform Office: Kossuth Lajos utca 7, Tel/Fax: +36 72 815910, Mobilphone=+36 30 2687488 
Castle Siklós
  • 22 Siklós (Serbian and Croatian: Šikloš/Шиклош) (South 30km - Buses from Pécs ~every second hour (06:00-17:00)). Highlights: Siklos Castle (13-16th century), including museums, torture chamber; Gothic Franciscan monastery (15th century), including ceramic creative house; Malkocs Bey Mosque built in the 16th century. For relax there is the Thermal Spa Siklós. Taste the local products of this excellent wine region. - Máriagyűd (a couple km northwest of Siklós) is famous Marian shrine and place of pilgrimage 
  • 23 Szigetvár (Hungarian pronunciation: [ˈsiɡɛtvaːr]; Croatian: Siget; Turkish: Zigetvar) (Buses and train from morning until dusk hourly from Pécs - Toward west 30 km in Baranya county). The main sigts is the Castle (Museum) founded in Celtic times (HUF800; M-Su 10:00-20:00, 2011). Some monuments could be see in the town from Turkish times (16-18th century). Ali Pasha Mosque now St. Roch's Church, on the Zrinyi Square (1588, 1788). St. Anthony of Padua Franciscan Church (1736). Turkish House (Hungarian: 'Várospince' means town basement), originally caravanserai, Bástya Street (Tu-Sa 10:00-16:00). Salt House (Sóház), also known as the White House or Stagecoach station, built in 1790's. Turbéki church, in the outskirt 3km away, in site where today's church stay, is buried Sultan Suleiman the hearts and internal organs, and above it a gilded domed octagonal tomb built, this is one of the Muslim pilgrimage site in Europe, - on the day of Ascension this is a pilgrimage place for local Hungarian, German and Croatian Catholics. 
  • 24 Villány (German: Wieland, Croatian: Viljan, Biljan, Vilanje, Serbian: Vilanj / Вилањ), Baranya county (South-East 30km). Sights Teleki and Wine Cellar Museum, Church Hill quarry (Conservation Area). Event: The Villany wine festival (2014. Oct. 3-5.). Outdoor: The Villany-Siklos Wine Road. The Sculpture Park 

Do

The La fanfare en pétàrd roams around the town during the University Days since 2009.

Festivals

Colourful lights on the walls of the Barbican of Pécs during Sétatér festival in September.
  • National Theatre Festival.
  • University Days: (April) a raw of events for the students of University of Pécs and the citizens of the city as well. Main events include the student rector election and the 4-day music festival including international artists like Tito & Tarantula in 2010.
  • ICWiP (International Cultural Week in Pécs): (end of June, beginning of July). One of the most well-known thematic festivals in the Alps-Adrian area. It is about building an international community of young, open-minded, ambitious people. 
  • International Adult Puppet Festival: (usually in June). Held in every third year, the international festival hosts puppet theatres and artists from around the wolrd. Shows are played on several spots, often on the streets of the down-town. 
  • Rockmaraton:. (June). Rock and metal music festival with bands from Hungary and outside the country. Entrance tickets for a week in 2013 is very cheap, only 2000HUF. 
  • Fishing on Orfű Alterfest: (June) 3-day music festival with bands only from Hungary. The festival is located in a camp site in Orfű, a small village 15km from Pécs. There is hot shower and clean toilets on the area. During the festival there are bus shuttles from Pécs to the site every hour.
  • Sétatér festival: (September) an almost one-month-long festival with music performances, bungalows of wine cellars and artisan shops along the streets of down-town.
  • World Winesong festival: (end of September). A festival for winesong choruses of only male singers from around the world. 

Buy

  • Zsolnay Porcelain: Colourful glazed items produced by the Zsolnay Ceramic Manufacture, often with a distinct Art Nouveau character, are the best known products of Pécs, remarkable for a distinctive green-gold glaze named eosin. Pieces from before the war are also found in antique stores on Király and Ferences Street; of special note from recent designs is the charming jewellery collection by Katalin Zoob.
  • Villány Wines: wines from the Villány wine region, especially full-bodied reds, are counted among the best in Hungary. The region was at the vanguard of reviving traditional winemaking methods and implementing quality standards after 1990, a process encouraged by both family vineyards and strategic investors. In recent years, wine producers have also turned towards quality tourism, as well as introducing the “Villány Classicus” and “Villány Premium” labels to designate quality wines reflecting the best of the terroir – the former emphasising the characteristics of the wine region, the latter of specific hills or valleys. In addition to world types (Cabernets, Blaufränkisch, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Blauer Portugieser and Syrah), the less known Kadarka and Zweigelt are also cultivated.
  • Local Crafts and Art: A selection of wares produced by local craftspersons and artists can be sampled at “Remekek Háza” on the main square (of special interest are the bookbinders’ wares) and “Belső Kert Galéria” in a small courtyard opening from Király Street for mainly playful pieces. Other art galleries and antique stores are found in the inner city as well. Also notable is Elegáns Divat, a main street store selling quality off the rack womenswear based on traditional 19th and early 20th century Hungarian designs.

Markets

  • 1 Market Hall (Vásárcsarnok), Bajcsy Zs. u. 25 (Right west of bus station), ☏ +36 30 3302874. M-F 5:00-17:00, Sa 5:00-14:00, Organic market on Thu, Fri and Sat: 6.30:00-14:00. The atmosphere is simply unforgettable. Local fresh products. Try sausage of Majos, farmer cheese of Ormánság, extremely good quality Naturale 100% berry juice, thick sausage of Pellérd 

Shopping Centres

  • 2 Arkad (ÁRKÁD Üzletház), Bajcsy-Zs. u. 11., ☏ +36 72 523-100. 
  • 3 Atrium (Átrium Üzletház), Király u. 76. (East), ☏ +36 72 213411. 
  • 4 Colonia Passage (Colonia Passage Üzletház), Citrom u. 2-6. (Near to 'Pécs Árkád Park'), ☏ +36 72 333653. 
  • 5 Merchants House (Kereskedők Háza), Rákóczi út 46., ☏ +36 72 327127. 
  • 6 Pécs Plaza (Pécs Plaza), Megyeri u. 76. (S 1 km), ☏ +36 72 550360. Mon-Sat from 10:00-20:00, Su 9:00-18:00; Other opening times: CBA supermarket: M-Sa 7:00-20:00 Sun 7:00-19:00, 'Smile Country' Playhouse: M-Su 10:00-20:00, Post office: M-F 10:00-20:00, Sa 10:00-19:00, Su 10:00-14:00. Bookshop, Cinema 

Eat

  • 1 Addo Cafe, Kossuth Square. Modern bistro. A seasonal selection, mostly lighter dishes prepared from fresh ingredients. Outstanding service & coffee. Three-course menu approx. 2500-3500 HUF, daily offer 1300 HUF.. 
  • Kolibri restaurant, Hunyadi Str. (above the tunnel). Small one-man restaurant. Very narrow but inspiring menu characterised by simplicity and the good use of green spices; excellent desserts. 
  • Crystal restaurant. Elegant, modern restaurant in Citrom street opposite post office; small interior yard in good weather. Broad variety of dishes, mainly Italian and Hungarian; a good bet for lighter fare. Regular tasting menu offers based on seasonal availability. Service friendly and informal; region-exclusive wine selection narrow but good. Three-course meal approx. 3000–5000 HUF.. 
  • Bagolyvár restaurant. Spacious hotel and restaurant on Havihegy with unique folk art-inspired organic architecture, charming collection of pottery and antique household objects; splendid view of the city from open-air terrace. Mainly a selection of traditional dishes, typically served in abundant portions; a separate range of Transylvanian Székely specialties and superb homemade strudels. Three-course meal approx. 3000–5000 HUF. 
  • Caesar Pince restaurant (next to the cathedral). This special restaurant with a more exclusive atmosphere is situated in the same building as the Pannonia Champagne Factory, and shows you the beauty of the old Roman cellars. 
  • Tettye restaurant. 19th century restaurant on Tettye Hill with large interior and beer garden. Danubian Swabic specialties include lung and liver casserole with bread dumplings, cabbage and beans with spare ribs and goose leg with onion-potato garnish. Portions of main dishes are excessive and should not be underestimated. Somewhat old-fashioned with both virtues and flaws of traditional cooking. Three-course meal approx. 2500–3000 HUF.. 
  • Sir Khan restaurant, intersection of Citrom street and Irgalmasok str.. Indian restaurant inwith a solid performance and genuine respect for the art. Relatively mild use of spices to suit local clientele; ask for more if hotter tastes are preferred. 
  • Replay Cafe (Replay Café). A wide variety of dishes; grill. 
  • Arizona restaurant. Serves the best beef steak in town. 
  • Semiramis Cafe. Cafe with a good selection of arabica coffee, chocolates and assorted sweets. 

Splurge

  • Enoteca Corso (next to the National Theatre and accessible from the city centre.). Serves nouvelle cuisine with a fusion of French, Italian and Hungarian influences, as well as affordable bistro dishes. Terrace open in warm weather. Wine list not excessively long but edited with a sure touch and includes the best of the region. five-course tasting menu approx. 11,000 HUF with wines; three-course bistro meal 3500–7000 HUF; noon menu on weekdays 990-2100 HUF.. 

Drink

Even in a country of oenophiles, Pécs is known for its wines and sparkling wines. The famous wine of the Mecsek hills called cirfandli.

  • Pannonia Champagne Factory (Pannonia pezsgőgyár). Hungary's first champagne factory, founded in 1859 by Lorinc Littke and still producing sparkling wine under the Pannonia label. The facility is a tourist attraction, with a 5-story underground labyrinth of caves and cellars.

In the early evening students gather in Király street, Széchenyi square, and Kossúth square in the city centre. For late night clubbing you should ask the taxi drivers at Kossúth tér where to go. They are the most up-to-date source about night life. Bars close around midnight, while clubs are open until around 4 or 5 in the morning.

Although beer is not as important culturally as in Germany or in the Czech republic, these days younger generation drinks more beer than wine. Pécs has its local beer Szalon and Pécsi beer.

  • Művész Presszó. This alternative culture pub has a good range of Hungarian artisan beer specialities. Although it is a bit on the margin of down town, it is worth trying its fine quality beers which are selected from all over Hungary by its owner. With a bit of luck or preparation, it is possible to take part in their occasional beer tasting. Note that it is necessary to book in advance. 

Sleep

This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room:
Budget HUF10000
Mid-range HUF10000-19000
Splurge HUF19000

Budget

Private rooms and apartments are widely available. There's also a number of small hotels in the centre. Enquire at the tourist office.

During the summer months some student dormitories open for foreign visitors, this is the cheapest accommodation (~HUF3800 per night incl. tax). There is five really cheap and nice hostels in Pécs, see below.

  • 1 Ananas Hostel (Ananas Hostel szállás), Erzsébet Street, 2/2 (East 1km), ☏ +36 70 4593008, . Is between the new cultural center and the old city wall. The house has a small garden with place for tents, campfire, outside cooking, tulips and roses. Hostel rooms: 1 mixed dormitory room with 6 beds, 2 private rooms with 2-2 beds, 3 places for tent. - 23.9 / 6.9 reception. Bike rental. Free WIFI. Common bed room, hostel Dorm HUF 3,000; Sgl/dbl/tpl/quad HUF6000/ HUF8,000/ HUF12,000/HUF 14,000. Apartment with kitchen and bathroom: HUF5,000 p.p.. 
  • 2 Boszorkany Hostel (Boszorkány kolesz), Boszorkány út 2. (NW 0.6km - 'Rokusdomb quarter' - It is at the foot of Mecsek Hill and it takes a 10 minute walk to get to the city center, but you can get there by taking bus no. 30, no. 32 and no. 37 which ones leave from the local railway station.), ☏ +36 72 512640, . Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 10:00. Student dormitory open to travellers in July and August. Every two double rooms share a bathroom, a toilet and a fridge. As an extra, every room has broadband internet access for free: 100Mbit/sec! You can park your car here for free, too - just a few minutes far from the center. Sgl/Dbl 5500/7000, two bed dorm 4000 p.p.. 
  • 3 CENTRAL apartment (Lóránt apartman), Széchenyi tér 2 (Center), ☏ +36 20 9402222, . It is a nice apartment with fully equipted kitchen and bathroom. Wifi, Tv. Sgl/Dbl From HUF7500/10000. 
  • 4 Hunyor-Hostel (Hunyor Kollégium), Jurisics Miklós St., 16. (Bus 32 or 36 close to Boszorkany Hostel), ☏ +36 30 9279791, . Only summer jul.01-sep.25. - fifty dbl room. two bed dorm HUF3900 p.p., sgl./dbl HUF5400/6900. 
  • 5 Nap Hostel Pecs, Király utca 23-25 (Center), ☏ +36 72 950684, . Is in the main pedestrian street of the historic city centre. The hostel is in a building of eclectic architecture built in 1885. The rooms are spacious and colourful, the bathrooms are modern and there is a fully equipped kitchen for you to use. From the balcony, you can have a beautiful panoramic view of the whole city and of the Mecsek Mountains. -+mobile: +36 30 2770733 8/6-bedded room (bunk beds, shared bathroom), €10/13. - 6 bedded room (standard beds,shared bathroom) €15, - Dbl with shared bathroom €44/room. 
  • 6 Berg Toboz Pension, Fenyves sor 5., ☏ +36 20 3337040, . Is in a quiet calm and decent place in the greenbelt out off the downtown on the hill. - Free Parking, WiFi Sgl./dbl./tpl. HUF7000/10000/13000; Breakfast HUF1000. 

Mid range

  • 7 Agoston hotel (Ágoston Hotel), Ágoston square (from the railway station: take the bus 38 or 38/ A to 'Ágoston square'), ☏ +36 72 212893, +36 72 510496, fax: +36 72 212893, . Rooms with sgl, dbl, tpl and quad for 40 people. Shower bath, Toilet, Air-condition, Cabel TV, Telephone,Internet connection (Wi-fi), Hair drier, Medical Mattresses; Spare bed. Sgl./dbl./tpl./quapl. €35/49/60/75. 
  • 8 Hotel Főnix (Főnix Szálló), Hunyadi út 2 (In the center (20 m from Széchenyi Square)), ☏ +36 72 311-680, +36 70 6473161, . Ideal for families and for business travelers as well. 13 rooms. Sgl./dbl./tpl./Family room (2-4 pers.) HUF8000/14000/17000/14000-22000. 
  • 9 Delanta Pension, Komlói út, 30 (At the crossroads of Budapest-Komló. Around three km east from center), ☏ +36 72 538 111, fax: +36 72 538110, . The pension has 14 rooms, a smaller and a bigger family-apartment, and a closed parking possibility. Sgl HUF7500-10000, dbl HUF8400-11000 all tax include. 
  • 10 Hotel Laterum **** (Laterum Konferencia és Wellness Hotel), Hajnóczy József utca 37-39 (W 2.5 km close to the Third Theatre of Pécs), ☏ +36 72 252113, fax: +36 72 252131, . Is in western part of Pécs. Hotel Laterum has been a provider of youth- and group tourism for over 15 years, while also serving as a meeting place for both international and domestic conferences, various events, weddings. Sgl/dbl from HUF14000/22000. 
  • 11 Hotel Rácz, Kálvária utca 6 (East 0.5 km). Is in the Historian City in the neighborhood of the Castlewall. Just a few minutes from the city, along the road #6 and it is also easy to access with public transport. Sgl/dbl from HUF8000/14000. 

Splurge

  • 12 Arkadia Hotel (Árkádia Szálloda), Hunyadi út 1. (Center), ☏ +36 72 512550, fax: +36 72 512551, . LCD TV, Telephone, Bathroom, Key card lock, Air condition, Minibar, High speed internet access / WIFI Sgl./dbl. HUF16500/20000. 
  • 13 Hotel Fenyves Panoráma, Szőlő u. 64 (North one km from center), ☏ +36 72 211429, fax: +36 72 315996, . Is a family atmospheric three star hotel, which is on the hillsides of Mecsek by the pine forest, right above the centre of the town. Sgl./dbl. 12000-18000/23000, suite HUF46000. 
  • 14 Hotel Makár, Középmakár dűlő 4 (West 1.5km), ☏ +36 72 224400. Most of the rooms can have spare beds so the biggest capacity reaches 100. All the rooms are at high standard, equipped with modern furniture, bathroom, air-conditioning, minibar, cable television and telephone. From €55/66 (STANDARD ROOM 3*), From €75/96 (SUPERIOR ROOM 4*). 
  • 15 HUNGUEST Hotel Kikelet (Art & Fit Hotel, Restaurant and Wellness), Málics Ottó út 1 (North one km from center. Next to Hotel Fenyves Panoráma), ☏ +36 72 512 900, fax: +36 72 512901, . The hotel is located at one of the most scenic spots of the Mecsek Mountains, directly above the downtown of Pécs. The hotel offers a unique view onto the town and the neighbouring hills. Sgl./dbl. HUF23500-30000/27500-35000. 
  • 16 Hotel Sopianae (Boutique Hotel Sopianae), Felsőmalom str. 24, ☏ +36 72 517770, fax: +36 72 517779, . Mobile: +36 30 637-8444 - free facilities: internet connection in each room, fitness equipments, at request breakfast room service. - Additional facilities: half board dinner (at the nearby Fiáker Restaurant), closed parking, sauna, bathrobe, biliard room, massage, laundry. Sgl./dbl./tpl. HUF13500-18000/19000-21300, Suite 21000/24000. 

Stay safe

Generally, Pécs is rather quiet during the night compared to other European cities, and crime to tourists is limited to pickpocketing or possibly prices, bills and taxi fares cheats.

Downtown is safe to walk, even after midnight. Even though it is forbidden by law, there are some beggars on the streets of downtown. They might be annoying to some, but they are polite and do no harm.

Learn

Pécs is a very active city, partially because of its educational base. The University of Pécs [1] offers wide range of programs including Arts, Economics and Business Administration, Health Sciences, Law, Medicine, Music, Pharmacy, Life Sciences and Education. Throughout the year students from all around Hungary and around the world come here to study.

The city also has a wide range of high school programs, most of which are highly specialized in areas such as humanities, sciences and engineering and more.

Stay healthy

As everywhere in Hungary, tap water is drinkable.

Private health care providers are high quality, dentistry and physiotherapy are cheaper than in Western Europe, but check the price with the provider before you confirm the appointment. Most doctors have some English or German skills.

Pharmacies are everywhere, many can not maintain an adequate reserve of medicines. Another problem might be communicating with the pharmacist as most of them speak only Hungarian. Some rusty Latin might come handy quite unexpectedly.

Connect

Broadband Internet access is widespread. It's quite usual to find free Internet access (wifi) in down town. Most cafes and pubs have their own wifi for customers. Look for the "wifi" signs, you may have to ask for the access password, however, if you consume, it will be freely given.

Go next

  • Baja (90km toward northeast) — This is a local commercial centre and the provider of public services such as education and healthcare. A small cosmopolitan town (pop.37000) with some minorites such Germans; Croats; Serbs; Slovaks and Romanis. Also there are some museums and art galleries. The city churches representing the variety of religion.
  • Gemenc Forest Nature Park — This is part of the Danube-Drava National Park, and it is a nature reserve. Enjoy a ride on the Gemenc Forest Train. Visit the Karapancsa Castle and Farm. Water sports. Forest Walking. Birdwatching. Danube Swamp Forest. Also from Baja take a Pleasure-boat Trip on the Danube River to and around Gemenc Forest. Start your tour in Ecotourism Centre in Pörböly village.
  • Harkány (26km toward south buses every hour or more) — European famous medical waters. Also can be visit on a day tour
  • Szekszárd (61km toward northwest, take one of the couple daily bus to here) — Famous wines.
  • Szigetvár (35km toward west buses and trains every hour or more), — The main sigts is the Castle (Museum) founded in Celtic times. (More up in 'further afield').


This city travel guide to Pécs is a usable article. It has information on how to get there and on restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please feel free to improve it by editing the page.


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