Pécs, Hungary: travel guide
A sunny southern city of early Christian tombs and Ottoman mosque-church
Southern Transdanubian city with a UNESCO-listed early-Christian necropolis, the largest Ottoman mosque in Hungary (now a church) and the Zsolnay porcelain legacy.
About Pécs
Pécs is a city in southern Hungary, on the slopes of the Mecsek hills, with a warmer climate than much of the country and a relaxed, artistic feel. Its history is visible in the early Christian burial chambers, the Ottoman-era domed mosque that is now a church and the colourful ceramics of the Zsolnay factory.
Things to do in Pécs include visiting the old necropolis, walking through the main square, exploring the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter and climbing into the Mecsek hills for views. Wine villages lie to the south, and the city has a lively cafe and student culture.
Pécs suits culture lovers and travellers wanting something other than the capital. Spring and early autumn are the best seasons.
- Country
- Hungary
- Currency
- HUF
- Time zone
- Europe/Budapest
Last updated
Top places to visit in Pécs
Pécs Cathedral (SS Peter & Paul)
cathedral · about 0.8 h · entry Ft2,000 (≈ ₹590)
Four-towered basilica of medieval origin remodelled in neo-Romanesque style, seat of the Pécs diocese.
Early Christian Necropolis (Cella Septichora)
unesco · about 1 h · entry Ft1,900 (≈ ₹560)
UNESCO World Heritage 4th-century Roman burial chambers with painted murals, viewed in the modern Cella Septichora visitor centre.
Mosque of Pasha Qasim
ottoman · about 0.5 h · entry Ft1,500 (≈ ₹440)
The largest surviving Ottoman building in Hungary, a domed mosque converted into a Catholic church on Széchenyi Square.
Zsolnay Cultural Quarter
arts-district · about 1.5 h · entry Ft2,900 (≈ ₹850)
Former Zsolnay porcelain factory reborn as a cultural campus of museums, ceramic fountains and the eosin-glazed pavilions.
Király Street
shopping-street · about 0.7 h · check the fee at the gate
Pedestrianised café-and-boutique promenade lined with Art Nouveau and eclectic facades.
Tettye Ruins & Park
ruins · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Renaissance villa ruins set in a hillside park on the slopes of the Mecsek, a favourite local viewpoint and picnic spot.
Széchenyi Square
square · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The sloping heart of Pécs, ringed by the mosque-church, palaces and cafés.
Things to do
- UNESCO Early Christian Necropolis tour Tour · 1.3 h · from HUF 2,900 per person
- Zsolnay Quarter porcelain experience Cultural · 2 h · from HUF 3,900 per person
- Pécs old-town walking tour Tour · 2 h · from HUF 3,500 per person
Day trips and tours
- Pécs UNESCO & Zsolnay day 5 h · from HUF 12,000
Where to stay in Pécs
- Belváros (Old Town) about HUF 33,000 per night
Széchenyi Square area, steps from the cathedral, mosque-church and Király utca nightlife.
- Zsolnay Quarter about HUF 28,000 per night
Arts campus edge, good for culture-focused stays a short walk from the centre.
Hotels
- Nap Hostel Pécs 2-star · HUF 6,500 to HUF 18,000 per night
- Hotel Palatinus City Center 4-star · HUF 33,000 to HUF 60,000 per night
- Hotel Arkadia 3-star · HUF 26,000 to HUF 42,000 per night
Where to eat
- Az Elefánthoz Italian, Hungarian · about HUF 7,500 per person
- Bagolyvár Étterem Hungarian · about HUF 8,000 per person
- Nappali Café & Bar Cafe, International · about HUF 3,500 per person
- Zsolnay Restaurant Hungarian, European · about HUF 9,500 per person
Getting to Pécs
Nearest airport: Osijek (OSI), about 81 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Bus
- Taxi
- Walking
More in Hungary
Frequently asked questions about Pécs
- What are the main places to visit in Pécs?
- Places covered in our Pécs guide include Pécs Cathedral (SS Peter & Paul), Early Christian Necropolis (Cella Septichora), Mosque of Pasha Qasim, Zsolnay Cultural Quarter, Király Street.
- Where should I stay in Pécs?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Pécs: Belváros (Old Town), Zsolnay Quarter.
- How do I get around Pécs?
- Ways to get around Pécs covered in our guide: City bus, Taxi, Walking.