Pécs does reinvention like few other cities, and Imagine’s themed urban walks lean right into that energy. This Mediterranean-feel cultural hub constantly serves up fresh reasons to fall for it again—Roman layers, Ottoman echoes, Art Nouveau gems, and a lived-in downtown that buzzes without trying. The guides keep the tone light, the content rich, and the doors—sometimes literally—open. Ready to walk?
Upcoming walks: time travel on foot
Circle a few dates. On 2025.12.07 at 10:00, Memories from the Vasváry Villa (Emlékek a Vasváry-villából) takes you inside the Hungarian Academy of Sciences headquarters in Pécs, a rare peek that blends architectural exploration with local memory. On 2025.12.09 at 17:30, the legendary Postal Palace (Postapalota) opens after hours for a “time-travel” building tour—no flux capacitor needed. The same Postal Palace night tour returns on 2025.12.29 at 18:30.
After-dark secrets and cathedral whispers
Also on 2025.12.29 at 18:30, the beloved Pécs Cathedral (Pécsi Székesegyház) gets its twilight moment with the question: “At night, do the saints sleep?” The cathedral evening program repeats on 2026.01.24 at 19:00, then again on 2026.02.27 at 18:30, with a daytime edition on 2026.02.28 at 10:00. Another round of the Vasváry Villa-to-Academy HQ building tour lands on 2026.01.24 at 10:00, with a follow-up on 2026.02.28 at 10:00. The organizers reserve the right to change times and programs, so keep an eye out.
Sleep stylish in historic shells
Pécs does character stays well. Adele Boutique Hotel Pécs, a four-star set in a 19th-century protected building in the old town, pairs vintage bones with modern design—rooms and apartments are all about that old-world-meets-now look. Barbakán Hotel sits just behind the cathedral, an easy hop from the historic core, with 16 three-star rooms for two, three, or four guests, a conference room, and a garage. Boutique Hotel Sopianae puts the contrast front and center: a heritage-style exterior, coolly modern interiors, and personalized, discreet service in a homey atmosphere in the city center. There’s also fully renovated lodging in the former convent of the Congregation of Our Lady of Canonesses: an 1870s Baroque, monument-protected building transformed inside into a modern, downtown stay. Another central hotel, tucked into a quiet spot, is a short stroll from the Pécs Knowledge Center and the Zoltán Kodály Concert Hall (Kodály Zoltán Hangversenyterem), both about 1,640 feet away.
Panorama, folk art, and hillside calm
Up on Havihegy, Bagolyvár means clean air, quiet, and a view across Pécs toward Zengő. Its twist: 19 rooms decorated with elements of Hungarian folk art, plus six suites modeled after traditional press houses, each inspired by a famous Hungarian wine, designed to mirror its character and mood. Guests get bespoke interiors, serenity, and that panoramic sweep. The Bagolyvár restaurant matches the décor: a Hungarian-style tavern with stylish touches, a menu spanning Hungarian classics and international plates, and a soft spot for old-school Hungarian dishes and desserts.
From forest trails to family inns
Prefer tucked-away calm? A family-run pension sits in the Mecsek hillside’s quiet villa quarter, hovering between near and far: within five minutes you’re on forest paths, and in roughly the same time you’re downtown. The zoo and Da Vinci Private Clinic are close, and the Mandulás picnic zone—with playground and fire pits—is just a short walk, launching trails toward the TV Tower. Groups can book free guided hikes. For hikers, the Büdöskút key house (Büdöskúti kulcsosház) is a back-to-nature base halfway between Remete Meadow (Remete-rét) and Orfű, about 800 meters off the paved road along the Blue Trail and Green Cross routes, sleeping up to 12.
Apartments near World Heritage
An apartment hotel in the villa district puts you minutes from the UNESCO-listed Early Christian Necropolis, the cathedral, and the downtown museum street. Expect easy access to the city’s core without losing that leafy neighborhood feel.
Eat your way across the city
Start sweet: Angyali Kísértés Chocolate Shop sells pralines, chocolates, and homestyle cakes. For a classic, generous Hungarian lunch or celebration with friends, there’s a convivial local restaurant serving all the crowd-pleasers—breaded, grilled, and stuffed meats; brassó-style skillet pork; fish dishes; oven specials; risottos; pasta favorites; flatbreads; and pizzas in many variations, plus salads, soups, and plenty of desserts.
Tradition, speed, and serious flavor
Another downtown spot holds the line on the best of Hungarian culinary tradition with reliable quality, fair pricing, and menus that change daily. Breakfast starts at 8 with foamy coffee, sandwiches, homemade scones, and hand-stretched strudel. They also host receptions and small events on-site or off. Golden Duck Restaurant (Aranykacsa Étterem) focuses on local ingredients and modern techniques, with wine tastings in the Vinarium (Vinárium); casual sips and meals in the Tüke room; family and protocol dining in the Zsolnay room; and weddings, banquets, and birthdays upstairs in the Dakk room and garden.
Bistros, beer, and burgers
There’s a bistro at the gateway to the Balkans that sticks to the real meaning of bistro cooking: fresh, homey flavors from good ingredients, served casually at fair prices. Big Bell Restaurant (Big Bell Étterem) now boasts a craft show-brewery and beer garden. In the city center, Bohemia Beer Kitchen (Bohemia Sörkonyha) delivers Beer – Burger – BBQ. On Király Street, Amber Fast Food (Borostyán Gyorsétterem) runs Monday–Friday from 11:00 to 16:00, targeting weekly mealtime needs with quality food at friendly prices. And PAULUS is a shapeshifter: coffee shop in the morning, self-service restaurant at noon, pub by night—with regular events to match.
One last heads-up
The organizers reserve the right to change schedules and programs. Pack curiosity and comfortable shoes—Pécs will handle the rest.
