Veszprem, Hungary

Capital City

With a population of just 55,118, Veszprém is a small Hungarian city that lacks the cosmopolitan allure of Budapest. The administrative center of its namesake county, Veszprém has an important religious history as the first episcopal seat of Hungary, though its university was destroyed by fire centuries ago. Today, the city is home to a number of manufacturing plants, from automotive parts to home goods, but the local economy appears heavily dependent on these outside companies. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as evidenced by the city taking over its own public bus system in 2018 due to a lack of funding from the state. Overall, Veszprém seems best suited for those seeking a quieter, more provincial Hungarian experience, rather than the excitement of a major urban center.