Hungary Travel Guide

Continent: Europe
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Hungary Travel Packages

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Hungary Travel Essentials

Ideal Duration: 5-7 days for exploring Budapest and nearby areas; 10 days for a more comprehensive visit including other cities and regions like Lake Balaton

Currency: Hungarian Forints (HUF)

Best Time: March - October Read More

Accommodation Cost (per night in USD):
Dorm bed: $10-25
Budget: $30-60
Mid-range: $80-120
Luxury: $150 and above

Budget for Food & Drinks (per day in USD):
Budget: $5-15
Mid-range: $20-40

Visa Policy for Indians:
Schengen Visa required

Visa Policy for Other Nationals: Schengen Visa for many countries

Getting In Hungary:
Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) Read More

Getting Around Hungary: Budapest Metro, trams, trains, buses Read More

"A fusion of traditional and modern Europe"

Hungary Tourism

Hungary, in Central Europe, is a country of soothing thermal baths, grand castles, historic wine regions, and the mighty Danube River. Known as the "Land of Spas," it has over 1,300 thermal springs, with world-famous bathhouses like Széchenyi and Gellért in Budapest. The country is also home to Lake Balaton, Central Europe’s largest lake, perfect for summer retreats. Wine lovers can explore Tokaj, the world’s oldest classified wine region, while history enthusiasts can admire fairy-tale castles and medieval towns across the countryside.

Beyond its famous landmarks, Hungary is packed with experiences. Take a Danube River cruise, offering breathtaking views of Budapest’s Parliament and Chain Bridge, or visit the Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion for a glimpse into the country’s royal past. Adventure seekers can hike the Bükk National Park, while those looking for relaxation can soak in the Hévíz Thermal Lake, one of the largest thermal lakes in the world. Food lovers must try goulash, paprika-spiced stews, and traditional pastries at bustling market halls. For a unique experience, explore the ruin bars in Budapest, set in abandoned buildings with a quirky, artistic vibe.

Must Know Before You Travel to Hungary

Ticket Validation Required: On public transport, validate your ticket before boarding buses, trams, and metros. Ticket inspectors issue heavy fines for unvalidated tickets.
Thermal Baths Have Dress Codes: Some thermal spas require swim caps, and bathing suits are mandatory (no nudity, even in saunas). Check spa rules in advance.

Best time to visit Hungary

The best time to visit Hungary is from March to October, when the country experiences pleasant weather, sunny days, a lively atmosphere, and several cultural events. Months from March to May are perfect for exploring the vineyards and wildflowers coming to life. June to August is the most ... (Read More)

Holidify's opinion on Travel to Hungary

What's Great about Travelling to Hungary?

Cheap for Europe. Great parties. Ruin pubs and thermal baths. Amazing festivals. Unique food and beverages.

What's Not So Great about Travelling to Hungary?

Slightly conservative citizens. Significant language barriers.

Who should Travel to Hungary?

Travellers on a budget Euro trip. Wine drinkers. Party lovers. Travellers seeking a culturally-immersive European experience.

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Shopping in Hungary

You can carry home the following unique goods from Hungary:
Alcohol:
Wines like Tokaji, Egri BikavŽr, red wine from Vill‡ny area, etc.; P‡linka, the popular, strong fruit brandy.
Food items: Spices like paprika and Hungarian saffron; Gundel set of cheese; Unicum, a herbal digestive liqueur.
Others: Herend, hand painted and gilded porcelain.

The best places to go shopping are mostly in Budapest
Pest's City Center: Home to the V‡ci Street (V‡ci utca) and the Andr‡ssy Avenue (Andr‡ssy œt), it has some of the most glamorous and expensive shops. The Andr‡ssy Avenue is often compared to the Avenue des Champs ElysŽes in Paris.
Central Market Hall: One can find fancy bottles of Tokaji, a variety of paprika, chessboards, dolls and traditional Hungarian clothes here.
Memories of Hungary is one of the best souvenir shops.

Festivals of Hungary

The major festivals in Hungary are:
Budapest Spring Festival: Held in mid-April, this festival has performances of the opera, ballet, classical music in Budapest
Danube Carnival: Held in mid-June in Budapest, it is a multicultural festival
Szentendre Summer Festival: Held from late June to late August, this is an art festival with theatre, concerts, film and activities in Szentendre
Bull's Blood Festival held in July in Eger is a festival of wine and traditional food

Tips for visiting Hungary

1. Take care of your baggage and personal belongings on public transport as pick-pocketing is common. It is advisable to leave important items in your hotel safe or residence.
2. Hungarians are known to be slightly aggressive and careless drivers, hence drive carefully. Also, keep in mind that the police regularly stop vehicles for document checks.
3. Hungary is more conservative than its European counterparts. Therefore, LGBT travellers are advised to be careful when travelling through rural areas. Budapest is open, friendly and largely safe.

Food of Hungary

Hungarian cuisine is rich, flavorful, and heavily influenced by paprika and slow-cooked stews. Goulash (Gulyás), a hearty beef soup with paprika and vegetables, is the country’s most famous dish. Pörkölt, a thick meat stew, and Halászlé (Fisherman’s soup), a spicy paprika-infused fish soup, are must-tries. Lángos, deep-fried dough topped with sour cream and cheese, is a popular street food. Töltött Káposzta (Stuffed Cabbage) is a traditional dish often served during holidays. For dessert, Dobos Torte, a layered sponge cake with caramel topping, and Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake), a sweet, cinnamon-sugar-coated pastry, are local favorites. Read more here about food in Hungary.

Nightlife in Hungary

Hungary’s nightlife is vibrant, especially in Budapest, where the famous ruin bars in the Jewish Quarter, like Szimpla Kert, offer a unique party experience in abandoned buildings. The city also has upscale clubs along the Danube, rooftop bars with stunning views, and lively music venues on Gozsdu Udvar. Debrecen, Hungary’s second-largest city, has a growing nightlife scene with trendy bars and student-friendly pubs. In Szeged, riverside bars and open-air parties attract a youthful crowd.

Photos of Hungary

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FAQs on Hungary

How to reach Hungary from India?

Major Airlines: Aeroflot, Turkish, Lufthansa, Air India, Jet Airways, Emirates. Major cities in India to catch a flight for Hungary - New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Chennai (all one-stop flights).

What Hungary is famous for?

Hungary is famous for its rich history, stunning architecture, thermal baths, and delicious cuisine. Budapest, the capital, is known as the “Paris of the East” due to its grand buildings and the scenic Danube River. The country boasts UNESCO-listed sites, including Buda Castle, Hortobágy National Park, and the Tokaj Wine Region. Hungary is also the spa capital of Europe, with famous thermal baths like Széchenyi and Gellért. Food lovers must try goulash, chimney cake, and langos, while wine enthusiasts can explore Tokaji Aszú, one of the world’s oldest dessert wines. The Ruin Bars of Budapest and vibrant festivals make Hungary a lively destination.

Is Hungary safe?

Yes, Hungary is generally a safe country for tourists, with low violent crime rates. However, like in any popular tourist destination, petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas like public transport, markets, and busy tourist spots in Budapest. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in areas like Váci Street, ruin bars, and metro stations. Use official taxis (such as Bolt or licensed companies) and avoid unmarked or overpriced cabs. Also, be cautious with money exchanges—use official exchange offices or ATMs instead of street vendors.

Prague or Budapest: Which is better?

Both Budapest and Prague are stunning cities, but they offer different experiences. Budapest is more affordable, with cheaper food, accommodation, and entertainment, while Prague is more touristy and expensive. Prague enchants visitors with its fairy-tale medieval charm, featuring Gothic cathedrals, cobblestone streets, and the iconic Charles Bridge, whereas Budapest boasts grand neo-Gothic and Baroque architecture, highlighted by the Parliament Building and Buda Castle. For nightlife, Budapest is famous for its ruin bars and thermal bath parties, making it a party hotspot, while Prague has a cozy pub scene, perfect for beer lovers. Prague tends to be more compact and crowded year-round, while Budapest is more spacious and relaxed. The Danube River in Budapest offers breathtaking cityscape views, while Prague’s Vltava River enhances its old-world charm. Choose Budapest for affordability and vibrant nightlife, or Prague for romance and medieval beauty.

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