HUNGARY

Welcome to Hungary! This captivating Central European nation, bisected by the Danube River, is a vibrant mosaic of historical grandeur, thermal baths, and rich folk traditions. From the architectural marvels of Budapest to the serene Great Hungarian Plain, prepare to be immersed in a culture brimming with unique charm and a fascinating past.

Region: Central Europe

Capital: Budapest

Official Language: Hungarian

Level of Travel Safety: Generally safe. Be cautious of petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, particularly in crowded tourist areas and on public transport in Budapest.

A map of Europe with Hungary highlighted in green.

Why Visit Hungary?

Architectural Charm: From Gothic cathedrals to Art Nouveau spas, Hungary is an architectural showcase.

Budapest’s Thermal Baths: Relax in grand thermal spas like Széchenyi and Gellért—an iconic Hungarian experience.

Castles & Countryside: Explore dramatic castles (Eger, Buda Castle) and idyllic wine regions (Tokaj, Balaton).

The Hungarian Parliament Building along the Danube River.

Rich Cultural Heritage: A fusion of Magyar roots, Ottoman influence, and Habsburg elegance.

Budget-Friendly Europe: Incredible value for money—world-class experiences for lower prices.

Wine & Cuisine: Savor hearty Hungarian dishes and award-winning wines (especially Tokaji and Egri Bikavér).

An aerial view of Budapest with the Danube River and bridges, under a clear sky.

Essential Trip Information

Hungary is part of the Schengen Zone. Check if you need a Schengen Visa based on your nationality.

Official visa info: Hungary Visa Website

Passport validity: Must be valid for at least three months beyond your stay.

Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel, accommodation, and sufficient funds (€50–100/day recommended).

Visa-free travelers (e.g., U.S., EU, UK) can stay up to 90 days within 180 days.

Hungary uses the Hungarian Forint (HUF).

  • Bills: 500–20,000 HUF (US$1.40–56).
  • Coins: 5–200 HUF.

Best Ways to Handle Currency:

  • Before Your Trip: Exchange a small amount; ATMs offer better rates.

  • During Your Trip: Use ATMs at major banks (OTP, Erste). Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted, but carry 5,000–10,000 HUF (US$14–28) cash for small vendors.

  • What to Avoid: Airport exchange kiosks (high fees) and dynamic currency conversion (always choose HUF).

Hungarian is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Helpful phrases:

  • “Szia” (Hello), “Köszönöm” (Thank you), “Mennyibe kerül?” (How much?).

Generally safe, but watch for pickpockets in crowded areas (Váci Street, public transport).

Avoid unlicensed taxis—use Bolt or official taxi companies.

Emergency number: 112.

No special vaccinations required.

Tap water is safe to drink.

Pharmacies (“gyógyszertár”) are widely available.

EU travelers: Bring an EHIC/GHIC card for healthcare access.

Metro/Trams/Buses: Efficient, but validate tickets (fines apply).

Trains: Reliable for intercity travel (e.g., Budapest to Lake Balaton).

Walking: Budapest’s center is very walkable.

Ride-sharing: Bolt is cheaper than taxis.

Hungary is affordable compared to Western Europe, especially outside central Budapest.

Accommodation

  • Budget: Hostels, pensions, and Airbnb (US$25–60/night)

  • Mid-range: 3-star hotels and boutique stays (US$70–130/night)

  • Luxury: 4–5 star hotels and historic properties (US$150+/night)

Food

  • Street food/local diners: US$4–10 (try lángos or goulash)

  • Mid-range restaurants: US$15–30/person

  • Fine dining: US$50+/person (Michelin-starred options available)

Drinks

  • Beer: US$2–5

  • Wine: US$4–8/glass (Hungarian wine is excellent and well-priced)

  • Cocktails: US$8–15

Transportation

  • Metro/bus/tram ticket: US$1.20 (single), daily passes ~US$6

  • Taxi: US$5–15 (short city rides)

  • Airport shuttle: US$8–12

  • Train (domestic): US$4–20 depending on route

Money-Saving Tips

  • Walk or use Budapest’s public transport, which is cheap and extensive.

  • Visit free attractions like Margaret Island or Castle Hill.

  • Eat at market halls or self-service restaurants for local, low-cost food.

Explore Hungary

Hungary’s vibrant capital, bisected by the Danube River. Explore stunning architecture, historic thermal baths like Szechenyi and Gellért, and lively ruin bars. It’s located in the central part of the country.

Central Europe’s largest freshwater lake, offering beaches, watersports, and charming lakeside towns. The northern shore is known for vineyards, while the southern shore is more resort-focused. It stretches across the western part of Hungary.

A picturesque loop of the Danube River north of Budapest, featuring historic towns like Szentendre (artists’ village), Visegrád (medieval citadel), and Esztergom (basilica). Easily accessible from Budapest.

A UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its sweet Tokaji Aszú wine. Explore historic cellars and vineyards in this beautiful northeastern region of Hungary.

A historic baroque city known for its castle, thermal baths, and “Bull’s Blood” wine. Explore its charming streets and learn about its rich past. Located in northern Hungary.

Hungary’s largest protected area, a vast puszta (grassland) offering unique wildlife, traditional horsemanship, and the famous Nine-Hole Bridge. Situated in eastern Hungary.

A city with a rich multi-ethnic history, home to Roman ruins, Ottoman mosques, and a stunning cathedral. Enjoy its Mediterranean atmosphere and vibrant arts scene. Located in southwestern Hungary.

Home to the world’s second-largest thermal lake, offering year-round natural warm water bathing for relaxation and health. It’s situated near Lake Balaton in western Hungary.

A charming city near the Austrian border, rich in medieval architecture and known for its excellent wines. Explore its historic Old Town and Firewatch Tower. Located in northwestern Hungary.

A UNESCO World Heritage site boasting impressive stalactite caves, including the Baradla Cave. Explore the underground wonders shared with neighboring Slovakia. Located in northern Hungary, close to the Slovakian border.

Smart Travel

Key Advantages:

  • Lowest Prices
  • Fewer Crowds
  • Authentic Local Vibe
  • Thermal Baths Experience
  • Cozy Atmosphere

Main Drawbacks:

  • Cold Temperatures
  • Shorter Days
  • Limited Outdoor Activities (non-ski)
  • Some closures

Key Regions:

  • Budapest: Enjoy thermal baths and indoor attractions without the crowds.
  • Eger: Explore historical sites and taste local wines in a quieter setting.
  • Pécs: Discover its rich history and Mediterranean feel at a relaxed pace.
  • Lake Balaton (Northern Shore): Experience a serene, frozen landscape, popular for ice skating.

Key Advantages:

  • Ideal Weather
  • Manageable Crowds
  • Reasonable Prices
  • Festivals & Events
  • Blooming Landscapes (Spring) & Autumn Colors (Autumn)

Main Drawbacks:

  • Unpredictable Weather (Spring/Autumn)
  • Some attractions might have reduced hours early Spring or late Autumn

Key Regions:

  • Budapest: Perfect for exploring the city’s sights and enjoying outdoor cafes.
  • Danube Bend: Scenic boat trips and historical towns like Szentendre and Visegrád.
  • Tokaj Wine Region: Ideal for wine tasting amidst beautiful autumn foliage or spring blossoms.
  • Hortobágy National Park: Great for birdwatching and experiencing the Hungarian Puszta.
  • Lake Balaton (Southern Shore): Enjoy lakeside towns and activities before or after peak season.
  • Mid-Summer (June-August)
  • Christmas and New Year Holiday Period
  • Sziget Festival week (August, Budapest)

Planning Your Trip

Greetings: A firm handshake is standard. Older generations appreciate polite formality.

Tipping: 10–15% at restaurants unless included. Tip hotel staff ~$1–2 per bag.

Shoes: Take off your shoes when entering private homes.

Dining: Wait for a toast before drinking—say “Egészségedre!” (Cheers!).

Cultural Sites: Quiet behavior expected in churches and memorials (e.g., Shoes on the Danube Bank).

Cash vs Card: Cards accepted widely, but carry some cash for small towns and markets.

Hungary is one of Europe’s best-value destinations, especially outside Budapest.

Accommodation:

  • Hostels: US$20–40
  • Mid-range hotels: US$60–120
  • Luxury stays: US$200+

Food:

  • Street food (lángos, goulash): US$4–8
  • Casual meals: US$12–20
  • Fine dining: US$50+

Transport:

  • Day pass for public transport: ~US$6.50
  • Regional trains: US$5–15

Activities:

  • Most museums: US$3–10
  • Thermal bath entry: US$15–25
  • River cruise: US$15–30

Daily Budget:

  • Budget: US$60–90 (hostel, street food, public transport).
  • Mid-range: US$120–200 (hotels, local restaurants, attractions).
  • Luxury: US$300+ (spa resorts, private tours, upscale dining).

Free Wi-Fi: Available in most hotels, cafés, restaurants, and public areas.

SIM Cards: Vodafone, Yettel, and Telekom offer prepaid plans (US$15–30 for ~10–15GB).

eSIMs: Compatible with Airalo or Nomad apps—great for short stays.

Recommended for: Health coverage, especially for thermal bath injuries or transport delays.

Healthcare: Quality is decent but can be expensive for foreigners.

Adventure Add-ons: Consider if visiting caves in Aggtelek or doing thermal bath diving (yes, that’s a thing).

Hungary offers everything from spa hotels and historic mansions to cozy guesthouses.

Hotels:

  • Luxury: Four Seasons Gresham Palace, Aria Hotel (central Budapest).
  • Mid-range: Hotel Rum, Bo33 Hotel (good locations, excellent breakfast).
  • Budget: Ibis Styles, Maverick City Lodge.

Hostels:

  • Retox Party Hostel (lively), Pal’s Hostel (quiet, near Basilica).

Guesthouses/Pensions:

  • Especially popular in towns like Eger, Pécs, and around Lake Balaton.

Airbnb:

  • Great for longer stays—look for apartments in District V (downtown), VII (Jewish Quarter), or II (quiet, Buda side).

Tip: Stay near a tram or metro stop for quick access to top sights.

Hungary’s transportation system is efficient and affordable, especially in Budapest.

Metro/Tram (Budapest):

  • Budapest Metro: Oldest in continental Europe. Line 1 is a UNESCO site.
  • Trams 4 and 6 run 24/7—perfect for late-night travel.
  • Single ride: ~$1.30; 24-hour pass: ~$6.50.

Buses/Regional Trains:

  • BKK buses serve Budapest; Volánbusz connects towns and countryside.
  • Train network (MÁV) links most cities—comfortable and scenic.
  • E.g., Budapest to Eger ~2 hours (~US$7–12).

Biking/Scooters:

  • MOL Bubi (Budapest): Easy to rent, but helmets not provided.
  • Scooters (Lime, Tier) available in urban areas.

Walking:

  • Central Budapest is walkable—great for discovering hidden cafés and courtyards.

Taxis/Rideshares:

  • Bolt is widely used; avoid hailing taxis on the street.
  • Always check meter or agree on price before departure.

Car Rental:

  • Handy for exploring rural wine regions or castles.
  • Not recommended in central Budapest due to traffic and parking costs.

Handy Tips

Hungary uses the Hungarian Forint (HUF). Bills come in denominations of 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, and 20,000 HUF; coins include 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 HUF.

Exchanging Currency: Avoid airport exchange booths and touristy areas (poor rates). Use ATMs linked to banks for the best exchange rate.

Using Cards: Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in cities, but carry some cash for small shops, markets, or thermal baths.

Tipping Etiquette: Tipping is expected in most service areas.

  • Restaurants/Bars: 10–15% is standard; check if service is already included (“szervízdíj”).
  • Taxis: Round up or 10%.
  • Hotel Staff: 300–500 HUF per bag for porters; 1,000–2,000 HUF per night for housekeeping.
  • Tour Guides: 1,000–2,000 HUF per person for group tours.

Hungarian (Magyar) is the official language and very different from neighboring languages. English is spoken in Budapest and tourist areas.

  • Useful phrases:

    • “Hol van a legközelebbi metróállomás?” (Where is the nearest metro station?)

    • “Mennyibe kerül?” (How much is it?)

    • “Kaphatok nyugtát?” (Can I get a receipt?)

Pro Tip: Learn a few Hungarian phrases—locals really appreciate the effort, even if you mispronounce.

Hungary is generally very safe for travelers, including solo visitors. Use normal precautions at night, especially in quieter parts of cities.

  • Emergency Contacts:

    • 112: All emergencies (police, ambulance, fire).

    • 06-1-438-8080: Budapest tourist police (English-speaking).

    • Your Embassy: Most are located in central Budapest—keep details accessible.

Hungary uses 230V/50Hz with Type C and F plugs (two round pins). Travelers from the U.S. will need an adapter and likely a voltage converter for non-dual-voltage devices (like hairdryers).

Tap water is safe to drink across Hungary, including Budapest. Many locals drink it directly. In restaurants, you may need to explicitly request tap water (“csapvíz”)—bottled water is the default.

Shops and services may be closed or operate with reduced hours on holidays:

  • 1 Jan: New Year’s Day

  • 15 Mar: National Day (Revolution of 1848)

  • Easter Sunday & Monday (March/April)

  • 1 May: Labor Day

  • 20 Aug: St. Stephen’s Day (founding of Hungary, fireworks in Budapest)

  • 23 Oct: 1956 Revolution Memorial Day

  • 1 Nov: All Saints’ Day

  • 25–26 Dec: Christmas & Boxing Day

Note: National holidays often mean festive street fairs and folk dancing—especially in Budapest and Eger.

Stores: Generally open Mon–Sat 10:00–20:00. Closed Sundays except some supermarkets and tourist shops.

Pharmacies: Typically 8:00–18:00 on weekdays; limited hours weekends. Look for “Gyógyszertár.”

Markets: Central Market Hall (Budapest) is open Mon–Sat (closes early on Saturdays).

Gulyás: Traditional beef goulash soup with paprika and potatoes—Hungary’s national dish.

Lángos: Deep-fried dough topped with sour cream and cheese—street food classic.

Hortobágyi Palacsinta: Savory crepes filled with meat and topped with paprika sauce.

Halászlé: Spicy fisherman’s soup made with freshwater fish and lots of paprika.

Töltött Káposzta: Cabbage leaves stuffed with pork and rice, simmered in tomato sauce.

Kolbász: Smoked sausages—garlicky and paprika-heavy—served grilled or cold.

Libamáj: Hungarian-style goose liver pâté—try it in upscale Budapest restaurants.

Rétes: Hungarian strudel—flaky pastry filled with apples, cherries, or sweet cottage cheese.

Dobos Torte: Layered sponge cake with chocolate buttercream and caramel glaze.

Kürtőskalács: Chimney cake grilled over coals, rolled in sugar or cinnamon—festival favorite.

Alcoholic:

  • Tokaji Aszú: Iconic sweet wine from Tokaj—dubbed “the wine of kings.”

  • Egri Bikavér: “Bull’s Blood” red blend from Eger—rich and bold.

  • Furmint: Dry white wine variety from Tokaj—zesty and crisp.

  • Pálinka: Strong fruit brandy (plum, pear, apricot)—a local favorite and potent.

  • Unicum: Herbal liqueur with a bitter kick—often served as a digestif.

  • Soproni: Crisp, light lager—widely consumed and refreshing.

  • Dreher: Classic Hungarian pilsner with a slight hoppy edge.

Non-Alcoholic:

  • Szénsavas Ásványvíz: Sparkling mineral water—abundant and refreshing.

  • Bambi: Retro Hungarian orange soda from the Communist era.

  • Házi Szörp: Homemade fruit syrups (raspberry, elderflower) mixed with water.

  • Baracklé: Peach nectar—often found in cafes and breakfast tables.

  • Herbal Teas: Linden or chamomile tea served in cozy countryside homes.

Parliament Building: Neo-Gothic wonder, best viewed from across the Danube.

Heroes’ Square: Monumental tribute to Hungary’s founding tribes and leaders.

Jewish Quarter: Includes Europe’s largest synagogue and poignant Holocaust memorials.

Andrássy Avenue: Stately boulevard with boutiques, theaters, and the House of Terror museum.

Eger: Baroque town with a fortress, cathedral, and wine cellars in the “Valley of the Beautiful Women.”

Pécs: Mediterranean-feel city with Roman ruins and Turkish baths.

Hollókő Village: UNESCO-listed folk village with traditional Palóc houses.

Szentendre: Charming riverside town with cobbled streets and art galleries (easy day trip).

Lake Balaton: Hungary’s “sea”—great for sailing, wine tasting, and beach days.

Hidden Gem: Pannonhalma Archabbey—a 1,000-year-old working monastery and winery.

Thermal Baths: Soak in historic spas like Széchenyi or Gellért in Budapest.

Ruin Bars: Eclectic bars in abandoned buildings (start with Szimpla Kert).

Danube River Cruise: Especially beautiful at sunset—sails past Parliament.

Castle Hill: Explore Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Matthias Church.

Café Culture: Soak up grandeur at New York Café or Café Gerbeaud.

Opera & Concerts: Attend a show at the Hungarian State Opera House.

Escape Rooms: Hungary is an escape room capital—clever and atmospheric!

Caving Tours: Adventure through Budapest’s underground labyrinths (Szemlőhegyi Cave).

Margaret Island: A car-free green oasis with bike paths and musical fountains.

Street Art: Look for murals in District VII (Jewish Quarter).

Szimpla Kert: Iconic ruin bar in Budapest—eclectic, artsy, and lively.

360 Bar: Rooftop cocktails with unbeatable views of Pest.

A38 Ship: Party on a moored ship—live music and dance nights.

Instant-Fogas Complex: Maze-like ruin club with DJs and dance floors.

Doboz: Upscale ruin bar with a giant tree centerpiece.

High Note SkyBar: Elegant cocktails atop the Aria Hotel.

Élesztő: Craft beer heaven with dozens of Hungarian brews.

Tuk Tuk Bar: Mixology-focused spot with creative Asian-inspired drinks.

Boutiq’Bar: Award-winning cocktails and intimate atmosphere.

Kiosk Budapest: Stylish restaurant-bar near the Danube—great for late dinners and drinks.