Complete Hungary Travel Guide, What You Need to Know
Hungary is well known for Budapest’s Parliament Building, castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, ruin bars, and thermal baths. The country also has many traditional villages to explore. Hungary is a major tourist destination in Central Europe and receives over 30 million visitors each year. In fact, Budapest was voted the best European destination in 2019. Planning international travel can be overwhelming and time-consuming while working full time. Use this Hungary travel guide and the following Hungary travel blog posts to plan your perfect vacation. The top destinations in Hungary are Budapest, Miskolc, Lake Balaton, and the Tokaj wine region.
Budapest Hungary Travel Guide
Budapest Hungary is well known for its gorgeous Parliament Building, Fisherman’s Bastion, and Chain Bridge connecting Buda and Pest. The city is full of gorgeous architecture, has a castle district, ruin pubs, thermal baths, a musical fountain, cafés, and lots of dishes made with paprika.
READ Things to Do in Budapest Hungary
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Why Visit Debrecen Hungary
Debrecen is Hungary’s second-largest city. The city is located East of Budapest close to the Romania border and is about a 2.5-hour train ride from Budapest. Debrecen is known as the Capital of the Great Hungarian Plain. The city is known for its University, the Great Reformed Church, Hortobágy National Park, and championship football team.
Why Visit Szeged Hungary
Szeged is Hungary’s third-largest city. It is also in the Great Hungarian Plain. The city is located South of Budapest close to the Romanian and Serbian border. It is about a 2.5-hour train ride from Budapest. Szeged is full of Art Neuvo architecture, has a strong cafe culture, and lots of sunshine. Be sure to visit the Votive Church and eat spicy halászlé (fisherman’s soup) during a visit.
Why Visit Miskolc Hungary
Miskolc is Hungary’s fourth-largest city. The city is located Northeast of Budapest toward the Slovakia border. It is about a 2.5-hour train ride from Budapest. Miskolc is best known for the Miskolc Cave Bath, Bükk National Park, Lillafüred resort and waterfall, Aggtelek National Park caves, and Diósgyőr Castle.
What You Need to Know When Planning a Trip to Hungary
Where is Hungary?
Hungary is in Central Europe. It is bordered by Slovakia, Austria, Ukraine, Romania, Slovenia, Croatia, and Serbia. The major cities are Budapest, Debrecen, Szeged, and Miskolc. Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and the most populated city in Hungary.
What is the language in Hungary?
The national language of Hungary is Hungarian. German, Croatian, Romani, Slovak, Romanian, Serbian, and Slovene are also spoken in Hungary. Over 60% of Hungarians speak English. Be sure to learn a few key phrases as well as some slang. FluentU offers a helpful list of common words and phrases to learn before you travel.
Do I need a visa to visit Hungary?
According to Project Visa, US citizens do not need a visa for a visit up to 90 days in a 6 month period.
What is the currency in Hungary?
Although Hungary is part of the European Union, the currency in Hungary is the forint. Euros may be accepted but at a high exchange rate. Therefore, if offered a price in Euro, it is best to request the price in forint. US dollars are not accepted at restaurants, attractions, or stores. Be sure to download a free currency calculator before you arrive.
Can I use credit cards and ATMs in Hungary?
ATMs are widely available in Budapest. Avoid large fees by using your bank’s international partner in Hungary and google its location before you travel. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Hungary, you will need a 4-digit PIN from the bank. Save money on fees with a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees and make purchases in forint. Most small businesses and villages are cash only.
How much should I budget per day in Hungary?
According to Budget Your Trip, the average daily cost of traveling in Hungary is $67. Expect to pay $943 + airfare for a one-week trip for 2.
When is the best time to visit Hungary?
The high tourist season is June through August. March to May and September through November are the best seasons to visit Hungary; temperatures are mild and crowds are minimal. Expect rain in May, June, and November. Expect snow during the winter months.
What transportation does Hungary use?
An airport bus will transport you from the Budapest airport to the Bajcsy-Zsilinszky metro station near the city center. Budapest is well-connected by Metro, tram, and bus. Download the BKK Journey Planner to find the best routes to take in Budapest. 1, 3, and 7-day unlimited travel cards are available. Be sure to purchase and validate transit tickets. Look for small ticket vending machines above the ground of the Metro. Ticket officers do patrol and you will be fined. The Metro runs to the main train station, Nyugati Pályaudvar. Local trains are slow. Pay attention when purchasing train tickets and do your best to take the express train.
What kind of adaptor do I need in Hungary?
The plugs in Hungary are type C and F. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter with surge protection. You will need a converter if you plan to use an electric razor or blow dryer from the US.
What should I pack for Hungary?
Casual clothing is popular in Budapest, pack jeans and T-shirts. A comfortable pair of walking shoes with a good sole for cobbled streets is important. Traditional clothing is common in rural areas.
Is Hungary a safe country for solo travelers?
According to Travel Safe Abroad, Hungary is a safe country overall. Be aware of your surroundings, there is a moderate risk for scams and pickpockets. Also, taxi drivers may overcharge, be sure to request the driver use the meter. Dial 112 in an emergency. Contact the US Embassy for non-urgent emergencies, such as a lost passport.
What Hungarian food do I need to try?
Chicken Paprikash (chicken cooked in cream and paprika), Túrós Csusza (pasta with cheese and bacon), Goulash (beef stew), Kolbász (spicy paprika sausage), Töltött Kaposzta (cabbage stuffed with meat and rice), Hortobágyi Húsos Palacsinta (meat filled crepe), Lángos (deep-fried bread topped with sour cream and cheese), Kürtőskalács (sweet dough coated in powdered sugar), Meggyleves (sweet cherry soup), Somlói Galuska (cake), Dobos Torta (drummer cake).
What are the main holidays and festivals in Hungary?
- The Budapest International Circus Festival is held at the end of January.
- The Formula 1 Grand Prix is held at the beginning of February.
- The Budapest Spring Festival is in March.
- The Danube Carnival is held in June.
Tips for Traveling in Hungary
- Tipping is 10-15% common in Hungary.
- WiFi is available in most hotels, restaurants, cafes, and bars.
- Jaywalking is illegal, stay in the crosswalk.
10 Top Things to See and Do in Hungary
- Visit the terrace of Fisherman’s Bastion.
- Tour the Hungarian Parliament Building.
- Relax at the Szechenyi Thermal Bath.
- Spend a night in a Ruin Bar.
- Explore the Szentendre Skanzen Village open-air museum.
- Visit the Pannonhalma Archabbey.
- Sample sweet dessert wines in the Tokaj wine region.
- Soak in one of the largest thermal lakes in the world in Heviz.
- Visit Festetics Palace on Lake Balaton.
- Explore the traditional Hungarian village of Hollókő.
Check the Hungary Office of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Interesting Facts About Hungary
- It’s not pronounced Boo-da-PEST, it’s Boo-da-PESHT.
- Communism in Hungary ended in 1989 and the country became a parliamentary republic.
- Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe.
- Hungarians eat a lot of paprika.
- There are 44 letters in the Hungarian alphabet.
- Hungarians are known to be pessimistic.
- It is considered rude to clink your beer glasses, in fact, it was banned until 1999.
- The Hungarian Parliament is the 3rd largest parliament building in the world.
- Budapest has the highest number of thermal springs in the world.
- Rubik’s Cube and ballpoint pen are Hungarian inventions.
- Tokaji Aszu was the world’s first official wine region.
- Hungary was founded in A.D. 896 and is one of the oldest countries in Europe. It is older than France, Germany, or England.
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