Complete Hungary Travel Guide, What You Need to Know
Planning a trip to Hungary? Start with Budapest for grand architecture, thermal baths, ruin bars, cafés, markets, and views along the Danube; visit Lake Balaton for lakeside towns and summer activities; explore the Tokaj wine region for historic vineyards and sweet wines; or head beyond the capital to discover traditional villages, national parks, castles, and smaller cities.
This Hungary travel guide will help you decide where to go, when to visit, how to get around, how much to budget, and what you need to know before you arrive. You’ll also find practical information about Hungarian entry requirements, currency, transportation, weather, electrical outlets, safety, food, packing, festivals, and local travel tips.
Visiting Hungary for the first time? Budapest is the natural starting point and deserves several days, but Hungary offers much more than its capital. Add Lake Balaton, Eger, the Tokaj wine region, Pécs, or one of the country’s smaller cities if you have additional time.
Hungary is relatively compact, and trains and buses make it possible to explore many destinations without renting a car. A rental car becomes more useful when visiting rural areas, wine regions, villages, and destinations that are less convenient to reach by public transportation.
Hungary Travel Guide at a Glance
Planning your first trip to Hungary? Here are the essential things to know before you go:
Capital: Budapest
Currency: Hungarian forint (HUF)
Official Language: Hungarian
Emergency Number: 112
Driving: Hungarians drive on the right
Power Outlets: Type C and F, 230V, 50Hz
Best Time to Visit: April–May and September–October for generally pleasant sightseeing weather; summer for Lake Balaton and festivals; December for Budapest’s Christmas atmosphere
Popular First-Time Destinations: Budapest, Lake Balaton, Eger, Tokaj, Pécs, and Szentendre
Getting Around Hungary: Trains and buses connect Budapest with cities and towns throughout the country; Budapest has an extensive metro, tram, bus, and trolleybus network
Visa Requirements: U.S. citizens can currently visit Hungary and the Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism
Best Known For: Budapest, thermal baths, the Danube, paprika, Hungarian wine, ruin bars, historic architecture, Lake Balaton, and traditional cuisine
Don’t Miss: The Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle District, Fisherman’s Bastion, a thermal bath, Hungarian food, and at least one destination outside Budapest
First-time Hungary travel tip: Spend at least a few days in Budapest, but don’t assume the capital represents the entire country. Hungary’s wine regions, lake towns, historic cities, villages, and countryside offer very different experiences.
Best Places to Visit in Hungary
Budapest: Best for First-Time Visitors, Architecture and Thermal Baths
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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Budapest: Best for First-Time Visitors, Architecture and Thermal Baths
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.
Szeged: Best for Art Nouveau Architecture and Food
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.
Miskolc: Best for Bükk Mountains and Outdoor Adventures
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 Language Is Spoken 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 U.S. Citizens Need a Visa to Visit Hungary?
U.S. citizens can generally visit Hungary and other countries in the Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period for tourism. Time spent elsewhere in the Schengen Area counts toward the same 90-day allowance.
What Currency Does Hungary Use?
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 You 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 Does a Trip to Hungary Cost?
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.
How Do You Get Around Hungary?
100E Airport Express now connects Budapest Airport directly with Deák Ferenc tér in the city center and operates around the clock. Budapest is well-connected by Metro, tram, and bus. Download the BudapestGO 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 Power Adapter Do You 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 You 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 Safe for Solo Travelers?
As of April 15, 2026, the U.S. State Department lists Hungary at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. 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 Should You Try?
Traditional Hungarian Dishes: gulyás, chicken paprikash, töltött káposzta, Hortobágyi palacsinta
Pasta and Comfort Food: túrós csusza
Street Food and Snacks: lángos, kolbász
Soups: meggyleves and halászlé
Desserts: kürtőskalács, Somlói galuska, Dobos torta
What Are the Major Holidays and Festivals in Hungary?
- The Budapest International Circus Festival is held at the end of January.
- The Formula 1 Grand Prix is typically held in the summer.
- 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, check if a service fee has already been added.
- 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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