Country guides
Europe
Nestled in the heart of Europe, landlocked Hungary is a picturesque gateway between the western and eastern sides of the continent. Culturally and linguistically distinct among its many neighbours, this tiny, popular destination is blessed with a long and fascinating history, a stunning countryside, and welcoming people.
Hungarians are descended from the Magyars of Russia and the country has, at various points, been ruled by the Mongols, the Austrians, and the Soviet Union. A wealth of historical attractions within the countryside and the cosmopolitan capital, Budapest, are the legacy of these influences.
For its part, Budapest is one of Europe's great city-break destinations, rivalling Paris, Vienna and Prague for sheer elegance. This bohemian metropolis has museums, monuments, and historic buildings aplenty, and comes alive after dark through its riotous and romantic nightlife, and a restaurant scene that offers something for every traveller.
Outside of the capital, Hungary's rolling countryside surrounds charming villages, where medieval squares and splendid castles set the stage for adventure. Travellers can explore the vineyards around Eger, relax in the thermal mineral baths of Balatonfured, or wander the quaint towns of the beautiful Danube Bend for an unforgettable holiday.
Best time to visit Hungary
Summer is the best time to visit Hungary, as the weather is warm and all the restaurants and attractions are open for tourists. The climate is temperate, but winters are cold and the weather in spring and autumn is unpredictable.
What to see in Hungary
-Drive to Eger to tour the heavily-fortified Eger Castle.
-See the monuments of Hungary's Communist history at Memento Park in Budapest.
-Take in the view of Budapest and the Chain Bridge from Fisherman's Bastion.
-Relax and enjoy watersports in the thermal lake at Heviz.
What to do in Hungary
-Stroll around Vac to see the pretty cathedrals and the macabre Memento Mori Crypt.
-Treat the kids to a day riding the rollercoasters at Vidam Park.
-Spend a day walking around the charming riverside town of Esztergom.
-Take a river cruise around the Danube Bend.
Getting to Hungary
Getting to Hungary from the UK is made easy by direct cheap flights to Budapest from London and a handful of other cities by a few budget carriers. Direct flights to Hungary from the US are also available from a number of cities.
Read
Eclipse of the Crescent Moon by Geza Gardonyi.
Listen
Franz Liszt and Bela Bartok.
Watch
The Shop Around the Corner (1940) and Sunshine (1999).
Drink
Hungarian wine and mineral water.
Eat
Goulash soup, strudel and crepes.
What to buy
Tokaji wine.
What to pack
Pack layers, as the weather in Hungary can be unpredictable.
What's on in Hungary
The Christmas markets held each winter in Budapest's Vorosmarty Square are accompanied by organ and choir concerts.
Did you know?
-The Rubik's Cube was invented in Hungary.
-In 1946, Hungary issued a 'one quintillion pengo' note, the highest denomination ever issued by any country.
A final word
Hungary's stunning landscape and fascinating history make it a convenient and delightful stop on any European holiday.
Things to do in Hungary
Hungary is one of Europe's most fascinating countries and offers a wealth of sightseeing attractions. Visitors to beautiful Budapest marvel at its architecture, operas and music concerts, all the while taking in the romance of the Danube River and the capital's famed spa baths.
Budapest has many celebrated tourist attractions and is a useful transport hub for exploring the rest of the country. Tourists can visit Hévíz and soak in the world's second largest thermal lake, Gyógytó, or stop by Memento Park, where hundreds of giant statues are kept after being banished at the end of the communist era.
The charming riverside town, Szentendre, makes for a wonderful day trip full of winding lanes, picturesque corners, art museums, galleries and lovely churches, and the old university town of Keszthely is worth visiting to enjoy the quaint tree-lined streets, trendy cafes and busy markets.
Summer (between April and September) is the best season to visit Hungary, as the days are long and the weather warm. Most towns and cities have reliable and affordable public transport, but the best way to see the country is to hire a car and experience it all at a leisurely pace.
Hungary travel info
Electricity
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are standard.
Language
Hungarian (Magyar) is the official language, but German is widely spoken, especially in the areas close to the Austrian border. English is spoken in tourist areas and most hotels.
Money
Although Hungary is part of the EU it does not use the euro. The official currency is the Hungarian forint (HUF), which is divided into 100 fillér. Most international credit cards are accepted at shops, restaurants and hotels; ATMs are available in towns and cities throughout the country. Banks usually open between 8am and 3pm on weekdays and some are open on Saturdays.
Tipping
Taxi drivers, waiters and other professions in the service industry expect a tip of 10 to 15 percent in Hungary. It's customary to add the tip to the bill or hand it to the waiter rather than leave it on the tabe.
Health
A reciprocal health agreement with countries in the EU provides nationals with free emergency healthcare on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). After Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance. All big towns have pharmacies, but anyone requiring specific medication should bring a supply with them as local medicines may be unfamiliar. Tourists should make sure that if they're travelling with prescribed medications they bring along a letter from their doctor stating conditions and prescribed medication. Public health facilities are good but comprehensive travel insurance is still recommended.
Safety
Most visits to Hungary are trouble free, but normal precautions against petty crime should be taken. Pick pocketing and bag snatching are a risk on crowded public transport and in other places frequented by tourists. Visitors should make use of hotel safes to store valuables and avoid displaying conspicuous wealth. Carrying copies of important documents such as passports is always a good idea.
Travellers should also ask to see the menu and price list when ordering drinks or food, and check their bill carefully before settling up. Some bars and restaurants have been known to charge extortionate amounts and take tourists to cash points to demand more money. Travellers should report any such incident to the police.
Local customs
Hungarians are generally open and friendly, readily striking up conversation. Men and women greet each other by shaking hands, and close friends kiss each other lightly on each cheek. Older men may bow to women and kiss them on the hand.
Doing business
A handshake is the standard form of greeting when doing business in Hungary and, in mixed company, it's usually women who initiate. Conservative suits and ties are standard business dress and businesspeople should be addressed by their title and surname.
Business cards are often exchanged; Hungarians usually list their surnames first. It is useful to have a local representative when doing business in Hungary, acting as an interpreter and go-between. It is important to invest time in building relationships; socialising is a key element and face-to-face meetings are vital.
Punctuality is important on all occasions and cancelling a meeting at the last minute may be detrimental to a business relationship. There may be plenty of red tape to get through too, so negotiations can be slow-moving. Business hours are usually from 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday.
Duty free
Travellers over the age of 17 arriving by air from countries outside of the EU can import the following duty-free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos or 250g of tobacco; 4 litres of wine, 16 litres of beer and either 1 litre of spirits containing more than 22 percent alcohol or 2 litres of alcoholic beverages containing less than 22 percent alcohol; and other goods up to a value of €430.
Communications
The international access code for Hungary is +36. WiFi is available in most cafes, hotels and restaurants; travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones.
Passport & Visa
The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. All visitors to Hungary, other than EEA members, should ensure that their passports are valid for at least six months beyond the expiry date of their visa. Foreign passengers must be in possession of a return or onward ticket, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Additionally, visitors must hold the equivalent of HUF 1,000 per day of stay, in hard currency, although the following documents are also accepted: a major credit card, a letter of invitation, proof of accommodation (reserved and paid for), or a document authorising the visitor to withdraw cash from a bank in Hungary. It is highly recommended that travelers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry requirements
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Hungary. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
UK citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Hungary. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Hungary. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Hungary. A visa is required for stays longer than 90 days.
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay, and a valid Schengen visa to enter Hungary. Passports issued more than 10 years prior to the arrival date will not be accepted.
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Hungary. No visa is required.
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months after the period of intended stay in Hungary. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
Useful contacts
Official Hungarian Tourism Portal: gotohungary.com
112 (General in Europe)Embassies / consulates in other countries
Hungarian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 362 6730.
Hungarian Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7201 3440.
Hungarian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 230-2717.
Hungarian Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6282 3226.
Hungarian Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 430 3030.
Hungarian Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 661 2902.
Hungarian Consulate-General, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 260 3175.
Embassies / consulates in Hungary
United States Embassy, Budapest: +36 1 475 4400.
British Embassy, Budapest: +36 1 266 2888.
Canadian Embassy, Budapest: +36 1 392 3360.
Australian Embassy, Budapest: +36 1 457 9777.
South African Embassy, Budapest: +36 1 392 0999.
Irish Embassy, Budapest: +36 1 301 4960.
Closest New Zealand Embassy is in Germany: +49 (0)30 206 210
Climate in Hungary
Hungary has a continental climate with distinct seasons, and a big variation between winter and summer conditions. Most people enjoy visiting Hungary over the summer period (June to August) when the weather is warmer and the attractions are open. The weather in spring and autumn can be pleasant too, but temperatures do drop to around 20F (9C). Temperatures approach freezing during winter (December to February), with snow blanketing the ground for weeks and the mighty Danube River freezing over. Rainfall is largely dependent on the region.
The west of Hungary, including Budapest, starts warming up after a cold winter in April. The weather in this part of Hungary is hot and humid throughout the summer months, which are the most popular time to visit.
Eastern and central Hungary experience hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters. The wind is often strong on the plains, adding to the chill factor. In the south of Hungary, there is a slightly warmer climate and summers are long, hot and rainy while winters are shorter and less severe, with temperatures seldom dropping below freezing.