Popular
Best in Apr
Hungary
Budapest
Moderate
From $84 /day
Hungary
Hungary sits at the heart of Central Europe, offering a blend of imperial grandeur and rustic charm. From the neoclassical architecture of Budapest to the rolling vineyards of Tokaj, this is a land where history is etched into every cobblestone. You can spend your mornings soaking in century-old thermal baths and your evenings in eclectic ruin bars set within repurposed historic buildings. Beyond the capital, the Great Hungarian Plain and the shores of Lake Balaton reveal a slower, more traditional pace of life. Whether you are drawn by the rich folk traditions or the sophisticated culinary scene, Hungary provides a captivating and affordable European escape.
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We built this guide using official tourism data, local travel insights, and real pricing from our city guides, so you can plan your trip with confidence.
1 city
3 guides
$84 Daily Budget
Quick Facts
Capital
Budapest
Languages
Hungarian
Currency
Hungarian Forint (HUF)
1 $ ≈ 321 Ft
Plug Type
Type C/F (230V, 50Hz)
Driving Side
Right
Dial Code
+36
Entry Requirements
Check requirements →
Time Zone
CET/CEST (UTC+1/UTC+2)
Emergency
112 (all services); also 104 (Ambulance), 105 (Fire), 107 (Police)
Why Visit Hungary
Historical Thermal Baths
Over 1,000 thermal springs run beneath the country, fueling a spa culture that dates back to Roman and Ottoman times. You can relax in the Neo-Baroque pools of Széchenyi or other historic baths for a fraction of the cost of Western European spas. Note: Gellért Bath is closed from Oct 1, 2025; planned reopening in 2028.
Architectural Splendor
Hungary showcases an incredible range of styles, from the massive Gothic Revival Parliament building to the colorful Zsolnay-tiled roofs of the Great Market Hall. Every corner of Budapest tells a story of the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s golden age.
World-Class Wine Heritage
With 22 distinct wine regions, the country is a paradise for oenophiles, particularly the volcanic slopes of Tokaj known for its sweet Aszú wines. You can explore medieval cellars and sample robust reds like Egri Bikavér in the Eger region.
Affordable Luxury
While offering world-class culture and dining, Hungary remains one of the most cost-effective destinations in the region. You can enjoy high-end opera performances and gourmet meals with an average daily budget of ~$84 / 26,889 Ft.
Unique Culinary Traditions
Hungarian cuisine is a hearty explosion of flavor, famously characterized by the generous use of sweet and spicy paprika. From traditional fisherman's soup to decadent multi-layered cakes, the food is both comforting and deeply tied to national identity.
Top Experiences
Top-rated tours and activities in Hungary
Cities & Destinations
Regions
Budapest
The Pearl of the Danube is divided into hilly Buda and flat Pest, offering a mix of historic castles and vibrant urban life. It is the cultural heart of the country, famous for its ruin bars, thermal baths, and iconic Parliament building.
Lake Balaton
Often called the Hungarian Sea, this is Central Europe’s largest freshwater lake and a prime summer destination for sailing and swimming. The northern shore is known for its rolling vineyards and historic abbey, while the south caters to beach lovers.
Tokaj & Northern Hungary
This UNESCO-listed region is celebrated for its centuries-old winemaking traditions and volcanic landscapes. It offers a mix of charming villages like Hollókő and the Bükk Mountains, perfect for hiking and exploring historic wine cellars.
The Danube Bend
Located just north of the capital, this scenic stretch of river is home to historic towns like Visegrád, Esztergom, and artsy Szentendre. It is a favorite for day trips, offering hilltop fortresses and winding river views.
Southern Transdanubia
Centering on the city of Pécs, this region offers a Mediterranean vibe with its early Christian necropolis and Ottoman-era mosques. It is a cultural melting pot known for its ceramics and proximity to the Villány wine region.
Best Time to Visit
Hungary is most pleasant during late spring and early autumn when the weather is mild and outdoor cafes are vibrant. Summer offers peak festival activity, while winter is ideal for visiting world-class Christmas markets and thermal baths.
Peak Season
Jun, Jul, Aug, Dec
Summer brings hot weather with temperatures of 25–30°C (77–86°F) and major events like the Sziget Festival. December is a secondary peak for the famous Budapest Christmas markets.
Shoulder Season
Apr, May, Sep, Oct
Mild temperatures of 15–22°C (59–72°F) make these months perfect for sightseeing. Crowds are smaller than in summer, and the landscape is particularly beautiful in autumn.
Off-Peak
Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov
Winters can be cold and gray, with temperatures often dropping to –2–3°C (28–37°F). However, this is the best time for budget travelers to find low accommodation rates.
Getting Around
Hungary boasts a highly efficient and affordable public transport network, with Budapest serving as the central hub for national rail and bus lines. Most major cities are well-connected by modern infrastructure, though rural areas may rely more on regional buses.
Train
MÁV-START operates an extensive rail network connecting Budapest to almost every major town. High-speed Railjet services also provide frequent connections to Vienna and beyond.
Metro
Budapest features four metro lines; Line 1 is a historic UNESCO site, while Lines 2, 3, and 4 provide rapid transit across the city. Paper tickets are validated (stamped) at metro station validators before entering. Mobile tickets/passes in BudapestGO are validated by scanning a code / using NFC at station entrances.
Bus
Volánbusz handles intercity and regional travel to areas not served by rail. The 100E Airport Express operates 24/7 between the airport and Deák Ferenc tér via Kálvin tér. It requires the dedicated Airport shuttle bus single ticket (2,500 HUF; price changed 1 Oct 2025).
Car
Driving is straightforward on well-maintained motorways, but an e-vignette is mandatory for highway use. Hungary enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy (0.00% blood alcohol) for all drivers.
Food & Drink
Hungarian food is soul-warming and robust, defined by the holy trinity of lard, onion, and paprika. Meals often begin with a hearty soup and end with elaborate pastries that reflect a sophisticated cafe culture inherited from the Austro-Hungarian era.
Must Try
Gulyásleves
A thick, savory soup of beef, potatoes, and vegetables seasoned heavily with paprika, which is considered the national dish.
Lángos
A popular street food consisting of deep-fried dough traditionally topped with garlic water, sour cream, and grated cheese.
Csirkepaprikás
Tender chicken simmered in a creamy, paprika-infused sauce, typically served with small flour dumplings called Nokedli.
Töltött Káposzta
Cabbage leaves stuffed with seasoned meat and rice, then slow-cooked on a bed of sauerkraut and topped with sour cream.
Dobostorta
A multi-layered sponge cake filled with chocolate buttercream and topped with a distinctive hard caramel glaze.
Pálinka
A potent fruit brandy made from plums, apricots, or cherries that serves as the traditional Hungarian aperitif.
Kürtőskalács
Also known as chimney cake, this sweet dough is wrapped around a spit, grilled until caramelized, and rolled in cinnamon or nuts.
Money & Costs
Hungary offers excellent value for money compared to Western Europe, with an average daily budget of ~$84 / 26,889 Ft. While prices in central Budapest have risen, the countryside remains highly affordable for dining and lodging.
Tipping
A 10–15% tip is standard in restaurants if a service charge is not already included on the bill. For taxis, rounding up the fare is customary.
Cards
Card acceptance is very high in Budapest and major cities, but carrying cash is recommended for small rural shops, markets, and some public toilets.
ATMs
ATMs are widely available; it is best to use machines affiliated with major banks (e.g., OTP, Erste) to avoid the high fees associated with independent tourist-focused ATMs.
Culture & Etiquette
Hungarians are generally formal but hospitable, valuing traditional manners and polite social interactions. While younger generations are more casual, showing respect for the country’s complex history and national pride is always appreciated by locals.
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Greet people with a polite Jó napot (Good day) when entering shops, restaurants, or small businesses.
✕
Do not clink your beer glasses during a toast; many Hungarians still observe a historical tradition linked to the 1849 revolution.
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Remove your shoes when entering someone's home unless the host specifically invites you to keep them on.
✓
Bring a small gift like high-quality chocolate or flowers (in an odd number, but never 13) if invited to a local's home.
✕
Don't talk loudly on public transport, as Hungarians generally prefer a quiet environment while commuting.
✓
Stand to the right on escalators in the metro to allow people in a hurry to pass on the left.
✓
Tip between 10–15% in restaurants if a service charge is not already included on the final bill.
✕
Do not show up empty-handed to a social gathering; even a bottle of Hungarian wine is an acceptable and appreciated gesture.
✓
Validate your public transport ticket before boarding to avoid heavy on-the-spot fines from inspectors.
✓
Always carry some small change for public restrooms, which typically cost between $0.59–$1.18 / 189 Ft–379 Ft.
Safety & Health
Hungary is rated at Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions), making it one of the safer destinations in Europe. Crime is generally limited to petty theft in crowded tourist areas and transport hubs.
Tap Water
Safe to drink
Vaccinations
No special vaccinations are required, but routine shots and Hepatitis A are recommended for most travelers. Tick-borne encephalitis vaccination is advised for those planning extensive hiking in forested areas.
Common Scams
- ⚠ Overcharging in Budapest bars and 'hostess clubs' where guests are presented with exorbitant bills after being invited for drinks by locals.
- ⚠ Pickpocketing on international trains between Budapest and Vienna and on crowded tram lines like the 4-6.
- ⚠ Unlicensed taxis charging fixed, inflated rates; always use a reputable app like Bolt or official yellow taxis with visible meters.
- ⚠ Fake ticket inspectors on public transport who demand immediate cash payment for alleged fare evasion.
- ⚠ Predatory currency exchange booths in high-traffic tourist zones like Váci Street that offer poor rates and high hidden commissions.
Public healthcare is adequate in cities but limited in rural areas; international travelers should maintain comprehensive insurance as U.S. Medicare/Medicaid is not accepted.
Language
English is widely spoken in Budapest, especially among younger generations and in the tourism sector. In rural areas and among older populations, German is more commonly understood than English.
English Spoken: Moderately spoken
Key Phrases
| Meaning | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello / Hi | Szia | See-ya |
| Thank you | Köszönöm | Koe-soe-noem |
| Yes | Igen | Ee-gen |
| No | Nem | Nem |
| Please | Kérem | Kay-rem |
| Excuse me | Elnézést | El-nay-zesht |
| The bill, please | A számlát kérem | Aw sahm-laht kay-rem |
| Goodbye | Viszontlátásra | Vee-sont-lah-tahsh-raw |
Visa & Entry
As a member of the Schengen Area, Hungary follows standard EU entry rules. ETIAS is expected to start operations in Q4 2026 for visa-exempt short stays.
Max Stay
90 days in 180-day period
Passport Validity
Issued within last 10 years; valid at least 3 months beyond intended departure
Visa-free for
United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Israel, Brazil, Mexico
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why you can trust this guide
Jan Křenek
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
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