Hungary

The best time to visit Hungary is during the spring (April to June) or fall (September to October), when the weather is mild, and the tourist crowds are smaller. Summer is also great for festivals and outdoor activities, but it can get hot.

Yes, Hungary is generally safe for tourists. Violent crime is rare, but it’s always best to be cautious in busy tourist spots and watch your belongings.

A stay of 3-5 days is enough to explore the main attractions like Budapest, Lake Balaton, and the historic towns. If you want to explore more rural areas, 7-10 days is ideal.

Hungary is part of the Schengen Area, so if you’re from the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you don’t need a visa. Visitors from other countries may need a visa depending on their nationality.

The currency used in Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). Credit cards are accepted in most places, but it’s a good idea to have cash for smaller transactions.

• Budapest: Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, Parliament Building.
• Lake Balaton: Hungary’s largest lake, perfect for relaxation and water sports.
• Eger: Famous for its historic castle and wine.
• Pécs: A charming city with a rich history and beautiful architecture.
• Hortobágy National Park: A UNESCO-listed site for nature lovers.

Hungary is generally affordable compared to many European countries, with prices varying by city.

• Budget: $30–50 USD per day
• Mid-range: $60–120 USD per day
• Luxury: $200+ USD per day

• By Air: Fly into Budapest International Airport or other regional airports. There are direct flights from many European and international cities.
• By Train: Hungary has great train connections, especially from neighboring countries like Austria, Slovakia, and Serbia.
• By Car: You can easily drive into Hungary from neighboring countries like Austria, Slovakia, Romania, and Serbia.

• Public transport: Budapest has an excellent metro, bus, and tram system.
• Trains: Efficient for traveling between cities.
• Taxis: Available in most cities; it’s best to use apps like Bolt or Főtaxi.
• Car rentals: Renting a car is good for exploring rural areas like the Tata Castle or Eger.

• Goulash: A hearty meat and vegetable stew.
• Langos: Fried dough topped with sour cream, cheese, or garlic.
• Paprikás Csirke: Chicken in a rich paprika sauce.
• Dobos Torte: A layered sponge cake with chocolate buttercream.
• Kürtőskalács: A sweet, spiral-shaped pastry.

Yes, tap water in Hungary is safe to drink, including in Budapest and most other cities.

Hungary uses Type C and Type F plugs with two round pins.

Hungary has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures can reach 30°C (86°F), while winters can be below 0°C (32°F). Spring and fall are mild and ideal for visiting.

Tipping is common but not mandatory. In restaurants, it’s typical to leave 10-15% of the bill. For taxis, rounding up the fare or adding around 10% is appreciated. In hotels, 1-2 EUR for bellhops or housekeepers is customary. If you take a tour, tipping 5-10 EUR for a full-day guide is a nice gesture.