Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Hungary Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Hungary – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Hungarian Forint (HUF) £1 ≈ HUF 437.70 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 4/5
Cashless payment is widely accepted in Hungary, especially in urban areas, though smaller vendors may prefer cash.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is customary in Hungary, with 10-15% added in restaurants if not included. Small tips for taxi drivers and hotel staff are also common. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is not permitted in Hungary, except in designated areas or during special events. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces and transport. Designated smoking areas are available. |
| Hungarian Revolution Day (March) |
Public events and closures occur, especially in Budapest. |
|---|---|
| Saint Stephen's Day (August) |
Expect fireworks and celebrations across Hungary. |
| Christmas (December) |
Festive markets and holiday closures are common. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Bolt, Főtaxi, Uber |
| Other: | Hungary is known for its thermal baths, historical architecture, and vibrant cultural festivals. Public transport is efficient in cities. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Hungary, Hungary
Climate and season vary by region: Budapest and towns best in spring and autumn, Lake Balaton for swimming June to August, thermal baths year-round, especially good in winter
Christmas markets run mid November to 23 December, with Budapest the busiest
Many Balaton hotels, restaurants and ferries close October to April
Don't miss
- 🏰 Visit the stunning Buda Castle overlooking Danube River
- 🏛️ Admire the Neo-Gothic architecture of the Parliament Building
- 🌅 Enjoy panoramic views from Fisherman’s Bastion terraces
- ♨️ Relax at the famous Széchenyi Thermal Bath
- 🌉 Walk across the historic Chain Bridge connecting Buda and Pest
- 🗿 Explore Heroes' Square and its iconic statues
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Hungary?
Hungary's appeal lies in its remarkable diversity packed into a relatively small country. It boasts stunning architectural treasures including the Parliament Building in Budapest and numerous castles, alongside natural wonders like Lake Balaton, Europe's largest freshwater lake. The country is famous for its thermal spa culture with over 1,500 thermal springs, offering relaxation and wellness experiences. Beyond the physical attractions, you'll find a rich cultural tapestry with distinctive cuisine, quality wines and a fascinating history that spans from ancient Roman times through the Austro-Hungarian Empire to the present day. However, travelers should be prepared for certain challenges. The weather can be unpredictable with abrupt seasonal transitions and considerable differences between summer and winter temperatures. Summers can be quite hot with temperatures climbing above 35°C in July-August, while winters can drop below -10°C on the coldest days. Language barriers may exist outside major tourist areas, as Hungarian is notoriously difficult for foreigners to learn and is unlike most other European languages.
🏙️Cities & Regions
-
1
Budapest
Capital city on the Danube offers a mix of historic architecture and vibrant cultural life. Highlights include the Parliament building, thermal baths and lively ruin bars, while nearby hills provide scenic views and outdoor recreation. -
2
Sopron
This historic Hungarian town borders Austria, featuring the imposing St. Martin's Church and its famous wine cellars. While often overshadowed by Vienna, Sopron offers a quieter, authentic atmosphere where visitors can easily sample local wines without the capital's crowds. -
3
Győr
A vibrant river town on Hungary’s Danube, Gyor offers a mix of historic architecture and modern culture. Its baroque churches, lively cafés and annual music festivals attract visitors seeking authentic Central European charm. -
4
Szeged
A vibrant university town on Hungary’s Danube River, known for its lively cultural scene and historic architecture. The city hosts annual music festivals, offers extensive thermal spa facilities and features a mix of Baroque churches and modern public spaces. -
5
Pécs
A historic town in western Hungary, Pécs offers a mix of Roman ruins, Ottoman architecture and vibrant art scenes. The cathedral, early Christian basilica and contemporary galleries attract visitors seeking culture and regional cuisine. -
6
Esztergom
A historic city on Hungary’s Danube, Esztergom boasts a towering basilica that dominates the skyline and offers panoramic river views. The town’s medieval streets, museums and nearby pilgrimage sites attract visitors year‑round in the region. -
7
Szentendre
A charming riverside town on Lake Balaton, Szentendre is known for its colorful buildings, art galleries and vibrant cultural scene. Its cobblestone streets and historic architecture make it a picturesque destination in Hungary's central region.
🏯Places worth seeing
-
1
Hungarian Parliament Building
The Hungarian Parliament Building stands as a majestic Gothic Revival landmark on the Danube's banks, featuring intricate spires and grand halls that embody Budapest's rich architectural heritage and historical significance. -
2
Buda Castle
Perched on Castle Hill, this historic fortress offers panoramic views over the Danube and city. Its architecture spans centuries, featuring Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles, while museums showcase Hungarian art and history. -
3
Heroes' Square
Heroes Square stands as Budapest's grandest monument, honoring national heroes and emperors. Its massive statues overlook a vast plaza, framed by the Hungarian National Museum and the Parliament's iconic dome in the distance. -
4
Széchenyi Thermal Bath
-
5
Castle of Eger
-
6
Fisherman's Bastion
-
7
Matthias Church
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Budapest Spring Festival
-
Sziget Festival
-
Budapest Wine Festival
-
Debrecen Flower Carnival
-
Szeged Open-Air Festival
-
Busójárás Carnival (Mohács)
-
Budapest Christmas Markets
-
Balaton Sound Festival
-
Budapest International Wine Festival
-
Tokaj Wine Festival
Knowledge before you go
- Watch for pickpockets in Budapest tourist areas.
- Buy Budapest Card for unlimited public transport and attraction discounts.
- Visit thermal baths like Szechenyi; book spa tickets online in advance.
- Explore ruin bars in Jewish Quarter at night; arrive early to avoid long queues.
How to travel to Hungary
Most international visitors arrive in Hungary through Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, which has connections to major European cities and some intercontinental destinations. The country is also well-connected by train to neighboring countries, with direct services from Vienna, Prague, Berlin and other major European cities. International bus services provide additional options for entry. For EU citizens, only an ID card is required for entry, while most non-EU visitors need a passport and possibly a Schengen visa.
Access summary
- Budapest: Fly to Budapest Ferenc Liszt (BUD) from major European hubs.
- Lake Balaton region: Fly to BUD, trains or buses to Siofok, Keszthely.
- Debrecen/Eastern Hungary: Fly to Debrecen (DEB) from select European cities.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Hungary
Hungary offers accommodations for every budget, from luxury hotels in Budapest to charming guesthouses in wine regions and thermal spa resorts throughout the country. In Budapest, you'll find international hotel chains alongside boutique properties in historic buildings. Thermal towns like Hévíz and Hajdúszoboszló feature wellness hotels built around spa facilities. Lake Balaton offers family-friendly resorts and vacation rentals. Rural areas feature traditional guesthouses, often with home-cooked meals included. Budget travelers will find hostels in major cities, while camping is available near natural attractions during summer.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Hungary
Getting around Hungary is relatively straightforward with a well-developed public transportation system. In Budapest, the network includes metros, trams, buses and trolleybuses, making city exploration easy. For intercity travel, trains connect major cities and towns, while buses reach smaller localities. The country's compact size means most destinations are within a few hours of the capital. For exploring rural areas like the wine regions or national parks, renting a car provides the most flexibility, though public transportation can reach most tourist destinations.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Hungary are around 38% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to HUF) is 1% worse than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Hungary is generally safe for tourists with low violent crime rates. Exercise normal precautions in crowded tourist areas where pickpocketing can occur. Public transportation is safe, even at night, though taxi scams targeting tourists can happen in Budapest.
Health & Medical
Hungary has good quality healthcare facilities in major cities and tourist areas. EU citizens can use the European Health Insurance Card, while others should have comprehensive travel insurance. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues.
Accessibility
Accessibility varies across Hungary. Major cities and newer tourist facilities offer reasonable accessibility, though historical sites and older buildings may present challenges for mobility-impaired travelers. Public transportation accessibility is improving but remains limited in some areas.
Tap water
Tap water is safe to drink throughout Hungary and meets European quality standards. Public drinking fountains are available in some tourist areas, though bottled mineral water is widely available if preferred.
Packing recommendations for Hungary
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🌞
Sun cream
summer
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🧥
Waterproof jacket
🧥
Light jacket
even in summer
🕶️
Sunglasses
summer
☂️
Folding umbrella
🩱
Swimwear
for thermal baths
🧶
Light jumper
even in summer
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
📃
Travel insurance
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
📱
Translation app or phrasebook
🧥
Fleece mid-layer
for variable temperatures
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
Type C/F plugs
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
Related articles & guides for Hungary
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