Hungary

Things to Do in Hungary

Thermal waters, Baroque cities, and the sweep of the Danube.

  • CapitalBudapest
  • CurrencyHungarian Forint (HUF)
  • LanguageHungarian (Magyar)
  • Time zoneCET (UTC+1)
  • Emergency112

Why visit Hungary?

Hungary sits at the heart of Central Europe, defined by the sweeping curve of the Danube River, a deeply rooted thermal bath culture, and a complex history reflected in its architecture. From the grand neo-Gothic Parliament in Budapest to the quiet Baroque squares of Győr and Pécs, the country offers a rich cultural experience without the extreme crowds of its western neighbors.

Beyond the urban centers, Hungary's landscape opens up into the vast plains of the Hortobágy Puszta and the rolling volcanic hills of the Tokaj and Balaton wine regions. It is a nation built on geothermal waters, where Roman, Ottoman, and Habsburg influences merge. Visitors can transition seamlessly from relaxing in 16th-century Turkish pools to sipping complex Bull's Blood red wines in Eger's underground cellars.

Budapest's Thermal Baths

Wine Tasting in Tokaj and Eger

Lake Balaton and Tihany

The Danube Bend (Dunakanyar)

Hortobágy National Park

Pécs and the Early Christian Necropolis

Popular regions

Central Hungary & Budapest

Central Hungary & Budapest

Transdanubia

Transdanubia

Northern Hungary

Northern Hungary

The Great Hungarian Plain (Alföld)

The Great Hungarian Plain (Alföld)

When to visit Hungary

Based on average conditions in Hungary.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Temperature11°17°22°26°28°28°23°16°
Rain6d5d6d6d7d7d6d6d5d5d6d7d
CrowdsLowLowMedMedHighHighHighHighMedMedLowMed
  • Cold
  • Comfortable / dry / low crowds
  • Cool–hot / typical / moderate
  • Very hot / wetter / high crowds

Plan your trip to Hungary

Ideal Duration

7 to 10 Days

Best Time to Visit

May to September

Primary Gateway

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International (BUD)

Expectation vs Reality

Thermal baths are community hubs

Getting around Hungary

MÁV National Railway

Regional Buses (Volánbusz)

Budapest Transit (BKK)

Costs, food & practical info

Costs

  • Budget

    15,000–22,000 HUF

  • Mid-range

    35,000–55,000 HUF

  • Luxury

    80,000+ HUF

Food & drinks

  • Gulyás (Goulash)2,200–3,500 HUF
  • Lángos (Fried flatbread with garlic cream)900–1,600 HUF
  • Csirkepaprikás (Chicken Paprikash)2,800–4,200 HUF
  • Somlói Galuska (Sponge cake with chocolate and cream)1,200–1,800 HUF
  • Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake)1,000–1,800 HUF

Practical

  • Tipping Culture

  • Spa Etiquette

  • Currency Exchange

  • Language Basics

Insight in one click

Frequently asked questions about visiting Hungary

How many days do I need in Hungary? +

A trip of 7 to 10 days is ideal. This gives you 3 days to fully explore Budapest, with the remaining time split between the vineyards of Eger, the scenic shores of Lake Balaton, or historic Pécs.

What is the best time of year to visit Hungary? +

May to June and September to October are the best months. The weather is warm and pleasant, avoiding the intense heat and heavy tourist crowds of July and August.

Can I use Euros in Hungary? +

The official currency is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). While some hotels and major shops in Budapest accept Euros, they often use a poor exchange rate. It is highly recommended to pay in Forints or use a credit card.

What is a typical first-timer itinerary? +

Start with 3 days in Budapest, then take a train to the medieval town of Eger for historic sights and wine tasting. Next, head southwest to Lake Balaton for lakeside relaxation, finishing in the historic southern city of Pécs.

Is Hungary safe for solo travelers? +

Yes, Hungary is generally very safe with low levels of violent crime. Normal precautions against pickpocketing should be taken in crowded areas of Budapest, especially on public transit and around major tourist sites.

How easy is it to get around Hungary without a car? +

It is very easy. The national rail network (MÁV) connects Budapest to all major cities, and the regional Volánbusz bus network fills in any gaps to smaller villages.