Travel Guide Hungary
Although it is a small country, it is home to a variety of remarkable landscapes with low mountains in the northwest, a large plain in the east, the beautiful Danube, rivers and lakes including the immense Lake Balaton, the largest in Central Europe, a popular holiday destination for the region's residents. In addition, there are cities and villages with a prestigious historical heritage, including its capital Budapest, divided in two by the Danube. Hungary keeps the traces of the Ottoman domination and especially that of the Austrians. You can vary the pleasures by discovering the Old Village of Hollóko and its region, the Hortobágy National Park, the magnificent Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma, the Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs and Fertö, not to mention stopping in the Tokaj wine region where you will understand that Hungarian wines can be excellent. The destination has many World Heritage sites and is home to Europe's largest synagogue, the Basilica of Esztergom, the third largest church in Europe, sumptuous thermal baths, and with the Gödöllo, the second largest Baroque castle in the world. Among the local specialities, you will find in the restaurants tasty soups, meat stew, chicken with paprika and many spicy desserts. But don't forget your tourist guide to guide you and help you in your choice of itinerary.
What to visit Hungary?
Suggested addresses Hungary
When to go to Hungary?
Hungary has a high tourist season from mid-June to the end of October and a low season the rest of the year. Some youth hostels, panzió, restaurants, camping sites, museums close during the low season especially around Lake Balaton. Museums, sites and tourist offices have extended opening hours during the high season. The prices of rooms in high season increase by an average of 30%. There are three other short "peak" periods that mainly affect Budapest: the F1 Grand Prix in the suburbs of Budapest (in July or August) - prices double -, the Sziget Festival in August (in Budapest) and finally Christmas and especially New Year's Eve. Some establishments in Budapest offer mid-season prices just before the start of the high season. From October 31 to March 31, several hotels offer the 4th night free (Budapest winter invitation). Attractive dates that may motivate you to come include the big New Year's concert at the National Opera or MUPA (Budapest), the Mohács Carnival in February, the Spring Festival in Budapest and in several provincial cities (second half of March), the street theater festival in Pécs (July) and from July 10 onwards the Balatonsound festival in Zamardi, on the shores of Lake Balaton. In addition, on August 20, Saint Stephen's Day is celebrated throughout the country. Then, at the beginning of September, the International Wine and Champagne Festival is held in the Castle district of Budapest. Finally, in December, the Christmas market is held in Budapest and throughout Hungary.
Weather at the moment
Hungary has a temperate continental climate. Winters are rather harsh, often snowy, summers are hot, even very hot, sometimes stormy. Mid-seasons are pleasant and sunny (with more or less rain). January is the harshest month of the year with an average temperature of 4°C. Winter in Budapest is rather harsh with some snow. The mid-seasons are the most pleasant. Autumn can be a real Indian summer.
Budapest
The euro is accepted in most hotels and restaurants. Do not change your euros on the street, prefer exchange offices rather than banks. Only major hotels, restaurants and retail chains accept international credit cards. Hungary remains an inexpensive destination. The prices of tickets and services are relatively moderate (museums, shows, concerts, baths...). Be careful with the invoice in high-end restaurants.
EU citizens wishing to visit Hungary for stays of less than 90 days do not need a visa. A valid identity card or passport is sufficient. For stays longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a residence permit from the Hungarian authorities.
No particular health risks in Hungary and a good quality health system. No vaccination is required. However, it is recommended to get vaccinated against influenza during the transmission period, against tick-borne encephalitis and to check if you are up to date with your D. T. Polio vaccines.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
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How to go to Hungary? Our advice & tips
There are many proposals for a weekend or a week (flight+hotel+meals+tours) in Budapest. There are also stays that allow you to discover this or that region, to go hiking or to enjoy a stay on the Balafon lake, or even to go on a cruise on the Danube. This is a good option if you do not want to organize anything yourself.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationThe destination is safe and inexpensive, ideal to go alone and design your stay. Low cost flights to Budapest are numerous, especially in summer. On site, you can rent a car or take advantage of an efficient and inexpensive public transportation system. Cycling and hiking are great ways to explore the wilderness. Hungary is sufficiently touristy that you can easily find accommodation.
The country is of modest size, it is easy to get around. The motorway network is of good quality, the secondary roads less so. To use the highways you will have to buy a vignette available at the highway entrances and at the service stations. The bus network is well developed and the connections frequent. Long-distance buses are clean and in good condition, but often late. River cruises are available between Budapest and Szentendre, Visegrád and Esztergom.
