Hungary Travel Guide

Overview

Capital:

Budapest.

Geography:

Hungary is situated in Central Europe, sharing borders to the north with Slovakia, to the northeast with Ukraine, to the east with Romania, to the south with Croatia and Serbia, and to the west with Austria and Slovenia.

Despite much of the country lying lower than 200m (656ft), there are several ranges of hills, chiefly in the north and west. The country’s highest point is Kékes in the Matra Mountains northeast of Budapest, which is 1,014m (3,327ft) high. Other, relatively low, mountain ranges include the North Hungarian Mountains, the Transdanubian Mountains and Mecsek north of Pécs. The lowest point, near Szeged in southern Hungary, is just 77m (253ft) above sea level.

The Great Hungarian Plain, which stretches northeast from the Danube to the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, east to the mountains of Transylvania in Romania, and south to the Fruška Gora range in Serbia, covers more than half of Hungary’s total territory. It is flat and low-lying throughout, never exceeding more than 183m (591ft) in height. The Little Hungarian Plain is similar, but much smaller, and lies in northwest Hungary next to the Austrian and Slovakian borders.

Two major European rivers run through Hungary, the Danube and the Tisza. The former flows through Budapest on its way to the Black Sea via Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania. The River Tisza, which has its source in Ukraine, flows south through Hungary into Vojvodina in northern Serbia, where it joins with the Danube. Both rivers are navigable in Hungary. Smaller rivers include the Rába, Szamos, Sío and the Drava, which largely defines the Croatian border.

Hungary has no coastline, but the country is home to Lake Balaton in west-central Hungary, which is sometimes referred to as the ‘Hungarian Sea’. Lake Balaton is a regionally important freshwater lake, the largest in Central Europe, with a surface area of 592 sq km (229 sq miles). At 78km (48 miles) long and up to 14km (9 miles) wide, it’s Hungary’s largest recreational area and a popular destination for both summer swimming and winter sports. Hungary also has two much smaller lakes: Lake Velence, which is a bird reserve, and Lake Fertö, which straddles the Austrian border near Sopron.

Getting There

Getting There By Air

Flights to Hungary from the UK are operated by British Airways (www.ba.com), easyJet (www.easyjet.com), Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) and Wizz (www.wizzair.com).

The major airport is: Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport.

Departure Tax

None.

Flight Times

To Budapest: from London - 2 hours 25 minutes; New York - 11 hours (including stopover).

Getting There By Road

Anyone driving from the UK has to travel via the Channel Tunnel (tel: +44 8443 353 535, in the UK; www.eurotunnel.co.uk).

Coming from northwest Europe, the M1 motorway from Vienna and Bratislava enters Hungary just before the city of Györ and continues on to the Hungarian capital. The main route from Croatia in the southwest follows the south shore of Lake Balaton to become the M7 motorway that leads to Budapest. The M5 motorway leads south from Budapest to Szeged, from where there are nearby border crossings to both Serbia and Romania.

Getting There By Water

The Danube River runs through the country west to east passing through Budapest and is navigable all of the way. In addition to Budapest, a few other minor ports are located on the River Danube, but services to/from these do not connect to neighbouring countries.

Getting Around

Getting Around By Air

There are currently no scheduled domestic flights within Hungary.

Bike

You can hire bikes from some hotels in Budapest and outlets such as Budapest Bike (tel: +36 30 944 5533; www.budapestbike.hu) and Yellow Zebra (tel: +36 1 269 3843; www.yellowzebrabikes.com).

As rural Hungary is fairly flat, getting around the countryside by bike is reasonably easy. Between towns, busy highways should be avoided in favour of quieter country roads. Heavy traffic in Budapest city centre can make cycling challenging, but there are dedicated cycle paths around the city as well as cycle lanes that run along the Danube.

Breakdown Services

Magyar Autóclub (the Hungarian Automobile Club) (tel: 188, in Hungary only; www.autoklub.hu) operates a 24-hour emergency breakdown service.

Car Hire

International and local car hire firms are located in all of Hungary's main towns and at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. The minimum age for car rental is 21 years.

Coach

Regular coach services connect towns throughout the country. Most run via one of Pest’s three major bus stations: Népliget, Stadion and Árpád. The national bus company is Volánbusz (tel: +36 1 382 0888; www.volanbusz.hu/en), which also represents Eurolines, while Orangeways (tel: +36 30 182 6630; www.orangeways.com) operates services to surrounding countries.

Documentation

Pink format EU licences are accepted. An International Driving Permit is required if an EU licence is not held.

Getting Around By Rail

Services are operated by MÁV (tel: 06 40 494 949, in Hungary only or +36 1 444 4499; www.mav.hu). All main cities are linked by efficient services and the most popular tourist rail routes are Budapest-Kecskemét-Szeged and Budapest-Siófok-Lake Balaton. Supplements are payable on express, EuroCity (EC) and InterCity (IC) trains, with reservations compulsory for the latter. 

Regulations

Speed limits are 50kph (31mph) in built-up areas, 90kph (50mph) on main roads and 130kph (75mph) on motorways. Seat belts must be worn. Children of 16 years and under must sit in the rear and child seats are compulsory. It is obligatory to keep headlights dipped when driving, and the use of handheld mobile phones is prohibited. There is a zero tolerance policy concerning drink driving – it is illegal to have any level of alcohol in the bloodstream when driving.

Getting Around By Road

Hungary has a modern and efficient road system. Tolls are payable on some roads and all motorways.

Road Classification

There are eight arterial roads in the country; all but the M8 start from central Budapest. From Budapest, the two main highways are the M1 to Györ and Vienna and the M7 along Lake Balaton. The M3 connects Budapest with eastern Hungary.

Road Quality

Most roads in Hungary are of good quality.

Side Of Road

r

Taxi

Taxis, which can be found in all major towns and cities, are reliable and reasonably priced.

Urban Travel

Almost all towns and cities in Hungary have a well-established and efficient public transport system that consists of buses, and occasionally trolley buses. Budapest, Debrecen, Szeged and Miskolc also have trams.

Budapest: Budapest Travel Limited (BKV) (tel: +36 1 325 5255; www.bkv.hu) operates buses, trolleybuses, trams and underground trains in the capital. Tickets must be purchased in advance and validated for travel. The city also has a night bus service and a suburban railway (HEV). Day passes and season tickets are available.

Debrecen: The Public Transport Company of Debrecen (DKV) (tel: +36 52 502 640; www.dkv.hu) operates buses, trams and trolleybuses in Hungary's second city.

Getting Around By Water

There are regular MAHART (tel: +36 1 484 4013; www.mahartpassnave.hu) ferry services on the Danube from spring to late autumn linking Budapest with Szentendre, Vác, Visegrád and Esztergom. On Lake Balaton, Balaton Shipping Co. (tel: +36 84 312 144; www.balatonihajozas.hu) operates ferries between most of the major towns on the lake from April to October.

Travel Advice

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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This information is for people travelling on a full 'British citizen' passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government's understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Hungary set and enforce entry rules. If you're not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Hungarian Embassy in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

Hungary follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must:

• have a 'date of issue' less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
• have an 'expiry date' at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Visa requirements

You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Hungary, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• for short-term studies or training

The requirements for working in Hungary are different.  

If you're travelling to other Schengen countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day visa-free limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. If you overstay the 90-day visa-free limit, you may be banned from entering Schengen countries for up to 3 years.

If you're a visitor, border guards will look at your entry and exit stamps to check you have not overstayed the 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen area. 

If your passport is missing a stamp, show evidence of when and where you entered or left the Schengen area (for example, boarding passes or tickets) and ask the border guards to add the date and location in your passport. 

At Hungarian border control, you may also need to:

• show a return or onward ticket
• prove you have enough money for your stay
• show proof of accommodation, for example, a hotel booking

Staying longer than 90 days in a 180-day period

To stay longer, check which type of visa or work permit you need with the Hungarian Embassy in the UK.

For residence permits, see the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing.

If you're in Hungary with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro's Hungary guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into and out of Hungary, including pets, hunting weapons, alcohol and tobacco products and some medicines. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food and drink into Hungary

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions such as powdered baby milk, baby food and special foods or pet feed required for medical reasons. 

Taking money into Hungary

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.     

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Hungary

Terrorist attacks in Hungary cannot be ruled out.

Political situation

Political demonstrations can be held in Budapest and across Hungary. Rallies often take place on important national holidays, such as 15 March (anniversary of 1848 Revolution) and 23 October (anniversary of 1956 anti-Soviet Uprising). Peaceful demonstrations have sometimes turned violent. Move away from large crowds and monitor local media to help you avoid organised demonstrations.

Crime

Protecting yourself and your belongings

Tourists can be targets for petty crime. Bag-snatching and pickpocketing are common, especially in Budapest and other cities.

Street crime is more likely:

• on busy public transport
• in train stations
• at markets
• in places with high numbers of tourists

When travelling by train keep a close watch on your baggage, especially as the train pulls into a station.

Leave your car or motorbike in a secure location if possible to reduce the risk of it being stolen. Theft from parked vehicles is common, so always put bags out of sight and do not store valuable items in your car.

Scams when paying bills

Some bars, clubs and restaurants might charge high amounts for food and drink. Tourists have been taken to cashpoints with demands for the money to pay the bill. Always ask to see the menu and price list before ordering food and check your bill carefully before paying. Be wary of establishments where menus do not properly display prices. Report any incidents to the police.

Some taxi drivers are part of these frauds. They may receive a commission to recommend certain bars, clubs and restaurants to passengers. If a taxi driver offers to take you to a bar or club, or you are approached on the street with an invitation, be cautious. Use taxis from a reputable local company.

Bank card fraud

Use official ATMs or banks. Do not change money on the street.     

Fraudsters can steal your card details without you noticing. Use ATMs inside banks if possible, and check ATMs on the street for signs of tampering. Keep cards in sight when paying in shops and restaurants. Read more about how to avoid bank card fraud.

Drink spiking

There have been reports of drinks being spiked, particularly in Budapest's bars. If your drink is spiked it can make you vulnerable – for example to assault or robbery. Buy your own drinks and keep sight of them.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

Always carry your passport. You must show ID if the police ask for it, and a copy is not acceptable.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Hungarian laws on the possession and use of drugs are very strict and carry serious penalties and prison sentences.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Hungary. Same-sex couples can enter into civil partnerships, but same-sex marriages are not legally recognised. Budapest is generally tolerant and open.

Recent Pride events have passed without incident, but historically there have been counter-events which have led to verbal, and sometimes physical, confrontation.

Outside of Budapest, showing affection in public may receive unwanted attention. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Festivals

If you are going to a summer music festival in Hungary, see FCDO's travel checklist for festivals in Europe.

Transport risks

Public transport

On the Metro, you must validate your ticket at the entrance to the station. On buses, trams or trolley buses, you must validate your ticket immediately after boarding. Remember to:

• keep your ticket until the end of your journey, as ticket inspectors can ask to see it at any time
• validate a new ticket each time you change lines or mode of transport
• get a special ticket for the night service network

You could get a fine if you do not follow the rules of the transport ticket system. See more information on ticket conditions from the Budapest Transport Authority.

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Hungary, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC's Hungary guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Hungary. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.

Check if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK. 

Check the information about driving if you're resident in Hungary.

Driving regulations

Hungary has a no-alcohol driving policy. It is illegal to drink any alcohol and then drive in Hungary.

You must use dipped headlights on roads outside towns even in daytime.

Roads that require an e-vignette (toll)

If you want to use major highways in Hungary, you must buy a motorway e-vignette in advance of your journey. The vignette is a form of electronic toll. If you use the roads without buying an e-vignette, you will get a fine.

Transporting humanitarian or medical aid

If you are planning to transit through Hungary with consignments of humanitarian aid or medical aid, contact the Hungarian Embassy in the UK in advance to apply for a waiver of normal haulage fees.

Rail travel

Take care when travelling by train and keep your belongings in sight. Take extra care on night trains. Never leave bags unattended. Travel with companions where possible and lock your compartment from the inside.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you're referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Hungary
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

 See what health risks you'll face in Hungary.

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Hungary

FCDO has a list of medical facilities in Hungary where some staff will speak English.

Health insurance cards

To get medically necessary state healthcare in Hungary, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). 

The NHS's getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:

• how to apply for a GHIC
• how to get temporary cover if you lose your card or it does not arrive in time
• who qualifies for a new EHIC instead of a GHIC
• what treatment counts as medically necessary

A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover, including:

• changes to travel and accommodation bookings
• additional standard costs for treatment
• medical repatriation to the UK
• treatment that is ruled non-urgent
• private healthcare
• private clinics

There is also guidance on healthcare if you're living in Hungary.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Hungary

Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Hungary
• dealing with a death in Hungary
• being arrested in Hungary
• getting help if you're a victim of crime
• what to do if you're in hospital
• if you're affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Help abroad

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.

Help in the UK

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Follow and contact FCDO: 

• travel advice on X
• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Hungary on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Vaccinations

Title	Special Precautions
Yellow Fever	No
Typhoid	No
Tetanus	Yes
Rabies	No
Malaria	No
Hepatitis A	No
Diphtheria	No

Overview:

Travel insurance is advised for all visitors. In some medical cases, if you are European, you might be able to receive free treatment if you can show proof of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) obtained in your country of origin.

The overall standards of healthcare in Hungary are excellent. Hospitals and surgeries are well equipped and staff are proficient. In pharmacies, over-the-counter advice is given and standard medicines are sold.

Food Drink:

Food in Hungary is as safe to eat as anywhere in Western Europe, but places where cooked food is allowed to cool before reheating are usually best avoided. Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.

Other Risks:

Tick-borne encephalitis is present in forested, grassy or lakeside areas during the warmer summer months. Insect repellent containing 30-50% DEET can help prevent bites, and long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, boots and hats should be worn to protect exposed skin. Vaccination is advised for campers and hikers visiting densely-forested areas outside the capital.

Rabies, although on the decrease, is also present. In the unlikely event of being bitten seek medical advice without delay. The sun can be surprisingly strong in summer and precautions should be taken to avoid sunburn. Mosquitoes are present by water in summer and can sometimes be a nuisance, although they carry no risk of disease.

The prevalence of HIV for adults in Hungary is estimated to be less than 0.1% of the adult population, a little lower than that in the UK. However, normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV should always be taken.

Currency Information:

Hungarian Forint (HUF; symbol Ft). Notes are in denominations of Ft20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, and 500. Coins are in denominations of Ft200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. A large number of commemorative coins in circulation are legal tender.

Credit Cards:

It is possible to withdraw cash by credit card at many post offices. American Express, Cirrus, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. Credit and debit cards can be used to withdraw money from ATMs, which are found throughout the country.

ATMs:

Credit and debit cards can be used to withdraw money from ATMs, which are reliable and widely available throughout the country.

Travellers Cheques:

Accepted in most post offices and banks. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in Euros or US Dollars.

Banking Hours:

Mon-Thurs 0800-1700, Fri 0800-1600.

Currency Restrictions:

There are no restrictions on the import or export of local or foreign currency. However, amounts exceeding €10,000 or equivalent must be declared if travelling from or to a country outside the European Union.

Currency Exchange:

Currency can be exchanged at hotels, banks, post offices, bureaux de change, airports, railway stations, travel agencies and some restaurants throughout the country. Automatic exchange machines are available in Budapest and other main tourist centres.

Currencies

Code	Symbol
HUF	Ft

Exchange Rates

200.02

312.09

371.52

299.80

Language

Hungarian (Magyar) is the official language. German and English are widely spoken by both the older and younger generations. Some French is also spoken, mainly in western Hungary.

Overview:

Public holidays are listed here.

.

List Of Public Holidays

Title	Start Date	To Be Confirmed
New Year's Day	2024-01-01 00:00:00	0
Anniversary of 1848 uprising against Austrian rule	2024-03-15 00:00:00	0
Easter Monday	2024-04-01 00:00:00	0
Labour Day	2024-05-01 00:00:00	0
Whit Monday	2024-05-20 00:00:00	0
St Stephen's Day	2024-08-20 00:00:00	0
National Day	2024-10-23 00:00:00	0
All Saint's Day	2024-11-01 00:00:00	0
Christmas Eve	2024-12-24 00:00:00	0
Christmas Day	2024-12-25 00:00:00	0
Boxing Day	2024-12-26 00:00:00	0

Overview:

Hungary is within the European Union. If you are travelling from outside of the EU, you are entitled to buy fragrance, skincare, cosmetics, Champagne, wine, selected spirits, fashion accessories, gifts and souvenirs - all at tax-free equivalent prices.

Hungary's duty-free allowance for travellers from EU countries:

If you are over 17 years old, you are free to buy and take goods with you when travelling between EU countries, provided that you have paid tax on these goods and they are for your own use (not for sale). However, if you bring in more than the following, customs officials are likely to question you:
• 800 cigarettes
• 400 cigarillos
• 200 cigars
• 1KG of tobacco
• Max 300ml of filling liquid
• 90L of still wine (out of which a maximum 60L may be sparkling wine)
• 20L of intermediate alcoholic products
• 110L of beer

Beware that each EU country has different rules for travellers under 17 years old. Please check before you travel.

Hungary's duty-free allowance for travellers from non-EU countries:

If you are arriving from a non-EU country, the following goods may be imported into Hungary by travellers over 17 years of age without incurring customs duty:
• 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos (maximum 3g each) or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco (applicable to air passengers only)
• 40 cigarettes or 20 cigarillos (maximum 3g each) or 10 cigars or 50g of tobacco (applicable to land and sea travellers)
• 4L of wine
• 16L of beer
• 1L of spirits over 22% volume or 2L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume
• Other goods up to the value of €430 for air passengers and €300 for travellers other than air passengers
• Maximum €150 for children up to 15 years old, irrespective of the means of transport

.

Banned Imports:

Meat, fish or dairy products and potted or rooted plants from outside the EU. Pornography, drugs and unlicensed weapons.

There is a ban on the import of the following goods from the Russian Federation into the EU: diamonds, gold, jewelry, cigarettes, cosmetics, seafood (e.g. caviar), spirits (e.g. vodka), shoes, clothing and smartwatches.

Telephone:

Most public telephones use phone cards, which can be purchased from newsagents, hotels and post offices. The area code for Budapest is: 1. If dialling beyond the capital or to mobile phones, callers must prefix the number with the national dialling code: 06, and then the two-digit area code.

Mobile Telephone:

Roaming agreements exist with major international mobile phone companies. Coverage is generally good. A local prepaid SIM card may be bought relatively inexpensively to make and receive calls within Hungary.

Internet:

Wi-Fi is ubiquitous and often free in hotels, restaurants and bars. There are internet cafés in most towns, and some libraries have free terminals. Connections are generally good.

Post

The Hungarian postal system is reasonably efficient and reliable. Airmail takes three days to one week to reach other European destinations.

Post Office Hours:

Mon-Fri 0800-1800, Sat 0800-1200.

Media:

There is generally a high level of freedom in Hungary's media. The country's private broadcast media compete with state-run radio and TV. Public radio services compete with numerous local radio stations and national commercial services. Hungary's national and local newspapers are independent and privately owned, some by foreign groups and investors.

National dailies include Magyar Hírlap, Népszabadság and Blikk. Hungary’s main TV broadcasters are Magyar Televízió (operating two channels) and Duna TV (satellite). Private TV stations include TV2 and RTL Klub. Public radio broadcasters include Magyar Rádió (operating Kossuth, Petőfi and Bartók networks, plus Radio Budapest, an external service). Private radio broadcasters include Danubius Radio, Est and Juventus. A number of English-language newspapers are published in Hungary; these include the Budapest Business Journal, Budapest Times, the Budapest Sun and The Hungarian Quarterly. The monthly Where Budapest has useful listings for shopping, dining and entertainment.

Stay outside for culture at Sóstói Open-Air Museum

Get a taste of the rural Hungary of old at the Open-Air Museum at Sóstói, a suburb of the city of Nyíregyháza in eastern Hungary. The architecture here preserves the rural traditions and culture of the region and the museum also holds several festivals each summer.

Brace yourself for brandy at Kecskemét

En route to Szeged from Budapest, Kecskemét is an attractive town with several museums and a fine selection of art nouveau architecture. At the centre of Hungary's fruit growing region, the town is renowned for its many varieties of pálinka (fruit brandy). "In small amounts a medicine, in large amounts a remedy," the locals tend to slur.

Get to know glorious Györ

In the northwest of Hungary, close to the Slovakian and Austrian borders, Györ has cobbled pedestrian shopping streets and an attractive baroque city centre. Just an hour and a half by train from Budapest, the city makes for a pleasant day trip from the capital.

Ride the Great Plain on horseback

Take to the saddle and explore the Great Hungarian Plain. Head to Puszta, home to several stud farms and the infamous "Putszta Five" technique, where a single rider stands to gallop five horses simultaneously. Excursions along horse riding trails can be arranged through riding schools all over the country. Worry not: saddles are included.

Sip Hungary’s famous Bull's Blood wine

Spend time exploring the Szépasszony Valley vineyards, one of the country's numerous wine regions, where Hungary's famous Bikavér (Bull's Blood) wine can be sampled. Some of the country's very best reds can be found around Villány in the far south, whilst Miskolc in the northeast (part of the Tokaj region) is famous for its distinctive dessert wines.

Hike the heights of Hungary

Go hiking in Hungary's mountainous northeast region. The Zemplén, Bükk and Mátra ranges northeast of Budapest are popular for their stunning verdant landscapes, with the latter containing Hungary's highest peak, Kékes (1,014m/3,327ft). For easier terrain, head to the hills north and south of Lake Balaton.

Explore the architecture of Eger

Pay a visit to Eger in northern Hungary, one of the country's oldest and most colourful cities, which boasts around 200 historical monuments that include a castle, a 14-sided Ottoman minaret and a classically-finished basilica, complete with outstanding frecos, domed ceiling and mighty columned entrance.

Explore a former European Capital of Culture, Pécs

Pécs, the fifth largest city in the country, is also home to one of the oldest universities in Europe and has many fine examples of architecture from the Ottoman period, most notably the 16th-century mosque of Gázi Kászim Pasha. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Early Christian Necropolis is also located here, alongside many fine examples of Habsburg period buildings.

Seek out Szeged for a spot of sunshine

Visit Hungary's sunniest city is the lively university town of Szeged. Straddling the Tisza River, this cultured city is home to many fine churches and a pleasant, pedestrianised cafe culture. Each summer, below the twin-towered Dóm tér, its main square transforms into a large open-air theatre.

Hark back to Hungary's rural heritage at Hollókő

Travel back in time at Hollókő, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed ethnographic village. Spread over 145 hectares (358 acres), the settlement has been deliberately preserved as an example of life before the agricultural revolution. Northeast of Budapest, there is around 60 wattle and daub houses and the substantial remnants of a 13th-century castle.

Sink your teeth into Sopron

Head west to the delightful medieval cities of Sopron and Kőszeg. Sopron boasts 240 listed buildings, including the 12th-century Firewatch Tower, Storno House and the Gothic Goat Church, while Kőszeg's Jurisics tér contains a treasure-trove of baroque, renaissance and Gothic architecture. With over 300 clinics, Sopron is also the self-proclaimed 'dental capital of the world'.

Travel around the Danube Bend

Visit the historic towns along the Danube Bend. Szentendre is famous for its south European atmosphere, large artists' colony and numerous museums. Visegrád has a small castle and the remains of an early Renaissance palace. Esztergom is home to the impressive Basilica of the Blessed Virgin Mary Assumed Into Heaven and St Adalbert, Hungary's tallest building.

Discover both halves of the capital

Explore Buda's elevated cobbled streets and take in the spectacular view of the Danube from the Fisherman's Bastion. In Pest, admire the Hungarian Parliament and Museum of Applied Arts, or unearth the treasures at the Hungarian National Museum. Fans of Socialist-era statuary should take a trip out to the suburbs to visit Memento Statue Park.

Luxuriate in Budapest's beautiful baths

Relax at one of Budapest's thermal springs and medicinal baths, of which there are over 100 in the city. The elegant Gellért Baths, with a domed hall and frescoed ceilings, are the most famous. Other good options include the Király Medicinal Baths, which date from the Middle Ages; the historic Rudas Medicinal Baths; and Széchenyi Baths' splendid outdoor pools.

Soak yourself healthy in Hévíz thermal lake

Soak away the stress in the large thermal lake at Hévíz near Lake Balaton. The soothing waters, which rarely drop below 23°C (73°F) in winter and 33°C (91°F) in summer, will certainly leave you feeling refreshed – some even consider them to have health-giving properties.

Find fine fishing at the River Tisza

Fish in the River Tisza, regarded as one of Europe's premier angling spots. At points, wide and wild, it can seem like you have the whole river to yourself. Accommodation for anglers is readily available, and guides can be hired if required. Species such as carp, bream, pike, trout and tench are abundant.

Take a beach break at Lake Balaton

Lake Balaton in Hungary's Transdanubian region is Central Europe's largest freshwater lake. Visit one of the resorts that surround the shores such as Siófok, popular with the young for its beaches and nightlife; or the more sedate market town of Keszthely, with its elegant Festetics Palace. Lake Balaton also has plentiful sandy beaches that bustle in summer.

Keep your hawk's eye peeled at Hortobágy National Park

Go birdwatching in Hortobágy National Park, a vast area of grassland in eastern Hungary. Designated a World Heritage Site in 1999, around 350 species have been spotted here, including storks, warblers, eagles, herons and rare great bustards. Motorised vehicles are not allowed in some parts of the park, while other parts require a guide.

Overview

Popular Hungarian souvenirs include embroideries, Herend and Zsolnay porcelain, wooden toys and national dolls. If you’re in search of bargains, try Budapest’s Ecseri Flea Market or the so-called 'Chinese Market' near Kerepesi Cemetery, which both offer a wealth of antiques and bric-a-brac items.

Hungary is a good place to buy food and drink gifts such as sausages and spicy salami, bags of paprika, tinned goose liver, caviar, wines and spirits. The best salami comes from Szeged in the south. Caviar is relatively inexpensive here, but comes from Russia rather than Hungary. Paprika comes in seven strengths, ranging from mild to hot, and can be bought in special presentation bags, making them ideal as presents for those at home. Budapest’s markets are excellent places to buy these food products; the best of these is the Great Market Hall in central Pest, which has food and fresh produce downstairs and handicrafts upstairs, all contained in magnificent art nouveau surrounds.

Hungary has more than 20 regional wines, including Bikavér (Bull’s Blood) from Eger and sweet Tokaji Aszú (contained in long-necked bottles), which make good gifts. Bottles of pálinka (fruit brandy) – in particular the apricot brandy from Kecskemét – are also very popular items.

Opening Hours

Most shops are open Mon-Fri 1000-1800 or 1900 and Sat 1000-1300. Shopping centres have longer hours and are open Mon-Sat 1000-2000; some are also open on Sundays. Food shops are open Mon-Fri 0700-1800 and Sat 0700-1300.

Overview

Hungarian food is probably best known for its generous use of paprika, but its influences come from far and wide, including France, Turkey, other Central European countries and neighbouring Serbia. In addition to paprika; sour cream and garlic also feature widely in Hungarian cuisine. The most popular meat is generally pork, with chicken a close second. As Hungary is landlocked, fish do not play a large part in the Hungarian diet, although freshwater species such as carp are quite commonly used.

Wine is taken seriously in Hungary, and the country’s many vineyards produce a wide range of distinctive wines that range from full-bodied reds made from the native Kékfrancos grape to rich, sweet whites such as Tokaj.

There is a large choice of places to eat in Hungary that range from inexpensive snackbár or büfé (self-service establishments) to fine dining eateries. Cukrászda (patisseries), serving cakes and pastries, and kávéház (coffee shops) are also popular. Elegant Vienna-style coffee houses serving coffee and rich pastries are common in the capital. Gerbeaud, a refined but busy Art Nouveau institution, is Budapest's most famous coffee house.

Regional Specialities

Tipping

Tips of 10 to 15% are expected in restaurants, although simply rounding up the bill is acceptable for taxi fares and for small bills in bars and cafés. Don't leave the money on the table in restaurants; tell the waiter or waitress the amount you wish to pay, including the tip. If you say ‘thank you’ when paying a bill it will be assumed that you do not want any change back.

Drinking Age

18.

Hotels

There is a wide choice of hotels in Hungary, ranging from barely acceptable to luxury establishments. Some date from the communist era, but a growing number have been built to modern standards since the fall of the Berlin Wall. Budapest has by far the widest choice of options, with several elegant 5-star international standard hotels, as well as many comfortable mid-range and boutique options. Elsewhere, there is generally a decent choice of places to stay throughout the country, with plenty of bed and breakfast style accommodation available at pensions in more rural areas.

The Hungary Card (www.hungarycard.hu) provides discounts from 10 to 20% on, among other things, selected accommodation, including hotels, guest houses and youth hostels. The card is available from the Tourinform service (tel: (1) 438 8080; www.tourinform.hu) throughout Hungary.

The Hungarian National Tourist Office (www.gotohungary.co.uk), which issues a brochure with listings of hotels, guesthouses and hostels, can be contacted for further information.

Grading: There is the Hotelstars Union grading system from 1 to 5 stars. 

Camping Caravaning

Most campsites are open from May to September and cater to those bringing their own equipment. Caravans are permitted in all sites that have power points. There are four categories of site, rated as 1, 2, 3 and 4, according to the amenities provided. Campsites can be booked through the Magyar Camping and Caravanning Club. An interactive map of Hungary’s campsites is available from the Hungarian Campsites Organisation (www.camping.hu).

Other

History

Hungary was first colonised by nomadic Magyars from southern Russia in the ninth century, but had previously been occupied by Celts, Romans, Slavs and Avars. The Magyars created a unified kingdom under their ruler Árpád that would last almost a thousand years until a brutal Mongol invasion devastated the kingdom at the end of the 13th century.

The Kingdom of Hungary slowly re-established itself as a leading European power and when the Mongols abandoned Europe a new threat came in the shape of Ottoman Turks who were defeated at the end of the 15th century by Matthias Corvinus, a powerful military leader and a patron of the arts. His successor was less successful, and Hungary fell under Ottoman rule during the 16th century and was not able to re-establish its independence until 1718, forming an alliance with Austria as part of the Habsburg Empire ruled by a Magyar aristocracy.

Despite several uprisings in the mid-19th century, the country remained essentially a feudal state until the end of World War 1 when, in 1918, it finally dissolved its union with Austria. Hungary sided with Nazi Germany during World War 2 until 1944 when German troops occupied the country. Following the Russian invasion in January 1945, Hungary became a short-lived republic before joining the Warsaw Pact as a Soviet-style socialist state in 1949.

Declining living conditions and widespread political purges eventually led to the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 under Prime Minister Imre Nagy, in which Hungary attempted withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact. The uprising was soon quashed with the support of Soviet army units, leaving an estimated 20,000 dead and nearly a quarter of a million Hungarians exiled. Despite this brutal suppression of freedom, Hungary was considered one of the most liberal countries in the Eastern Bloc particularly after 1968 and the introduction of the New Economic Mechanism, allowing a significant role to be taken by private enterprise.

During the 1980s the political situation relaxed still further, and with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989 Hungary was free to begin the transition to a pluralistic political system. The first free elections were held in the spring of 1990. Hungary joined NATO in 1999 and became a full European Union member in 2004. The political landscape is dominated by the conservative Hungarian Civic Union, Fidesz, which holds a near supermajority in the National Assembly.

Did you know?

• Hungary has a rich heritage of folk dance that date back at least as far as the Middle Ages.

• The Romans brought the spa to Hungary, a land of thermal water.

• Unicum, a liquor made from a blend of 40 herbs, is traditionally drunk before or after a meal.
 

Religion

Christianity: 52% Roman Catholic, 16% Calvinist, 3% Lutheran, 2.6% Greek Catholic and a small number of other Christian, Eastern Orthodox and Jewish minorities.

Social Conventions

When meeting a Hungarian, handshaking is customary and both first name and surname should be used. At a meal, toasts are usually made and should be returned. Gifts such as flowers, chocolates, or a bottle of good quality wine are acceptable for hosts as a token of thanks – particularly when invited for a meal. Smoking, although popular in Hungary, is prohibited on public transport in towns and public buildings. English is quite widely spoken in tourist areas, but some knowledge of German can also prove useful.

Best Time To Visit:

Hungary has a mild continental climate. There are four distinct seasons, with a very warm summer from June to August where temperatures can rise to as high as 35°C (95°F). Spring and autumn are mild, while winters are very cold, as low as -10°C (14°F), and not a good time to visit rural areas – although city breaks are enjoyable at any time of year. The south of the country around Pécs is a little warmer on average, although the region still experiences snowfall in winter. Annual rainfall is an average of 6cm (2.3 inches) and is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, with snowfall common in winter.

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Required Clothing

Lightweights for summer, medium weight clothing for spring and heavier clothing for autumn and winter. Waterproofs can prove useful at any time of year. Long-sleeved shirts, trousers, boots and hats should be worn to protect exposed skin in forested, grassy and lakeside areas in summer to prevent bites from ticks.

Dialing Code:

+36

Area(sq km):

93028

Population:

9.660.351

Population Density(per sq km):

106

Population Year:

2020

EU Member:

Yes

Main emergency number

112