Hungary travel guide

Hungary Tourism | Hungary Guide

You're Going to Love Hungary

You will marvel at the melting pot of architectural styles in Hungary. While you're there, try Goulash, a spicy meat stew originating from the medieval era.

What to do in Hungary

1. Visit Budapest

While Budapest's great night life will keep you up at night, a visit to the capital will also keep you busy during the day. Visits to the Hungarian parliament building, Buda Castle and the Central Hall Market are a must.

2. Pamper Yourself with a Thermal Bath

Do not miss out on experiencing a thermal bath in Hungary. Cave Bath at Miskolc-Tapolca and Sarvar Spa and Wellness Center at Sarvar offer spectacular settings.

3. Take a Day Trip to Lake Balaton

Visit the largest lake in Central Europe. In the summer, resort towns and beaches pop up around it. Around the lake you will find volcanic hills, a wine region and a walled Castle area.

4. Cruise Down the Danube River

Enjoy some relaxing time and take a trip down the famous Danube river. Cruises are available daily from Budapest.

5. Visit the Necropolis of Sopianae of Pecs

One of the largest UNESCO Heritage Sites, it presents ancient decorated tombs built in underground chambers. Visit the city of Pecs with its narrow streets and large number of museums.

1. Visit Budapest

While Budapest's great night life will keep you up at night, a visit to the capital will also keep you busy during the day. Visits to the Hungarian parliament building, Buda Castle and the Central Hall Market are a must.

2. Pamper Yourself with a Thermal Bath

Do not miss out on experiencing a thermal bath in Hungary. Cave Bath at Miskolc-Tapolca and Sarvar Spa and Wellness Center at Sarvar offer spectacular settings.

3. Take a Day Trip to Lake Balaton

Visit the largest lake in Central Europe. In the summer, resort towns and beaches pop up around it. Around the lake you will find volcanic hills, a wine region and a walled Castle area.

4. Cruise Down the Danube River

Enjoy some relaxing time and take a trip down the famous Danube river. Cruises are available daily from Budapest.

5. Visit the Necropolis of Sopianae of Pecs

One of the largest UNESCO Heritage Sites, it presents ancient decorated tombs built in underground chambers. Visit the city of Pecs with its narrow streets and large number of museums.

When to visit Hungary

Hungary in February
Estimated hotel price
C$ 112
1 night at 3-star hotel
Hungary in February
Estimated hotel price
C$ 112
1 night at 3-star hotel

Hungary is cold in the winter and touristy in the summer, so if you want to avoid the crowds while still enjoying pleasant weather, the best months to visit are March to May and September to November.

How to Get to Hungary

Plane

Hungary has two main international airports, one in Budapest and the other in Debrecen. While the country doesn't have a national airline, a large number of carriers operate nonstop flights to either airport, with low cost flights available with budget airlines such as Ryanair, Wizzair and easyJet.

Train

Train travel to and from Budapest is very common, with frequent connections available from Germany, Poland, Switzerland, Croatia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Romania, Ukraine and the Czech Republic.

Car

If you are planning to drive to Hungary, you can do so from Austria, Slovakia and Slovenia without border control, and from Romania, Serbia and Croatia with light border control. You must have international car insurance with validity in Hungary before entering.

Bus

Direct buses are available from all of Hungary's neighboring countries with companies including Orangeways and the local carrier Volanbusz.

Plane

Hungary has two main international airports, one in Budapest and the other in Debrecen. While the country doesn't have a national airline, a large number of carriers operate nonstop flights to either airport, with low cost flights available with budget airlines such as Ryanair, Wizzair and easyJet.

Train

Train travel to and from Budapest is very common, with frequent connections available from Germany, Poland, Switzerland, Croatia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Romania, Ukraine and the Czech Republic.

Car

If you are planning to drive to Hungary, you can do so from Austria, Slovakia and Slovenia without border control, and from Romania, Serbia and Croatia with light border control. You must have international car insurance with validity in Hungary before entering.

Bus

Direct buses are available from all of Hungary's neighboring countries with companies including Orangeways and the local carrier Volanbusz.

Popular airlines serving Hungary

Lufthansa
Good (7,118 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,344 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (8,656 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,829 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,614 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,920 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,111 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,440 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,804 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,515 reviews)
Iberia
Good (2,659 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (800 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (8,325 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,289 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (358 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,223 reviews)
Cathay Pacific
Good (854 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,339 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,143 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,302 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Hungary

In the cities, common accommodation options include hotels, furnished apartments and hostels. In the countryside, a very popular option is to stay in an Agrotourism, a rural traditional house in a village.

Where to stay in popular areas of Hungary

Most booked hotels in Hungary

Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel
5 stars
Excellent (9.3, Excellent reviews)
C$ 307+
Queen's Court Hotel & Residence
5 stars
Excellent (9.2, Excellent reviews)
C$ 163+
Aquaworld Resort Budapest
4 stars
Excellent (8.9, Excellent reviews)
C$ 195+
Corinthia Budapest
5 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
C$ 218+
Radisson Blu Beke Hotel, Budapest
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
C$ 144+
Hilton Budapest
5 stars
Excellent (8.8, Excellent reviews)
C$ 210+

How to Get Around Hungary

Public Transportation

Budapest has the most extensive public transport system in the country, with a metro system, trams and buses available. The rest of the country is mainly serviced by buses for local travel, and by trains and buses for regional travel.

Trains

MAV is the main Hungarian national railway network and operates trains throughout the country. GYSEV is another system that operates lines in the west of Hungary. All trains leave to and from Budapest, and the fastest ones are the Intercity trains.

Bus

There are 28 bus companies in Hungary that are state run, each serving one part of the country and all operating under Volan Association. The bus network is very efficient with frequent connections and you can go anywhere by bus. You must validate your ticket on the bus once you board.

Car

If you are planning to rent a car while in Hungary, please keep in mind that the expressways throughout the country are not free. It is recommended to have an International Driver's Permit as well as your local driver's license.

Public Transportation

Budapest has the most extensive public transport system in the country, with a metro system, trams and buses available. The rest of the country is mainly serviced by buses for local travel, and by trains and buses for regional travel.

Trains

MAV is the main Hungarian national railway network and operates trains throughout the country. GYSEV is another system that operates lines in the west of Hungary. All trains leave to and from Budapest, and the fastest ones are the Intercity trains.

Bus

There are 28 bus companies in Hungary that are state run, each serving one part of the country and all operating under Volan Association. The bus network is very efficient with frequent connections and you can go anywhere by bus. You must validate your ticket on the bus once you board.

Car

If you are planning to rent a car while in Hungary, please keep in mind that the expressways throughout the country are not free. It is recommended to have an International Driver's Permit as well as your local driver's license.

The Cost of Living in Hungary

When living in Hungary, you can expect to spend about 1800 HUF (6 USD) on a cheap meal, or about 4500 HUF (15 USD) at a more formal restaurant. A monthly public transport pass will cost around 9500 HUF (32 USD). Credit cards are accepted in most major and larger businesses with Visa and Mastercard being the most widely used, while you might need to keep cash on you if visiting smaller businesses.

Popular cities in Hungary