The central location of Hungary in Europe together with a very friendly population make this country an ideal tourist resort in Eastern Europe. Hungary's capital of Budapest has many cultural experiences to enjoy. But Hungary also has some wonderful scenery to explore. Ancient villages, beautiful forests, lakes and wine fields - all make Hungary an attractive place for people who love tradition and nature.
Find your travel arrangement to Hungary here
Region and City Guides
Region:
City:
Facts
Local name
Magyarország
Capital
Budapest (1.861.383)
Size
93.030 km2
Principal Languages
Hungarian
Principal Religion
Roman Catholic
Inhabitants
10.400.000 (2000)
Government
Republic
Geography
Hungary is situated in the centre of Europe. Towards the north is Slovakia, northeast is Ukraine and east is Rumania. Towards the west are Austria and Slovenia and south are Croatia and Yugoslavia. Hungary has very hilly scenery, especially in the northwestern corner. A large expanse of the country consists of plains (The Pusta). Balaton Lake towards the west is the largest lake in Central Europe.
Travel preparation
Best time to visit
You can go to Hungary all year, but during winter it can get quite cold. If you are going for a city vacation in Budapest, you can go during winter as well. Summer can be really nice with high temperatures. During summer you can cool down in all the lakes in Hungary.
Literature
Lonely Planet Hungary
Budapest and the best of Hungary
Budapest and the best of Hungary
Local conditions
Weight and Measures
Length: metre
Weight: kilo
Weight: kilo
Photography
Usually it is not a problem taking photos in Hungary. You cannot take pictures of military places though. You should also be aware of any special rules at sacred sites such as churches and mosques. These will usually be signposted. You should always ask before taking pictures of individuals.
Drinking water
Drinking water is safe in large and medium size cities. In the country, you should boil the water before drinking or buy bottled water instead.
Electricity
They use the following current:
220 volt AC/ 50 Hz
220 volt AC/ 50 Hz
Behaviour
You can dress as you please in Hungary. It is usually possible to enter churches wearing shorts and short sleeves. Smoking is not allowed in public transports and public buildings.
Business Hours
Banks are open from 9.00 to 16.00 (Monday - Thursday) and from 9.00 to 13.00 (Friday).
Shops are open from 9.00 to 18.00 (Monday - Friday) and from 9.00 to 13.00 (Saturday).
Offices are open from 8.00 to 16.30 (Monday - Friday).
Shops are open from 9.00 to 18.00 (Monday - Friday) and from 9.00 to 13.00 (Saturday).
Offices are open from 8.00 to 16.30 (Monday - Friday).
Food and drink
Hungarian cuisine is full of highly spiced dishes. Paprika is a very common spice, especially in the traditional dish pörkölt, also known as Hungarian Goulash. Do not be surprised if they serve a lump of pork fat with your dish. It is actually meant to be eaten, but fortunately they serve it at the side most of the time. Hungarians often drink beer with food - they sell many German brands in Hungary.
Disabled travellers
In large cities and at some holiday resorts like Balaton Lake there are special facilities for disabled travellers. If you travel on your own you should check out the conditions in those areas where you plan to go. Hungarians are friendly and helpful people.
Holidays
New Year's day, 1 January
Revolution day, 15 March
Labour Day, 1 May
Constitution Day, 20 August
The foundation of the Republic, 23 October
Christmas Day, 25 December
Boxing Day, 26 December.
Easter Monday, in the beginning of April
Whit Sunday, May
Revolution day, 15 March
Labour Day, 1 May
Constitution Day, 20 August
The foundation of the Republic, 23 October
Christmas Day, 25 December
Boxing Day, 26 December.
Easter Monday, in the beginning of April
Whit Sunday, May
Accommodation / Hotel
There are lots of hotels in Hungary, both expensive five star hotels and small, cheap pensions. You will find them all in Budapest and other large cities. If you go far out in the country, there are several private accommodation possibilities. In some places, you even eat with the family. Camping possibilities are also good in Hungary.
Book your Hotel in Hungary here
Book your Hotel in Hungary here
Camping
There are lots of camping grounds in Hungary, especially around Balaton Lake. If you camp during summer it is a good idea to carry insect repellent.
Bed og breakfast or guesthouse
It is possible to rent bungalows by Balaton Lake. Bed & Breakfasts are to be found in many places in the shape of private accommodation where you eat with the family.
Hostels
There are hostels in most large cities. They are more difficult to find in the country - where private pensions are dominant.
Local transport
It is cheap and efficient to get around in Hungary - especially the bus network, which is extensive. The train network is not as extensive, but it works. There are no domestic Flights in Hungary. Most large car rental companies have bases in Budapest, and if you go in your own car you can expect good roads and 24-hour service stations. Cities have good local transport, with trams and metro in Budapest.
Planes
There are no domestic Flights in Hungary yet.
Bus
The bus company Volán operates between both large and small cities. Furthermore the yellow and red long-range buses go to the more remote parts of the country.
Trains
The train network in Hungary is not at all as efficient as the bus network and is mostly used for pleasure trips. The train company MÁV has beautiful trips around the Balaton Lake for example. Furthermore, United Forest Railways operate in the forest and mountain areas.
Taxi
There are plenty of taxis in Hungary, especially in Budapest. It changes the price a lot whether the driver uses a taxi-meter though.
car rental
Most large international car rental firms have offices in Budapest. There are also local car rental firms, but rental is not necessarily a good idea with these.
Boat or Ferry
There are ferries on the Balaton Lake, the Tisza River and on The Danube River between Budapest and Esztergom. But it is more of a pleasure trip than a means of transport.
Other Transport
The large and medium size cities have trams. Budapest also has a metro, and the train company HÉV operates locally.
Special conditions
Fauna is rich in Hungary. Hungary is also a mecca for people interested in ornithology. If you go to some of the mountain peaks in Hungary you could see a lot of roe deer and wild pigs.
