Travel guide to Hungary

With its natural splendor, modern capital and very friendly population, Hungary is an obvious East European travel target . The capital Budapest has many cultural attractions, whilst forests, lakes and abundant wine fields characterise the beautiful Magyar landsape.

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.

Lonely Planet Hungary Budapest and the best of Hungary

Forint (FT)

Budapest has several Internet cafés, but there is also Internet access in other large cities in Hungary.

Police (107) Ambulance (104) Fire brigade (105)

Almost everybody working in the service sector in Hungary expects tipping. An extra 10 - 15 percent is normal, even if service has already been added to the bill.

When it is 12.00 in Britain, it is 13.00 in Hungary

Length: metre Weight: kilo

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 is safe in large and medium size cities. In the country, you should boil the water before drinking or buy bottled water instead.

They use the following current: 220 volt AC/ 50 Hz

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.

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).

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

There are hostels in most large cities. They are more difficult to find in the country - where private pensions are dominant.

There are no domestic flights in Hungary yet.

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.

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.

There are plenty of taxis in Hungary, especially in Budapest. It changes the price a lot whether the driver uses a taxi-meter though.

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.

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.

The large and medium size cities have trams. Budapest also has a metro, and the train company HÉV operates locally.

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.