Hungary

From exciting cities to countryside gems, Hungary is filled with incredible destinations. Some of the most popular places to visit include:

• Budapest – Hungary’s capital city, Budapest is the main hub of Hungary and is home to noteworthy historical sites, gorgeous architecture, and legendary parties.
• Szentendre – Whether you visit for a day or plan a longer stay, you’ll love Szentendre’s colorful Baroque architecture, cobblestone streets, and amazing shopping.
• Eger – Located in northern Hungary, Eger is noted for its thermal baths, opulent architecture, and intriguing network of tunnels under the city.
• Tihany – A village on the shore of Hungary’s Lake Balaton, Tihany is a historical destination featuring an Abbey dating back almost 1000 years, picturesque lakes, and great restaurants.

🗓️ Best Time to Visit

While Hungary (especially its capital Budapest) is always beautiful, the warm months of May through September are the most popular months to visit for a lot of people (with a small uptick around Christmas time as well). But we suggest visiting in April or October, shoulder season, when prices are lower and the crowds thinner.

⚠️ Safety

Other than the occasional pick-pocketing incidents that are common to a lot of tourist destinations, Hungary is a very safe place to visit. Just practice caution and common sense, and you’ll be fine. It is also a good idea to check the latest US State Department travel advisories for your destination and to purchase travel insurance. 

👉 Tips & Things to Know

• 💵 – Carry Cash – Though larger Hungarian establishements accept major credit cards, this isn’t standard for every business. Carry a days worth of cash for just in case.
• 🍂 – Visit in Spring or Fall – Many activities shut down in winter, and are completely swarmed by tourists in summer. Visit Hungary in Spring or Fall for the best experience
• 💰 – Tipping is Polite – Though not the rule, tipping 10-15% of your bill is considered polite for restaurants, taxis, and bath houses.
• 🚇 – Take Public Transportation – Especially in the major cities, Hungarian public transport is easy to use and a great budget option. Get a Budapest Card or day pass to maximize savings.
• 🏰 – Buda or Pest – The city of Budapest is split by the Danube River into Buda and Pest. Buda is more residential, while Pest is where the parties are at.

🧳 What to Pack

• 🔌 – Universal Power Adapter – If you’ll be traveling from outside Europe, bring a universal power adapter and a converter to plug in and protect your devices.
• 📚 – Hungarian Phrasebook – Though most locals working in the tourism industry know some English, learning a little Hungarian is courteous and goes a long way.
• 🦺 – Travel Insurance – Though Hungary is a relatively safe country, travel insurance can protect you in the case of trip interruptions or medical emergencies.
• 💻 – Virtual Private Network – If you’ll be using your computer in Hungary, secure your connection by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network).
• 👞 – Walking Shoes – Whether you’ll be spending most of your time in the city or country, investing in excellent walking shoes will be a game changer in keeping you going from day to day.

🤓 Facts & Info

• Population – 9.8 million
• Capital – Budapest
• Currency – Hungarian Forint ($1 = ~318.07 forint)
• Language – English
• Plugs – Type C or F, 230V / 50Hz.

💵 Budgeting & Money

Major establishments accept credit and debit cards, but smaller-scale accommodations, tourist sites, and restaurants tend to only take cash. ATMs are widely available.