Hungary holidays

You don’t have to choose between traditional culture and contemporary cool on a holiday to Hungary. This Central European country’s fascinating history provides a backdrop for vibrant nightlife and outdoor fun. From sipping fruit brandy in an abandoned factory to soaking up a spa treatment in an Ottoman-era bathhouse to sunbathing on a lakeside beach, see why travellers are developing a taste for Hungary.

Top destinations in Hungary

Budapest

Get ready to hit the Old Town streets in Budapest and explore royal castles, thermal baths and some of Europe’s most unique bars.

Debrecen

Debrecen may be steeped in history, but the vibe here is youthful and relaxed. Wander through leafy parks, escape to the Great Hungarian Plain, and soak in healing thermal waters.

Szeged

With pretty plazas and beautiful architecture, Hungary’s ‘City of Sunshine’ delivers heaps of charm. And as the home of Hungary’s beloved paprika, you’ll enjoy dishes as warm and bright as the city’s weather.

Hungary: fast facts

Language

Hungarian

Currency

Hungarian forint (Ft)

Time zone

UTC+1 (CET) and UTC+2 (CEST)

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Hungary holiday highlights

Heroes' Square

Ruin pubs

The ruin pubs of Budapest’s Jewish Quarter transform abandoned industrial buildings into unique nightlife destinations. Enjoy a drink or catch a live performance in courtyards filled with local art. Not a drinker? You can still experience the ruin pub atmosphere. Szimpla Kert, one of Budapest’s oldest and most popular ruin pubs, hosts a farmers market every Sunday.

River cruises

The banks of the Danube are packed with picturesque sights, from the mountains of the Danube Bend to Budapest’s grand buildings. So it’s no surprise that a riverboat cruise is a highlight of many Hungarian holidays. Choose a cruise that fits your travel style, from one-hour tours of Budapest to full-day excursions. Or combine sightseeing with dinner and a show.

Thermal baths

Budapest is often called the ‘spa capital of the world’. Visiting the baths is one of the most relaxing things to do in Hungary. Several of them, like the Rudas and Király Baths, date back to the Ottoman Empire. Soak or swim outdoors year-round at Széchenyi Thermal Baths, one of the largest bathing complexes in Europe.

Things to do in Hungary

Hungarian Parliament Building

Top attractions

The grand facade of Esztergom Basilica, Hungary’s largest church, is matched by its ornate interior and grand treasury. Climb 360 steps to the dome for stunning views. The magnificent medieval Citadel of Visegrád towers above the Danube. St Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest houses the country’s most sacred relic, the mummified hand of the country’s first king.

Family friendly

Catch a ride through the Buda Hills on the ‘Gyermekvasút’, a railway staffed almost entirely by children. On Margaret Island in the middle of the Danube, the Palatinus Baths offer thermal baths for adults, plus waterslides and wave pools for younger swimmers. Fire up your fingers for a game of pinball at the Flippermúzeum in Budapest.

Beaches

Hungary may be landlocked, but its lakes and rivers provide plenty of freshwater fun. Grab a spritz and sunbathe by the Danube at Roman Beach in Budapest. In summer, Hungarians flock to the beaches of Lake Balaton, known as the ‘Hungarian Sea’. Balatonlelle boasts long public beaches plus theme parks. Siófok combines paddleboarding and volleyball with nightlife and beachfront concerts.

Nature

From limestone caves to mountainous forests, Hungary’s vast landscapes are worth exploring. Watch cranes migrate through the wetlands of Hortobágy National Park. Hortobágy isn’t just a wildlife sanctuary – it’s also a haven for stargazers. The 1,100-kilometre National Blue Trail wanders from mountain to river through some of the most beautiful scenery in northern Hungary.

Cuisine

Hearty stews and soups spiced with paprika are a cornerstone of Hungarian cuisine. You’ll find traditional dishes like ‘gulyás’ (goulash) or ‘lecsó’ (tomato and pepper stew) across the country. Some of the best restaurants in Hungary are found in Budapest, but visit Tokaj-Hegyalja to sample local wines. Save room for sweet ‘kürtőskalács’ (chimney cake).

Culture and museums

At the Hungarian National Museum, stone-age musical instruments and medieval jewellery trace the country’s history. Memento Park preserves statues from the Communist era. Budapest contains some of the most unique museums in Hungary. Check out the Trash Art Museum’s scrap metal sculptures or the Hungarian Agricultural Museum, housed in a replica Transylvanian castle once made from cardboard.

Find the best time to visit Hungary

Weather in Hungary

March – May: March can be unpredictable and chilly, but late spring is one of the best times to visit Hungary. Warm weather and wildflowers are the perfect backdrop for hikes.

June – August: In July and August, temperatures can sometimes peak above 35°C. Head south to Lake Balaton to beat the heat or cool off with a cruise along the Danube.

September – November: Warm summer weather lasts into September. Harvest season and autumn foliage make for a great time to visit Tokaj-Hegyalja and other winemaking regions.

December – February: Temperatures often fall below freezing in the winter, and snow is common. Warm up with hearty goulash and a walk through a Christmas market.

Events in Hungary

Hollókő Easter Festival (March or April): Folk customs are on display during Easter at Hollókő, a traditional village and UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll see dancing, decorated eggs and ‘Easter sprinkling’, a Hungarian tradition where young women are splashed with scented water for luck.

Sziget Festival (August): This popular music festival draws crowds to Óbuda Island in Budapest for six days of shows, plus art, theatre and circus performances.

Bull’s Blood Festival (October): Celebrate the wine harvest in Eger with delicious food and drink. Make sure you try the namesake Bull’s Blood, a local red wine.

Vörösmarty Christmas Market (November to December): Hungary is famous for its Christmas markets, and the one in Vörösmarty Square is Budapest’s oldest and arguably most beautiful.

Know before you go

Budget

With lakeside beach towns and thermal baths for every price point, you can still enjoy top attractions on your cheap holiday in Hungary. Find a meal at an inexpensive restaurant for around 4,000 forints (Ft). Try the affordable local wine, or throw back a domestic beer for around Ft1,000.

Local etiquette

If you plan to visit Hungary’s churches, be sure to dress modestly, as most are still active religious sites. Nudity is not permitted outside of the changing rooms at thermal baths. Hungarians may toast ‘egészségedre’ (to your health) when enjoying a glass of wine or a cocktail, but never toast with beer.

Health and safety

A hepatitis A vaccine is recommended when visiting Hungary. Be aware of wildlife like boars and wolves while in the mountains, national parks or hiking along the National Blue Trail. Encounters are somewhat rare, but it’s important to not litter food scraps along the trail or come between mother animals and their young.

FAQs about Hungary holidays

Although Hungary has gotten more expensive in recent years, it’s still a bargain compared to a lot of European countries. One bonus — budget airlines like Wizz and Ryanair fly directly into Ferenc Liszt Airport, so you don’t have to sacrifice convenience for savings.
Hungary is generally considered a safe country for travellers, and violent crime is rare. Budapest’s nightlife is some of the best in Europe, but use common sense. Take care when walking late at night, and don’t leave your drink unattended in bars or clubs.
Hungarian can be a challenging language for travellers. Learning a few phrases, like ‘jó napot’ (good day) and ‘köszi’ (thank you), is a great way to make a good impression. When in doubt, ask ‘Beszél angolul’ or ‘Do you speak English?’ The answer, especially in Budapest, is often ‘igen’ (yes).
Though it’s part of the European Union, Hungary uses the forint (Ft). Most restaurants and stores in Budapest and larger cities accept payment by card, but you should keep cash on hand in small towns and rural areas. Many restaurants include a service charge with the bill.
Hungary is a year-round destination. But the country is at its most charming in late spring and early autumn. Enjoy cherry blossoms in May, wine harvests in September and near-perfect weather. The shoulder seasons are often a great time to score deals on airfares and accommodation.
With all its cosmopolitan culture and historical charm, it’s no wonder Budapest is most travellers’ first stop in Hungary. Want to get off the beaten path? Consider Eger. Explore nearby Bükk National Park, then relax with a glass of local wine or a soak in the Turkish baths.