Hungary Travel Guide

Practical Info

Culture and etiquette

Religion

Religion in Hungary is varied. Christianity is the country's largest religion, although many other religions are practiced and a large number of Hungarians are not religious at all.

Tipping

A tip of around 10% to 15% in restaurants is always appreciated. A service charge is often added to the bill, so no need to tip any extra on top of this. It's also common to tip at hotels and in taxis and spas.

Smoking

Smoking is banned in enclosed public spaces, including shops, bars, restaurants and public transport.

Jabs, visas and other advice

For up-to-date advice on jabs, visas and other foreign advice, we recommend following the government’s website.

Emergency numbers

For fire, police and ambulance services, call 112.

What's the weather like in Hungary?

Much like the UK, Hungary has four distinct seasons. And all offer a unique and rewarding experience for travellers.

Spring is like a breath of fresh air – literally. Temperatures range from a crisp 10°C to a pleasant 20°C, so pack your sunnies and a jumper. Come summer you can forget the jumper – highs of 25°C to 30°C are perfect for strolling along the Danube River with an ice cream.

Temperatures in Autumn mellow to a mild 15°C to 20°C, making it a great time to wander through historic streets and visit cosy wine cellars. Mittens and mulled wine may be required in winter, as single digit temperatures and the occasional dusting of snow turns the country into a winter wonderland. Perfect Christmas market and goulash weather if you ask us.

Best time to visit Hungary

Hungary is a year-round destination, but when you go will shape the kind of trip you have. For most people, late spring (May and June) and early autumn (September and October) hit the sweet spot. The weather’s warm without being too hot, crowds are manageable, and it’s a great time to explore cities and the countryside without rushing from shade to shade.

Summer (July and August) is peak season, especially in Budapest and around Lake Balaton. The atmosphere is lively, with festivals, outdoor events and long, light evenings. It’s perfect if you want that busy, holiday feel – just be ready for higher prices and warmer temperatures, particularly in the city.

Winter is quieter, colder and a bit more low-key, but it has its moments. Budapest’s Christmas markets bring a festive buzz, and the thermal baths are even better when there’s a chill in the air. Don’t mind wrapping up? It’s a different, slower way to see the country.

Getting to Hungary

It takes about two and a half hours to fly from London to Budapest. It's possible to get there by car, train or river cruise too, but this takes a fair bit longer. Would make for quite the adventure, though.

Getting around Hungary

Roads are generally quite good in Hungary, so hiring a car is a great option if you want to travel around while you're there. Trains and coaches connect most major towns and cities too, plus the flat roads and country paths make it a great place to explore by bike.

Most major cities including Budapest have reliable public trasport networks, with plenty of trains, buses and trams to get you from A to B. Taxis are widely available too.

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Where to stay

Budapest

First time in Hungary? Start in Budapest. It’s the kind of city where you can land, drop your bags and get straight into it. Big sights, great food and plenty of atmosphere – all within easy reach.

The Danube splits the city into Buda and Pest, and they each bring something different. Buda is all hills, views and a slightly slower pace. Pest is flatter, busier and packed with places to eat, drink and explore. Most people stay in Pest so they’re right in the middle of things.

It’s a base that doesn’t ask you to choose. You can sightsee by day, soak in a thermal bath in the afternoon, and still have energy for dinner and drinks later on.

Lake Balaton

Lake Balaton is where Hungary goes on holiday. When the weather warms up, this is where things shift down a gear and the focus turns to water, sunshine and long, easy days.

Where you stay shapes the feel of your trip. The north shore is calmer, with vineyards, little villages and some great views across the lake. The south shore is more lively, with bigger resorts, beaches and a bit more buzz in peak season.

Days here tend to stretch out in the best way. A swim turns into lunch, lunch turns into a glass of wine, and suddenly it’s sunset. Looking for somewhere to properly switch off? This is it.

Eger

Eger wins you over quickly. It’s small, good-looking and easy to get around, with cobbled streets and a castle watching over it all. No need to overplan – just wander and see where you end up.

Wine is a big part of the experience. This is home to Bull’s Blood, and you’re never far from somewhere to try it. Just outside town, the Valley of the Beautiful Women is dotted with wine cellars where you can stop in and take your time.

It’s a great pick if you want something more relaxed than Budapest but still full of character. There’s enough to do, but no pressure to rush through it.

Pécs

Pécs feels a little different from the rest of Hungary, in a good way. Down in the south, it’s warmer, more colourful and has a slightly Mediterranean edge. It’s the kind of place where you naturally slow your pace.

There’s plenty to explore, from galleries and museums to layers of history built into the streets. You’ll come across Roman ruins, Ottoman influences and lively squares, all within a compact centre that’s easy to get around.

It’s a good choice if you want culture without the intensity of a capital city. You can explore during the day, then wind things down with a relaxed evening in a café or bar. It’s easy, interesting and just that bit different.

What to eat in Hungary

Hungarian food is all about comfort. It’s rich, warming and full of flavour, with paprika playing a starring role in plenty of dishes. Meals tend to be hearty rather than light, so it’s the kind of cuisine that suits slow lunches and long dinners.

Goulash is the one you’ll see everywhere, but it’s not quite what you might expect. In Hungary, it’s more of a soup than a stew, packed with beef, veg and that signature paprika kick. You’ll also come across dishes like chicken paprikash, served with soft dumplings, and lángos – a deep-fried flatbread usually topped with sour cream and cheese. It’s simple, messy and very good.

You’re in the right place if you've got a sweet tooth. Try chimney cake (kürt?skalács), especially from a street stall when it’s fresh and warm, or go for a slice of dobos torte in a café. And to drink, Hungarian wine is well worth your time, particularly the whites from Tokaj or the bold reds from Eger. Come hungry – you’ll want to try a bit of everything.