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Squared nestled in Eastern Europe, Hungary is known as the “Pearl of Danube.” Its primary attractions include stunning architecture, vibrant folk art, thermal spas, and Europe's most lively metropolis at night. Take a break near sublime lakes, enjoy the rich folk cultures and customs, or indulge in local cuisine and wine. In addition to its various cities and tranquil countryside, Hungary is also well-known for being a cultural melting pot. Everywhere you turn, there's a castle to be found and ruin bars to be partied in.
Whether you’re travelling to Hungary on a family vacation, a solo trip, or as part of a group tour, you can look forward to really unique experiences and unabashedly delicious food. For a memorable trip, book your Hungary car hire well in advance with Enjoy Travel for the best deals, guaranteeing you a seamless adventure! Prices for car hire in Hungary start from just €20 per day, for an economy car like a Peugeot 208 or similar.
Guide to Hungary
Geography
As a landlocked nation, Hungary has Slovakia to its north and Ukrainian to its northeast; Romania to its east; Serbia to its south; Croatia to its southwest; and Austria to its west. Apart from Budapest, the capital, other important cities in Hungary include Debrecen, Szeged, Miskolc, Pécs, and Gyor.
The Danube and Tisza rivers, which run through Hungary, have long shaped the country's topography. An example of this tripartite segmentation of the nation is Dunántl (beyond the Danube), Tiszántl (beyond the Tisza), and Duna-Tisza kőze (between the Danube and Tisza). Today, the Danube runs north-south through the heart of modern-day Hungary, engulfing the whole nation.
Climate in Hungary
With mild summers, low overall humidity, frequent rain showers, and snowy winters, Hungary has a moderate seasonal climate. The average yearly temperature is 9.7°C. Highs in the summer range from 23°C to 28°C, while lows range from 3°C to 7°C.
Spring and fall are the ideal times to visit Hungary since the weather is pleasant and there aren't as many people around. The busiest time of year is from June through August, when most of Europe is on vacation.
Culture
Hungary is home to a diverse population, with the majority being ethnic Hungarians and a sizable Romani community. Present-day Hungary, however, has long been a crossroads for a wide range of peoples, including Celts, Romans, Germanic tribes, Huns, West Slavs and Avars. To date, Hungarian is still the most extensively spoken Uralic language in the world.
A continual battle for independence and identity has existed for Hungarians throughout history, despite being dominated by numerous powers (such as the Ottoman Empire, the Habsburgs and the Soviet Union). With pride in their food, hospitality, language, and other Hungary-specific traditions and practices, Hungarians today have developed a distinct national identity (hungarikum). Hungary's diverse ethnic communities, notably the Roma, have also left their mark on the country's rich culture, which is rooted in traditional customs but also has its own distinctive look. Music of all genres, from classical to folk, as well as the country's rich literary history, are significant parts of daily life.
Hungarian thermal baths
Thermal springs and baths are a Hungarian tradition that must be experienced before leaving the country. Budapest, Hungary's capital city, has long been known as the City of Baths, thanks to centuries of bath building dating back to the Romans, who constructed the first spa baths, to the Turkish occupiers of the 16th century, who constructed many of Budapest's famous and now revived Turkish baths, to the natural medical trends of the 19th and 20th centuries, which promoted aqua therapies and their profoundly beneficial effects. The most well-known is perhaps Budapest's Szechenyi Bath, although there are countless more. The Szechenyi Baths offer relaxation, enjoyment, and a great place to soak after a tiring day. Along with the wonderful natural hot spring waters in the 18 pools are 10 saunas and steam rooms, various massage therapies and facial treatments, as well as a variety of other spa services.
Things to do in Hungary
Enjoy spectacular views at St. Stephen’s Cathedral
This neoclassical cathedral, the holiest Catholic church in Hungary, holds Hungary's most revered relic: King St. Stephen's mummified right hand. Constructed over a period of more than 50 years, it was finally finished in 1905. From the top of the dome, you'll get spectacular views over the entire city. The basilica's interior is solemn and silence, as you stroll through the hallowed halls, is appreciated. The elevator leading to the treasure of sacred artefacts on the second floor will be on your right as you approach the basilica. The Holy Right Chapel, one of the basilica's most revered treasures, contains St. Stephen's mummified right hand, known as the Holy Dexter. It can be found to the left of the main altar, just after the main altar has been cleared out. Hapsburg monarch Maria Theresa restored it to Hungary in 1771 after finding it in a Bosnian monastery.
Relish the extraordinary Buda Castle
One of Budapest's most iconic landmarks, Buda Castle, sits atop Castle Hill, overlooking the city. The neoclassical splendour of the Habsburg era and the restored copper-green dome make it a municipal landmark (the original was damaged during the Second World War). The castle terrace offers panoramic views of the Chain Bridge, the Hungarian Parliament, and Pest's roofs, which is only fitting for such a majestic monument. Buda Castle's walls and chambers, which have been demolished and rebuilt several times over the ages, bear witness to the city's Renaissance, Ottoman, Habsburg, and Communist histories. The property has been divided up into a number of fantastic museums. From Medieval triptychs through avant-garde 20th-century pieces are displayed in the Hungarian National Gallery's major riverside wings. It has two wings: the Budapest History Museum in the south and the National Széchényi Library in the west. The museum exhibits the city's turbulent history, from prehistory through communism.
Visit The Castle of Vajdahunyad
It started out as a cardboard and wood structure, but as it became popular, it was transformed into a stone structure. Vajdahunyad Castle pays homage to Hungary's millennia-long architectural history by displaying 4 different architectural styles- Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, and Romanesque. With 21 smaller buildings interconnected to form a whole, the castle is divided into five sections, each of which was meant to be a copy of another major monument found in Hungary or Romania. The Gothic wing of the castle, which was inspired by Romania's Corvin Castle, served as the historical residence of Hungarian noble János Hunyadi, from whom Vajdahunyad Castle takes its name. On an artificial island in the middle of Budapest, Vajdahunyad Castle stands as a strange contrast to Hungary's national monument despite its close proximity. The Museum of Hungarian Agriculture is also located in the castle.
Admire the unique nature of Lake Bokodi
More than 2 kilometres of stilted huts and cottages adorn the shores of Lake Bokodi in the nearby towns of Bokod and Oroszlány, some 50 miles west of Budapest. Aside from summer residents, the cottages also serve year-round fishermen who take advantage of the lake's one strange quirk: despite Hungary's cold winters, it seldom freezes over. The city's power plant is responsible for the majority of its year long liquidity. Bokodi-httó (the Hungarian name) serves as a cooling pond for the plant. And because the residences are built right on the water's edge, you're never more than a few steps away from your next meal. Even though it's still off the main tourist trail, it's worth a visit if you're looking for someplace offbeat and unique. If you're coming from Budapest, the best bet is to take a train to Oroszlany and then continue on foot. This side of the lake has the finest views.
Get tipsy at Zwack Unicum Museum
Dedicated to the popular yet sour Hungarian whiskey, visitors may see the greatest collection of miniature liquor bottles at this museum. Sometimes referred to as the Hungarian national spirit, Unicum has a history dating back over 2 centuries. Doctor Zwack, the royal physician of King Joseph II of Hungary, first developed Unicum in the late 1700s. It was created using a top-secret formula containing over 40 different herbs. It was then passed down through the family. Even when the Zwacks were forced into exile under Communist control, the formula was passed down to a trusted confidant, who continued to make the drink until the Zwacks could return, which they did, building the massive distillery that still exists today. Those who are daring enough can try the Unicum directly from the oak barrels where they've been maturing for half a year at the end of the tour's last stop.
Learn about Roman history at Gorsium Archeological Park
A Roman town was found after a former vineyard in Hungary's Tác municipality was excavated, revealing what appeared to be a Christian basilica. Archaeological investigations began in earnest in the 1950s and experts discovered that the edifice was surrounded by the ruins of the whole town. The alleged basilica is now a magnificent mansion. The ancient city of Gorsium's low walls may be found over the property's 200 acres, and they serve as a reminder of the city's sturdiness in the third century. Many buildings, including stores, private estates, and the city's adjacent cemeteries, have been preserved. A few creative objects like classic Classical columns and little bronze sculptures were also discovered among the short stone footprints, but most of the structures are just that: short stone footprints. There is now an open-air museum at Gorsium Archeological Park, allowing tourists to wander through the city's historic streets and experience life in the Roman Empire firsthand.
Eating out in Hungary
Hungarian cuisine, often known as Magyar cuisine, includes traces of Eastern European influences. The typical Hungarian diet is high in dairy products, such as cheese and milk, as well as meats, just as the Czech and Slovak cuisines that border Hungary. Hungarian cuisine would be incomplete without bread, which is both essential and ubiquitous. It's served with almost every meal, usually as a side dish to the main course. Some of the traditional foods that you must try while visiting Hungary are: gulyás/goulash, lángos, somlói galuska, halászlé, paprikás csirke, and túrós csusza. Budapest is also home to some world-class restaurants. Our top recommendations:
It's hard to see Kispiac Biztro as anything but a homey cafe with barely 20 chairs. Guests from around the world come to dine at this restaurant because of its excellent Hungarian food, which will please both purists and more experimental customers. At Most in Budapest’s 6th district, lip-smacking Hungarian delicacies are not what you may expect, but it is what you will get. Popular among the locals and visited by celebrities like Anthony Bourdain, Belvárosi Disznótoros is a cafeteria-style restaurant where you may fulfil your hunger for as much meat as you like. Order the blood sausage, schnitzel, pickles, and fried potatoes. From Goulash to Beef Stew, Fakanál Restaurant, on the second floor of Budapest's renowned Central Market, serves up classic Hungarian fare such as this. With red checkerboard tables and roving musicians, the self-serve restaurant has a joyful and cheery ambience.
Hungary Transport
Airport
Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is Hungary's main international airport servicing Budapest, Hungary's capital city. It was previously known as Budapest Ferihegy International Airport and is still often referred to as simply Ferihegy.
Getting around Hungary
Hungary has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses and metro lines as well as suburban railway lines known as HÉV lines. There are also boat services in Budapest and buses run throughout the city. With the Budapest Card, you may use more than 200 buses, 32 trams, 15 trolleys, and 4 metro lines, as well as the HÉV Suburban Railway and boats for free inside the city borders.
Many travelling across Hungary, however, opt to hire a car for more flexibility and convenience.
Top Tips when hiring a car in Hungary
• Rental Car Options: Hungary offers a variety of rental car options. Whether you're looking for a compact car, a family-sized vehicle, or even a van hire for larger groups, you'll find choices to suit your needs.
• Cheap Car Hire Company: To get the best value for your money, compare prices from different car rental companies. Look for cheap car hire deals that align with your budget. Don't just go for the first car hire company you see.
• Choosing the Right Hire Car: Select the right hire car based on your travel plans. For city driving, a smaller car may be more convenient, while for trips to places like Lake Balaton or rural areas, consider a more spacious vehicle.
• Driving License: Ensure you have a valid driving license accepted in Hungary. International driving licenses are generally recognized, but it's wise to check the specific requirements before you go.
• Metric and Imperial Units: Be aware that Hungary uses the metric system for measurements. Speed limits and road signs are typically in kilometers per hour (km/h), so familiarize yourself with these units.
• Observe speed limits diligently. In Hungary, urban areas usually have a speed limit of 50 km/h, while highways may have higher limits. Always follow posted speed signs.
• Europcar's Green Programme: Some rental companies, like Europcar, have sustainable development programs in place. If eco-friendliness is a priority, inquire about their green initiatives and vehicle options.
• Drop-off Locations: Check the availability of drop-off locations, especially if you plan to pick up your rental car in one Hungarian city and return it in another. Additional fees may apply.
• If you're traveling with children, ensure you have appropriate child seats or booster seats for their safety. Many car rental companies offer these as extras.
• Payment with a Valid Credit Card: Car rental companies typically require a valid credit card for the rental deposit and any potential additional charges. Ensure you have one available.
• Create Your Own Schedule: Renting a car in Hungary gives you the freedom to create your own travel itinerary. Explore not only Budapest but also the charming towns and countryside at your own pace.
• Locations in Hungary: Major cities like Budapest, Debrecen, and Szeged have multiple car hire branches. Make sure to choose the car hire branch and a location convenient for your trip.
• New Hire Cars: Many car rental companies offer new or well-maintained vehicles. Inquire about the age and condition of the car you intend to hire for a comfortable and safe journey.
• Most Popular Car Hire: Research which car hire companies are the most popular and well-reviewed in Hungary to ensure a reliable service.