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Guide to Hungary

Geography

As a landlocked nation, Hungary has Slovakia to its north and Ukraine 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 Győr.

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 Dunántúl (beyond the Danube), Tiszántúl (beyond the Tisza), and Duna-Tisza köze (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 Széchenyi Bath, although there are countless more. The Széchenyi 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 Basilica: 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 Holy Right Chapel, one of the basilica's most revered treasures, contains St. Stephen's mummified right hand, known as the Holy Dexter. Habsburg 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. The property has been divided up into a number of fantastic museums, including the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum, and the National Széchényi Library, exhibiting 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. The castle is divided into five sections, each meant to be a copy of another major monument found in Hungary or Romania. On an artificial island in the middle of Budapest, Vajdahunyad Castle also houses the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture.

• 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, as the city's power plant uses it as a cooling pond. If you're coming from Budapest, the best bet is to take a train to Oroszlány and then continue on foot.

• Get Tipsy at the Zwack Unicum Museum: Dedicated to the popular yet sour Hungarian spirit, 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, first developed by Doctor Zwack, the royal physician of King Joseph II of Hungary, using a top-secret formula containing over 40 different herbs. 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 Archaeological 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 the ancient city of Gorsium's low walls may be found over the property's 200 acres. Many buildings, including stores, private estates, and the city's adjacent cemeteries, have been preserved, and there is now an open-air museum 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, 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 Bisztró as anything but a homey café with barely 20 chairs, yet 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 Mák 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. 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 Licence: Ensure you have a valid driving licence accepted in Hungary. International driving licences are generally recognised, but it's wise to check the specific requirements before you go.

• Metric Units: Be aware that Hungary uses the metric system for measurements. Speed limits and road signs are typically in kilometres per hour (km/h), so familiarise 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 travelling 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.

• Research which car hire companies are the most popular and well-reviewed in Hungary to ensure a reliable service.