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Hungary is rapidly becoming a tourist hotspot for travellers from around the world – with good reason, too. The country offers the right balance of old-world charm and modern-day buzz, serving up unique experiences that span across history, cuisine, art, architecture and so much more. If you’re curious about this central European nation and want to learn more about Hungary tourism, you’re in luck – we’ve got the round-up of everything you need to know.
Located in central Europe, Hungary shares its borders with Slovakia, Ukraine, Austria, Romania, Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia. The capital city of Hungary is Budapest – it is also the largest city in the nation and a popular city to visit when it comes to Hungary tourism. The two rivers than run through the nation – the Danube and the Tisza rivers – are defining geographical features of the country. In addition, Hungary is rich in nature with ten major national parks, over one hundred smaller nature reserves and a number of environment protection areas as well.
Hungary is also known for Transdanubia, the hilly region of the country which features the eastern part of the Alps, the Transdanubia Mountains, the Mecsek Mountains and the Villany mountains. This region is rich in nature, lush in greenery and home to the largest lake in central Europe, Lake Hévíz.
Hungary enjoys a ‘continental’ climate, where the summers are warm, and the winters are cold. Summer runs from June to August and is usually very warm and sunny with temperatures peaking in the second half of the season. In sharp contrast, Hungarian winters run from December to February and are grey, rainy and foggy. Snowfall is very common during this season as well so make sure to carry a warm jacket if you’re travelling to Hungary during this time. While the cold weather makes winter the off-season for Hungary tourism, it is a great time to visit to capture scenic photographs of the country’s natural sights or participate in traditional festivals like Christmas with the locals.
The pleasant climate during the springtime in Hungary, which runs from March to May, makes it a great time to visit the country. As temperatures start to warm up in mid-April, you can enjoy a little bit of sunshine without the crowds and inflated prices that accompany the peak season of summer. Autumn runs from September through to November – and if you visit at the beginning of this shoulder season, you can enjoy the last of the summertime warmth before the weather turns cooler.
Language Spoken
Hungarian
Currency used:
Hungarian Forintn Forint
The culture of Hungary varies from region to region and city to city. On your visit to the country, one of the first things you will notice is that Hungarians have a deep connection to handicraft traditions like embroidery, pottery and carvings. The arts are also a major part of Hungarian culture. Hungarian music ranges from traditional folk styles to modern day hits – we recommend experiencing some of the local music first-hand. If you can, be a part of one of the many music festivals that take place throughout the year or catch a live performance at a local venue.
We can’t talk about Hungarian culture or Hungary tourism without mentioning the thermal spas that form a crucial part of local life and routine. Hungary is home to hundreds of public ‘baths’ that are full of mineral-rich thermal water, which contains soothing and healing properties. These baths are not only a must-do for tourists; you will find many locals indulging in them on weekends as well! In fact, Budapest’s baths have earned the capital the nickname of ‘City of Baths’ with notable ones including Széchenyi Thermal Baths, Gellért Baths, Rudas Baths and Lukács Baths. Before visiting one of the iconic baths in Hungary, be aware of the etiquettes. Make sure to do your research on the spa you will be visiting, as different locations have different services and options on offer.
When it comes to Hungary tourism, the nation is very well set-up to support travellers. It is extremely safe and well-connected, which makes for a great and reliable tourist experience. Most major cities are well connected to other parts of the country by train through an extensive rail network. Within cities like Budapest, the local metro is pocket-friendly and one of the fastest ways to get to wherever you need to be. Another great alternative for getting around the capital is to take the boat service that runs down the river. As if that wasn’t enough, the capital also has a strong bus and tram system, so there are plenty of options to choose from.
At SOTC, we offer a wide range of holiday packages that include a Hungary tour in combination with other European cities. Our Summer Budget Best of East Europe tour will take you to Munich, Prague, Budapest and Vienna, while the Summer Budget Enchanting Europe tour will take you to those four cities, as well as Paris, Belgium and Switzerland. We also offer multiple premium tours that cover Budapest with other Eastern European cities and even, Russia.
If you’d like to learn more about our Hungary holiday packages or seek help in customising an itinerary of your own, drop into your nearest SOTC branch and we will give you a helping hand to make sure you have the Hungarian holiday of a lifetime.