Hungary Travel Guide: Essential Tips

Explore Hungary: From Budapest to the Tokaj wine region

National Flag of Hungary

Top 15 Most Searched Questions About Hungary

The capital of Hungary is Budapest, a city split by the Danube River into Buda and Pest.

Most visitors from the US, Canada, and EU can stay in Hungary visa-free for up to 90 days in a 180-day period under Schengen rules. More details in our Documents tab.

Hungary uses the Hungarian Forint (HUF). More details in our Currency tab.

Hungary is generally safe, with low crime rates, but petty theft can occur in tourist areas like Budapest’s markets. More details in our Safety tab.

Hungarian is the primary language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas like Budapest.

Hungary is known for Budapest’s architecture, thermal baths, Tokaj wine, and goulash. More details in our Top Attractions tab.

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds; summer (June-August) is great for festivals but hotter.

Hungary is budget-friendly; travelers can manage on $50-$100 per day. A meal at a local restaurant costs $5-$15.

Yes, the legal drinking age is 19. Public drinking is restricted in some areas, with fines starting at 10,000 HUF. More details in our Legal tab.

Must-visit spots include Budapest, Lake Balaton, and the Tokaj wine region. More details in our Top Attractions tab.

Hungary has a continental climate: hot summers (25-30°C) and cold winters (-5 to 5°C). Spring and autumn are mild (10-20°C).

Yes, St. Stephen’s Day (August 20) features fireworks; the Budapest Wine Festival (September) celebrates local wines.

Popular souvenirs include Tokaj wine, paprika, and hand-painted porcelain from Herend.

Public transport in Budapest costs 350-500 HUF per ride; trains between cities like Budapest to Eger cost 2,000-5,000 HUF.

Try goulash, lángos, and chimney cakes. More details in our Local Cuisine tab.

About Hungary

Hungary, a landlocked country in Central Europe, spans 93,000 square kilometers with a population of 9.7 million (2023 estimate). Its capital, Budapest, is split by the Danube River into Buda and Pest. Hungarians, or Magyars, make up 85% of the population, with Roma and other minorities comprising the rest. Hungarian is the primary language, though English is common in tourist areas. Most visitors from the US, Canada, and EU can stay visa-free for up to 90 days under Schengen rules. In 2023, Hungary welcomed 16 million tourists, contributing $7 billion to the economy, driven by Budapest’s architecture, thermal baths, and the Tokaj wine region. The economy relies on manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism—Hungary is a top producer of paprika and foie gras. The climate is continental: summers hit 25-30°C, winters drop to -5 to 5°C, with spring and autumn being mild (10-20°C). Budget travelers can manage on $50-$100 per day, with meals at local restaurants costing $5-$15 and a coffee at $1-$3; a thermal bath entry in Budapest costs 4,000-7,000 HUF. Public transport in Budapest costs 350-500 HUF per ride; trains between cities (e.g., Budapest to Eger) cost 2,000-5,000 HUF; car rentals are $30-$70 per day. Cultural events include St. Stephen’s Day (August 20) with fireworks and the Budapest Wine Festival (September). Hungary’s history stretches from the Magyar arrival in the 9th century, through the Austro-Hungarian Empire, to its EU membership in 2004. Known for its thermal baths, hearty cuisine like goulash, and affordable charm, Hungary blends rich history with modern vibrancy for travelers.

Visa & Passport for Hungary: Entry Requirements for Travelers

  • Passport Requirements: Your passport must be issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months after your departure from the Schengen area. For more details on entry requirements, visit kormany.hu.
  • Visa Requirements: US, Canada, and EU citizens can stay visa-free for up to 90 days in a 180-day period under Schengen rules. Other nationalities may need a Schengen visa; check with konzinfo.mfa.gov.hu.
  • Other Requirements: You may need to show proof of return travel and sufficient funds. No specific vaccinations are required, but check health advisories if coming from a yellow fever risk area.

Driving in Hungary: Traffic Rules & Tips for Tourists

  • Driver’s License: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your valid license; car rentals cost $30-$70 per day; fuel averages $5-$6 per gallon.
  • Traffic Rules: Drive on the right. Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 90-130 km/h on highways. Seat belts are mandatory; the blood alcohol limit is 0.0%—fines start at 30,000 HUF.
  • Road Conditions: Major highways like the M1 are well-maintained; rural roads can be narrow—watch for cyclists. Tolls on highways cost 5,000-10,000 HUF for a 10-day vignette.
  • Transport Options: Public transport in Budapest costs 350-500 HUF per ride; trains (e.g., Budapest to Eger) cost 2,000-5,000 HUF; buses like Volánbusz cost 1,500-3,000 HUF for intercity routes.
  • Emergency Number: Call 112 for police, ambulance, or fire; response times are quick in cities but slower in rural areas.

Currency in Hungary: Using the Hungarian Forint for Your Trip

  • Hungarian Forint (HUF): The official currency. Exchange rates are stable—1 USD ≈ 360 HUF (May 2025).
  • Money Exchange: Exchange at banks or ATMs in airports like Budapest Ferenc Liszt or city centers—avoid street vendors for better rates. ATM fees are 500-1,000 HUF per withdrawal.
  • Payment Methods: Cards and mobile payments like Apple Pay are widely accepted in cities; rural areas may require cash. Carry small bills for convenience.
  • Costs: A meal at a local restaurant costs $5-$15, a coffee $1-$3, and a souvenir like paprika costs 2,000-5,000 HUF.

Legal Guide for Hungary: Laws Travelers Should Know

  • Local Laws: Drug possession carries harsh penalties—up to 10 years for small amounts. Public drinking in Budapest’s District V is banned—fines start at 10,000 HUF.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Respect historical sites like the Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial—avoid climbing or littering, with fines up to 50,000 HUF. More in the Culture & Etiquette tab.
  • Photography Restrictions: Avoid photographing military sites or police—fines start at 20,000 HUF.
  • Public Behavior: Littering fines start at 15,000 HUF; smoking in public spaces like train stations carries fines of 10,000 HUF. Jaywalking in Budapest can result in a 5,000 HUF fine.
  • Customs Rules: You can bring up to 10,000 EUR without declaration; alcohol limit is 1 liter of spirits or 4 liters of wine.
  • Emergency Contact: Call 112 for police, ambulance, or fire. The US Embassy in Budapest can be reached at +36 1 475 4400.

Travel Safety in Hungary: Staying Safe During Your Trip

  • Crime: Hungary has low crime rates; Budapest is safe, but petty theft occurs in crowded areas like the Great Market Hall—keep valuables secure.
  • Scams: Beware of fake taxi drivers at Budapest Airport—use official services like Főtaxi. Avoid unofficial tour guides in tourist spots like Castle Hill.
  • Road Safety: Roads are generally safe; rural areas may have poorly lit roads—drive cautiously at night. Watch for trams in Budapest.
  • Health Risks: Tap water is safe to drink. Sunburn can be a risk in summer—use SPF 30+ sunscreen. Tick-borne encephalitis is a concern in forests—wear long sleeves.
  • Natural Hazards: Flooding can occur along the Danube in spring—check local alerts. Winters can be icy—watch for slippery sidewalks in Budapest.
  • Outdoor Safety: Swimming in Lake Balaton is safe at designated beaches—follow lifeguard signs. Hiking in the Bükk Mountains is popular—stick to marked trails.
  • Medical Services: Hospitals like Szent Imre in Budapest are reliable; pharmacies are widespread. Travel insurance is recommended for emergencies.
  • Emergency Contacts: Call 112 for police, ambulance, or fire. The US Embassy in Budapest can be reached at +36 1 475 4400.

Culture & Etiquette in Hungary: What to Know

  • Greetings: A handshake is common; Hungarians may seem reserved but are warm once acquainted. Use “Jó napot” (Good day) to greet locals.
  • Dining Etiquette: Tipping is customary—10% for good service. Don’t clink beer glasses; it’s a historical taboo from the 1849 revolution.
  • Community Respect: Be quiet in residential areas like Budapest’s District VII—noise complaints can lead to fines. Respect thermal bath rules, like wearing swimwear.
  • Festivals: St. Stephen’s Day (August 20) features fireworks; the Budapest Wine Festival (September) showcases local wines and traditions.
  • Language Tips: Hungarian is the main language; locals appreciate efforts to say “Köszönöm” (Thank you). English is common in tourist areas.
  • Social Practices: Hungarians value punctuality—arrive on time for tours or dinner reservations. Remove shoes when entering someone’s home.

Local Cuisine in Hungary: Dishes & Drinks to Try

  • Goulash: A hearty beef stew with paprika, often served with dumplings—$5-$10.
  • Lángos: Deep-fried dough topped with sour cream and cheese, a popular street food—$3-$6.
  • Chimney Cake (Kürtőskalács): Sweet, spiral-shaped pastry cooked over coals—$2-$5.
  • Tokaj Aszú: A famous sweet wine from the Tokaj region—$10-$20 per glass. For authentic Hungarian wine recommendations, check out Wijnen Bax, a trusted source for Hungarian vintages.
  • Pálinka: A traditional fruit brandy, often served as a digestif—$3-$7.
  • Where to Eat: The Great Market Hall in Budapest offers classics like lángos, near attractions in our Top Attractions tab. Rosenstein in Budapest is great for upscale goulash.

Top Attractions in Hungary: Must-Visit Places

  • Buda Castle: A UNESCO site with panoramic views of Budapest. Find tickets on Tiqets.
  • Széchenyi Thermal Bath: Iconic thermal spa in Budapest’s City Park. Find tickets on Tiqets.
  • Lake Balaton: Europe’s largest freshwater lake, perfect for swimming and sailing. Entry to beaches is often free.
  • Tokaj Wine Region: Famous for its sweet Aszú wines, with vineyard tours. Find tours on Tiqets.
  • Eger Castle: Historic fortress with panoramic views and wine cellars nearby. Find tickets on Tiqets.
  • Fisherman’s Bastion: A neo-Gothic terrace in Budapest with stunning views. Entry to the terrace is free.
  • Where to Eat: The Great Market Hall in Budapest offers classics like lángos. Rosenstein in Budapest is great for upscale goulash.

Flights to Hungary: Travel Options

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) is the main entry point, with flights from London, New York, and Dubai. A taxi from BUD to central Budapest costs 8,000-12,000 HUF and takes 30 minutes. Public transport from the airport to the city costs 900 HUF and takes 40 minutes.

Generate Your Packing List for Hungary

Travel Tips for Hungary

  • Connectivity: SIM cards from Vodafone offer 10-20 GB for 5,000-10,000 HUF, available at Budapest Airport. Free Wi-Fi is common in city cafés.
  • Health Prep: No specific vaccinations are required. Pharmacies are widespread—bring sunscreen for summer visits.
  • Weather Prep: Pack for varied climates—light clothing for summer (25-30°C), layers for winter (-5 to 5°C). Comfortable shoes are a must for Budapest’s cobblestone streets.
  • Navigation: Public transport in Budapest (350-500 HUF) is efficient; trains (2,000-5,000 HUF) are great for intercity travel. Car rentals ($30-$70/day) are ideal for rural exploration.
  • Peak Season: Summer (June-August) is busy—hotels cost $80-$200 per night. Book thermal baths like Széchenyi in advance to avoid long lines.