Hungary
From Budapest's magnificent thermal baths to the wide-open Puszta and the shores of Lake Balaton: your guide to Hungary.
Our Guide to Hungary
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Flair
Culturally rich, steeped in history, and seriously good food.
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Travel Season
May through September.
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Travel Duration
Four to seven days covers Budapest and the surrounding area well.
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Currency
Forint (HUF) — card payment is widely accepted in cities.
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Tipping
Around 10% is standard and is often added directly to the bill.
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Getting Around
Trains from Budapest are reliable; for the countryside, rent a car.
Where is Hungary located?
Hungary sits just east of Austria and shares borders with Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Romania, Serbia, and Ukraine — quite a few neighbors for one country.
The capital is Budapest, one of the most popular city-trip destinations in Europe — and honestly, it fully deserves that reputation.
Beyond Budapest, Lake Balaton is Hungary’s other big draw: a vast thermal lake in the west of the country that’s hugely popular with visitors.
FAQs
When is the best time to travel to Hungary?
It really depends on what you’re planning to do. Hungarian summers are seriously hot and dry — temperatures hitting 104°F aren’t unusual.
If a beach vacation at Lake Balaton is on your list, the summer months from June through August are perfect: plenty of sun, and then diving into the cool water to cool off.
For a city trip, we’d recommend spring or fall instead. From April to May and September to November, sightseeing is so much more enjoyable — fewer crowds and far more comfortable temperatures.
What language do they speak in Hungary?
Hungarian, of course — and it’s famously tricky! Here are four words worth learning before your trip:
Hello – Szia
Thank you – Köszönöm
Please – Szívesen
Cheers! – Egészségedre!
Is Hungary dangerous?
Hungary is generally very safe for travelers.
That said, at popular tourist spots like the Castle District in Budapest, keep an eye on your valuables — pickpockets do operate in busy areas.
What currency is used in Hungary?
Hungary uses the forint. You can pick up forints at banks, currency exchange offices, and many hotels. In Budapest, you’ll also find currency exchange machines around the city.
Is Hungary expensive?
Hungary is genuinely affordable by Western European standards — accommodation and meals out cost noticeably less than in most of the EU. It’s a really solid choice if you want to stretch your travel budget without sacrificing quality.
How much time do you need for Hungary?
It really depends on what you have in mind.
For a city trip to Budapest, we recommend at least a full weekend — ideally three days if you can swing it. For a proper beach vacation at Lake Balaton, plan for at least one week.
