Hungary: Explore Its Rich Culture, Traditions, and Attractions
Hungary’s location in the centre of Europe makes it one of the best starting points for an Eastern European journey. It’s both typically European and distinctly Hungarian, incorporating a mixture of historical and present-day pleasures. The country proudly upholds its traditions, culture and art, while staying attentive to the modern world.
Hungary has seen numerous dynastic changes throughout its history, from Turkish occupation to the era of Communism. Quaint little towns, countryside ruins and storied cities attest to this turbulent past, with a rich mosaic of architectural styles and fortified hilltop castles. Neither Slavic nor Germanic, the Hungarian people are formal, reserved and intensely proud of their heritage and the cosmopolitan capital, Budapest.
Budapest is situated on a lovely stretch of the Danube. The river gives the city an air of romance and beauty, enchanting visitors with its astounding grace. Outside the capital, the rolling hills, rivers, lakes and vineyards hold much to amuse the visitor. Indeed, the Baroque town of Eger attracts many with its fine wines.
There is also a surfeit of historic riverside villages along the Danube Bend, not to mention commanding fortresses, castles and palaces. Other popular tourist spots include the resort-lined Lake Balaton and the thermal spas and volcanically-heated lake at Hévíz.
Key Facts
- Language:
- Hungarian (Magyar) is the official language, but German is widely spoken, especially in the areas close to the Austrian border. English is spoken in tourist areas and most hotels.
- Passport/Visa:
The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. All visitors to Hungary, other than EEA members, should ensure that their passports are valid for at least six months beyond the expiry date of their visa. Foreign passengers must be in possession of a return/onward ticket (or sufficient funds to buy one), and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Additionally, visitors must hold the equivalent of HUF 1,000 per day of stay, in hard currency, although the following documents are also accepted: a major credit card, a letter of invitation, proof of accommodation (reserved and paid for), or a document authorising the visitor to withdraw cash from a bank in Hungary. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
Although Hungary is part of the EU it does not use the Euro; the official currency is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). It is divided into 100 fillér. Most international credit cards are accepted at shops, restaurants and hotels. Banks usually open between 8am and 3pm on weekdays and some are open on Saturdays, while ATMs are available in towns and cities throughout the country.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are standard.
Overview
As one of Europe’s most fascinating countries, Hungary offers a wealth of sightseeing attractions. Visitors to beautiful Budapest marvel at its architecture, operas and music concerts, all the while taking in the romance of the Danube River and the capital’s famed spa baths.
Budapest has many celebrated tourist attractions and is a useful transport hub for exploring the rest of the country. Tourists can visit Hévíz and soak in the world’s second largest thermal lake, Gyógytó, or stop by Momento Park, one of the world’s most bizarre attractions, where hundreds of giant statues are kept after being banished at the end of the communist era.
Also popular is a trip to Szentendre for a spot of shopping, and a visit to the old university town of Keszthely to enjoy the quaint tree-lined streets, trendy cafes and busy markets.
The best season to visit Hungary is in the summer, between April and September, when the days are long and the weather warm.
Most towns and cities in Hungary have reliable and affordable public transport, but the best way to see the country is to hire a car and experience it all at a leisurely pace.
Climate in Hungary
Hungary has a continental climate with distinct seasons, and a big variation between winter and summer conditions. Most people enjoy visiting Hungary over the summer period (June to August) when the weather is warmer and the attractions are open. The weather in spring and autumn can be pleasant too, but temperatures do drop to around 20°F (9°C). Temperatures approach freezing during winter (December to February), with snow blanketing the ground for weeks and the mighty Danube River freezing over. Rainfall is largely dependent on the region.
The west of Hungary, including Budapest, starts warming up after a cold winter in April. The weather in this part of Hungary is hot and humid throughout the summer months, which are the most popular time to visit.
Eastern and central Hungary experience hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters. The wind is often strong on the plains, adding to the chill factor. In the south of Hungary, there is a slightly warmer climate and summers are long, hot and rainy while winters are shorter and less severe, with temperatures seldom dropping below freezing.
Health Notes when travelling to Hungary
A reciprocal health agreement with countries in the EU provides nationals with free emergency healthcare on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). After Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance. All big towns have pharmacies, but anyone requiring specific medication should bring a supply with them as local medicines may be unfamiliar. Tourists should make sure that if they’re travelling with prescribed medications they bring along a letter from their doctor stating conditions and prescribed medication. Public health facilities are good but comprehensive travel insurance is still recommended.
Safety Notes when travelling to Hungary
Most visits to Hungary are trouble free, but normal precautions against petty crime should be taken. Pick pocketing and bag snatching is a risk on crowded public transport and other places frequented by tourists. Visitors should make use of hotel safes to store valuables and not display conspicuous wealth. It is also always a good idea to carry copies of important documents such as passports.
Customs in Hungary
Hungarians are generally open and friendly, readily striking up conversation. Men and women greet each other by shaking hands, and close friends kiss each other lightly on each cheek. Older men may bow to women and kiss them on the hand.
Duty Free in Hungary
Travellers over the age of 17 arriving by air from countries outside of the EU can import the following duty-free: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos or 250g of tobacco; 4 litres of wine, 16 litres of beer and either 1 litre of spirits containing more than 22% alcohol or 2 litres of alcoholic beverages containing less than 22% alcohol; and other goods up to a value of €430.
Doing Business in Hungary
A handshake is the standard form of greeting when doing business in Hungary and in mixed company it’s usually women who initiate. Conservative suits and ties are standard business dress and businesspeople should be addressed by their title and surname.
Business cards are often exchanged; Hungarians usually list their surnames first. It is useful to have a local representative when doing business in Hungary, acting as an interpreter and go-between. It is important to invest time in building relationships; socialising is a key element and face-to-face meetings are vital.
Punctuality is important on all occasions and cancelling a meeting at the last minute may be detrimental to a business relationship. There may be plenty of red tape to get through too so negotiations can be slow-moving. Business hours are usually from 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday.
Communication in Hungary
The international access code for Hungary is +36, and the area code for Budapest is 1. Most contracts enjoy cheap roaming charges, while WiFi is available in most cafes, hotels and restaurants.
Tipping in Hungary
Taxi drivers, waiters and other professions in the service industry expect a tip of 10 to 15 percent in Hungary. Waiters should be handed the cash, rather than have it left on the table.
Passport/Visa Note
The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. All visitors to Hungary, other than EEA members, should ensure that their passports are valid for at least six months beyond the expiry date of their visa. Foreign passengers must be in possession of a return/onward ticket (or sufficient funds to buy one), and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Additionally, visitors must hold the equivalent of HUF 1,000 per day of stay, in hard currency, although the following documents are also accepted: a major credit card, a letter of invitation, proof of accommodation (reserved and paid for), or a document authorising the visitor to withdraw cash from a bank in Hungary. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Hungary. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Hungary. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
Passports endorsed ‘British Citizen’, ‘British Subject’ (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), and ‘British Overseas Territories Citizen’ issued by Gibraltar, must be valid on arrival. British passports with other endorsements must be valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Hungary.
A visa is not required for British passports endorsed ‘British Citizen’ or ‘British Subject’ (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), nor for holders of identity cards issued by Gibraltar authorities, and endorsed ‘Validated for EU travel purposes under the authority of the United Kingdom’. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period for holders of British passports with other endorsements.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay in Hungary. A visa is required for stays longer than 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Hungary. No visa is required.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months after the period of intended stay in Hungary. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay, and a valid Schengen visa, to enter Hungary. Passports issued more than 10 years prior to the arrival date will not be accepted.
Tourist Offices
Official Hungarian Tourism Portal: gotohungary.com
Hungary Embassies
- In the United States:
Hungarian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 362 6730.
- In Canada:
Hungarian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 230-2717.
- In the United Kingdom:
Hungarian Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7201 3440.
- In Australia:
Hungarian Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6282 3226.
- In Ireland:
Hungarian Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 661 2902.
- In New Zealand:
Hungarian Consulate-General, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 260 3175.
- In South Africa:
Hungarian Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 430 3030.
Foreign Embassies in Hungary
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Budapest: +36 1 475 4400.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian Embassy, Budapest: +36 1 392 3360.
- British Embassy
British Embassy, Budapest: +36 1 266 2888.
- Australian Embassy
Australian Embassy, Budapest: +36 1 457 9777.
- Irish Embassy
Irish Embassy, Budapest: +36 1 301 4960.
- New Zealand Embassy
Closest New Zealand Embassy is in Germany: +49 (0)30 206 210
- South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Budapest: +36 1 392 0999.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
