Tourism in Hungary and the top 10 cities in Hungary worth visiting
Tourism in Hungary has become today, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Eastern Europe. It offers tourists a wonderful blend of old world charm and modern day vibrancy. It also includes a variety of scenic landscapes, cultural monuments, and unique historical and archaeological sites.
Hungary is also blessed with a variety of mountains, lakes, rivers, fertile valleys, caves, vast green forests, parks and amusement parks and many other tourist attractions. You can also do many tourist and recreational activities such as hiking, mountain climbing, skiing, exhilarating water sports, and exploring wildlife.
In addition to the pleasure of getting acquainted with the Hungarian rural villages, which are included in the UNESCO World List due to their unique architecture, cultural heritage and Hungarian traditions. All of the above in addition to antique historical monuments such as castles, royal palaces, statues and museums, churches and monasteries, historical spa baths, and many more.
Tourism in Hungary
Discover tourism in Hungary
Here is everything you need to know about travel and tourism in Hungary, the top 10 tourist cities not to miss, and the most important pre-travel tips…
Where is Hungary?
Hungary or “Hungary” is located in the Carpathian Basin in the center of the European continent, where it is bordered to the east by Romania, to the west by Austria, to the south by Croatia, to the north by Slovakia, and to the northeast by Ukraine.
Hungary is one of the enclosed countries, which do not overlook the sea from any direction, but are surrounded by land from all sides.
Best time to travel to Hungary
The best time to visit Hungary is during the following months (April-May) and (September-October), that is, during the spring and autumn seasons. This is where you can enjoy exploring the country with much fewer tourist delegations, as well as the mild climate in these seasons. It is worth noting that:
Summer (June to August):
It is the peak tourist season in Hungary, where crowds of tourists from all over, are packed to enjoy the wonderful summer holidays in Hungary. And that’s where go to the shores of Lake Balaton, enjoy the wonderful summer festivals and concerts and many other class activities.
And because the summer season is the peak season for tourism in Hungary, so prices rise in this period, such as high prices for hotel, flight, restaurant and other reservations.
Winter season (from December to February):
This is the low tourism season in Hungary, as the country experiences a lot of rain and snow and very low temperatures. Many tourist attractions in the country are also closed. Despite this, it is considered the cheapest time to visit Hungary.
In winter while in Hungary, you can bathe in the natural hot springs, and the famous thermal spa baths in Budapest, the Hungarian capital. In addition to visiting the many museums and castles, and special celebrations such as Christmas and birthday celebrations in Budapest.
Spring (March to April):
This is the best time for travel and tourism in Hungary, as the temperatures rise during the day times, allowing you to enjoy exploring the country, especially the Hungarian countryside, and seeing wild flowers everywhere.
You can also practice many outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking in the vast green spaces, and cycling. The spring season is also characterized by its lower prices compared to the high season.
Autumn semester (September to October):
Autumn is a wonderful season to visit Hungary, with its calm atmosphere and wonderful colors that range between yellow, red and orange.
One of the most important autumn leisure activities is exploring the enchanting Hungarian hills, as it is the grape harvest season. You can also enjoy long walks in the designated paths.
The language in Hungary
Hungarian is the official language in Hungary. There are also many other languages, spoken by minorities in the country, including: Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Ukrainian, Croatian, Slovak, German, and English.
Hungarian tourist visa
Hungary visa
To travel to Hungary you must first obtain a visa to travel to Hungary, which requires many conditions. Here are the most important documents and documents needed to obtain a travel visa to Hungary:
Apply for the various Schengen visa for Hungary, fill it carefully, sign and print it.
A valid passport and valid for at least 3 months before starting your trip to Hungary. It must have at least two blank pages.
Purchase a health insurance policy of €30,000, for health coverage at the time of your flight. It must be valid in all Schengen countries, and the amount paid in the health insurance policy will be refunded if the visa is refused.
Two recent passport size photographs, with a white background.
Proof of accommodation reservation for the duration of your trip in Hungary.
Round trip, or itinerary with dates and flight numbers by which the time of entry and exit from Hungary is determined.
Proof of financial ability to spend in Hungary for the duration of your trip, and proof of civil status.
A bank statement for a period of no less than six months.
A document signed by the employer on leave, tax returns, and employment contract.
The ideal period for tourism in Hungary
The ideal duration of tourism in Hungary is about one week. Which is long enough for a pleasant tourist holiday in the capital, Budapest. During this period, you can rent a car, to explore the country freely outside Budapest, the Hungarian capital. You can also explore it by using public transportation or even on foot. Here is a suggestion for a 7-day program:
Day 1: Enjoying the Danube River, watching the enchanting sunset over the river and the surrounding landscape, then going to Buda Castle.
The second day: visit the famous thermal baths in Budapest.
Day Three: Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Budapest Eye, Freedom Bridge, and a tour to explore the Jewish heritage.
Day 4: Take a day trip from Budapest to the Eiger River on the slopes of the Bück Mountains. Explore the castle, the Valley of the Beautiful Women, and many other historical attractions.
Day 5: Explore the Great Lake Balaton, Lake Cave, National Theme Park, Palace of Celebrations, Tabolka Cave Lake, Balaton Uplander National Park and Heviz Thermal Lake.
As for the sixth day: You can go to Pecs with architectural landmarks such as Pasha Kassem Mosque, Pecs Cathedral, Pecs Lake, Zsolni Fountain, and Kirali Street.
Finally, the seventh day: you can do shopping and buy souvenirs, and try the fine cafes or restaurants in the city.
How much does tourism cost in Hungary?
In order to have an enjoyable tourist vacation in Hungary, you will definitely need to study your budget well, to help you spend for the duration of your trip in the country. Especially since the cost of tourism in Hungary is relatively high. Here is the average cost of the most important tourist services and activities in Hungary:
The average cost of a trip to Hungary for two people for one week is 1147 USD.
The cost of a week’s vacation in Hungary per person is about 169,810 Hungarian Forints.
The average cost of daily spending in Hungary per person is 82 USD.
The cost of food per day per passenger is 22 USD.
The average cost of using public transportation per day is about 12 USD.
The cost of entertainment and activities in Hungary usually per person per day is approximately HUF 4,403.
The cost of a two-hour sunset cruise on Lake Balaton is $168.
The average cost to enter the thermal baths for two people is 2,500 HUF.
Gratuities in Hungary are HUF 306 per day.
The average daily cost of spending on bottled water in Hungary is 367 HUF.
Transportation and transportation in Hungary
Transportation in Hungary
Hungary has a very efficient and good transport network. It has many means of transportation, which enables you to move between cities easily, comfortably and at cheap prices. Among the most important public transportation in Hungary are:
metro:
There are several metro lines in the Hungarian capital, Budapest, and the country’s major cities. It is a convenient and fast way. Metro tickets are available throughout. You have to validate your ticket at one of the little orange machines in the driveway to each platform, so you don’t face a fine.
Tram:
Trams are usually crowded, but they are very fast. It is located in many of the main and important streets in the Hungarian capital Budapest.
trains:
The local trains are very slow compared to the express trains in Hungary. So you have to take the bullet train to reach your destination quickly, while enjoying some of the most amazing views of fields and pastures. All train reservations must be made in person at one of the main stations in Budapest.
Buses and coaches:
It is one of the preferred means of transportation to get to the remote places in Budapest. It has high speed, efficiency and convenience. You should buy tickets or make a reservation in advance, and familiarize yourself with the bus routes and schedules.
taxi:
Taxis are a fun way to get to where you want to go in Hungary, as they are fast, but they are expensive. So make sure the meter is working, and that the driver has set prices on the dashboard, as taxi drivers often overcharge foreigners.
Food and drinks in Hungary
Hungarian food is distinguished by rich spices and distinctive flavours, which have made it one of the most famous European cuisines. Here are the most famous and delicious Hungarian dishes and drinks:
One of the most famous Hungarian national dishes, or gulias, is a stew consisting of beef, potatoes, carrots, spices and paprika.
Langus:
It is one of the Hungarian dishes that are popular among the Hungarian people. It consists of fried flatbread, and is usually eaten with garlic sauce, cheese, sour cream or sausage.
Fusilic:
It is a unique Hungarian dish, a thick vegetable stew such as potatoes, carrots, peas, lentils and beans, and is one of the healthiest dishes in Hungarian cuisine.
Torte Dubus:
It is one of the most prominent Hungarian dishes, made of a sponge cake covered in chocolate buttercream and covered with caramel.
Toros Ksusa:
It is a traditional Hungarian pasta dish with cottage cheese and crunchy bacon. All this is mixed in a preheated bowl, which is one of the cheapest and most beautiful Hungarian dishes.
There are also many special drinks in Hungary such as soda, flavored water,
