Hungary
Millennia of occupiers have left their mark on Hungary: Roman ruins, Turkish baths, Baroque castles, and monuments of the nomadic Magyar. Let your senses transport you through the centuries, from folk dance and opera houses to the thermal baths and a Budapest café where a gypsy violinist serenades over a dinner of paprika goulash.
Highlights
- Budapest
Hungary's capital city, Budapest, is separated into two parts, divided by the Danube River: Buda and Pest. The city contains a rich history, beautiful nature, and monumental landmarks. The Buda side of the city is home to Fisherman's Bastion, one of the most visited attractions and photographed spots in the entire city that offers spectacular views of the city and the river below. Buda is also home to the Buda Castle, whose eye-catching, Neo-Gothic Church will take your breath away with its stunning interior. Travel over the Chain Bridge to the downtown area of Pest, where you'll find St. Stephen's Basilica and the grand Hungarian Parliament Building. Stroll throughout the city and encounter other fascinating and historical sights, such as Liberty Square and the House of Hungarian Art Nouveau.
- Danube River
Flowing from north to south through the center of Budapest, the Danube River divides the hills of the Buda side from the flat Pest side. Not only does this river cross over Hungary, but it also travels through 9 other countries and is the second-longest river in all of Europe! There are winding bike paths along the river and spectacular spots to view the breathtaking sunset. Hungary is home to the second crossing across the entire river, the 19th-century Chain Bridge, which connects Pest and Buda and is the most famous in Budapest.
- Buda Castle
Located in Budapest, Buda Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that exerts grand designs and a majestic exterior appearance. This extravagant castle is why Budapest is known as the "Paris of the East" since the building is similar to Versailles. Although the castle was ruined in the late 1600s, it was fruitfully restored and rebuilt in the 18th century and now includes over 200 rooms. The exterior castle is just as stunning as the interior, with gardens adorned with spouting fountains and intricate statues. The castle has a dome that towers 200 ft. high and oversees the flowing Danube River and other buildings dotting the city.
- Historic Spa Towns
Hungary has a strong reputation for its therapeutic hot springs, and there's no question why it's referred to as "the Land of Thermal Spas"! The hot spring and baths date back thousands of years ago when the Romans worshiped these thermal waters due to their healing effects. Today, over 1,000 springs provide water to these thermal hot springs and baths. Many people, locals and especially travelers, value these waters, and soaking in the warm mineral waters have become part of life throughout the country.
Hungary's capital city, Budapest, is separated into two parts, divided by the Danube River: Buda and Pest. The city contains a rich history, beautiful nature, and monumental landmarks. The Buda side of the city is home to Fisherman's Bastion, one of the most visited attractions and photographed spots in the entire city that offers spectacular views of the city and the river below. Buda is also home to the Buda Castle, whose eye-catching, Neo-Gothic Church will take your breath away with its stunning interior. Travel over the Chain Bridge to the downtown area of Pest, where you'll find St. Stephen's Basilica and the grand Hungarian Parliament Building. Stroll throughout the city and encounter other fascinating and historical sights, such as Liberty Square and the House of Hungarian Art Nouveau.
Flowing from north to south through the center of Budapest, the Danube River divides the hills of the Buda side from the flat Pest side. Not only does this river cross over Hungary, but it also travels through 9 other countries and is the second-longest river in all of Europe! There are winding bike paths along the river and spectacular spots to view the breathtaking sunset. Hungary is home to the second crossing across the entire river, the 19th-century Chain Bridge, which connects Pest and Buda and is the most famous in Budapest.
Located in Budapest, Buda Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that exerts grand designs and a majestic exterior appearance. This extravagant castle is why Budapest is known as the "Paris of the East" since the building is similar to Versailles. Although the castle was ruined in the late 1600s, it was fruitfully restored and rebuilt in the 18th century and now includes over 200 rooms. The exterior castle is just as stunning as the interior, with gardens adorned with spouting fountains and intricate statues. The castle has a dome that towers 200 ft. high and oversees the flowing Danube River and other buildings dotting the city.
Hungary has a strong reputation for its therapeutic hot springs, and there's no question why it's referred to as "the Land of Thermal Spas"! The hot spring and baths date back thousands of years ago when the Romans worshiped these thermal waters due to their healing effects. Today, over 1,000 springs provide water to these thermal hot springs and baths. Many people, locals and especially travelers, value these waters, and soaking in the warm mineral waters have become part of life throughout the country.Fast Facts
Already booked on one of our packages to Hungary? See everything you need to know before you go.
| Overview | Capital: Budapest |
| Entry requirements | Please see our Entry Requirements page. |
| Staying Healthy | There are no special health requirements or precautions to take when visiting Hungary. |
| Weather | May through September are the best months to visit Hungary. The cultural season is active and temps are mild. Fall and spring are worth a visit as well, although temps drop around 20 degrees. |
| Tipping | Tip waiters 15-20% and taxi drivers 10%. Tip Gypsy musicians 100-200 Ft. |
| Money & Credit Cards | Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card while traveling. |
| Shopping | Items to watch for are embroidered peasant wedding clothing, such as vests or skirts, linens with embroidered illustrations and Hungarian script (red on black designs are authentic- you'll find them at stores that sell antiques), porcelain, peasant-style Korond pottery, lace, dolls, wine, carpets, wooden items, copper and brassware, medicinal tonics, paprika, old prints, maps and photographs, antiques (keep the receipts to show customs). |
| Electricity & Power Adapters | 230 volts. Plugs C & F. You will need a voltage converter and plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit. Learn more about electrical standards around the world. |
| Cell Phones & Internet | Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? Read up on using your cell phone abroad and the top 5 ways to get Internet abroad. |
| Did you know? |
|
Tours & Packages
- Destinations: Hungary
- including closed packages
Trip Reviews & Photos
We love hearing your stories and seeing your photos! Check out our entire fan photo gallery and upload your photos.