VISIT HUNGARY

Hungary captivates travelers with its rich history, thermal baths, vibrant cities, and stunning architecture. From the grand boulevards and ruin bars of Budapest to the peaceful shores of Lake Balaton and the rolling hills of Tokaj wine country, Hungary blends old-world charm with modern energy. It’s also one of Europe’s most affordable destinations for food, culture, and relaxation.

❄️ December – February: Winters are cold, with temperatures often around 0°C (32°F). Budapest becomes magical with Christmas markets and thermal baths steaming in the cold air.

🌱 March – May: Spring is pleasant and a great time to explore cities and countryside without the crowds. Parks and gardens come alive with color.

☀️ June – August: Summer is warm and lively, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F). It’s festival season in Budapest and a great time to visit Lake Balaton or go wine tasting.

🍂 September – November: Autumn offers cooler days, vibrant foliage, and fewer tourists. It’s harvest season in wine regions and an excellent time for food and culture lovers.

Hungary has a reliable transport system that makes getting around easy:

🚌 Buses: Long-distance and local buses reach almost every town and village. They are reliable and affordable.

🚂 Trains: MÁV (Hungarian State Railways) operates a wide rail network. Trains connect Budapest with major cities and even smaller towns, though some regional services may be slower.

🚗 Car Rental: Renting a car is convenient for exploring rural areas or the wine regions. Roads are generally in good condition. A vignette (toll sticker) is required for motorways. An IDP is not needed if your license is in Latin script. Traffic drives on the right-hand side.

Cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, especially Visa and Mastercard. However, smaller vendors and rural establishments may prefer cash, so carry some Hungarian forints (HUF).

Service charges are usually included in bills, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% is appreciated for good service in restaurants and taxis.

Tap water is safe to drink throughout Hungary.

Sunday is a closing day for many stores in Hungary. National holidays in Hungary include:

• New Year’s Day (January 01)
• 1848 Revolution Day (March 15)
• Easter Monday (date varies)
• Labour Day (May 01)
• Pentecost Monday (date varies)
• St. Stephen’s Day (August 20)
• Republic Day (October 23)
• All Saints’ Day (November 01)
• Christmas Day (December 25)

On these days, most businesses and offices will be closed, and many attractions may be shut or have limited opening hours.

In Hungary, traffic drives on the right-hand side of the road. The main speed limits are as follows:

• 50 kph / 30mph in urban areas
• 90 kph / 56 mph on open roads
• 110 kph / 68 mph on expressways
• 130 kph / 81 mph on motorways

During adverse weather (rain, fog, etc.), the speed limits are lowered.

• Hello (informal) = Helló
• Good day = Jó napot
• Goodbye = Viszlát
• Yes = Igen
• No = Nem
• Thank you = Köszönöm
• Please = Kérem
• You’re welcome = Szívesen
• Excuse me = Elnézést
• Day = Nap
• Night = Éjjel
• Good evening = Jó estét
• Goodnight = Jó éjszakát
• Mister = Úr
• Ma’am = Asszony / Hölgy
• Street = Utca
• Goodnight = Út

💡 Tip: With the GoogleTranslate app, you can download Hungarian language to use it even offline!

Hungary is generally very safe for travelers. Violent crime is rare, and tourist areas are well-patrolled. Petty theft can occur in crowded areas and on public transport. Standard precautions apply:

• Secure Your Belongings: Especially in busy zones like Budapest’s metro or train stations.

• Emergency Numbers: Dial 112 for police, ambulance, or fire services anywhere in Hungary.