Hungary: cities, thermal baths and routes to explore the country
Hungary is a country of elegant contrasts, where Budapest shines with its imperial architecture, bridges over the Danube, and historic thermal baths. Beyond the capital, the country’s villages, lakes, and vineyards offer calm and authentic experiences, perfect for combining history, culture, and nature in a single trip.
Hungary: cities, thermal baths and routes to explore the country
Hungary is a country of elegant contrasts, where Budapest shines with its imperial architecture, bridges over the Danube, and historic thermal baths. Beyond the capital, the country’s villages, lakes, and vineyards offer calm and authentic experiences, perfect for combining history, culture, and nature in a single trip.
- Budapest – Monumental capital, the Danube, historic thermal baths, and imperial architecture.
- Buda – Historic area with castle and panoramic city views.
- Pest – Modern, lively, and cultural side with young neighborhoods and nightlife.
- Lake Balaton – The largest lake in Central Europe, ideal in summer.
- Eger – Wines, thermal baths, and a baroque historic center.
- Szentendre – Artistic town on the banks of the Danube.
- Pécs – Roman, Ottoman, and Mediterranean influences.
- Hollókő – Traditional village declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Debrecen – Important cultural city in the east of the country.
- Tokaj – Wine region famous for its sweet wines.
Budapest is especially known for its thermal baths, an essential part of local life. Among the most famous are Széchenyi, Gellért, and Rudas, each with different styles, from large outdoor pools to historic Ottoman-era baths.
It is also famous for its nightlife, with the so-called ruin bars: bars set in old abandoned buildings that have become one of the city’s cultural symbols.
Hungarian cuisine is flavorful, spiced, and comforting, with a strong presence of paprika:
- Goulash (Gulyás) – Meat stew with paprika and vegetables.
- Paprikash – Chicken or meat in a creamy paprika sauce.
- Lángos – Fried bread with sour cream and cheese.
- Halászlé – Spicy fish soup.
- Töltött káposzta – Stuffed cabbage with meat and rice.
- Kolbász – Hungarian sausages.
- Dobos cake – Traditional layered chocolate cake.
- Hungarian wines – Especially from the Tokaj region.
- Currency: Hungarian forint (HUF).
- Language: Hungarian.
- Plugs: Type C and F, 230V.
- Tipping: common; around 10% to 15% in restaurants.
- Connectivity: very good in cities and tourist areas.
- Payments: cards accepted; cash useful in markets and small shops.
Hungary has good connections and relatively short distances:
- Urban transport: metro, trams, and buses are very efficient in Budapest.
- Train: connects major cities and towns.
- Long-distance bus: affordable and punctual.
- Car: useful for rural areas and Lake Balaton.
- Bicycle: very common in flat cities like Budapest.
- Spring and autumn: ideal weather and fewer tourists.
- Summer: perfect for outdoor thermal baths and Lake Balaton.
- Winter: cold, but with Christmas markets and festive atmosphere.
The climate is continental, with warm summers and cold winters.
- Visit the thermal baths: they are an essential part of local culture.
- Buy and validate transport tickets before boarding.
- Try local food outside ultra-touristic areas.
- Carry cash for small shops and markets.
- Take care of your belongings in crowded areas.
- Don’t get confused by prices: the forint uses large numbers.
- Take advantage of free walking tours to better understand the history.
- Explore beyond Budapest if you have time: the country changes a lot outside the capital.
Hungary combines elegant cities, historic thermal baths, charming towns, and a strong cultural identity in the heart of Central Europe.
In our case, we spent 15 days in Budapest, which allowed us to explore the city in depth. While the capital concentrates much of the country’s main attractions, beyond it Hungary offers very different experiences, especially around lakes, rural areas, and wine regions.
Additionally, Hungary stands out for its excellent value for money, being more affordable than Western Europe while still offering high-quality services and infrastructure.
Must-see destinations in Hungary
- Budapest – Monumental capital, the Danube, historic thermal baths, and imperial architecture.
- Buda – Historic area with castle and panoramic city views.
- Pest – Modern, lively, and cultural side with young neighborhoods and nightlife.
- Lake Balaton – The largest lake in Central Europe, ideal in summer.
- Eger – Wines, thermal baths, and a baroque historic center.
- Szentendre – Artistic town on the banks of the Danube.
- Pécs – Roman, Ottoman, and Mediterranean influences.
- Hollókő – Traditional village declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Debrecen – Important cultural city in the east of the country.
- Tokaj – Wine region famous for its sweet wines.
Budapest is especially known for its thermal baths, an essential part of local life. Among the most famous are Széchenyi, Gellért, and Rudas, each with different styles, from large outdoor pools to historic Ottoman-era baths.
It is also famous for its nightlife, with the so-called ruin bars: bars set in old abandoned buildings that have become one of the city’s cultural symbols.
What to eat in Hungary (must-tries)
Hungarian cuisine is flavorful, spiced, and comforting, with a strong presence of paprika:
- Goulash (Gulyás) – Meat stew with paprika and vegetables.
- Paprikash – Chicken or meat in a creamy paprika sauce.
- Lángos – Fried bread with sour cream and cheese.
- Halászlé – Spicy fish soup.
- Töltött káposzta – Stuffed cabbage with meat and rice.
- Kolbász – Hungarian sausages.
- Dobos cake – Traditional layered chocolate cake.
- Hungarian wines – Especially from the Tokaj region.
Practical information for traveling in Hungary
- Currency: Hungarian forint (HUF).
- Language: Hungarian.
- Plugs: Type C and F, 230V.
- Tipping: common; around 10% to 15% in restaurants.
- Connectivity: very good in cities and tourist areas.
- Payments: cards accepted; cash useful in markets and small shops.
Getting around Hungary
Hungary has good connections and relatively short distances:
- Urban transport: metro, trams, and buses are very efficient in Budapest.
- Train: connects major cities and towns.
- Long-distance bus: affordable and punctual.
- Car: useful for rural areas and Lake Balaton.
- Bicycle: very common in flat cities like Budapest.
Best time to travel
- Spring and autumn: ideal weather and fewer tourists.
- Summer: perfect for outdoor thermal baths and Lake Balaton.
- Winter: cold, but with Christmas markets and festive atmosphere.
The climate is continental, with warm summers and cold winters.
Useful tips for traveling in Hungary
- Visit the thermal baths: they are an essential part of local culture.
- Buy and validate transport tickets before boarding.
- Try local food outside ultra-touristic areas.
- Carry cash for small shops and markets.
- Take care of your belongings in crowded areas.
- Don’t get confused by prices: the forint uses large numbers.
- Take advantage of free walking tours to better understand the history.
- Explore beyond Budapest if you have time: the country changes a lot outside the capital.
