Hungary Travel Guide
From the majestic Danube River and the stunning architecture of Budapest to thermal baths, paprika-spiced cuisine, world-class wines, and charming countryside — discover the warm heart of Central Europe.
19 Counties + Budapest
Europe’s second-longest river
€45–70 per day
Daily budget for mid-range travelers
May–June
Best time to visit
Home to thermal baths, the Danube, Budapest & world-class wines
One of Europe’s most charming and affordable destinations
Top Highlights in Hungary
Travel Budget Guide
Realistic costs for budget travel in Hungary
Accommodation
Hostel Dorm: €15 – 30 / night
Budget Hotel / Guesthouse: €40 – 70 / night
Airbnb / Apartment: €50 – 100 / night
Food & Drinks
Lángos: €3 – 6
Goulash / Paprikash Meal: €8 – 14
Full Restaurant Dinner: €12 – 22
Beer (0.5L): €2 – 4
Chimney Cake: €3 – 5
Coffee: €2 – 3.5
Transportation
Budapest Metro / Bus: €1 – 1.5
Intercity Train: €8 – 35
Long-distance Bus: €10 – 30
Taxi in city: €4 – 10
Domestic Flight: €30 – 80
Attractions & Activities
Thermal Bath Ticket: €15 – 28
Major Museum: €8 – 18
Eger / Tokaj Wine Tour: €25 – 60
Danube River Cruise: €15 – 35
Many castles & parks are free or low-cost
Best Hungary Itineraries
Transport
How to Get to & Around Hungary
Best ways to arrive and travel within the country
International Arrival
Budapest (BUD) – main international hub
Debrecen (DEB) and others
London: €50–160
Europe: €35–130
Trains (MÁV)
Excellent and scenic rail network
Budapest → Vienna: €25–45 (2.5 hrs)
Budapest → Eger / Pécs: €15–30
Download the official MÁV app for tickets
Buses & Domestic Flights
Volánbusz and FlixBus – reliable & cheap
Budapest → Eger: €10–20
Domestic flights: €30–80
Good for reaching smaller towns
Car Rental
Car: €35 – €75 per day
Best for wine regions (Tokaj, Eger, Balaton)
International Driving Permit recommended
Things to Do in Hungary: Top Attractions & Travel Guide
Food & Drink
Hearty, paprika-rich, and full of soul — welcome to Hungarian cuisine
Must-Try Dishes
• Goulash (Gulyás) – Rich beef soup with paprika
• Chicken Paprikash – Creamy paprika chicken with nokedli
• Lángos – Deep-fried dough with garlic & sour cream
• Chimney Cake (Kürtőskalács) – Sweet grilled pastry
• Fisherman’s Soup (Halászlé) – Spicy river fish soup
• Pörkölt – Hungarian stew with meat & paprika
Drinks to Try
• Tokaji Aszú – World-famous sweet dessert wine
• Egri Bikavér – Bold “Bull’s Blood” red wine
• Badacsony wines (Kéknyelű, Szürkebarát)
• Palinka – Fruit brandy (apricot, plum, pear)
• Local craft beer & Unicum herbal liqueur
Where to Eat
• Traditional Csárda (country inns)
• Budapest ruin bars & bistros
• Family-run restaurants in wine regions
• Street food stalls for lángos & chimney cake
Budget Tip: Lunch menus (napi menü) usually €6–10
Food Experiences
• Wine tasting in Tokaj or Eger cellars
• Hungarian cooking class (learn to make goulash)
• Paprika festival or harvest events
• Sunset dinner with local wines in Badacsony
• Thermal bath + beer spa experience
Essential Hungary Travel Tips
Essential Travel Information for Hungary
Everything you need to know before your trip
Need To Know
Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF)
Language: Hungarian (English widely spoken in Budapest & tourist areas)
Visa: Schengen Area – Visa-free for 90 days for most nationalities
Tap Water: Safe to drink everywhere
Daily Budget: €45–75 (budget) / €90–150 (comfortable)
Practical Tips
• Download the MÁV app for train tickets
• Thermal baths are a must – bring swimwear & flip-flops
• Tipping: 10% in restaurants is appreciated
• Pharmacies (Gyógyszertár) are easy to find
• Many shops and restaurants close on Sundays in smaller towns
When To Go
Best Time: May–June & September–October
Summer (Jul–Aug): Warm, festivals, Lake Balaton peak season
Spring/Autumn: Mild weather, fewer crowds, beautiful wine harvest
Top Events:
• Budapest Spring Festival (March/April)
• Sziget Festival (August)
• Tokaj & Eger Wine Harvest (September)
Getting There & Around
• Fly into Budapest (BUD) – main international airport
• Excellent train network (MÁV) across the country
• Buses (Volánbusz / FlixBus) for smaller towns
• Renting a car is best for wine regions and countryside
City Guides
Travel Stories
Hungary Travel Guide
Hungary is a captivating Central European gem where rich history, thermal baths, world-class wines, and warm hospitality come together. From the majestic Danube River and the grand architecture of Budapest to the rolling vineyards of Tokaj and Eger, the turquoise waters of Lake Balaton, and the endless plains of the puszta, Hungary offers an unforgettable blend of culture, nature, and gastronomy.
Whether you’re soaking in a thermal bath, tasting legendary wines, exploring medieval castles, or enjoying hearty Hungarian cuisine, this beautiful country delivers authentic experiences with incredible value.