The Best of Hungary | Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Discover the charm of Hungary with our comprehensive guide. From the stunning architecture of Budapest to the picturesque countryside, explore this beautiful country’s rich history and culture. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, there’s something for everyone in Hungary. Plan your trip now and experience the best of Central Europe.

Coffee Houses | Awards | Best Views | Historic Castles | Culture | Travel Deals | Best Places to Stay | Museums | Do's & Don'ts | Central Europe's largest lake | Explore Hungary

“With 10 beautiful national parks, 37 landscape protection areas, 162 nature conservation areas, 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and several outstanding national treasures, Hungary is a country of immense beauty. If you visit Hungary, definitely make time to explore the country’s spectacular lakes, thermal baths, vast wine regions, and charming historic towns.”

Three most beautiful coffee houses

New York Cafe Hungary best coffee houses
The New York Café looks like Versailles!
Central Coffee House Hungary best confectionery
The iconic Centrál Coffee House dates to 1887.
The Gerbeaud famous gastronomic Hungary coffee house best confectionery
Gerbeaud, one of Hungary's most famous gastronomic assets.

Hungary's Instagram Spots

Here are some Instagram-worthy spots in Hungary that you shouldn’t miss:

  • Fisherman’s Bastion – This stunning lookout point in Budapest offers panoramic views of the city, and the fairytale-like turrets and arches make for the perfect Instagram backdrop.

  • Széchenyi Thermal Bath – With its colorful mosaics and steaming thermal waters, this is one of the most iconic and photogenic places in Budapest.

  • Buda Castle – This majestic castle complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts breathtaking views of the Danube River and Pest side of Budapest.

Kekesteto Bukk Mountains Matra best views in Hungary
  • Hungarian Parliament Building – The largest building in Hungary and one of the most beautiful parliament buildings in the world, it’s a must-visit for its Gothic Revival architecture and stunning riverside location.
  • Lake Balaton – Known as the “Hungarian Sea”, this massive lake offers a variety of water activities, scenic views and charming lakeside towns to explore.

  • Hortobágy National Park – The largest continuous natural grassland in Europe offers breathtaking scenery, wildlife spotting opportunities and the famous Nine-Hole Bridge.

  • Eger Castle – This impressive castle in the quaint town of Eger boasts impressive Baroque architecture and stunning views of the surrounding valley.

  • Sopron – This charming town near the Austrian border is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and narrow cobbled streets.

  • Gödöllő Palace – This stunning Baroque palace was once the summer residence of the Hungarian royal family and now offers guided tours of the opulent interiors and picturesque gardens.

  • Pannonhalma Archabbey – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 1,000-year-old Benedictine monastery is set atop a hill and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

  • Prédikálószék (Pulpit) – This unique natural rock formation located in the Bükk Mountains is a popular spot for hikers and nature enthusiasts, offering a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. The name of the site comes from its shape, resembling a preacher’s pulpit. Don’t miss the opportunity to snap a photo of this beautiful natural wonder for your Instagram feed!
  • Szépkilátó – This picturesque lookout point in the Mecsek Mountains offers breathtaking views of Pécs and the surrounding countryside. The word “Szépkilátó” literally means “beautiful view” in Hungarian, and the name certainly lives up to its promise. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning scenery and share it with your Instagram followers.
  • Tar-kő (Tar-stone) – This unique rock formation located in the Mátra Mountains is a popular hiking destination, known for its stunning panoramic views and interesting geological formations. The name “Tar-kő” comes from the dark tar-like substance that covers the rocks, giving them a distinctive appearance. Capture the unique beauty of this natural wonder and share it with your followers on Instagram.
  • Kékestető – This is the highest peak in Hungary, located in the Mátra Mountains, and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The peak can be reached by hiking or by taking a cable car, and is especially popular during the winter months when it’s covered in snow. Be sure to snap a photo of the beautiful scenery and share it with your Instagram followers, whether you’re enjoying the view during a summer hike or a winter wonderland.

Don't do this in Hungary

  • Don’t wear shoes in other people’s houses. Unless your host tells you it’s OK to keep them on, take them off immediately when you enter.  It’s expensive to have house-cleaning staff.  Generally, domestic cleaning staff are paid by the hour, so be respectful.
  • Don’t make fun of names, and don’t make mean comments. Jokes such as being “hungry in Hungary” are viewed as inappropriate and disrespectful to the country. Hungarians are immensely proud of their cultural heritage. Consider the cultural differences.
  • Don’t decline food or drinks. Hungarians are extremely hospitable. They will go out of their way to prepare something special for their guests, and so it is seen as rude to decline to taste something or at least have a small bite.  This brings me to the next “don’t”…
  • Don’t wear shoes in other people’s houses. Unless your host tells you it’s OK to keep them on, take them off immediately when you enter.  It’s expensive to have house-cleaning staff.  Generally, domestic cleaning staff are paid by the hour, so be respectful.
  • Don’t make fun of names, and don’t make mean comments. Jokes such as being “hungry in Hungary” are viewed as inappropriate and disrespectful to the country. Hungarians are immensely proud of their cultural heritage. Consider the cultural differences.
  • Don’t decline food or drinks. Hungarians are extremely hospitable. They will go out of their way to prepare something special for their guests, and so it is seen as rude to decline to taste something or at least have a small bite.  This brings me to the next “don’t”…

Drink & Drive in Hungary: The rule of zero tolerance

If you take alcohol, even on a very odd occasion, we suggest booking a tour instead of self-drive. And these are the reasons for this bit of wisdom…

  • You will no doubt be offered to taste Hungary’s very famous Palinka or even any one of the award-winning wines from their many wine regions. After all, that’s part of their culture.
  • There is a “zero tolerance” regulation in place that will kicks at the moment you take that first sip. Driving is off-limit if you had even a drop of alcohol. 
  • If you are caught, you stand to pay a hefty fine, have your drivers’ license suspended for a couple of years, and in some cases, even be up for some time in prison!

   Check the weather before you go.

Quality Gift Shopping

Herend Porcelain

World famous Herend Porcelain Manufactory Hungary

Visit the world-famous Herend Porcelain Manufactory in the city of Herend. The Herend Porcelain Manufactory (Hungarian: Herendi Porcelánmanufaktúra Zrt.) is a Hungarian manufacturing company, specializing in luxury hand-painted and gilded porcelain. Founded in 1826, it is based in the town of Herend near the city of Veszprém.

From Budapest, Herend is around 1 hour 30 minutes by car; or about 15 minutes by car from Veszprém.

Website: Herend Porcelain >>

Shopping Ideas to thank someone special

If you’re staying with friends while in Hungary, it is no point in giving them something local. They can get that themselves. Some of my best thank you gifts that I’ve received are e-books and then, of course, a surprise gift about a country I was about to travel to soon, like a city pass or a big bus ticket. Click for some of the most amazing thank you gift ideas!

Largest Lake of Central Europe

Hungary's Historic Castles

Hungarian Culture

Hungarian Dog

You’re in for a big surprise if you think you’re picking up a mop!

Folk Art

Travel and Home Website Folk Art of the Matyo Embroidery of a Traditional Community
Llist of museums in Budapest Hungary

Ancient Hungary

The ancient city of Győr

A perfect Day Trip from Budapest

  • Győr lies in the north-western part of Hungary on one of the most important roads of Central Europe, halfway between Budapest and Vienna.
  • Győr, an enchanting town abundant in beautiful baroque buildings, hosted the European Youth Olympic Festival in 2017. 
  • The oldest part of the town is Káptalan Hill at the confluence of the Danube, Rába, and Rábca rivers. The ancient city is also a university town and a popular tourist destination.

Whether you visit Győr on your own, join a small tour group on a day trip, or as part of a multi-day tour to or from Vienna or Prague, it is worth a stop.

Should you decide to spend a night or two, I recommend staying at the Barokk Hotel Promenád. It’s not only a superb hotel, but it’s a 5-minute walk from just about everything. A more budget-friendly option with an equally superb location is the Fonte Hotel.  Hotel Capitulum is in the pedestrian old town of Györ and offers private underground parking.

Goyr cities in Hungary visit Gyor Hungary things to do in Gyor Hungary
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Budapest is served by an extensive public transportation network. The Millennium Underground is the second oldest underground railway in the world (after London's Metropolitan Line)! Tickets must be bought before boarding, and are available at metro stops and newsstands. But be warned: a standard single ticket doesn't allow you to change between lines, so ask about special tickets if your journey requires them.

Best places to stay in Hungary