“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.”
Hungary’s coffee house culture is legendary. Step inside magnificent cafés where writers, artists, and politicians once gathered beneath glittering chandeliers. From the opulent New York Café to the historic Centrál Coffee House and elegant Gerbeaud, these aren’t simply places to enjoy coffee—they’re part of Budapest’s living history.
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 the Pest side of Budapest.
If you take alcohol, even on a very odd occasion, we suggest booking a tour instead of self-driving. And these are the reasons for this bit of wisdom…
Travel and Home Tip: 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 are e-books and, of course, a surprise gift about a country I was about to travel to, like a city pass or a big bus ticket. Click for some of the most amazing thank-you gift ideas!
Hungary doesn’t use the euro. Cards work in most places, but keep some forints for markets and smaller establishments.
Hungary doesn’t use the euro. Cards work in most places, but keep some forints for markets and smaller establishments.
Buying a ticket isn’t enough. Validate single tickets before entering the metro or immediately after boarding.
Many restaurants include a service charge. If not, around 10% works well for good service.
You may need an adapter, depending on where you live.
In restaurants, specify still or sparkling.
The EU emergency number is free to call.
Check that your vehicle has a valid e-vignette before using the highways.
Bring swimwear, flip-flops, and a towel. Some lap pools also require a swimming cap.
A little local know-how
Greet staff when entering smaller shops. Don’t rush restaurant service. And learn to say köszönöm – a little Hungarian goes a surprisingly long way.
Did you know? Budapest is served by an extensive public transportation network. Hungary’s Millennium Underground is the second-oldest underground railway in the world (after London’s Metropolitan Line)! Tickets are available at metro stops and newsstands. And very important, a standard single ticket doesn’t allow you to change between lines, so ask about special tickets if your journey requires them.
Hungary has several national historical public holidays:
March 15 – National Day (1848 Revolution)
August 20 – St. Stephen’s Day (foundation of the state)
October 23 – 1956 Revolution Memorial Day
On these days, most state‑owned museums offer free entry, especially the big national institutions such as:
Hungarian National Museum
Museum of Fine Arts
National Gallery
Museum of Ethnography
Ludwig Museum
Hungarian Natural History Museum
These museums typically announce “free admission day” (ingyenes látogatási nap) for Hungarian citizens and often for everyone, but the exact policy varies by institution.
Love Museums and Hungarian Culture? Budapest brings Hungary’s history, folk traditions, fine art, and contemporary culture together in one fascinating city. Discover which museums deserve a place on your itinerary.
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.
You’ll love exploring Hungary’s most beautiful stays, from the elegant and sophisticated Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest to the atmospheric riverside charm captured in our Budapest Danube Delights guide. And if you’re dreaming of storybook escapes, don’t miss our curated collection of the Top 20 Most Beautiful Castle Hotels around the world, including Hungary, perfect for adding a touch of magic to your travels.
You’re in for a big surprise if you think you’re picking up a mop! This is the Hungarian dog!
Cook authentic Hungarian dishes and bring home the warmth of tradition.
