HUNGARY
YOUR GUIDE TO HUNGARY
Immerse Yourself in the Rich History of this Landlocked Country Full of Water
Bordered by Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia, Hungary captivates you with its postcard-worthy scenery in all directions. Known for its mix of historic and modern architecture, the country stuns with its variety of landmarks-the Hungarian Parliament Building being one of the most iconic. Folk art is a major part of the country’s culture and can be experienced at a variety of festivals including the famous Hollókő Easter Festival. And with delicious traditional dishes such as Gulyás (goulash) and Fisherman’s Soup (Halászlé), travelers can experience a little bit of history in every corner.
Top Attractions & Activities:
Buda Castle
The Danube
Hungarian Parliament Building
The Caves of Lillafüred
Hungarian Open Air Museum
Great Market Hall
Danube River Cruise
Caves of Aggtelek Karst
Szechenyi Thermal Bath
Andrassy Avenue
Fisherman's Bastion
Budapest Bike Tour
Capital and Population:
Commonly referred to as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Budapest, is the capital of Hungary. The population is approximately
9.6 million.
Language Spoken:
Hungarian is the primary language spoken, while several minority languages such as German, Romanian, Slovak and Croatian have become prominent in recent years. Although not widely spoken overall in Hungary, English is widely spoken in the tourist areas, especially Budapest.
Currency:
The official currency of Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF).
When visiting Hungary, it is ideal to have both a combination of cash and card on hand in order to fully enjoy your vacation. Credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are commonly accepted in Hungary, however, you will need cash if you plan on visiting towns outside of Budapest. To get the best exchange rate, wait upon arrival in Hungary-Hungarian banks or exchange bureaus will offer you the best rates. ATMs are also readily available in larger cities.
Best Time to Visit and Weather:
The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are an idyllic time to visit with crowds being minimal and the weather pleasant. June through August is the hottest and wettest time of year, however, summer is Hungary’s high tourist season. The cheapest season to visit the country is during winter-the weather is pretty chilly, snowfall is common and many attractions are shut down, but there is plenty of opportunity to snap magical snowy landscapes and enjoy the Christmas markets.
Interesting Facts:
Founded in 895, Hungary is one of the oldest countries in Europe.
There are over 1500 spas in Hungary with the majority of thermal springs being in Budapest.
Hungarian inventions include the ballpoint pen, Rubik’s cube, thermographic camera and the first functional helicopter.
Italy may be more well known for its wine, but Hungary is actually home to the world’s first official wine region-Tokaji Aszu.
Made from fruits such as apple, plum & apricot, Pálinka is a traditional fruit brandy with Hungarian origins that is considered to be the cure of all things.
