planning a trip to
Hungary
Here is what you need to know: Hungary travel guide
Hungary is a beautiful country and one of the top destinations in Europe, especially thanks to its stunning capital, Budapest.
Though our time in Hungary was brief, visiting Budapest at the end of a road trip left a lasting impression and made us eager to return.
Budapest proved to be an amazing capital, and next time, we hope to explore more of Hungary’s countryside and hidden gems.
About
Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe, covering an area of 93,030 km² with a population of nearly 10 million people.
The official language, Hungarian, is the world’s most widely spoken Uralic language, making it linguistically unique.
For centuries, the territory of present-day Hungary has been a crossroads for various civilizations, including the Celts, Romans, Germanic tribes, Huns, West Slavs, and the Avars, all of whom have left their mark on the country’s rich history.
The colors of Hungary’s flag are derived from its traditional coat of arms. The white represents the country’s rivers, the greensymbolizes its mountains, and the red signifies the blood shed during Hungary’s many wars.
Budapest holds the title for the highest number of thermal springs in the world. While Hungary boasts over 1,500 thermal baths and spas, the capital is unmatched in its abundance of thermal springs. An astounding 70 million liters of thermal water emerge from beneath the earth’s surface daily.
Hungary’s tradition of public bathing dates back to Roman times, making its thermal baths not just relaxing but also deeply rooted in history and culture.
Hungary has its own cowboys, known as ‘csikós’, who are skilled horsemen native to the Hungarian Great Plain, called the ‘Puszta’. These traditional cowboys not only preserve Hungary’s rich equestrian heritage but also entertain visitors with amazing horse shows, showcasing their incredible riding skills and connection to their horses.
Budapest was almost named Pestbuda! The city came into existence when three cities—Buda, Pest, and Óbuda (Old Buda)—were united. Initially, there was debate among the founders over what the name of the newly formed city should be, with Pestbuda being one of the options considered before settling on Budapest.
What to expect?
Language: The official language is Hungarian, but English is widely spoken, particularly in the capital, Budapest. In the countryside, English may be less common, but travelers can generally manage.
Food: The traditional dish in Hungary is goulash, a hearty stew often associated with the Balkans. While meat has become a staple in recent years, vegetarian alternatives are also available.
Transportation: Buses are the most common means of transportation in Hungary and are an affordable way to get around. For faster travel, the railway network offers mainline connections between key cities.
Money: The currency in Hungary is not the Euro but the Hungarian Forint (HUF). Most places accept credit cards, and ATMs are readily available throughout the country.
Plugs: Hungary uses type C and F plugs, like most of the EU. The standard voltage is 230V with a frequency of 50Hz.
Safety: Hungary is a safe country for travelers of all types. As in most places, be cautious of pickpockets in larger cities and avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas. Smaller towns are generally very secure.
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