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HUNGARY

DESTINATION GUIDE

As the world leader in travel experiences since 1947, we connect you to the real Hungary in a way like no other. Hungary is surrounded by seven other countries in Eastern Europe, yet it remains an unparalleled world. With a distinct language, culture and cuisine, Hungary is a country that has always forged its own path. It’s varied and vibrant, with phenomenal architecture dating back to many different periods, over 300 thermal springs, and even a capital city that’s split in two. Known as the ‘Paris of the East’, Budapest is a visual masterpiece. You’ll find exquisite scenery and architecture, ranging from Gothic churches and the gorgeous turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion, to baroque bathhouses and the largest synagogue in Europe. From cruising the Danube River, to exploring medieval houses and museums, our Local Specialists will reveal the best places to visit in Hungary - and we’ll also delve deeper into the history and culture of the country. Our Hungary travel experiences will take you shopping for Hungarian embroidery and to a family-run restaurant, where you’ll taste one of the world’s best cuisines, just a few ways you'll immerse yourself in the culture and form real connections with the local people. Travel with us and unlock the infinite possibilities thanks to our exclusive Triploves Highlights.

"With a language unrelated to any in Europe, and food and wines different from many, Hungary is a country that has always forged its own path"

 

Chris,

Travel Director

Hungary at a

glance

Currency

Hungarian forint

Winter avg temp

0°C

Summer avg temp

20°C

Time Zone

GMT +2

Capital City

Budapest

Language

Hungarian

Good Morning

Jó reggelt

Good evening

Jó estét

Image by Annie Spratt
Image by Emma Fabbri
Image by Daniel Olah

Diverse architecture, over 300 thermal springs, a distinct language, culture and cuisine, and even a capital city that's split in two - Hungary is a country that has always forged its own path. Join your expert Trafalgar Travel Director and discover the unparalleled world of Hungary.

Image by xandro Vandewalle
Image by Tetiana SHYSHKINA

Our top 3 things to do in Hungary

A day of Budapest sightseeing with Trafalgar takes you from the fairytale turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion, to the soothing Szechenyi Baths, to the top of the city on Gellert Hill and beyond.

Visit the Fisherman's Bastion in Budapest

Straight out of a storybook, the Fisherman’s Bastion is an ornate lookout tower and terrace of Buda Castle. Built from 1895 to 1902, there are seven decorative turrets, with spectacular views over Budapest. As one of our favourite ways to see the city, the Fisherman’s Bastion is a Budapest must see.

Go shopping for Hungarian embroidery

Hungarian embroidery is a beautiful folk art tradition where dresses, slippers and smocks are intricately threaded with bright flowers and leaves. We’ll take you shopping at the Great Market Hall for your special souvenir, or the Váci útca, a pedestrian street with shops selling handcrafted designs.

See the Great Synagogue, the largest in Europe

Also known as the Dohány Street Synagogue, the Great Synagogue is one of the most impressive Budapest attractions. With the capacity to seat 3,000 people, it’s the largest synagogue in Europe, set within a wider complex that includes the Jewish Museum, Heroe’s Temple, Memorial and graveyard.

Best museums in Hungary

You’ll visit the country’s best museums on a Hungary tour with Trafalgar. Visit a museum in Buda Castle and learn about Hungary’s past horrors at the House of Terror.

Hungarian National Gallery

Located in Buda Castle, the Hungarian National Gallery is home to 100,000 permanent artworks spanning from the 11th to the 20th century. We’ll also take you to up the 54 steps to the dome of Buda Castle, where you can admire the spectacular views over the city.

Museum of Fine Arts

Located in Heroes’ Square in Budapest, the Museum of Fine Arts houses an impressive collection of more than 100,000 pieces of international and Hungarian art. Opened in 1906, the works now span six exhibitions including Egyptian, Modern, Antique, Graphics and Old Sculpture collections.

House of Terror

A former headquarters of the Hungarian Nazi Party during WWII, the House of Terror now contains a chilling exhibition to commemorate the totalitarian regimes of 20th century Hungary, and a memorial to the victims who were tortured and killed in the building.

Best food in Hungary

Often hailed as one of the best in the world, Hungarian cuisine is a fiery blend of rich meats, vegetables, doughy pastry and lashings of paprika. You'll savour the finest examples of local cuisines every day on our Hungary holidays.

Semla

No Budapest food tour is complete without a taste of traditional Hungarian goulash. We’ll show you the top places to try this delicious stew of beef and vegetables in a spicy paprika seasoned broth. Served with noodles or potatoes, this is the best way to stay warm.

Lángos

One of the most-loved dishes, lángos is a Hungarian national specialty and the star of street-food. It’s a deep-fried dough - crispy on the outside and soft inside - topped with delicious layers of cheese, sour cream and garlic butter. You can even find modern sweet versions with chocolate sauce and whipped cream.

Smoked sprats

A bright red soup made with paprika and river fish, Fisherman’s soup is one of the most famous (and spiciest) foods to try when you visit Hungary. The soup was traditionally prepared in kettles on an open fire by fishermen, and it’s served straight from the kettle with a side of bread.

Comfortable walking shoes

Minsk is a sprawling city and best explored on foot. Be sure to pack comfortable, worn-in walking shoes when you visit Belarus.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are essential all year round - they’ll shield your eyes in the sunny summer and protect against snow in winter.

Russian phrasebook

Russian is the most widely used language in Belarus and can be difficult to learn. Pack a phrasebook to help decipher the Cyrillic alphabet and learn a few common words.

Waterproof coat

Minsk weather can be unpredictable, so bring a waterproof coat or umbrella to prepare for rain showers all year round.

An adaptor plug

Voltage in Belarus is 220V and the sockets are of Type C or F, with standard European 2-pin plugs.

What to pack for Hungary

Image by Alice Donovan Rouse

Other things to know before you go

Depending on your nationality, you'll need a valid passport and may also need visas to enter. Please check this well in advance of your trip departure date here. Some countries also require passports to have 3-6 months left on them before the given expiry date, so be sure to double check this before booking your travels.

Road Trip Adventures

Slide into your seat, grip the wheel, start the engine, and hit the open road. From Norway to South Africa, the tundra to the rainforest, there is no limit to what you can reach with four wheels and an adventurous spirit. The road trip is no longer a means to get from point A to point B in your country; it crosses borders into new places, allowing for pure freedom in exciting destinations. Measure your next journey in viewpoints, road signs, and the people you'll meet along the way!

Guide to Hungary Visa Application

Learn about the types of visas and the step by step process of obtaining a visa for Hungary and quarantine regulations in this comprehensive guide.

  This includes types of visa applications, what to declare, and what is prohibited.

Keep in mind these handy tips for a smart, stress-free, and on-time visa application experience! 

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