Hungary holidays
Hungary is the land of hot springs: a bathing culture in Budapest, a thermal lake you can swim in during winter and wine regions that have made sweet wine for centuries.
Budapest
Photo: Ervin Lukacs / Unsplash
Why visit Hungary?
Hungary lies in central Europe, with the Danube running through it. Most visitors come for Budapest, and with good reason. But the country also has Lake Balaton, wine regions and small towns with baroque squares. The currency is the forint.
Distances are short and train links from Budapest are good. Hungary is one of the countries in Europe we cover.
Fisherman's Bastion, Budapest
Photo: Emma Fabbri / Unsplash
Places to see in Hungary
Budapest: the capital on the Danube, with Parliament, the castle and the thermal baths. Read our Budapest guide.
Lake Balaton: central Europe's largest lake, with beaches and resort towns, popular in summer.
Hévíz: a thermal lake you can swim in all year, close to Balaton.
Eger: a baroque town with a castle and wine cellars, known for Egri Bikavér red wine.
Tokaj: the wine region famous for sweet tokaji.
Szentendre: a small artists' town on the Danube, a short trip from Budapest.
When is the best time to visit Hungary?
Spring and autumn are best for cities and wine, summer for Balaton. The baths and the thermal lake are open all year, and December is popular for the Christmas markets in Budapest.
Frequently asked questions about Hungary
What should I see in Hungary besides Budapest?
Lake Balaton in summer, the thermal lake at Hévíz, the wine town of Eger and the artists' town of Szentendre are the most popular. Szentendre makes an easy day trip from Budapest.
What currency does Hungary use?
Hungary uses the forint, not the euro. Cards are accepted in most places.
When is the best time to go to Hungary?
April to June and September to October are best for cities and wine regions. July and August are high season at Balaton.