Bordered by countries as diverse as Austria, Serbia and Ukraine, Hungary is a crossroads at the centre of the continent – what was once known as Mitteleuropa – and it fuses old Europe and new in its mix of Hapsburg grandeur and Communist-era grittiness. Currently among the 15 most popular tourist destinations in the world, Hungary offers a unique amalgamation of traditional European culture and modern-day practices. Here, you can take a trip through quaint, rural villages and enjoy a thriving nightlife in Budapest, both within a distance of a few miles. With a capital city regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world, Hungary is home to several World Heritage Sites, UNESCO Biosphere reserves and the second largest thermal lake in the world.

Hungary can be visited in any season, but the months of March through May, and September and October are arguably the best. Everything is open and you’ll find sunny skies, comfortable temperatures — additionally, the weather is warm enough to enjoy outdoor walking tours, though you might need a warm jacket in March. The Cherry Blossom Festival and the Japanese Garden on Margaret Island are blooming with beautiful flowers; Easter celebrations and traditions are in full swing.

Traditional Hungarian dishes are primarily based on meats, seasonal vegetables, fresh bread, dairy products, cheeses and fruits.

Goulash is one of the most popular dishes in Hungary and also one of the tastiest ones. Lángos is the street food staple of Hungary and is also one of the most beloved evening snacks in the country. If you are a dessert lover, then try this traditional Hungarian pastry with the unique name Chimney Cake. Chimney Cake is a cylindrical-shaped pastry made from sweet, yeast dough that’s wrapped around a wooden cylinder, then baked over an open flame. Chicken Paprikash is the perfect blend of tender chicken with rich and spicy paprika sauce. Kolbasz is one of the most popular traditional foods in Hungary, which found its origin in the early middle ages. Halászlé, as the name of the dish suggests, Fisherman’s soup’s key ingredient is fish. It is mainly prepared with freshwater fishes like carp, catfish, perch, and pike.

Shopping in Hungary is an interesting experience as there are a lot of unique items travellers can take home from this lovely country. From fruit liquors, porcelain dolls, paprikas, shirts to delightful sweets- Hungary is a shopper’s paradise.

The best places to go shopping are mostly in Budapest
Pest’s City Center: Home to the V‡ci Street (V‡ci utca) and the Andr‡ssy Avenue (Andr‡ssy œt), it has some of the most glamorous and expensive shops. The Andr‡ssy Avenue is often compared to the Avenue des Champs ElysŽes in Paris.

Central Market Hall: One can find fancy bottles of Tokaji, a variety of paprika, chessboards, dolls and traditional Hungarian clothes here.
Memories of Hungary is one of the best souvenir shops.

The official language of Hungarian is spoken by 98% of the 10.3m population. Minority languages have become more prominent in recent years, and they include German, Croatian, Romani, Slovak, Romanian, Serbian and Slovene.

1. BUDAPEST

Budapest, also called the ‘Little Paris’ of Middle Europe, is the largest city in Hungary. Budapest is situated in the central part of Hungary, in the heart of Europe. It straddles the Danube River, with the city divided into two parts: Buda on the west bank and Pest on the east bank. These two areas are connected by several iconic bridges, creating a captivating contrast between the hilly, historical Buda side and the bustling, vibrant Pest side. Budapest is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, thermal baths, Danube River, vibrant cultural scene, delicious cuisine, and affordable charm.

Places to visit in Budapest: St. Stephen’s Basilica, Fisherman’s Bastion, Thermal Baths, Szechenyi Chain Bridge

2. BALATONFURED

Balatonfïred is a charming small town located on the north shore of Lake Balaton, Hungary’s largest freshwater lake. It is one of the oldest and most popular resorts in the country, with plenty of attractions to keep visitors entertained. The lake itself is a stunning natural wonder, offering a range of activities such as swimming, sailing, windsurfing, and fishing. The nearby spa town of Heviz is also a great place to relax and rejuvenate. There are several historical sites to explore including the Tihanyi Abbey, the Castle of Balatonfïred, and the Eszterh’zy Mansion.

Places to visit in Balatonfïred: Lake Balaton, Tihanyi Abbey, the Castle of Balatonfïred, Eszterh’zy Mansion

3. ZALAKAROS

Zalakaros is a small spa town located in Hungary, nestled among rolling hills, thermal springs, and luscious forests. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country and is renowned for its thermal spa baths and healing waters.

Visitors to Zalakaros can enjoy the various attractions the town has to offer, such as the thermal bath complex, the beach and lake, the wildlife park, and the castle ruins.

Places to visit in Zalakaros: Wildlife Park, Thermal Bath Complex, Castle Ruins, Beach and Lake, Zalakaros Thermal Spa

4. ESZTERGOM

Esztergom, Hungary is a must-visit destination for tourists looking to explore the rich cultural and religious heritage of the country. Located just 40 kilometers north of Budapest, it is the oldest city in Hungary and the former capital of the country. It is home to several must-see attractions, including the Basilica of Esztergom, the largest church in Hungary, the Széchenyi Island, the Castle of Visegrád, and several beautiful parks.

Places to visit in Esztergom: Basilica of Esztergom, Széchenyi Island, Castle of Visegrád, Museum, Zichy Garden

5. EGER

Eger is a beautiful and charming town located in North-eastern Hungary. It is a historical town filled with cultural attractions, stunning architecture, and amazing food. It is located in the beautiful valley of the Eger River and is surrounded by the stunning Bükk Mountains. Eger is most famously known for its thermal baths, which draw people from far and wide. The city also has many historical sites and monuments.

Places to visit in Eger: Castle of Eger, Cathedral of Eger, Eger Basilica, Dobó Square, Eger Puppet Theatre, Eger Art Gallery, Eger Music Festival, Thermal Baths

6. HEVIZ

Heviz, Hungary is a picturesque town located in the western part of the country, on the northern shore of Lake Balaton. It is an ideal destination for those looking for a peaceful and rejuvenating getaway. A key attraction of Heviz is its thermal lake, the largest in the world. The lake is rich in minerals and offers a range of therapeutic benefits. Visitors to the lake can enjoy swimming, boating, sunbathing, and other activities.

The town itself is filled with a charming atmosphere and is home to many beautiful churches, monuments and historical sites, all of which provide a great insight into the culture and history of Heviz.

Places to visit in Heviz: Thermal Lake, Main Square, Beautiful Churches, Monuments and Historical Sites

7. VESZPREM

Veszprem is a vibrant and beautiful city located in Hungary. It is known for its historical and cultural significance which makes it a popular tourist destination. The city offers a great variety of attractions such as the magnificent Fő tér, the historical Pálóczi Castle, the breathtaking Baroque Cathedral, and the picturesque Castle of Eszterházy.

Places to visit in Veszprem: Fő tér, Pálóczi Castle, Baroque Cathedral, Castle of Eszterházy, Thermal Baths

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