Hungary is a Central European gem that effortlessly blends old-world grandeur with modern cool. From ornate architecture and dramatic history to steamy thermal baths and buzzing ruin bars, the capital city Budapest has all the elements of an unforgettable city break. Divided by the majestic Danube River, the Buda and Pest sides each bring their own personality – think fairy-tale castles and grand boulevards one minute, quirky bars and bohemian vibes the next.
Just a short flight from the UK (around 2.5 hours from London), Hungary is an ideal spot for a long weekend escape. It’s also one of the more budget-friendly destinations in Europe, with affordable public transport, food, and accommodation, especially when compared to Western Europe.
Hungary is perfect for solo travellers, couples, and friends looking for a mix of culture, nightlife, and relaxation – whether that means taking a dip in a steaming bathhouse or sipping mulled wine under twinkling Christmas lights.
Just a heads up, some of the links in this guide are affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you book through them (at no extra cost to you). I only ever recommend things I’ve genuinely tried and loved!
📍 Top Places to Visit:
Budapest – The capital and cultural hub, packed with stunning architecture, iconic landmarks, and relaxing thermal baths.
Lake Balaton – Hungary’s summer playground with lakeside beaches and vineyards.
Eger – A charming baroque town known for its castle, thermal baths, and red wine.
Debrecen – Hungary’s second-largest city with a vibrant student scene and festivals.
Pécs – A cultural hotspot with Roman ruins, a Mediterranean feel, and street art galore.
📅 Best Time to Visit:
- Spring (April–June) – Mild and pleasant; great for sightseeing.
- Summer (July–August) – Hot and lively with festivals, but can get crowded.
- Autumn (September–October) – Fewer tourists, beautiful autumn colours.
- Winter (November–December) – Cold, festive, and perfect for Christmas markets and thermal baths.
💰 Currency & Budget Tips:
- Currency: Hungarian Forint (HUF)
- Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for markets and smaller vendors.
- Dining out, transport, and entrance fees are generally low.
- Use the efficient metro and tram system to get around – it’s easy to navigate and cheap.
🧳Good For:
- City break enthusiasts
- History lovers
- Spa & wellness seekers
- Winter market wanderers
- Budget travellers
🍽️ Local Dishes to Try:
- Goulash – Hearty beef stew with paprika and potatoes.
- Lángos – Deep-fried dough topped with sour cream and cheese – amazing street food,
- Dobos Torte – A layered sponge cake with chocolate buttercream.
- Töltött Káposzta – Stuffed cabbage leaves with pork and rice.
- Chimney Cake (Kürtőskalács) – Sweet dough grilled and rolled in sugar or cinnamon.
✈️ How to Get There:
- Main airport: Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)
- Direct flights from most UK cities, including London, Manchester, and Birmingham
- Airport to city centre takes around 35–45 minutes via bus or taxi
🚍 Getting Around:
- Budapest has an excellent public transport system: metro, trams, buses, and night buses.
- You can walk most places in central Budapest – it’s super pedestrian-friendly.
- Day passes and travel cards are available for unlimited travel.
🌍 Language & Local Etiquette
- Language: Hungarian (Magyar) – very different from most European languages, but most people in tourist areas speak English.
- Tipping: Around 10% is appreciated at restaurants.
- Locals appreciate politeness – a simple “hello” (szia) and “thank you” (köszönöm) go a long way!
My Hungarian Highlights
I visited Budapest during the month of November, and it had that perfect festive-meets-cosy vibe – chilly air, Christmas lights starting to twinkle, and just the right excuse to wrap up warm and sip mulled wine at every opportunity.
Getting into the city was easy and affordable thanks to the airport express bus, which was quick, reliable, and budget-friendly – highly recommend over taxis. Once in Budapest, it was a dream to explore on foot. The city is incredibly walkable, with stunning architecture, history, and cafés around every corner.
I ticked off all the big sights – Fisherman’s Bastion (an actual fairytale come to life), Buda Castle, and the Hungarian Parliament Building, which is absolutely stunning – especially when it’s lit up at night. The Shoes on the Danube Bank memorial was haunting and powerful, and I’m really glad I took the time to visit.
St Stephen’s Basilica was another highlight – there was a small Christmas market right outside when I visited, and it had such a lovely atmosphere. Over at Heroes’ Square, you can ice skate in City Park during winter – so magical!
Now, let’s talk food. I popped into the Central Market Hall, and while it’s a lovely spot to browse and buy souvenirs, I wouldn’t recommend it for lunch. The food was pretty average and a bit overpriced – although, I’ll give it credit, the portion sizes were not stingy. Speaking of food, Mazel Tov and TwentySix were great food spots! Both restaurants have incredible ambience and top-tier menus. If you’re planning a trip, definitely book ahead – they fill up quickly, and for good reason.
One of my absolute favourite stops was Szimpla Kert – Budapest’s OG ruin bar. It’s quirky, colourful, and just the right level of chaotic. Think vintage bathtubs for seats, fairy lights, and live music. Such a fun vibe, especially in the evenings.
And don’t leave without booking a trip to the Szechenyi Thermal Baths. Floating in warm water while it’s absolutely freezing outside is an experience I’ll never forget – book ahead though because it can get super busy!
You’ll find a curated selection of the best activities and tours in Hungary below – from river cruises to ruin bar crawls and guided walking tours.
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If you’re thinking about a trip to Hungary and want to make it more “wow” and less “where do I even start?”, I’ve got you. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re heading back, I’d love to help you create a tailored itinerary that fits your vibe perfectly. Request a Quote and let’s start planning your perfect getaway.
