Hungary

Capital Budapest

Population 9,823,000

Area 93,028 km2

Key facts

Hungary is a country located in Central Europe, bordered by Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, and Slovenia. It has a population of around 9.8 million people, and the official language is Hungarian.

Geographically, Hungary is a landlocked country located in the Carpathian Basin, which is surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains. The country has a diverse landscape, with plains, hills, and mountains, as well as a number of rivers, lakes, and thermal baths. The largest river in Hungary is the Danube, which flows through the center of the country and is an important transportation and economic hub.

Hungary has a rich and varied history, with a mix of cultures and traditions that have influenced the country’s language, art, and architecture. The country has a strong cultural identity and is home to a number of cultural festivals and events, including the Sziget Festival, one of the largest music festivals in Europe.

In terms of population, Hungary has a relatively small population compared to other countries in Europe. The majority of the population is of Hungarian descent, but there are also significant minority populations, including Roma, Germans, and Croats. The official language of Hungary is Hungarian, which is a unique and distinct language that is not closely related to any other major European language.

In the EF English Competency Index (EF EPI), which assesses the language proficiency of non-native speaking countries, Hungary was ranked 17th out of 100 countries in 2021.

The national currency in Hungary is Hungarian forint (HUF). The forint (Ft) is subdivided into 100 fillér.

Hungarian
Banknotes

Ft500Ft1000Ft2000Ft5000Ft10000Ft20000

Hungarian
Coins

Ft5Ft10Ft20Ft50Ft100Ft200

Check with your bank before your trip to find out if there are any fees for using your card abroad. Some banks do not charge fees when you use a foreign ATM or pay in foreign currency, but others may charge a fixed cost for each transaction or allow a limited number of free withdrawals. The travel card provided by Wise.com, Revolut or Monose might be an excellent option to cut down on transaction fees.

Ookla® Speedtest The average fixed internet speed in Hungary is 294.13 Mbps and mobile is 97.13 Mbs.The global average is 187.01 Mbps and 128.37 Mbps respectively.

ATM Density When compared to the world average, Hungary has more ATMs.59.22 ATMs per 100,000 people.The global average is 39.49.

SIM Registration In order to purchase a SIM card in Hungary, a passport or ID is required as identification.

Socket types

There are 2 socket types used in Hungary. Type C is a popular socket type throughout Europe (except the United Kingdom), Russia, and certain Asian countries.

Type C 230 V, 50 Hz  Type F 230 V, 50 Hz  

The sockets’ shapes and voltage differ from country to country and a travel plug adapter may be required. Portable devices, such as phones, notebooks or tablets, usually handle the entire range of voltages used across the world (110-240V).

Public holidays

In the year 2024, Hungary will celebrate 13 national public holidays. The next one Labour day will take place on May 1.

Date Holiday name
January 1, 2024 New Year’s DayÚjév
March 15, 2024 1848 Revolution Memorial DayNemzeti ünnep
March 29, 2024Moving holiday Good FridayNagypéntek
March 31, 2024Moving holiday Easter SundayHúsvétvasárnap
April 1, 2024Moving holiday Easter MondayHúsvéthétfő
May 1, 2024 Labour dayA munka ünnepe
May 19, 2024Moving holiday PentecostPünkösdvasárnap
May 20, 2024Moving holiday Whit MondayPünkösdhétfő
August 20, 2024 State Foundation DayAz államalapítás ünnepe
October 23, 2024 1956 Revolution Memorial DayNemzeti ünnep
November 1, 2024 All Saints DayMindenszentek
December 25, 2024 Christmas DayKarácsony
December 26, 2024 St. Stephen’s DayKarácsony másnapja

Tourism

One of the main attractions of the country is its rich cultural heritage and history. Hungary is home to a number of UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Buda Castle Quarter and the Old Town of Székesfehérvár, which are popular with history buffs and cultural enthusiasts.

In terms of natural landmarks, Hungary is home to a number of beautiful and unique landscapes, including the Great Plain, the Carpathian Basin, and the Danube Bend. These areas are popular with nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, and offer a range of activities such as hiking, biking, and birdwatching.

Hungary is also home to a number of beautiful cities that are popular with tourists. Budapest, the capital city, is particularly well known for its beautiful architecture, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant nightlife. Other popular cities in Hungary include Debrecen, which is known for its beautiful parks and gardens, and Pécs, which is home to a number of cultural attractions such as the Pécs National Theatre and the Pécs Cathedral.

In terms of unique experiences that can only be had in Hungary, there are a number of things to consider. For example, Hungary is known for its thermal baths, which are a unique feature of the country and are believed to have therapeutic properties. There are a number of thermal baths in Hungary, many of which are located in beautiful natural settings. Additionally, Hungary is home to a number of unique cultural traditions and events, such as the Tokaji Wine Festival and the Puszta Horse Show.

Overall, Hungary is a country that has a lot to offer for tourists, with a rich cultural heritage, beautiful natural landscapes, and a number of beautiful cities to explore. Whether you are interested in history, culture, or nature, there is something for everyone in Hungary.

What hotel chains are present in Hungary?

There are Mariott hotels in Budapest.

The Hilton hotel chain operates in Hungary.

The IHG hotel chain operates in Hungary.

The Best Western hotel chain operates in Hungary.

There are Radisson hotels in 3 cities.

The Accor hotel chain operates in Hungary.

Local delicacies and must-try foods and drinks in Hungary

Hungarian cuisine is known for its hearty and flavorful dishes, many of which are influenced by the country’s rich cultural heritage. Some of the most famous and unique dishes that Hungary is known for include:

  1. Goulash:
    A traditional Hungarian soup made with beef, vegetables, and paprika, served with bread or dumplings.
  2. Langos:
    A deep-fried dough topped with cheese, sour cream, and various toppings such as sausage or vegetables.
  3. Chicken paprikash:
    A chicken dish cooked with paprika and served with dumplings or noodles.
  4. Töltött káposzta:
    Stuffed cabbage rolls filled with meat and rice, cooked in a tomato sauce.
  5. Sült kolbász:
    Grilled sausage served with mustard and bread.
  6. Strudel:
    A sweet pastry filled with fruit or cheese, served with whipped cream.

In addition to these dishes, Hungary is also known for its wines, particularly the sweet white wine called Tokaji. Other popular drinks in Hungary include pálinka, a type of fruit brandy. Hungarian cuisine also includes a number of other unique alcoholic drinks. For example, fröccs is a popular drink that is made by mixing red wine and soda water. Another popular drink is Unicum, a type of herbal liqueur that is made with a blend of over 40 different herbs and spices.

What fast food chains are present in Hungary?

The McDonald’s chain operates in Hungary.

The KFC chain operates in Hungary.

The Burger King chain operates in Hungary.

The Subway chain operates in Hungary.

The Domino’s Pizza chain does not operate in Hungary.

The Starbucks chain operates in Hungary.

Weather

What is the climate like in Hungary?

Hungary has a temperate climate, with four distinct seasons. The weather and climate in Hungary can vary significantly depending on the region and time of year.

  • In the summer months of June, July, and August, temperatures in Hungary can reach into the high 20s or low 30s Celsius, and the weather is generally warm and dry. The summer months are a good time to visit Hungary if you enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and sightseeing.
  • In the fall months of September, October, and November, temperatures in Hungary begin to cool down, and the weather is generally mild and pleasant. This is a good time to visit Hungary if you enjoy mild weather and beautiful autumn foliage.
  • In the winter months of December, January, and February, temperatures in Hungary can drop to below freezing, and the weather is cold and snowy. The winter months are a good time to visit Hungary if you enjoy winter sports such as skiing, ice skating, and sledding.
  • In the spring months of March, April, and May, temperatures in Hungary begin to warm up again, and the weather is generally mild and pleasant. This is a good time to visit Hungary if you enjoy mild weather and the arrival of spring flowers.

When is the best time to visit Hungary?

The peak tourist season in Hungary is generally considered to be the summer months of June, July, and August.

During the summer months, there are a number of festivals and events that take place in Hungary. For example, the Sziget Festival is one of the largest music festivals in Europe and takes place in August. There are also a number of cultural festivals and events that take place throughout the country, such as the Pannonian Challenge and the Veszprém Street Music Festival. In addition, there are a number of sporting events that take place in Hungary during the summer months, including the Hungarian Grand Prix, which is a round of the Formula One World Championship.

In terms of whether it is a good idea to visit Hungary in the summer, this ultimately depends on your interests and the type of weather you prefer. If you enjoy warm and dry weather and are looking for a wide variety of outdoor activities and events, the summer months may be a good time to visit Hungary.

In terms of visiting Hungary in the winter months, there are also a number of attractions and events to enjoy. For example, there are a number of Christmas markets and holiday events that take place throughout the country, as well as indoor attractions such as museums, galleries, and theaters.

What is the weather like in Budapest?

Today the sun in Budapest, rises at 5:46 AM and sets at 7:38 PM. The climate of Budapest may be categorized as a Marine west coast (Cfb), according to Koppen’s classification system.

TodayApr 19OvercastLow: 3.7°C (38.66°F)High: 13.4°C (56.12°F)
SaturdayApr 20RainLow: 6.1°C (42.98°F)High: 12.2°C (53.96°F)
SundayApr 21ThunderstormLow: 5°C (41°F)High: 13.3°C (55.94°F)
MondayApr 22RainLow: 5.8°C (42.44°F)High: 9.2°C (48.56°F)
TuesdayApr 23OvercastLow: 6.6°C (43.88°F)High: 13.9°C (57.02°F)
WednesdayApr 24RainLow: 9.1°C (48.38°F)High: 14.7°C (58.46°F)

Weather data for Budapest (capital city) by Open-Meteo.com

Transport

How easy is it to get around Hungary by train?

The rail network in Hungary is relatively well developed and covers most of the country. The total length of the rail network in Hungary is around 8,000 kilometers, with around 3,700 kilometers of it being electrified. The rail network in Hungary is primarily used for passenger transport, although it also serves as an important cargo transportation route.

In terms of high-speed rail, Hungary does have a limited number of high-speed rail lines. The first high-speed rail line in Hungary was completed in 2007 and connects the cities of Budapest and Vienna, Austria. Since then, additional high-speed rail lines have been added, including a line between Budapest and Győr, and another between Budapest and Békéscsaba.

Overall, the rail network in Hungary is generally considered to be reliable and of good quality, although there are some complaints about the service. The trains in Hungary are generally modern, with newer trains being added to the fleet in recent years. Many of the trains in Hungary offer a range of amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, and WiFi.

In terms of the most popular rail connections in Hungary, the busiest routes are generally those that connect the major cities of the country, such as Budapest, Debrecen, and Miskolc. There are also a number of popular tourist routes, such as the line that connects Budapest to the famous thermal baths in Hévíz.

How easy is it to get around Hungary by car?

One of the most important expressways in Hungary is the M1, which runs from Budapest to the western border with Austria. The M1 is part of the Pan-European Corridor IV, which connects the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria. The M1 has a total length of approximately 200 kilometers and is a major transportation route for both passenger and freight traffic.

There are also several other expressways in Hungary, including the M3, M5, and M6, which connect major cities and regions within the country. There are plans to extend and improve the expressway network in Hungary, including the construction of new roads and the upgrade of existing ones.

In Hungary, expressways are generally paid, with tolls collected at designated points along the route. There are also some smaller roads and highways that are free to use.

As for the maintenance of roads in Hungary, it is generally good in the cities and major transportation routes. However, it is possible that roads in rural areas may not be as well maintained as those in urban areas. It is always a good idea to check the current road conditions before embarking on a long journey in any country.

Railways There are passenger trains operating between some cities.

Subway Systems The subway system is available in Budapest.

Taxi Apps Uber is not available in Hungary. You can use Bolt in 5 cities.

Car Rental Avis , Sixt , Hertz are all available in Hungary.

Road Connectivity Index (2016)  With a score of 5.8, Hungary is placed 28th out of 129 nations.

Driving Side In Hungary traffic is right-handed.

Safety

Theft Occurrence Rate  522.00 thefts per 100,000 people in 2020.The global average is 544.

Road Traffic Casualties 7.70 deaths per 100,000 people in 2019.The global average is 16.74.

Travel Advisory Level (U.S. DoS)  Level 1: Exercise normal precautions. 

Emergency phones in Hungary

112 Police
112 Ambulance
112 Fire police

Sources

Smoking & Alcohol

Smoking ban Smoking is forbidden in all public indoor locations, with limited exceptions.

Cananbis legality Both recreational and medicinal use of cannabis is prohibited.

In the case of non-commercial import, the duty-free status shall only apply to passengers over the age of 17.

Alcohol allowance

Travellers from EU countries:

  • 90L of still wine (60L of sparkling wine)
  • 110L of beer
  • 10L of alcoholic beverages stronger than 22%
  • 20L of fortified or sparkling wine or other liqueurs up to 22%.

Travellers from non-EU countries:

  • 4L of wine
  • 16L of beer
  • 1L of spirits over 22% volume or 2L of alcoholic beverages less than 22% volume

Tobacco allowance

Travellers from EU countries:

  • 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or 1kg of tobacco

Travellers from non-EU countries:

Your tobacco allowance is determined on your form of transportation.

If you are travelling by air or sea:

  • 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco

If you are NOT travelling by air or sea:

  • 40 cigarettes or 20 cigarillos or 10 cigars or 50g of tobacco

Sources

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