Hungary Holidays

Hungary: where goulash is the gossip of every corner, national parks are the new beaches (almost) and the Danube's your dancefloor.

Destination highlights

Thermal baths galore (for the ultimate soak)
Home to Lake Balaton, so fear not - watersports are still on the cards
Multiple wineries so you can slurp some of the good stuff
A bunch of caves to explore - as if there wasn't already enough to do above ground

What are the best sights to see in Hungary?

Strap in for a sightseeing extravaganza, because Hungary's landmarks are like a highlight reel of European wonders.

The Parliament Building - not your average government building; it's a Gothic marvel that lights up the Danube like a Christmas tree
Buda Castle - this isn't just a castle; it’s a whole district of awe. History here doesn't just whisper - it shouts.
Széchenyi Thermal Bath - imagine dipping in pools that are basically historic monuments with bubbles. It’s relaxation with a side of grandeur.
Fisherman's Bastion - it's like stepping into a fairytale book. The views? Let's just say your camera might go on strike from overuse...
Ruin Bars in Budapest - these aren't your typical watering holes. They're quirky, they're cool, and they've got more character than a box-set binge.

Popular Hungary hotels

Weather in Hungary

Hungary's weather is a year-round rollercoaster of thrills! Winter wraps you in a chilly embrace, often dropping below zero – perfect for warming your cockles with a steamy goulash soup or taking a dunk in one of those famed thermal baths. Spring blossoms around March, and by April, you'll strutting in a T-shirt with temps hovering around 11-16°C. Summer turns up the heat, sizzling up to a balmy 25-30°C – hello, ice creams and river dips! And autumn? It's like a cosy, Instagrammable dream, with golden leaves and sweater weather, cooling to a comfy 10-15°C. Pack for a mini-adventure in every season, and you're set to enjoy all of Hungary's climatic drama!

FAQs

The Hungarian forint is the official currency of Hungary.

Hungarian is the official language spoken in Hungary - there's still time to perfect your Duolingo streak!

It takes around 2.5 hours to fly to Hungary from the UK/Ireland, which is just enough time to sneak in a cheeky film, groove to your fave holiday tunes or treat yourself to a speedy power nap.

The local time in Hungary is just one hour ahead of the UK/Ireland - which means no pesky jet lag! Always a winner.

Have a beer bath

Ever fancied a dip in your favorite drink? Hit up the Thermal Beer Spa in Budapest, where you can literally bathe in beer. Imagine lounging in a sudsy tub, beer in hand – it's the ultimate "soak and sip" experience. Trust us, it's brew-tiful!

Channel your inner (and outer) cowboy

Yeehaw your way over to Hortobágy National Park and live out your cowboy dreams. Horseback riding across the Hungarian plains? Check. Feeling like you've time-travelled to a spaghetti western? Double check. Giddy up, partner!

Visit a fangtastic museum

Stroll into Budapest’s vampire museum for a blood-curdling good time. From Dracula lore to vampy artefacts, it's as close as you can get to hanging with vamps without getting bitten. Perfect for adding a little bite to your day.

Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah

Why zipline by day when you can be a night flyer? Soar through the starlit skies in Eger. Feel the rush, the wind, the thrill – it's like being the hero in your own adventure movie.

Brave the caves

Beneath Budapest's streets lies a labyrinth of caves begging to be explored. Don your explorer's hat and dive into an underground world. It's all the adventure of an Indiana Jones movie – minus the perilous traps (we hope!).

What events can I go to in Hungary?
Hungary's a non-stop fiesta of fun, culture, and grub. Here's what's cookin' throughout the year:
- Budapest Fish Festival (February) - for seafood lovers who like their fish dishes with a side of live music and cooking shows. It's like a pescatarian's dream come true, but on land.
- Hungarian Grand Prix, Budapest (July) - fast cars, roaring engines, and a whole lot of excitement. Think Monaco, but with goulash.
- Sziget Festival, Budapest (August) - Hungary's mega music bash on an island. Seven days of non-stop tunes, art, and good vibes. It's like Coachella, but with more paprika.
- Jewish Cultural Festival, Budapest (August-September) - celebrate Jewish culture with music, food, and dance. It's a cultural melting pot, but with more matzo.
- Budapest Wine Festival (September) - picture sipping classy vino in the Buda Castle. It’s like Oktoberfest for wine lovers.
- Harvest Festival, Tokaj (October) - a grape time for wine aficionados. Vineyard tours, tastings, and folk music. It's basically grape-picking with benefits.
- Café Budapest Contemporary Arts Festival (October) - art, music, dance, and everything avant-garde. It's like a hipster's paradise.
- Budapest Christmas Fair and Winter Festival (November-December) - mulled wine, festive treats, and crafts. It's all the holiday cheer, minus the reindeer.
Where's the best nightlife in Hungary?
Hungary's nightlife isn't just about sipping pálinka - it's an eclectic mix of vibes and venues that keep the party pulsating 'til dawn. From Budapest's iconic ruins to the hidden gems in other cities, here’s where the night really comes alive:
- Morrison’s 2, Budapest - this labyrinthine club is a legend. Multiple dance floors, gardens, and a crowd as diverse as the music. It's like a mini-music festival every. sing night.
- 360 Bar, Budapest - fancy a drink in the sky? This rooftop bar offers panoramic views and cocktails that taste like summer on a cloud.
- Hello Baby Bar, Budapest - set in a grand, converted palace, this spot is where elegance meets the electric. Think chandeliers and chart-toppers under the same roof.
- Tisza Dokk, Szeged - picture a beach party by the Tisza River. It's like spring break, but Hungarian style – more laidback and with better snacks.
- E-Klub, Debrecen - One of the largest clubs in Eastern Hungary, it's where the bass and the heartbeats find a perfect rhythm. Your idea of heaven if you're into dancing 'til sunrise.
- Roncsbár, Debrecen - part bar, part concert venue, all cool. It's like someone took an art gallery, turned it up to eleven, and added alcohol.
- 4-es Klub, Pécs - a cozy spot with a student vibe, perfect for those who like their nights casual but memorable. It's like the best house party, but nobody has to clean up.
- Bartók, Győr - a café by day, a buzzing bar by night. It's where you can debate philosophy, then forget it all as the DJ cranks up the volume.
What's the food like in Hungary?
With a name like Hungary, there's gotta be a crackin' food scene on the cards. Thankfully there is - whether you're looking for a spicy, savoury or sweet story. Here's a menu to munch your way through:
- Goulash - the national dish, and for good reason. It’s like the stew of your dreams, loaded with beef, veggies, and a generous sprinkle of paprika. One spoonful and you're basically Hungarian.
- Lángos - picture a cloud of deep-fried dough, then slather it in sour cream and cheese. It's the kind of snack that makes you wonder why you ever bothered with diets.
- Chicken Paprikash - a creamy, paprika-rich hug on a plate, usually cuddling up with dumplings. It’s comfort food that practically tucks you into bed.
- Töltött Káposzta - these aren't your grandma's cabbage rolls. Stuffed with meat, rice, and spices, they're like a cosy, savory blanket for your belly.
- Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake) - sweet, crispy, and twirly. Eating one of these is like joining an exclusive club of happy, sugar-dusted people.
- Somlói Galuska - imagine layers of sponge cake, chocolate, nuts, and a dash of rum, crowned with whipped cream. It's like a party in a dessert bowl.
- Halászlé - a fish soup that’s more of a flavour explosion. Loaded with river fish and paprika, it’s like a warm, spicy high-five to your taste buds.

Places to visit

Heviz
Welcome to the world's largest thermal lake that you can bathe in – it's like Mother Nature's own hot tub party! Imagine floating around in toasty, mineral-rich waters with lily pads that make it look like a scene straight out of a Monet painting. It's the perfect spot to soothe those muscles after a hard day of...well, being on holiday. Plus, the water's naturally warm all year round, so it's always a good time for a dip. And let's be honest, how often do you get to brag about swimming in a giant, natural thermal bath? It's like taking a bath, but with way better scenery and fewer rubber ducks. So, pack your swimsuit and get ready to take the plunge – literally!
Aggtelek National Park
Heading to Aggtelek National Park in Hungary is like stepping into a real-life fantasy novel, minus the dragons (unfortunately). This place is famous for its epic Baradla Cave – we're talking a subterranean wonderland with stalactites and stalagmites (that's icicle-shaped rocks and minerals to you and me) that look like they've been crafted by some sort of underground artist. It's like nature's own art gallery, but cooler and...a bit more damp. Above ground, the park is a green paradise perfect for hikers, bird-watchers, and anyone who appreciates a good ol' breath of fresh air. Plus, the wildlife here is basically a live-action Disney movie – keep your eyes peeled for deer prancing around like they own the place. So lace up those hiking boots and get ready to explore – who needs a theme park when you've got a national park this awesome?
Budapest
OK, maybe we're cheating a bit with this one, but it's not a trip to Hungary without giving the gothic capital a visit. Budapest's like the cool kid of European cities – effortlessly chic, a bit mysterious, and totally captivating. Picture yourself sipping on a steaming cup of coffee in a quirky café in the Jewish Quarter, feeling like you're in the middle of a trendy indie film. Then, zip over to the Buda side for some castle-hopping (because who doesn't love a good castle?) and panoramic views that'll make your Instagram followers green with envy. And let's not forget about those legendary ruin bars in Pest – they're like the ultimate mash-up of history and hipster vibes. By night, the city turns into a twinkling wonderland along the Danube, perfect for romantic strolls or just feeling like you're in a fairytale. Long story short, there's never a dull moment here.