Hungary Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
Logistics & Planning
When is the best time to visit? May, June, September, and October offer the best weather. July and August can be very hot (35°C+).
How many days should I spend in Budapest? Most travelers recommend 3 to 4 days for the main sights and up to 7 days for a relaxed pace.
Is Hungary expensive? It is more affordable than Western Europe, but prices in Budapest have risen significantly recently. Expect to pay €15–25 for a nice dinner.
Do I need a visa? Hungary is part of the Schengen Area. EU/EEA citizens do not need a visa; US, Canadian, and UK citizens can stay up to 90 days visa-free.
Is it safe for solo travelers? Yes, Hungary is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in Europe.
Can I drink the tap water? Yes, tap water is safe and of high quality throughout the country.
What is the currency? The Hungarian Forint (HUF).
Are Euros accepted? Only in some tourist shops and hotels, usually at a very poor exchange rate. Always use Forints.
Should I exchange money at the airport? No. Airport rates are notoriously bad. Use an ATM or an exchange office in the city center.
Can I pay with a card? Yes, cards are accepted almost everywhere, including most small cafes and shops.
Which ATMs should I avoid? Avoid “Euronet” ATMs as they charge high fees and offer poor conversion rates. Use bank-affiliated ATMs like OTP or Erste.
Is tipping mandatory? It is customary. 10–12% is standard in restaurants unless a service charge is already included.
What is the standard voltage? 230V with Type C and F (standard European) plugs.
Is Budapest walkable? Very. Most major sights in the city center are within walking distance of each other.
What is the best way to get from the airport to the city? The 100E shuttle bus is the most direct. Bolt (an app similar to Uber) is the best taxi option.
Does Uber work in Hungary? No, but the Bolt app works exactly like Uber and is widely used.
How is the public transport? Excellent. Budapest has a dense network of metros, trams, and buses.
Do I need to validate my ticket? Yes! Always validate single tickets before boarding. Inspectors are frequent and strict.
What is the BudapestGO app? It is the official app for buying digital tickets and planning routes for all public transport.
Is the Budapest Card worth it? Only if you plan to visit many museums and use public transport constantly. Calculate the costs before buying.
How do I get to other cities? Use MÁV (the national railway). Tickets can be bought online or via their app.
Are there many public toilets? They are not very common. Look for malls or pay a small fee at some metro stations.
What are the shop opening hours? Most shops close early on Saturdays and are often closed or have limited hours on Sundays.
Is English widely spoken? In Budapest and among younger generations, yes. In rural areas or with older people, it may be limited.
Is the language hard? Very. It is unrelated to neighboring languages. Learning “Köszönöm” (Thank you) is highly appreciated.
Sightseeing & Activities
What are the “Ruin Bars”? Bars built in derelict buildings in the old Jewish Quarter (District VII). Szimpla Kert is the most famous.
Which thermal bath is best? Széchenyi is the most iconic/large; Gellért is the most beautiful/Art Nouveau; Rudas offers a traditional Turkish experience.
Do I need a swimsuit for the baths? Yes. Also, bring flip-flops and a towel to save on rental fees.
Are the baths mixed-gender? Széchenyi and Gellért are fully mixed. Rudas has single-gender days during the week.
Is the Parliament building worth visiting inside? Yes, but you must book tickets in advance online as they sell out weeks early.
What is the Fisherman’s Bastion? A terrace in the Buda Castle district offering the best panoramic views of the city.
Is the Buda Castle free? The grounds and courtyards are free to walk around 24/7. The museums inside require tickets.
What is the House of Terror? A museum dedicated to the victims of the fascist and communist regimes in Hungary.
Should I do a Danube river cruise? Yes, especially at night when the Parliament and bridges are illuminated.
What is Margaret Island? A large park in the middle of the Danube, great for walking, running, or visiting the musical fountain.
Are there any “hidden gems”? The Hospital in the Rock (a nuclear bunker under the castle) and the Pinball Museum are highly rated.
What is the Shoes on the Danube Bank? A moving memorial to Jews who were killed by the Arrow Cross militia during WWII.
Can I walk across the Chain Bridge? Yes, it is the most famous bridge and has pedestrian walkways.
Where can I see the best sunset? From the Citadella on top of Gellért Hill.
Are there free walking tours? Yes, several companies offer them. They run on tips (usually €5–10 per person).
Is the Central Market Hall worth it? Yes, for the architecture and food, but the upstairs souvenir stalls can be overpriced.
What is the Great Synagogue? The largest synagogue in Europe, located on Dohány Street.
Can I visit the Opera House? Yes, you can take a guided tour or buy tickets for a performance.
What is Memento Park? An open-air museum outside the city where statues from the Communist era are kept.
Are there good day trips from Budapest? Szentendre (artistic town), Visegrád (castle ruins), and Esztergom (basilica) are the most popular.
What is Lake Balaton? Central Europe’s largest lake, known as the “Hungarian Sea,” popular for summer swimming and wine.
What is the best town on Lake Balaton? Tihany (historical) or Balatonfüred (resort vibe) are favorites.
Is Eger worth visiting? Yes, for its medieval castle and the “Valley of Beautiful Women” wine region.
What is Pécs known for? Its Roman ruins, early Christian necropolis, and Zsolnay ceramics.
Are there mountains in Hungary? Not high ones. The Mátra and Bükk hills are the highest, good for light hiking.
Food & Drink
What is Goulash? In Hungary, it is a soup (Gulyásleves), not a thick stew.
What is Pörkölt? This is the thick meat stew that many foreigners mistake for goulash.
What is Lángos? Deep-fried dough usually topped with garlic, sour cream, and cheese.
What is Paprikás Csirke? Chicken paprikash, served with small dumplings called nokedli.
Is Hungarian food spicy? It uses a lot of paprika, but it is usually flavorful rather than “hot” unless you add chili.
What is Chimney Cake? Kürtőskalács, a sweet, spiral-shaped pastry cooked over a spit.
What is Pálinka? A strong traditional fruit brandy (often 40–50% alcohol).
What is Unicum? A bitter herbal liqueur in a round bottle; it’s an acquired taste!
Is Hungarian wine good? Excellent. Try Tokaji (sweet white) or Egri Bikavér (Bull’s Blood red).
What is a “Fröccs”? A popular summer drink made of wine mixed with soda water.
Where should I eat for an authentic experience? Look for an “Étkezde” (traditional canteen) or “Vendéglő” (family restaurant).
Is vegetarian food available? Yes, though traditional cuisine is meat-heavy. Look for “Rántott sajt” (fried cheese) or modern vegan cafes in District VII.
What is a “Cukrászda”? A traditional pastry shop or café.
What is the most famous café? New York Café (stunning decor) and Café Gerbeaud.
Are there craft beer bars? Yes, Budapest has a thriving craft beer scene, notably around District IX.
What is “Töltött Káposzta”? Stuffed cabbage leaves, a holiday staple.
What is “Halászlé”? A spicy river fish soup, usually made with carp or catfish.
Should I buy paprika as a souvenir? Yes, but buy it from a grocery store (like Prima or Spar) for better prices and quality.
Is the service slow in restaurants? Hungarians view dining as a social event, so waiters may not rush you or bring the bill until asked.
Can I find international food? Budapest has excellent Jewish-Hungarian, Vietnamese, and Italian options.
Culture & Etiquette
Do I need to dress up? Casual dress is fine for most places, but bring something smart for the Opera or high-end thermal baths.
How do I say “Cheers”? Egészségedre! (Egg-esh-sheg-ed-reh).
Is it true you shouldn’t clink beer glasses? Legend says Hungarians stopped clinking after 1849, but today, most people do it anyway, especially the younger crowd.
Are Hungarians friendly? They can be reserved at first, but are generally very helpful if you ask for directions.
What is the “Sziget Festival”? One of Europe’s largest music festivals, held every August on an island in Budapest.
Is smoking allowed? Smoking is banned in all indoor public places, including bars and restaurants.
Where can I buy cigarettes? Only in specialized “Nemzeti Dohánybolt” shops with a round brown logo.
What is the local greeting? “Szia” (pronounced like ‘see-ya’) works for both hello and goodbye among friends.
Is PDA (public display of affection) okay? Yes, it is common and accepted.
What are the common scams? Overpriced menus (check prices first), taxi drivers not using the meter, and the “bird droppings” scam.
Should I be worried about the political situation? Generally no. Political protests are usually peaceful and rarely affect tourists.
Is it okay to talk about politics? Locals are very opinionated, but it’s best to listen rather than debate unless you know the person well.
How do I find out about events? Use the “We Love Budapest” website for current happenings.
Are museums closed on Mondays? Most state-run museums are closed on Mondays.
Is there a dress code for churches? Modest dress (shoulders and knees covered) is expected in major basilicas.
Safety & Health
Is it safe to walk at night? Yes, even in the “party district,” though you should stay alert for pickpockets.
What is the emergency number? 112 (works for police, ambulance, and fire).
Are there areas to avoid? Some parts of District VIII (Józsefváros) can feel “sketchy” late at night, but they are rapidly gentrifying.
Do I need travel insurance? Always recommended, especially if you plan on doing adventure sports or hiking.
Are there pharmacies open 24/7? Yes, there are designated “Ügyeletes Gyógyszertár” (duty pharmacies) in every district.
Is the sun strong? In summer, yes. Bring sunscreen as prices in tourist areas are high.
Are there mosquitoes? Yes, especially near the Danube and Lake Balaton in summer.
What about ticks? If hiking in the Bükk or Mátra hills, check for ticks as Lyme disease is present.
Is the healthcare system good? Private clinics in Budapest are excellent; public hospitals can be crowded and underfunded.
Can I use my EHIC/GHIC card? Yes, EU and UK citizens can use these for emergency care in public hospitals.
Shopping & Souvenirs
What should I buy as a gift? Painted eggs, Ajka crystal, Herend porcelain, or a Rubik’s Cube (it’s a Hungarian invention!).
Is there a VAT refund? Non-EU residents can claim a VAT refund on purchases over a certain amount (usually 50,000 HUF).
Where are the best malls? WestEnd (by Nyugati station) and Allee (in Buda) are popular.
Are there flea markets? Ecseri Flea Market is the most famous for antiques and vintage items.
Can I bargain? Only at flea markets. In regular shops and the Central Market, prices are fixed.