Hungary Famous For
- Author :
- TATA AIG Team
- ●
- Last Updated On :
- 03/12/2024
Nestled in the heart of Central Europe Hungary is a hidden gem that is renowned for its rich history, lively culture, mouthwatering cuisine and breathtaking landscapes. This landlocked country has started to become famous among travellers in the past decade.
Its iconic capital, Budapest, boasts grand architecture, thermal baths and the majestic Danube River, drawing tourists from the world over. Aside from the attractions in Budapest, Hungary, the country is famed for its quaint countryside including the scenic Lake Balaton and historic towns like Eger.
Let us explore what Hungary is famous for when it comes to travelling to help you plan a diverse and unforgettable travel experience.
Hungary Famous For: Places to Visit in Hungary
There is no dearth of beautiful attractions in Hungary as this captivating travel destination offers a wide range of experiences for every kind of traveller. Since little is known aside from things to do in Budapest, Hungary, here are some of the top destinations that reveal the very best Hungary has to offer for travellers:**
-Budapest
Also known as the “Pearl of the Danube,” Budapest is the capital city of Hungary. Some of the best things to see in Budapest, Hungary include visiting the majestic Parliament building and witnessing how the Buda Castle dominates the skyline.
If you are looking for some more exciting things to do in Budapest, Hungary, then in addition to exploring the stunning architecture of the city, consider visiting thermal baths, and heading to the iconic Chain Bridge, to discover Budapest’s unique blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy.
Best Time to Visit Budapest, Hungary: To enjoy pleasant weather while exploring Budapest, the best time to visit is in Spring (from March to May) and autumn (from September to November).
Weather in Budapest, Hungary: While summers are warm and pleasant, with temperatures around 21°C to 30°C, winters can be cold, with temperatures often dipping below 0°C.
-Lake Balaton
Although there are many charming attractions in Budapest, Hungary, the country boasts several other beautiful destinations. And, one of the most scenic places to visit in Hungary is Lake Balaton, frequently called the “Hungarian Sea.”
This is the largest lake in Central Europe and a popular summer destination. Famed for its serene waters and picturesque surroundings this is the perfect spot for enjoying water sports, sailing, and lakeside relaxation.
Aside from outdoor activities, the northern shore of the lake houses historical sites, such as the Tihany Abbey, while the southern shore is known for its lively beach life.
Best Time to Visit Lake Balaton: To enjoy the lakeside activities, the best time to visit Lake Balaton is during the summer (June to August).
Weather at Lake Balaton: With temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C, summers here are warm, however, winters are cold, often below 0°C.
-Eger
Situated in the northern region and blessed with beautifully conserved baroque structures, Eger is a popular Hungary tourist attraction. It is renowned for its historic castle and wine culture.
The thermal baths in this city attract several tourists whereas its most renowned landmark, the Eger Castle, played a prominent role in Hungarian history. Tourists can enjoy the renowned Bull’s Blood wine at the ‘Valley of the Beautiful Women’, which offers a unique wine-tasting experience.
Best Time to Visit Eger, Hungary: To enjoy wine festivals and pleasant weather, late spring (May) and early autumn (September) are the best times to visit Eger.
Weather in Eger, Hungary: Summers in Eger are warm, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 30°C, while winters are cold and often snowy.
-Szentendre
Famed for its vibrant art galleries, baroque architecture and colourful streets, Szentendre is a beautiful and artistic town. For a more traditional exploration of Hungarian life, tourists can visit the town’s museums, especially the Open-Air Ethnographic Museum that showcases Carpathian folk architecture, and life in various regions of Hungary.
Best Time to Visit Szentendre, Hungary: Spring months from April to May and autumn from September to October offer the best weather for walking and exploring the town.
Weather in Szentendre, Hungary: Summers in Szentendre are warm, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C, whereas winters are cold, with temperatures dipping below 0°C.
-Szeged
Famous for its stunning architecture and sunny weather, Szeged, also known as the “City of Sunshine,” is unmissable among Hungary’s tourist attractions. The city hosts the Szeged Open-Air Festival every summer and is home to the breathtaking Votive Church.
Best Time to Visit Szeged, Hungary: To enjoy pleasant weather for exploring the city, consider visiting Szeged in spring or autumn. However, for outdoor festivals, summer (June to August) is the ideal time.
Weather in Szeged, Hungary: Summers are hot, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C, and compared to other Hungarian cities, winters are mild with temperatures averaging from 0°C to 5°C.
-Pécs
A culturally rich city in southern Hungary, Pécs is renowned for its Mediterranean feel. The city is home to the UNESCO-listed Early Christian Necropolis and the grand Pécs Cathedral. Moreover, with museums, galleries and the renowned Zsolnay porcelain, Pécs is also considered a centre for art and culture.
Best Time to Visit Pécs, Hungary: Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) provide pleasant weather for exploring.
Weather in Pécs, Hungary: Summers are mild to warm, with temperatures between 22°C and 30°C, while winters are relatively cold, averaging around 0°C to 5°C.
-Miskolc
Miskolc is renowned for its historic sites, natural beauty and unique Cave Bath situated in the nearby town of Tapolca. Among the tourist attractions in Hungary, the Diósgyőr Castle is one of Miskolc’s key sites. For nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, the surrounding Bükk Mountains offer exciting hiking opportunities.
Best Time to Visit Miskolc, Hungary: To explore the surrounding countryside and the caves summer is the ideal time.
Weather in Miskolc, Hungary: Miskolc experiences warm summers, with average temperatures between 18°C and 28°C, while winters can be chilly, averaging 0°C to -5°
-Sopron
Sopron is near the Austrian border and is known for its wine heritage and the charm of its mediaeval old town. The Firewatch Tower and its cobbled streets afford it a historic and charming feel. Tourists can also enjoy wine tasting in the vineyards of the Sopron.
Best Time to Visit Sopron, Hungary: To explore this historic town and enjoy the wine festivals, the ideal time to visit Sopron is in late spring and early autumn.
Weather in Sopron, Hungary: Summers are pleasant and mild, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 26°C, whereas winters are cold, averaging around 0°C to 4°C.
The diverse landscapes and the rich cultural heritage of Hungary’s best cities to visit have made it a popular destination among travel enthusiasts. Whether exploring historic castles, indulging in thermal baths or enjoying local wines, there is something for every kind of traveller in Hungary.
Things to Do in Hungary
With a rich tapestry of experiences from historic cities to natural wonders, Hungary must be on the bucket list of every travel enthusiast. And for those planning a trip to this country, here are some of the top activities to enjoy:
-Explore Budapest
Some of the best attractions in Hungary are housed in Budapest, which is famed for its architectural beauty. There are plenty of things to see in Budapest, Hungary including strolling along the iconic Chain Bridge, relaxing at a thermal bath, or visiting the Parliament building. To enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city, tourists can also visit the Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion.
-Wine Tasting in Eger
Eger is famed for its historic castle and wine culture. Explore the Valley of the Beautiful Women, a collection of wine cellars and sample Hungary’s famous Bull’s Blood wine, which has been enjoyed by the locals for centuries.
-Relax at Lake Balaton
Among Hungary’s best cities to visit, is Lake Balaton which is not only a wonderful destination for relaxation but also for enjoying water sports and other activities such as sailing. The southern shore is perfect for beach lovers whereas the northern shore is home to Tihany Abbey which offers breathtaking vistas.
-Discover the Caves in Miskolc
For a truly unique experience, visit the Cave Bath in Miskolc for a chance to rejuvenate in thermal waters inside a natural cave system. This is a favourite activity among locals and tourists alike for its blend of relaxation and adventure.
-Visit Esztergom Basilica
An architectural marvel and Hungary’s largest church, Esztergom Basilica boasts picturesque interiors. Situated on the Danube River, travellers can enjoy sweeping views of both Hungary and Slovakia from its dome.
-Explore the Art in Szentendre
The charming town of Szentendre is best known for its art galleries, museums, and baroque architecture. A visit to this town near Budapest offers a rich cultural experience with its cobblestone streets and lively artistic community.
Famous Food of Hungary
The rich and flavourful Hungarian cuisine comprises a variety of traditional dishes that reflect its cultural heritage. Here are some must-try Hungarian foods for travellers:**
-Lángos: A favourite street food among Hungarians is Lángos, a deep-fried flatbread, that is typically topped with sour cream, garlic, and cheese.
-Hortobágyi Palacsinta: Another delicious starter is this crepe that is stuffed with seasoned meat and topped with a paprika-infused sauce.
-Goulash (Gulyás): A beloved Hungarian dish, this hearty stew is a delicious combination of beef, vegetables and paprika for a flavorful experience.
-Chicken Paprikash (Csirkepaprikás): This is a creamy chicken dish that is cooked with sweet paprika, cream or sour cream and served with dumplings or noodles.
-Dobos Torte: A true classic of Hungary is Dobos Torte, a layered sponge cake with chocolate buttercream and caramel topping.
-Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake): Generally sold at fairs and festivals, this is a sweet, spiral pastry rolled in sugar and cinnamon.
-Tokaji Wine: This is a world-renowned dessert wine from the Tokaj region, famed for its sweet flavour.
Travel Tips to Hungary
Here are some useful tips that Indian travellers visiting Hungary must bear in mind:**
-Visa: Hungary is part of the Schengen Area, so Indian citizens will require a Schengen visa to enter. Tourists need to ensure that all their documents have been readied in advance and know everything about the Hungary visa for Indians.
-Currency: The Hungarian Forint (HUF) is the official currency of the country. While most places accept cards, it is a good idea to have some cash for smaller shops or markets.
-Language: Hungarian is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
-Public Transport: The public transport system of Budapest is excellent and includes buses, trams and metro lines. For quicker access, consider buying a travel pass.
-Tipping: It is customary to give 10-15% tip of the bill.
-Weather: Winters in Hungary are cold whereas summers are warm. Pack clothing accordingly, especially if visiting between November and February.
Conclusion
Since Hungary is a part of the Schengen countries, it's mandatory to have travel medical insurance of a minimum of 30,000 euros to visit the country. Moreover, to explore the beauty of Hungary in all its glory, it is important to have a safe trip. Investing in travel insurance online helps you ease your Hungary visa process. It also ensures that you are secured against a host of unforeseeable situations that can dampen your vacation.
Whether it is flight delays, misplaced luggage, lost passports, or trip curtailment, travel insurance by TATA AIG stands by you so you are not alone in dealing with challenging scenarios abroad.
TATA AIG has also enabled travellers to buy travel insurance online for a seamless purchase experience. Our travel health insurance offers sufficient coverage to cover the mandatory insurance coverage requirement for Hungary and also deal with medical emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which souvenirs should you buy from Hungary?
Hungary is famous for hand-painted Hungarian porcelain, Tokaji wine, paprika and traditional embroidered textiles.
What cultural customs should travellers be aware of?
When entering religious sites or churches, travellers should dress modestly. It is also customary to leave a 10-15% tip in restaurants.
What festivals should travellers attend when in Hungary?
To be a part of the cultural traditions of Hungary, travellers can attend events like the Budapest Spring Festival, Sziget Music Festival and the Flower Carnival in Debrecen.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Hungary?
Yes, it is safe to drink tap water in Hungary and bottled water is also easily accessible for travellers.
Are vegetarian food options available in Hungary?
Although the traditional Hungarian cuisine is meat-heavy, there are several vegetarian options available in cities. The country also houses many vegetarian-friendly cafés.
Disclaimer / TnC
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