Traveling through Hungary: Top attractions

Attractions in Hungary

We’re all homesick for travel. But luckily for us, Hungary is planning to open its borders. In the meantime, we’ve compiled a list of the most interesting things to do, so that at the first opportunity to go on new adventures with knowledge!

How to get to Hungary in 2021

The most convenient and fastest way to get to Hungary, of course, is by plane. We recommend you to travel by non-stop flights, so you can avoid extra tests and do not lose precious vacation days for quarantine in the intermediate points.

• Aeroflot and low-cost airlines Wizz Air have regular direct flights from Moscow to Budapest (BUD).
• Travel time: 2 hours 40 minutes.
• The cost of a one-way ticket starts at 3 315 rubles*.
  • Low-cost airlines always offer attractive prices, but please note that the price of such flights usually doesn’t include luggage, meals and other services on board. You must pay extra for them.

  *That is the approximate price of flights at least one month from the current date.

  Visa and entry regulations for COVID-19

  According to the plan of the Hungarian authorities, after the opening of the borders to visit Hungary Russian citizens and citizens of CIS countries will need a Schengen visa.

  • To enter the country you will need to:
    • Undergo a medical examination at the border before entering Hungary.
    • If there is no suspicion of coronavirus, undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine in a place specified by the epidemiological authority.
    • You can avoid the quarantine if you have two negative tests for coronavirus made in the last 5 days before entry (48 hours apart). The certificates must be in Hungarian or English.
    • The plans of the authorities may change, so we recommend you to read the latest information on the website of the Hungarian Embassy in Russia, or on Trip.com safe travel map.

    What is the first thing to see in Hungary?

    Wherever you’re flying to Hungary, your route is likely to be through Budapest, Hungary’s capital and also its main tourist attraction.

    Budapest

    The city is famous for its unique architectural style and buildings. In 1934 Budapest was named a resort city. The city consists of two parts, Buda and Pest, which are separated by the waters of the Danube River, but connected by bridges – true works of architectural art. Walking through the streets of Budapest you can’t miss the most famous of them – Széchenyi Chain Bridge.

    Sharing with you the most interesting sights of Budapest.

    1. Hungarian Parliament Building

    

    The Hungarian Parliament Building

    It’s a true symbol of the city, majestically towering above the Danube bank. Parliament is interesting with its unusual architectural style, a mixture of neo-Gothic, Oriental motifs and Parisian Bozar. Inside, visitors are treated to gold, stucco, mosaics, and true medieval luxury. Parliament is open to the public and there are even guided tours. Find out hours, the schedule of Russian-speaking tours and ticket prices on the website of the parliament (in English).

    • Address: Kossuth Lajos tér 1-3
    • Opening hours: from 9:00 to 15:00.
    • Ticket price: For non-residents of the European Union at the time of publication is HUF 3,200.

    2. the Buda Fortress

    

    Ancient residence of Hungarian kings from the UNESCO list. The most historic building on the territory of the Buda Fortress dates back to the 14th century. Originally, the fortress was built to protect against the Mongol-Tatars (there is something familiar about that), gradually completing and rebuilding. The fortress is a real city within a city. In addition to castles there are many restaurants and cafes, squares and museums, public buildings and houses. You can see the royal palace, the old Matyas Church, a fisherman’s bastion (no, they don’t sell fish here), the Shandor Palace, the historical museum and a whole string of other sights. For those who like to test their strength, we recommend not to pass by the labyrinth of Dracula.

    You can get to the fortress by the ancient funicular Schiklo from 07:30 to 22:00.

    • Address: Szent György tér 2
    • Ticket price: admission to the fortress is free. Museum and sightseeing visits: 500 to 3,200 forints. More information on prices can be found on the official website of the fortress.
    • Opening hours:
      • Buda Fortress – 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
      • Labyrinth – daily from 10:00 to 19:00.
      • National Gallery – Tue – Sat from 10:00 to 18:00.
      • Fishermen’s Bastion – daily from 09:00 to 21:00.

      3. Baths

      There’s no sea in Hungary, but who cares when you can use the Hungarian baths? This is especially true during the hot summer months when you can enjoy thermal water in outdoor pools. The most popular bathhouses of Budapest:

      

      The largest bathing complex in Europe. It is the real pride of the Hungarians. 11 pools (including outdoor), 3 spacious saunas and warm thermal water.

      • Address: Állatkerti krt. 9-11.
      • Opening hours: 6 am to 7 pm.
      • Ticket price: from HUF 5,900. For more information on opening hours and prices, visit the official website.
      • Nearby hotels: Danubius Hotel Hungaria City Center.

      It is considered to be the most beautiful bathing place. Here you can swim surrounded by colorful stained glass windows, mosaics and marble statues.

      • Address: Kelenhegyi út 4.
      • Opening hours: from 6:00 to 20:00.
      • Ticket price: from HUF 5,900. For more information on opening hours and prices, visit the official website.
      • Nearby hotels: Eurostars Budapest Center.

      Let us tell you a secret that not many tourists know about this swimming pool, which means that you don’t have to swim standing up here. A nice bonus is also the lower ticket price, and there is also a water slide and playground.

      • Address: Palatinus Strandfürdő.
      • Opening hours: 08:00 to 20:00.
      • Ticket price: HUF 3,200 for the entire day on weekdays and HUF 3,600 on weekends. More information about opening hours and prices can be found on the baths’ official website.

      4. Saint Istvan Basilica

      One of the three most beautiful active churches in Hungary. In addition to the stunning architecture and interior decoration, the basilica is interesting because it hosts organ and choral concerts. In addition, there is a wonderful observation deck with a panoramic view of the Danube and the city stretching along its banks. Although the way to the observation deck is quite tricky, one has to climb a steep winding staircase. But the view is well worth it!

      

      Szent István Basilica

      • Address: Szent István tér 1.
      • Opening hours: Mon-Sat 09:00 to 19:00, Fri 07:45 to 19:00.
      • Ticket price:
        • viewing platform: adult – 1,000 forints, children under 7 years old – free of charge;
        • Museum: from HUF 300. More information about prices and opening hours on the basilica’s official website.

        5. The Danube promenade and the monument “Shoes on the Danube promenade

        If you walk along the promenade, don’t miss the monument “Shoes on the Danube,” one of the saddest monuments to the victims of fascism. Sixty pairs of shoes, boots and children’s slippers remind us of the executions the Nazis carried out on the banks of the Danube, forcing prisoners to take off their shoes beforehand.

        

        Monument “Shoes on the Danube promenade”

        6. Children’s railroad

        Travelers with children just can’t miss this unique city landmark. Children’s railroad stretches for almost 12 km, there are cash registers, locomotives, timetables, several bridges and even an artificial tunnel. On the road working children aged 10-14 years. You can not only watch the work of young railroaders, but also ride the train at a speed of 20 km/h.

        • Hours of operation: 9:00 to 18:00 (daily), from September to April – all days except Monday.
        • Ticket price:
          • Adult: 800 and 1,400 forints (round trip, round trip);
          • children: 400 and 700 forints (there and back);
          • Family: HUF 4,000 (whole day without restrictions);
          • Children up to 6 years of age: free of charge.

          7. Café Gerbo.

          In Budapest, you can’t miss this iconic coffee and pastry shop that’s been around since the 19th century. There you will be offered not only delicious coffee, but also traditional Hungarian desserts: esterházy (almond-chocolate cake with cognac and butter cream), zherbo (puff pastry with crushed nuts and jam), dobos (cake with chocolate cream and caramel glaze). You can also enjoy the exquisite interior and cozy atmosphere.

          Here’s a tip: the prices are by no means low, but if you take everything to go, the bill will be half as much.

          • Address: Vorosmarty ter 7-8, Budapest.
          • Nearest metro station: Vorosmarty ter.
          • Open: Mon-Sat from 9:00 to 21:00.

          Where to stay in Budapest

          According to our data, popular among travelers are Benczur Hotel, Maverick City Lodge, Mango Aparthotel and Nova Aparthotel. These hotels combine best of all low prices by European standards with high quality of service.

          What to see outside of Budapest

          Budapest alone offers enough sights for a week-long vacation, but if you don’t want to stay in just one city, there are interesting places outside of Budapest too:

          1. Lake Balaton

          Hungarians are not the least bit upset that their country has no sea. They have Lake Balaton or as they call it “inland sea”. Due to the fact that the lake is shallow (only 13 meters deep), it warms up beautifully in the summer months. That is why all the resort life of the country is concentrated here: more than 70 beaches, biking and hiking trails, yachting, kite-surfing, delicious food and entertainment for every taste and color.

          

          2. Hollokyo Swimming Village

          Lovers of antiquity and traditional ways of life will find it interesting to visit this place. The history of the village goes back to the 13th century and to this day it has not changed much. The village is home to 400 people who are engaged in traditional crafts: pottery, weaving, stone and woodcarving. Here tourists can not only see the locals at work, but also to explore the traditional architecture and national costumes.

          3. Visegrad Fortress

          Just 50 km from Budapest is the ancient city of Vysehrad, which at a certain period of history was the capital of Hungary. There is also the fortress of the same name, which annually attracts tourists not only with its beautiful views and a touch of antiquity, but also the history associated with it. The fortress is most famous for the fact that the bloodthirsty ruler of Wallachia, Vlad Tepes, better known as Count Dracula, was a prisoner here for a long time.

          • Address: Visegrad, Varhegy, 2025.
          • Opening hours: from 9:00 to 17:00, Fri – Wed 10:16. The exact opening hours depend on the time of year, you can see it on the official website of the fortress.
          • Ticket price:
            • adult: from 1700 forints;
            • children up to 6 years old: free of charge.

            4. Lake Heviz

            If you want to spend your time not only pleasantly, but also usefully, you are welcome to Lake Heviz. The lake is situated 190 km away from Budapest. The uniqueness of the lake is in the composition of its water, which has dozens of healthy microelements. The lake is fed from the underground and even in the winter the water temperature does not drop below 22 degrees Celsius. It is a special pleasure to bathe and improve your health in the warm water among the hectares of protected forest.

            5. Aggtelek National Park

            This national park is a true dream of speleologists. Every year thousands of cave explorers flock here in the hope of discovering the centuries-old secrets of the local karst caves. The most famous of these is Baradla Cave, where you can see the largest stalactites on the European continent. And if you are looking for an even more thrilling experience, we recommend that you descend into underwater caves. They are equipped with special lamps that turn the surrounding scenery into something truly fantastic.

            • Address: Rákóczi Ferenc utca, North Alföld, Jósvafő.

            What to try in Hungary

            Once in another country, of course, you want not only to see the sights, but also to try the local cuisine. Here are our top local dishes.

            

            A street sweet shop in Budapest

            • Goulash . The main national meat dish that is served in literally every restaurant. However, it should not be confused with our goulash, in Hungary it is a soup. You can get excellent goulash in Budapest at Parisi, 6 (Parizsi utca, 6b), Castro Bistro (Madach Imre ter. 3) or For Sale Pub (Vamhaz koerut, 2).
            • Borgac . Another insanely delicious soup with beef or smoked meat. You can taste a delicious borgach at Új Sipos Halászkert (Budapest, Főtér, 6).
            • Paprikas . Local pasta tarhonyu with stewed chicken meat. You can try this delicacy at Regős Restaurant (Budapest, Szofia utca, 33).
            • Libamay . Goose liver cooked according to a special recipe. You can try libamai in Budapest at Café Intenzo (Kalvin ter, 9) or Kacsa Restaurant (Fo utca, 75).
            • Retesz . The national holiday roll. For the tastiest retes in Budapest, go to Retes Bolt (Lehel Utca, 38).
            • Kremes . The Hungarian version of a napoleon, a stunningly delicate dessert. You can try the Pesti Jegbufe (Petofi Sandor utca, 3.
            • Hungarian wines . To visit Hungary and not taste Tokaj-asu is never easy. Hungarian wines are not inferior to their French counterparts, and in some ways even surpass them. The most suitable places for wine tasting are the spa towns around lakes Balaton and Hévíz: Egredy, Badacsony, Csopák, and Keszthely.

            Hungarian souvenirs

            Every tourist at the end of his trip to Hungary wonders about buying souvenirs for friends and relatives. To bring as a gift magnets made in China – this is a past age. Experienced travelers buy souvenirs at flea markets! To this end, we recommend visiting one of the largest flea markets in Europe – “Esquerie Piek”. Here you can find unique souvenirs for all tastes: antique trinkets, war relics, unusual porcelain souvenirs and paintings.

            There are enough sights in Hungary to go on about a dozen trips, we can talk about them endlessly. Hungary will suit both lovers of outdoor activities, couples, travelers with children, adventurers and beach lovers. And that means it’s time to look for tickets and get ready to open the borders!

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