What is the best time to visit Hungary?

The best time to visit Hungary depends on your priorities. Many travellers visit year-round, though spring and autumn typically offer pleasant weather and smaller crowds at popular attractions like Hungarian Parliament Building. Check weather patterns for Europe before booking.

What currency does Hungary use?

Hungary uses the Hungarian forint (Ft). Exchange at banks or airports, and withdraw from ATMs with your debit card. Credit cards are accepted in most tourist areas.

What food should I try in Hungary?

Gulyás (Goulash) is one of Hungary's most iconic dishes. Other must-try foods include Chicken Paprikash and Lángos. Eat where locals eat for the best experience.

How many countries can visit Hungary visa-free?

93 countries can enter Hungary without a visa, typically for up to 90 days. Check the full list and your specific requirements above.

Is Hungary safe for tourists?

Hungary is generally safe for tourists with normal precautions. As in any country, stay aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying expensive items, and use registered transport. Check current government travel advisories before your trip.

Hungary

Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe.

Capital

Budapest

Language

Hungarian

Currency

Hungarian forint (Ft)

Population

9.5M

Timezone

UTC+01:00

Visa-free access

93 countries

Travelling to Hungary

Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe. Spanning much of the Carpathian Basin, it is bordered by Slovakia to the north, Ukraine to the northeast.

Hungary is located in Central Europe, Europe. The capital is Budapest, and the official language is Hungarian. The local currency is the Hungarian forint (Ft). With a population of 9.5M, Hungary is a smaller country in Europe.

Hungary offers visa-free entry to 93 countries, with most stays allowed for up to 90 days. The remaining 105 passport holders need to apply at an embassy.

Top places to visit in Hungary

Hungarian Parliament Building

A colossal Gothic Revival sentinel on the Danube bank; constructed with 40 million bricks and 40 kilograms of 24-carat gold leaf; the 96-metre dome dominates the skyline of Pest; cross the Kossuth Lajos Square at dusk when the facade's 242 sculptures are up-lit; reflecting off the black river water while the sound of the evening tram echoes against the limestone piers.

Szechenyi Thermal Bath

The largest medicinal bath in Europe is housed within a bright yellow Neo-Baroque palace in the City Park; its outdoor pools are fed by 76°C thermal springs surfacing from 1;246 metres below; enter at 6 am when steam rises in thick white plumes against the freezing winter air; the sound of old men playing chess on floating boards provides a rhythmic; local heartbeat.

Hortobágy National Park

The largest semi-natural grassland in Europe; the Puszta is a 800-square-kilometre expanse of alkaline marshes and steppe; the Nine-Hole Bridge is a 19th-century masonry masterpiece spanning the swamp; stand on the horizon at sunset when the traditional Shadoof wells silhouette against a blood-red sky; the air carries the scent of dry grass and the low lowing of grey cattle.

Tokaj Wine Region

A UNESCO-listed landscape of volcanic slopes and deep; mould-covered labyrinths where the world's first botrytised wine has been produced since the 17th century; the cellars are carved into porous volcanic tuff and lined with Cladosporium cellare fungus; descend into the Rakoczi Cellar at midday; the smell of damp earth and sweet grape must is pervasive while the candlelight flickers in the thin; oxygen-starved air.

Pannonhalma Archabbey

Founded in 996; this Benedictine stronghold features a 13th-century early Gothic cloister and a massive Neoclassical library holding 400;000 volumes; the site sits atop the 282-metre Saint Martin's Hill; attend the Latin vespers at 5 pm; the sound of Gregorian chanting vibrates through the Romanesque red marble pillars while the late sun turns the arboretum below into a sea of deep emerald.

Hungarian National Museum

The Neoclassical cradle of the 1848 Revolution; this 1837 edifice houses the Monomachus Crown and the mantle of Saint Stephen; the grand staircase features frescoes depicting the apotheosis of Hungarian history; walk the Roman Lapidarium at opening; the clinical light through the tall windows highlights the jagged Latin inscriptions on moss-slicked basalt fragments; the silence is heavy with imperial weight.

See all 20 places in Hungary →

What to eat in Hungary

Halászlé (Fisherman's Soup)

traditional

Explore all Hungary dishes →

Hungary visa requirements

Visa-free

105

Visa required

Countries that can visit Hungary visa-free

93 countries can enter without a visa, usually for up to 90 days.

Europe

Asia

United Arab Emirates90d

Americas

Oceania

Before you go to Hungary

🛂

Passport validity

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay. Hungary immigration may refuse entry otherwise.

✈️

Proof of onward travel

Carry a return or onward flight ticket. Airlines and border officers may ask to see it before allowing you to board or enter.

💱

Currency: Hungarian forint

The local currency is Ft. Exchange major currencies at the airport or city banks. ATMs are widely available in urban areas.

🗣️

Language: Hungarian

Hungarian is the primary language. English is spoken in tourist areas and major cities.

🔌

Power & connectivity

Check Hungary's plug type and voltage before packing. Buy a local SIM card at the airport for affordable data.

Power plug guide →SIM card guide →

🛂

Check your visa for Hungary

Select your passport for an instant result.

🗺️

Hungary 7-day itinerary

AI-generated day-by-day travel plan.

📍

Explore Hungary

20 places, 5 dishes, and more.

More Europe travel guides

Popular destinations

FAQ · Hungary

Hungary — your questions

It depends on your passport. 93 countries can enter Hungary visa-free. Everyone else needs an embassy visa. Use the WorldCurio visa checker for your specific passport.