Move over Paris, Budapest is by far the prettiest city in Europe! Budapest has it all with its striking gothic architecture, brilliant blue Danube, and rolling Buda hills. You will have some of the best food of your life, spend hours relaxing at the thermal spas, and see some of the most breathtaking city views in the entire world.
ExploreHungary has a proud history spanning 1,100 years, making it one of Europe’s oldest countries. Visitors to Budapest’s grand capital can uncover many layers of this long history, from the Neoclassical Hungarian State Opera building to the 13th-century Buda Castle, the Gothic Revival Hungarian Parliament Building, and the Rococo coffee houses. And while many travelers stick to the capital, there are many things to do in Hungary beyond Budapest. The famous Danube River snakes through the country, freshwater Lake Balaton is the largest lake in Central Europe and a popular summer destination, and did someone mention natural hot springs? There’s all this and more in Hungary.
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Elegant, lively Budapest is like three cities in one. The Hungarian capital boasts three historic districts, each with its own unique ambiance. Pest, east of the Danube River, is home to big-ticket museums like the Hungarian National Gallery, Heroes’ Square and City Park, and the Hungarian State Opera House dating from the 19th century. The quieter Obuda and Buda Hills on the western riverbanks are where you’ll find Castle Hill, with Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion, the Budapest History Museum, and the Royal Palace. Reward your sightseeing with one of the most popular things to do in Budapest: a hot soak in a thermal bath.
Elegant, lively Budapest is like three cities in one. The Hungarian capital boasts three historic districts, each with its own unique ambiance. Pest, east of the Danube River, is home to big-ticket museums like the Hungarian National Gallery, Heroes’ Square and City Park, and the Hungarian State Opera House dating from the 19th century. The quieter Obuda and Buda Hills on the western riverbanks are where you’ll find Castle Hill, with Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion, the Budapest History Museum, and the Royal Palace. Reward your sightseeing with one of the most popular things to do in Budapest: a hot soak in a thermal bath.
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As a landlocked Central European country, Hungary experiences cold, snowy winters with short days and hot, dry summers with long hours of sunshine. Spring and autumn seasons are pleasant—ideal for city walks, museums and thermal baths. Winter visitors will find indoor attractions and festive markets across Budapest.
In Budapest many sights are walkable and public transport is excellent—metro, trams and buses are frequent and inexpensive. Beyond the capital, intercity trains and buses connect towns, while long-distance services make exploring the countryside straightforward.
English will get you far in Budapest but less so in rural areas. German is widely understood. Learn a few words of Hungarian for a warm reception. Cashless payment is common, but keep small notes for markets and kiosks. Thermal spas have etiquette—check rules before you go.
Our FAQ section helps you enjoy your visit with clear and reliable information.
Hungary is a country rich in culture, history, and entertainment. To make your experience smoother, we’ve answered some of the most common questions travelers and users have about visiting and enjoying Hungary. From practical details like currency and age restrictions to insights on entertainment and local life, our FAQs provide clear and reliable guidance.