Nestled in Central Europe on either side of the massive Danube River, Hungary is a European gem that everybody should visit at least once. Filled with unique and stunning buildings that you won’t see anywhere else, friendly locals, and cultural landmarks that will open your eyes, Hungary is a dream destination. And the best part is a lot of people still don’t realize that! You can visit all the remarkable sites of Hungary without having to elbow your way through suffocating crowds.
Safer, cheaper, and more convenient than you might have thought, Hungary has something to offer every kind of traveler. Keep reading to find out why you should visit!
10 The City Of Budapest
The city of Budapest is what many tourists traveling to Hungary want to see. And with good reason! This is one major drawing point that you should definitely add to your Hungarian itinerary. No trip to Hungary is complete without some time in Budapest. Preferably more time than less!
There are so many reasons to fall in love with Budapest. From the marvelous architecture and the fascinating museums to the overall fairytale feeling that you get from being there, Budapest has a lot to offer. Furthermore, Budapest is still not as popular as other European cities like Rome and Paris, so there will be fewer crowds to contend with but still all the sights to see!
9 The Thermal Baths
Hungary is renowned for a lot of things. One of the most famous elements of Hungarian culture is the tradition of thermal baths. You will find these in Budapest but also elsewhere in the country, thanks to the presence of natural thermal springs in the vicinity.
Many people travel to Hungary to reap the medicinal benefits of the thermal baths. They are said to be helpful for those suffering from illnesses such as spinal disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and other joint problems. Of course, you don’t have to be suffering to come to the baths. A lot of travelers jump in just to maintain their good health!
8 It Is Affordable Compared To Other European Destinations
One of the most common things that people say about Hungary after visiting is that it was super affordable. Unlike other European nations, Hungary doesn’t use the Euro. It uses its own currency, which has something to do with why it’s not an overly expensive destination.
Because Budapest isn’t a tourist hotspot the way cities like Venice, Barcelona, and Paris are, you’ll also find that prices aren’t boosted just to take advantage of the sea of tourists. With these two factors combined, it makes for a very affordable vacation!
7 The Fascinating History
It’s hard not to be captivated by Hungarian history, even if you’re not a history buff. Although every country in Europe has its own distinct characteristics, Hungary is especially unique because the Hungarian language actually isn’t an Indo-European language. How modern Hungary (including its modern language and modern culture) came to be is just fascinating.
Modern Hungarian history is filled with tragedy but has ultimately helped to shape the culture into what it is today. Being central to the conflict of World War I, devastated by World War II, and witnessing up close the effects of the spread of Communism and the Hungarian Revolution, this country has certainly been through a lot.
6 It’s A Wine-Lover’s Paradise
Wine-lovers are often told to visit world-renowned destinations like Tuscany in Italy, France, and the Napa Valley. however, wine-lovers should definitely visit Hungary and take advantage of all the delicious wines that are on offer. Whether you like red or white, there is a huge selection to choose from.
While we’re on the topic of gastronomy, the food in Hungary is really something special. You’ll soon become addicted to the hearty goulashes and soups. Also, Hungarian sponge cake is one of a kind. You won’t find anything quite as good anywhere else in the whole world!
5 The Danube River & Margaret Island
Hungary is blessed with one of the most fortunate geographical positions in all of Europe. One of the largest rivers on the continent, the Danube, runs right through it. Just being able to see the scenic Danube is enough, but there are also plenty of tours allowing you to cruise along and take in the sights from the river itself.
Another reason to visit Hungary is the wonderful Margaret Island. Located in the middle of the Danube, the island is reminiscent of an oasis. It boasts pools, spas, parkland, and old crumbling buildings that could have come from a fairytale.
4 The Festivals That Take Place Throughout The Year
There’s not really a bad time of year to visit Hungary. But if you like to party, then you should visit when one of the country’s many festivals is taking place. This is just another reason why you’ll fall in love with Hungary. The festivals are amazing!
One summer festival to look out for is the Sziget Festival, which is a music festival hosting a variety of international acts. There is also the yearly Flower Carnival in Debrecen for botanic enthusiasts! The festivities are kicked off with an amazing parade featuring the prettiest blooms you’ve ever seen.
3 It Is Super Easy To Get Around
Like many other countries in central Europe, Hungary hosts a very efficient public transport system. Whether you just want to get around Budapest or around the entire country, most tourists have no trouble at all navigating their way from point A to point B.
The Hungarian language can sometimes be super confusing to an English-speaker trying to read maps or signs, but that doesn’t stop the country from being easy to navigate. You might just have to show your map to a local who will translate for you. Which brings us to our next point …
2 It’s A Safe Place With Friendly Locals
Overall, Hungary is a safe country with very friendly locals. While we don’t want to generalize, most people tend to return from Hungary raving about the friendly locals. That might have something to do with the fact that there aren’t throngs and throngs of tourists in cities like Budapest the way there are elsewhere in Europe. The locals aren’t tired of foreigners just yet!
In 2019, Hungary was officially ranked higher than France, Italy, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Japan, Greece, and the United States on the list of safest countries in the world.
1 The Ruin Pubs
The Hungarian nightlife is a great reason to visit the country, especially if you’re tired of the same old clubs and bars that you’ve been to a million times. Throughout Hungary but especially in Budapest, they have what are called ruin pubs. This is basically a ruined building that has been converted to a pub. They are amazing.
They have a unique atmosphere and are known for providing cheap drinks. The ambiance is great if you’re looking for a good time while in Hungary. Even if you’re not much for regular pubs, you might just be converted once you’ve been to a ruin pub.