Hungary Tour Packages

1. About Hungary
2. Tidbits
3. Essential Tips To Know Before Travelling To Hungary
4. Our Best Budget Hungary Tour Packages
5. Hungary At A Glance
6. Top Reasons To Visit Hungary
7. Best Time To Visit Hungary
8. Top Things To Do In Hungary
9. Shopping In Hungary
10. Dos and Don’ts For Indian Travellers
11. Foods To Try Out In Hungary
    
12. Art And Culture In Hungary

Hungary is a landlocked country bordered by Ukraine, Slovakia, Serbia, Romania, Slovenia, Croatia, and Austria. The country became a part of the Ottoman and Habsburg empires after the 16th century, post which it became a partner in the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the 19th century.

The parliament of Hungary declared independence from Austria in 1918. Since the national borders were redrawn by the European countries after the First World War, millions of Hungarians began to live in the nearby countries. The country became a communist state after the Second World War. The Hungarian People’s Republic was established following the adoption of the new Stalinist constitution in 1949. An uprising was held by the people of Hungary against Soviet communism in 1956. The first multiparty elections were held in Hungary in 1990.

Throughout the course of its history, Hungarians have struggled to find their identity and voice while being under the rule of numerous forces, such as the Ottoman Empire and the Soviet Union. The attitudes of Hungarians and their current society reflect this struggle. For instance, while some Hungarians focus on the country’s current achievements, some still consider the past of Hungary to be its golden years. With time, though, the country has managed to make a mark through elements such as its cuisine, customs, traditions, and high level of hospitality.

• Hungary is a landlocked country located in Central Europe.
• The country shares its borders with Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, and Austria.
• Hungary is one of the oldest countries in Europe.
• The country has the world’s second oldest electrified underground railway after the London Underground.
• Hungary has over 1,300 thermal springs.
• Hungary’s Budapest Parliament is the third largest parliament building in the world.
• The Rubik’s Cube was invented by a Hungarian inventor named Erno Rubik.
• Hungary is home to the second-largest synagogue in the world.
• The Hungarian alphabet has 44 letters.
• Over 40 different varieties of paprika peppers are grown in Hungary.
• Tokaj, a town in Hungary, produces Tokaji wines, which was declared by King Louis XIV as “the king of wines, the wine of kings.”

• Indians need a Schengen visa to travel as tourists to Hungary.
• The tap water in Hungary is quite reliable and safe to drink. However, just to be on the safe side, carry bottled mineral water with you whenever possible during your trip.
• While tipping is not mandatory in Hungary, it is certainly appreciated. Tipping anywhere between 10% to 15% is acceptable.
• Shopkeepers always greet customers and tourists, so do respond by wishing them a good day.
• The smaller stores in Budapest don’t always accept credit cards, which is why carrying cash is wise.
• The standard voltage in Hungary is 230 volts, so you can carry a universal travel adapter accordingly.
• Remember to carry some tissue in your purse at all times because the bathrooms don’t always have toilet paper.
• Since Hungary is known to have one of the fastest internet connections, you don’t have to worry about the Wi-Fi being sloppy.

The cuisine of Hungary is delicious and hearty, containing a mix of breads, cheeses, and meats. Paprika makes an appearance in most of the Hungarian dishes, thereby increasing their flavour. The food can be paired with the many wines that Hungary exposes you to, many of which you can experience if you book a wine-tasting tour.

There are over 1,300 thermal water springs in Hungary, with more than 100 of them present in Budapest. If spa towns and thermal waters sound like your idea of relaxation, then book our Hungary tour packages right away.

As compared to countries in Western Europe, the countries in Eastern Europe, such as Hungary, are relatively more affordable due to the lower costs with regard to dining, transportation, and accommodation. The daily meal expenses for one person in Hungary is a minimum of 700 INR, and public transportation costs about 900 INR every day. The prices could vary depending on your travel style and the places you cover on a daily basis. If a family of three to four people travels together, for instance, the costs could be reduced since the tickets for kids are often cheaper and you can share a hotel room.

The extensive public transportation system in Hungary is efficient as well as affordable. While pensioners and students get discounted rates, monthly passes are available for frequent commuters. There are trains, buses, metro systems, and trams that you can avail to get around Hungary. Numerous taxi operators are present in the country for tourists to use. Remember that some taxi drivers are known to charge higher prices to foreigners. Therefore, always ensure the metre is turned properly and running efficiently while hailing a taxi.

Connoisseurs of history and culture will have a grand time satiating their curiosity in Hungary. There is a concert hall known as Mupa, which hosts performances related to dance, classical music, opera, jazz, and contemporary circus acts. The Bela Bartok National Concert Hall is known to have some of the world’s best acoustics, and then there is the fabulous display of contemporary art that you can admire at the Ludwig Museum.

The climate in Hungary is temperate and each of the four seasons has something different to offer. The summer season is the peak tourist season, and the months between May to October are usually considered as the best time to visit the country. The off season in Hungary is from January to February and the should season is from September to October.

If you’re wondering when the best time is to book our Hungary tour packages, then keep reading to get details regarding every season so you can decide accordingly.

During the spring season, the temperature in Hungary remains between 4 degrees Celsius to 22 degrees Celsius. A cool breeze floats in the air throughout the season, and since these months are the semi-tourist season, the country isn’t too crowded. This is the ideal time to explore the palaces and museums of Budapest without being surrounded by too many tourists. Transportation and accommodation, too, are available at more reasonable prices at this time.

In case you’re visiting the country during March, make sure to carry some woolen clothes as it can get cold during the night. The festivals to enjoy during spring include the Holloko Easter Festival, Cherry Blossom Festival, Budapest Spring Festival, and Gourmet Festival.

With clear skies and pleasant weather, summer is the best season to visit Hungary. The temperature remains between 14 degrees Celsius to 27 degrees Celsius, enabling you to comfortably explore the landscapes and cities. Since it’s the peak tourist season, make sure to book your flights and accommodation well in advance with our Hungary tour packages. If you’re planning to go on hikes or treks, remember to book those before your trip as well.

The events you can catch during this season are the Balaton Sound Festival, Sziget Festival, Summerfest International Folklore Festival, and St. Stephen’s Day. You can also attend the Hungarian Grand Prix if you plan your holiday accordingly. Woolen clothes aren’t needed during the summers but do remember to pack a raincoat in case of unpredictable rainfall.

The trees in Hungary transform into shades of yellow and brown from September, signalling the beginning of autumn in Hungary. The weather can be slightly uncertain at this time, and you could encounter rainfall. The temperature stays between 6 degrees Celsius and 24 degrees Celsius, and it’s the perfect time to go for hikes and treks. The beginning of fall is when many tourists begin to head back, thereby reducing the prices of tickets and accommodation.

Autumn is the ideal time to engage in outdoor activities in Hungary. Remember to pack a raincoat, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and hiking shoes. The festivals that take place during this period include Republic Day, All Saints’ Day, and Budapest Wine Festival.

If you come from a region in India that doesn’t have a solid winter season, then you might want to avoid travelling to Hungary during the winter. This is especially true if you don’t enjoy low temperatures and snowfall. However, if your idea of a great holiday includes hills and snow-covered mountains, then Hungary will surely delight you. Make sure to carry a raincoat and plenty of woollen clothes so you can layer up properly.

While November and February bring along constant rainfall, the months of December and January are extremely cold, which is why winter is an off-season in Hungary. Some people travel to the country at this time to escape the crowd of tourists. The events and festivals that take place in Hungary during the winter include Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Boxing Day. The temperature you will experience in the winter season in Hungary is between -9 degrees Celsius and 8 degrees Celsius.

The history, culture, and traditions of Hungary are clearly visible in the numerous sightseeing spots spread across the country. In addition to the lovers of art and culture being mesmerised, the adventure enthusiasts will be satisfied with the thrilling outdoor activities that Hungary has to offer. Read on to find out the places you can visit and the activities you can partake in with our Hungary tour packages.

The Buda Castle, also known as the Royal Palace, is a palace complex and historical castle that served as the residence of the Hungarian kings in Budapest. Most of the rooms within the palace complex were destroyed after 1686. Some of the rooms were rebuilt after the war from 1958 to 1962. The Buda Castle is now home to the Budapest History Museum, Hungarian National Gallery, and National Szechenyi Library.

The Esztergom Basilica is the largest church in Hungary, the interior of which is sprawled over an area of 5,600 square metres. Built in the 19th century, the basilica was constructed on the site of a 12th-century cathedral. Remnants of the older chapel can be seen within the church. Shiny red marble covers the walls of the older chapel, standing in contrast with the white marble altarpiece present on the back wall.

The Hungarian Parliament Building, which also goes by the name of the Parliament of Budapest, is among the most popular tourist destinations in Hungary. It serves as the seat of power in Hungary and is located on the eastern bank of the Danube River. It’s the third largest parliament building in the world, containing 691 rooms, with the total structure being 268 metres long and 118 metres wide. The construction of the building started in 1885 and was completed on the presumed 1000th anniversary of the country in 1896.

Eger Castle is a 13th-century medieval castle which stands as a prime example of fine Romanesque architecture. The castle was ruined during the Mongol invasion in 1241, after which it was moved to a rocky hill, on which the castle was developed further. The Gothic Bishop’s Palace can be found within the interiors of the building, and this is where the Hungarian soldier named Istvan Dobo planned the attack against the forces of the Ottoman Empire.

Fisherman’s Bastion sits atop the Buda Castle Hill and offers some of the most spectacular views in the city of Budapest. The white fortress looks over the Danube River and was originally constructed as a viewing platform by Frigyes Schulek in 1905. The structure has a huge terrace, the design of which was influenced by neo-Romanesque and neo-Gothic styles. The seven towers that are a part of the bastion represent the Magyar tribes of the 9th century.

The Chain Bridge is Budapest’s oldest suspension bridge and the first permanent bridge to be built across the Danube River in 1849, connecting Buda and Pest. It was designed by William Tierney Clark, an English civil engineer who built it following the Hungarian Revolution of 1848. Georgios Sinas, an Austrian-Greek entrepreneur, financed the construction of the bridge, which was supervised by Adam Clark, a Scottish civil engineer.

The Central Market Hall, or Great Market Hall, is the oldest and largest indoor market in Budapest. Karoly Kamermayer, who was the first mayor of Budapest, came up with the idea of building this market, which was inaugurated by him in 1897. With stalls spread over three floors, the market offers a variety of items for tourists to shop, such as fruits, vegetables, fresh fish, pickles, paprika, Tokaj wines, souvenirs, clothes, bags, and much more.

The Hungarian State Opera House, which was originally called the Hungarian Royal Opera House, was designed by Miklos Ybl, who was one the most influential architects of Hungary.

The construction of the opera house started in 1875 and it was inaugurated in 1884. It’s the second largest opera house in Hungary, and the interiors are decorated with chandeliers, gilded vaulted ceilings, and marble columns. When you explore the country with our Hungary tour packages, try to catch a performance at the venue or attend one of the three 45-minute tours that take place on a daily basis.

Szechenyi Baths is one of the largest and best spa baths in Europe. In addition to saunas, steam rooms, and a rooftop spa greenhouse, it has three outdoor pools and 15 indoor baths. Throughout the course of its existence of over 100 years, millions of visitors and tourists have relished the calming properties of the structure’s warm medicinal waters.

• Caving
• Cycling
• Kayaking
• Canoeing
• Hiking

The following are some of the most unique souvenirs you can buy from Hungary and the best places to shop from in the country:

If Hungary is known for anything, it’s high-quality paprika. Based on your spice tolerance, you can get it either in a mild variety or the spicier version. Paprika is very easy to carry in your luggage as it’s available in containers and baggies.

If you like a pop of colour in your wardrobe, then you should get your hands on some traditional Hungarian shirts. These are usually white in colour and are hand-embroidered with colourful and intricate designs, thereby making a great souvenir to get for your loved ones.

The good thing about the painted Easter eggs in Hungary is that they are available all year round. The eggs come in various colours and designs, decorated with animals, plants, religious symbols, flowers, and geometric motifs.

Tokaji wine comes from the Tokaj wine region in Hungary. The light yellow green colour of the wine coupled with its fruitiness and clean fragrance makes it a wonderful gift for wine lovers. Some of the different varieties of Tokaji wine include Szamorodni, Eszencia, Aszu, and Fordiatas.

The Herend Porcelain Manufactory, which is the world’s largest porcelain manufactory, is located in Hungary. Specialising in glided and hand-painted porcelain, it enables Hungary to have some of the finest porcelain pieces you will ever come across. You can take your pick from plates, bowls, soup tureens, coffee cups, and much more.

The beautiful handmade and traditional dolls found in Hungary are dressed in old-fashioned and elegant ball gowns or traditional Hungarian peasant costumes. The craftsmen deftly implement the embroidery, stitching, and beading on the dresses of the dolls, which are available in different sizes.

Palinka is a fruit brandy which originated in the Carpathian Mountains and was invented in the Middle Ages. The brandy is usually made using cherries, apricots, and plums, but some utilise other fruits too. Be slightly careful while consuming this liquor as it contains up to 80% alcohol.

While a Rubik’s Cube is available throughout the world, this item has a special significance in Hungary as it was a Hungarian inventor who came up with it in the first place. Whether you buy it as a small keychain or purchase a full-size version, this is indeed a unique Hungarian souvenir to add to your collection.

Vaci Street: For ceramics, souvenirs, clothes, paprika-based goods.

Andrássy Avenue: For accessories, clothes, luxury items.

Fashion Street: For clothes, accessories, footwear.

Westend City Center: For homeware, electronics, clothes.

Arena Plaza: For accessories, apparel, home décor items, gadgets.

Central Market Hall: For ceramics, wooden toys, embroidered items, wine, fresh produce.

Ecseri Flea Market: For books, jewellery, collectibles, artwork.

Mammut Shopping Center: For clothes, shoes, accessories, home goods.

• Most of the stores in Hungary open at 9 am and close at 6 pm, except grocery stores which remain open well into the evening.
• Almost all the shops in Hungary remain closed on Sundays.
• Hungary has seasonal sales twice a year, once during the second half of summer and once towards the end of winter.

• Men greet each other with a firm handshake. Hugs are usually reserved for family members and close friends.
• If a man is greeting a Hungarian woman, they should wait to see if she extends her hand first. If she does, the man should respond with a handshake.
• If you’re invited to a Hungarian household for a meal, make sure to arrive on time as anything beyond 10 minutes after the specified time is considered rude.
• Try to finish everything on your plate, because if you don’t, it could suggest that you didn’t enjoy the meal.
• Always maintain eye contact when you clink glasses during a toast.
• Remember that Hungarians don’t clink glasses of beer, which is a tradition that stems from the Hungarian Revolution of 1848.
• Stay away from personal subjects and politics in conversations.
• Make sure to bring a gift when invited to a Hungarian household, such as liquor, chocolates, or flowers.
• If you bring flowers to someone’s home, remember to only give them in odd numbers, excluding the number 13.

Hungarian cuisine is known to be the spiciest cuisine in Europe. If you’re an Indian who enjoys spicy flavours in your food, then the cuisine of Hungary will definitely entice your tastebuds. Several of their dishes include Hungarian paprika, and for the ones who prefer a milder version, there is Hungarian sweet paprika. The traditional foods of the country often make use of meats, bread, fruits, dairy products, and seasonal vegetables.

There are Central European as well as Eastern Europe influences in the food of Hungary. Much like Slovak and Czech cuisines, the cuisine of Hungary is pretty heavy on meats and dairy. Along with Hungarian paprika, you will also find other spices in their dishes, such as garlic, dill seeds, marjoram, celery seeds, and caraway seeds. As you enjoy your holiday in the country with our Hungary tour packages, here are the dishes you must try:

Goulash is the national dish of Hungary. While most places around the world serve it in the form of a stew, authentic goulash is more like a thin broth. It is cooked using chunks of beef along with tomatoes, paprika, onions, and pepper, and is served alongside white bread and a bit of chopped hot paprika.

The affordability of the ingredients used in the dish makes it easier to prepare it. While some use pork for the dish, some also utilise carrots. It was traditionally a peasant dish that was cooked by herdsmen in cast iron cauldrons over an open fire.

Langos is one of the most famous street foods in Hungary in addition to being a popular go-to snack. It’s a deep-fried doughy flatbread that is topped with sour cream and grated cheese or garlic butter. This hearty snack is served warm and is available throughout the year. They are plump and soft in the middle and have a crisp exterior. While some make langos with potatoes (known as krumplis lango), some serve it with sausages on top.

Chicken paprikash is the ultimate comfort food in Hungary. The word ‘paprikash’ comes from the Hungarian word for ‘paprika’ and it’s this paprika that lends the dish its signature red colour. The concoction is said to have originated in the 16th century when paprika was introduced in Hungary for the first time.

A mix of tender chicken and paprika-infused gravy form the centre of this dish, and it’s often served along with dumplings or egg noodles. Onions, tomatoes, and garlic are added to the dish to enhance the taste of the chicken. Although chicken is the original meat used in this dish, some also replace it with pork, lamb, or veal. The vegetarian versions often use mushrooms.

If you have a sweet tooth, then you must try the unique Hungarian dessert known as chimney cake. These consist of long strips of sugary dough that are wrapped around cone-shaped spits. They are then glazed with butter before being roasted over charcoal. The sugar in the dough caramelises so that the dish has a crispy exterior. Steam rises from the centre like a chimney when the dough is removed from the spit, which gives the dish its name.

The dessert is usually topped with ground walnuts or cinnamon. These treats are quite common at Christmas markets and during the festive season.

Toltott kaposzta translates to stuffed cabbage. The cabbage leaves are firstly blanched, after which they are stuffed with rice, ground pork, and a mix of spices. The mixture is made into small balls and then placed over one cabbage leaf. It is then simmered in a rich tomato sauce till the dish becomes tender and flavourful.

There is another variation of this dish known as toltott kaposzta soup that consists of diced vegetables and beef broth. Stuffed cabbage is especially common during the winter season.

Dobos torte, which is also known as drummer cake, is a popular dessert that is served across the bakeries and cafes in the country. Commonly served at parties and weddings, the cake is made up of layers of delicate sponge separated by chocolate buttercream, with a thick layer of caramelised sugar on top, giving it a crunchy touch.

The sides of the drummer cake are covered with almonds, walnuts, or ground hazelnuts. It was invented by C. Jozsef Dobos, a Hungarian pastry chef, who served it for the first time in 1885 to King Franz Joseph I and Queen Elisabeth at Budapest’s National General Exhibition.

Kolbasz is the term for Hungarian sausage, which is a common element used in numerous dishes in the country. These preparations could be salads, soups, stews, and even pastries that are served for breakfast, lunch, as well as dinner. You can consume this sausage in various forms, including boiled, cooked, smoked, and cured. There is csabai kolbasz, which is a sausage that tastes spicy because of the presence of paprika. There are also majas hurka, which are boiled liver sausages, and gyulai kolbász, which are smoked sausages.

Rakott krumpli is a dish that was born when Hungarian families utilised their leftover food so that the preparation could be affordable. The dish is made using sliced potatoes, smoked sausage, and boiled eggs, all of which is baked in a creamy sour cream sauce. The potatoes are thinly sliced to make the concoction as perfect as possible. Garlic powder and paprika are added to the dish to enhance its flavour.

Halaszle or fisherman’s soup is made using freshwater fish such as catfish, carp, pike, and perch. The history of the dish can be traced back to the fishermen along the Danube and Tisza rivers who would make soup from whichever fish they had caught for the day.

The rich flavour and red shade of the dish come from the paprika used to make the broth. This dish is usually served during closed gatherings and special events such as Christmas Eve. The soup is cooked in a large cauldron and paired with slices of bread.

The traditional elements of Hungarian culture survived well till mid-20th century. This included peasant costumes, folk music, and folk dances. However, the latter half of the 20th century brought about drastic modernisation that caused the elimination of several of the Hungarian customs.

Fortunately, though, they were saved in the form of tourist entertainment and folk art. Eventually, the culture of Hungary became less traditional, which was also evident in the country’s family structure. The size of the families gradually became smaller, and people began to move away from their extended family.

Hungarian folk music is an integral part of the country’s identity. Some of the famous music composers from Hungary are Miklos Rozsa, Gyorgy Ligeti, Zoltan Kodaly, Bala Bartok, Erno Dohnanyi, Franz Schmidt, and Franz Liszt. When it comes to contemporary classical music, Hungary has produced several talents, such as Zoltan Jeney, Peter Eotvos, and Gyorgy Kurtag.

When the Communist rule existed in Hungary, popular music was examined and censored by a Song Committee as they were thought to have traces of impurity and subversion. However, with time, Hungarian music recovered and evolved, and the country gave birth to musical stars like Márta Sebestyén, Ferenc Sebő, Károly Binder, and Rudolf Tomsits.

Even before sports became overpoliticised in the Soviet-bloc countries, Hungary had been making a name for itself by winning accolades in world championships and the Olympics. Football is quite popular in the country, and numerous athletes from the country have left a mark in sports such as swimming, fencing, water polo, table tennis, weightlifting, rowing, team handball, and track and field.

Several Hungarians have made a name for themselves in Hollywood. Over 150 Academy Award nominations and close to 46 Academy Awards belonged to Hungarians working in Hollywood, as far as the data from 2018 is concerned. In fact, during the 1940s, about 15 Academy Awards and 51 nominations were given to exiled Hungarians. Mephisto, directed by Istvan Szabo, is a Hungarian movie that was given the Academy Award for the category of Best Foreign Language Film in 1981.

Three people, namely Gyula Priskin, Tamas Perlaki, and Mark Jaszberenyi were given an award in 2010 for developing a software program that helps in color-correcting intermediates in real time. It is a technology that was used for the first time in the movie, The Lord of the Rings. Hungary received its 10th nomination in the Best Foreign Language Film category in 2018 for the Ildiko Enyedi-directed movie titled On Body and Soul.