Hungary

Capital: Budapest ♦ Population: 10 million ♦ Currency: Hungarian Forint ♦ Language: Hungarian

Blog posts

Highlights:

Budapest: would have to be one of Europe’s grittiest capitals, especially after dark. I have heard it described as being a younger Prague, which I can definitely understand as it lacks the charm and commercialism that the tourism industry tends to create. Don’t get my wrong though, I think it’s well on its way!

Eger: quaint and charming northern town with some stunning churches and some of the most well known spas in the country

Gödöllő Palace: summer palace of the Habsburg monarchs

Szentendre: easy day trip from Budapest

Did you know?

Although Hungary is landlocked, Lake Balaton is often referred to as the Hungarian Sea and is a common holiday destination.
There are over 450 public spas and bathhouses
Hungary’s most well known drink is a fruit brandy known as Pálinka
Water polo is a national sport. Chess is also immensely popular
The Hungarian language is famous for being one of the hardest languages in the world to learn.

Useful tips

It is considered rude to clink your beer glass
The cuisine is similar to that of the Czech Republic – stews, casseroles, breads and goulash
In my opinion, Budapest is like an under-developed Prague. Give it another 10 years and I believe Budapest will be similar to what Prague is today
It is a very cheap holiday destination