For the majority of travelers to Hungary, their trip is centered around the capital, Budapest. This modern city straddles the Danube River and is a popular city break destination, largely thanks to its warm climate, historic attractions and cheap beer! It hosts the annual Sziget music festival on an island in the middle of the Danube and is also well-known for its thermal baths. Outside of Budapest, other popular destinations in Hungary include Szentendre and Eger. If you’re planning a trip to Hungary, head to this eastern European nation equipped with our do’s and don’ts, to ensure a memorable, respectful and trouble-free holiday.
The Do’s
Do Savour Hungarian Cuisine: Hungary’s most famous dish is goulash, a soup or stew of meat and vegetables seasoned with paprika. It’s a hearty dish, best enjoyed in the cold of winter. If visiting Budapest or elsewhere to explore Christmas markets, you will find this dish readily available for you to try. Don’t miss the chance to sample local wines from Hungary’s renowned wine regions, such as Tokaj and Eger.
Do Relax in Thermal Baths: Budapest is home to a large number of public bathhouses, and a dip in one of these is a must-do for visitors to the city. The most famous are the Szechenyi Baths and the Gellert Baths, offering a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. The oldest bathhouses in the city date back more than 500 years!
Do Be Sensitive When Discussing Money: As a former Soviet country and one of the poorest nations in Europe, it is important to be mindful of the wealth disparity between locals and many wealthier visitors. Ensure you act respectfully with money, for example by tipping hotel and restaurant staff who have done a good job.
Do Enjoy the View From Buda Castle: When exploring Budapest, head to Buda Castle for the best view over the city. You don’t need to pay to access most of the castle, although some areas require a paid for ticket.
Do Respect Hungary’s History: Hungary has a tumultuous history, and visitors can show respect for this by visiting some of the many museums and memorials around the country, such as at Budapest’s House of Terror and the Memorial Park in Szoborpark.
Do Behave Formally: Like many Eastern European nations, Hungarian culture is quite formal. When greeting people for the first time, opt for a handshake over a hug and do be considerate of how you present yourself at restaurants, or when dining in a local home, for example by dressing smartly and washing your hands.
Do Explore Beyond Budapest: Whilst Budapest is one of Europe’s most captivating capitals, if you can escape the city then you will find there is much more to see in Hungary. Eger is home to a wealth of Baroque architecture, and you can even stay in a fairy tale castle, for example at Fried Kastelyszallo Castle in Simontornya.
Do Head to Sziget: If visiting Budapest in summer, consider attending Sziget. It is one of Europe’s biggest festivals, with artists including Arctic Monkeys, Dua Lipa, David Guetta and Billie Eilish performing in recent years. Throw in the great weather, and you’ve got an incredible summer trip!
The Don’t’s
Don’t Disregard Tipping Etiquette: Whilst tipping is not legally required, it is expected in Hungary, with gratuity typically ranging from 10 – 15% in restaurants and cafes. Wages in Hungary are low, and your generous tip could make the day of your server or bellhop.
Don’t Discuss Politics: Whilst Hungary is a European Union member and a democracy, the political situation is somewhat fraught, with Prime Minister Victor Orban pivoting the country away from democratic values, and the relationship with other European countries, Russia and Ukraine is extremely fluid and complex. Hungarians are a proud people and to avoid causing upset, don’t discuss these matters unless you are an expert.
Don’t Get Too Drunk: The alcohol in Budapest is cheap by European and American standards, with a pint of local beer costing somewhere between €1.50 – 2.00 (£1.30 – £1.70 / USD$1.60 – 2.20). Don’t take this as a sign to drink too much, you could endanger yourself or get into trouble with the authorities!
Don’t Mix Up Budapest and Bucharest: It’s an easy mistake to make! But one is the capital of Hungary and one is the capital of Romania. Whilst you are unlikely to cause offense by making this mistake, you may look a bit silly!
Don’t Be Offended: Hungarians can speak bluntly, in a way that travelers may not be accustomed too. This may come across as rude, but it is unlikely to be intentional, it’s just the way Hungarian people speak. Don’t be offended, and always reply politely and respectfully when speaking with locals.
Don’t Rush Dining Experiences: Whilst in the UK and USA, we like to wolf down our food and get back to the TV, Hungary, like much of Europe, does things differently. Mealtimes, especially dinner, are slow affairs, often taking several hours and accompanied by freely flowing wine and several courses. Sit back, enjoy a drink and embrace this cultural change.
Don’t Disregard Currency Exchange Rates: Hungary is not in the Euro; it has its own currency – the Hungarian Forint. This can be difficult to acquire before you travel, and the exchange rate can be volatile. Avoid changing money at airports as the rates won’t be good. Far better to use ATMs on arrival in your destination.
Don’t Disregard Public Transport Etiquette: Budapest has a sophisticated public transport network that is the best way to get around. When riding trams or metro trains, use the same etiquette you would back home. Offer your seat to elderly or pregnant passengers, purchase a ticket before boarding, and avoid speaking loudly on a mobile phone or playing music out loud.
As long as you follow these tips, your trip to Hungary is sure to last long in the memory. Budapest in particular is a gem of a destination, with great weather, multiple attractions and a low cost of living.
Author:
Ben works as a content marketer for a global travel business, specializing in travel guides and articles. He is well traveled, having visited 25 countries so far including Peru, Turkey, Estonia, Jordan, Egypt, USA, Hungary, Spain and Italy. He’s interested in politics, history, Formula One and environmentalism.