Hungary holidays

The ruin pubs of Budapest’s Jewish Quarter transform abandoned industrial buildings into unique nightlife destinations. Enjoy a drink or catch a live performance in courtyards filled with local art. Not a drinker? You can still experience the ruin pub atmosphere. Szimpla Kert, one of Budapest’s oldest and most popular ruin pubs, hosts a farmers market every Sunday.

The banks of the Danube are packed with picturesque sights, from the mountains of the Danube Bend to Budapest’s grand buildings. So it’s no surprise that a riverboat cruise is a highlight of many Hungarian holidays. Choose a cruise that fits your travel style, from one-hour tours of Budapest to full-day excursions. Or combine sightseeing with dinner and a show.

The grand facade of Esztergom Basilica, Hungary’s largest church, is matched by its ornate interior and grand treasury. Climb 360 steps to the dome for stunning views. The magnificent medieval Citadel of Visegrád towers above the Danube. St Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest houses the country’s most sacred relic, the mummified hand of the country’s first king.

Catch a ride through the Buda Hills on the ‘Gyermekvasút’, a railway staffed almost entirely by children. On Margaret Island in the middle of the Danube, the Palatinus Baths offer thermal baths for adults, plus waterslides and wave pools for younger swimmers. Fire up your fingers for a game of pinball at the Flippermúzeum in Budapest.

Hungary may be landlocked, but its lakes and rivers provide plenty of freshwater fun. Grab a spritz and sunbathe by the Danube at Roman Beach in Budapest. In summer, Hungarians flock to the beaches of Lake Balaton, known as the ‘Hungarian Sea’. Balatonlelle boasts long public beaches plus theme parks. Siófok combines paddleboarding and volleyball with nightlife and beachfront concerts.

From limestone caves to mountainous forests, Hungary’s vast landscapes are worth exploring. Watch cranes migrate through the wetlands of Hortobágy National Park. Hortobágy isn’t just a wildlife sanctuary – it’s also a haven for stargazers. The 1,100-kilometre National Blue Trail wanders from mountain to river through some of the most beautiful scenery in northern Hungary.

Hearty stews and soups spiced with paprika are a cornerstone of Hungarian cuisine. You’ll find traditional dishes like ‘gulyás’ (goulash) or ‘lecsó’ (tomato and pepper stew) across the country. Some of the best restaurants in Hungary are found in Budapest, but visit Tokaj-Hegyalja to sample local wines. Save room for sweet ‘kürtőskalács’ (chimney cake).