This magnificent building is without doubt the jewel in Hungary’s crown. Several styles of architecture and design spanning the 600 years of its construction make Buda Castle an Eastern European time capsule. This World Heritage site, it isn’t just the most glittering of Budapest attractions; it’s one of Europe’s too.
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HUNGARY
TRAVEL IN HUNGARY
Bordered by seven other countries, Hungary is one of Europe’s foremost historical melting pots. The country’s old-school architecture gives much of the place a fairy-tale quality, and many of the attractions - Budapest’s magnificent Citadella, its enchanting Vajdahunyad Castle, the epic Hungarian State Opera House – are really magical. It’s a small country, and while there are some beautiful rural pockets worth exploring, most of the action takes place in Budapest. Read on for the attractions that will make your Hungary travel 2016 experience one for the ages.
FAST FACTS
- Language: Hungarian
- Currency: Hungarian foint
- Electricity: 220V
- Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Hungary.
- Dialing Code: +36
- Time Zone: (GMT+01:00)
ABOUT CONTIKI
From quick breaks to epic journeys, Contiki exists to connect young travellers with the time of their lives.
See more about ContikiTOP THINGS TO DO IN HUNGARY
You’ll be spoilt rotten for what to do in Hungary. So where do you start? We’ve come up with a few pointers to help.
BUDA CASTLE
SZÉCHENYI THERMAL BATH
Attractions in Budapest don’t come as relaxing and refreshing as these thermal baths. Originally designed in the early 20th century as a medicinal spa, modern day bathers enjoy several heated pools, whirlpools, steam rooms and saunas.
SHOES ON THE DANUBE BANK
This haunting memorial pays tribute to hundreds of Jews shot on the Danube Promenade during a notorious World War II massacre. A ghostly allusion to Hungary’s turbulent past that is one of the country’s true sobering must-sees.
FISHERMAN’S BASTION
This elaborate viewing terrace could be straight out of a fairy tale and was built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It has panoramic views as far as the eye can see, and its seven towers represent the seven Magyar tribes that settled in the region in the 9th century. Literally and metaphorically, it’s the best way to see Budapest.
THE HUNGARIAN PARLIAMENT BUILDING
Next on the where to go in Budapest list, this impressive parliament building is a hot spot for visitors. Home to the National Assembly of Hungary and built in the country’s signature neo-gothic architecture, this amazing building is open for tours.
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TOP 5 FESTIVALS IN HUNGARY
There's an awesome range of festivals in Hungary, the bulk of which take place throughout the warm spring and summer months. Read on for our pick of the top 5.
SZIGET
Sziget is the last word in music festivals in Budapest and has been called Europe’s answer to the Burning Man. It takes place every August on the stunning island of Óbuda in the Danube, and attracts around 70,000 festivalgoers. Expect to see a sizeable line-up of the world’s top names in pop and rock.
KALOCSA PAPRIKA FESTIVAL
The pepper has leant so much spicy goodness to Hungary’s culinary identity that it’s hardly surprising this humble vegetable has it’s own dedicated festival. Held in September, this gastronomic event is among the favourite festivals in Hungary and features all manner of pepper-themed tomfoolery.
BUDAPEST 100
Taking place across Budapest every April in an effort to celebrate the city’s architecture, participating buildings aged 100 years or more throw their doors open to visitors. Take advantage of guided tours and free entries; this is great opportunity to immerse yourself in the capital’s history.
CSABAI SAUSAGE FESTIVAL
Around a three-hour drive southeast of Budapest, you’ll hit Gyulai, near the Romanian border. It’s here that Hungary’s number one sausage celebrations happen, and although there are a few sausage fests across Hungary, this one is your one stop shop.
BUSÓJÁRÁS
This winter event is held in Mohács in the south, and is something you won’t see every day. Held by the area’s Croat community, the townsmen don animal-like costumes and parade the streets. Legend has it that the purpose of the spectacle is to scare winter away. If you liked Where the Wild Things Are, you’ll love this.
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TOP 5 MUSEUMS IN HUNGARY
Hungary’s capital is a hub for high culture, so your plan for what to do in Budapest is likely to feature a lot of galleries and museums. The question is where do you start? These are our top five.
HUNGARIAN NATIONAL GALLERY
Housed within three wings of the Buda Royal Palace, exhibits and artefacts span the decades from the 11th century – no wonder it’s one of the most popular things to do in Budapest. With 100,000 pieces making up its permanent collection, you might want to set aside an afternoon or two for this one.
HOUSE OF TERROR
A must-do on your Hungary travel 2015 itinerary, this jarring collection of exhibits commemorates the horrors of totalitarianism and dictatorship that blighted the country until recently. Gruesome examples of torture methods sit alongside historical documents detailing the suffering people underwent during times of political unrest in Hungary.
THE AQUINCUM MUSEUM
The staggering remains of the ancient city of Aquincum are one of the most interesting tourist attractions in Budapest. Walk through the Roman ruins and learn more about its fascinating history in the adjoining museum building.
MEMENTO PARK MORE OF AN OPEN-AIR GALLERY
this collection of decommissioned sculptures that were removed from Budapest’s streets after the fall of communism in the country. No less than 42 imposing statues make up the park’s sobering atmosphere - make sure this goes on your list.
THE ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM
Delve into Hungary’s diverse, century-spanning history of folklore at this fascinating museum, and learn how the country’s landlocked geography, history of migration and international influences have shaped the country’s rich heritage.
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FOOD IN HUNGARY
Hungary restaurants offer cuisine from all over the world, but with its vast array of native dishes, there’s no need to stray from traditional offerings. The best restaurants in Hungary will be found in Budapest. Be warned though; Hungarian food can be rich, with lots of meat, pastry, root veg – and paprika of course. We hope you’re hungry…
GOULASH
Nothing captures the flavour of Hungary food more than a hearty bowl of spicy gulyás. Made with paprika-drenched beef and vegetables, this moreish stew is a classic winter warmer all year round.
Best eaten at - Rose Restaurant, Budapest, Akácfa u. 24
Best eaten at - Rose Restaurant, Budapest, Akácfa u. 24
CHIMNEY CAKE
Also known as Stove cake, the tall, cylindrical cinnamon and sugar dusted sweet has been labelled the oldest pastry in Hungary and even has it’s own festival.
Best eaten at - Molnar’s Kürtőskalács, Vaci Utca 31, Budapest
LÁNGOS
This delicious deep-friend flatbread is an iconic Budapest street food. Topped with cheese and sour cream, add ham, garlic and other ingredients to flavour. Think pizza but naughtier.
Best eaten at - Lángos Land, Fény Street Market, Budapest
HUNGARIAN SAUSAGES
Hungarian sausage is rightly famous, with the boiled hurka and smoked kolbász varieties among the must-try delicacies on offer.
Best eaten at - Faszalade, Budapest, Október 6. u. 9
GESZTENYEPÜRÉ
A puree made from ground chestnuts, rum and sugar, this delicacy is served as a dessert with whipped cream. Simple but indulgent.
Best eaten at - Café Gerbeaud, Vörösmarty tér 7., V. district
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WHAT TO PACK
Swimming costume - You have to visit the Széchenyi thermal bath in Budapest.
Warm clothing - Head heading to Hungary during the winter months, and you’ll need to wrap up warm.
Map and guidebook - It’s easy to get overwhelmed when deciding what to see in Hungary; definitely invest in a good guidebook to help with your Hungary travel plans.
Phone cards - Nobody likes data roaming charges, so if you want to call home, ensure you’ve got a phone card: public phone boxes rarely accept coins.
A good appetite - With such a variety of traditional cuisine on offer, you’ll want to make sure you try everything on the menu.
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