Why visit
Hungary is Budapest's Danube panorama, thermal baths, ruin bars, and the most underrated food scene in Central Europe. Countryside wine regions add a Tokaj detour.
Country - Europe
Hungary
culturefoodhistorycity
How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
Hungary works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use Budapest as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in Hungary.
At a glance
Location
47.0°, 20.0°
Coast
Landlocked
Country area
93,028 km²
35,918 mi²
Country population
9.6 million
103/km²
Subregion
Central Europe
Currency
Hungarian forint (Ft)
HUF
Dial
+36
Language
Hungarian
Demonym
Hungarian
Internet
.hu
UN
Member state
ISO code
HU / HUN
Where in the world
47.0° - 20.0°
Hungary
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Budapest was created in 1873 by merging three separate cities: Buda, Pest, and Óbuda.
- The Rubik's Cube was invented in Hungary in 1974.
- Hungary has 1,500+ thermal springs: more than any other country in Europe.
Bordering Hungary
Traveler notes
- Széchenyi Baths in winter snow is a signature experience
- Schengen visa
- Langos, goulash, and chimney cake. All different culinary experiences
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Budapest, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Hungary
What is the capital of Hungary?
Budapest is the capital of Hungary.
What currency does Hungary use?
Hungary uses the Hungarian forint (Ft), ISO code HUF.
What languages are spoken in Hungary?
The primary language is Hungarian.
Is Hungary landlocked?
Yes, Hungary is landlocked: it has no sea coastline.
What countries border Hungary?
Hungary borders Austria, Croatia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ukraine.
What is the international calling code for Hungary?
The calling code is +36.
When is the best time to visit Hungary?
Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Check current weather and local events before booking.
Other Europe destinations
Slovakia
Slovakia is a mountain-and-castle country: Bratislava on the Danube, High Tatras trails, Spiš Castle, limestone caves, and wooden churches in the northeast. It gives a lighter, easier alternative to bigger Central European itineraries.
Slovenia
Slovenia is Lake Bled, Ljubljana's car-free center, Postojna caves, the Soča Valley, and Alpine hiking at Triglav. Small enough to see end-to-end in a week.
Spain
Spain offers Madrid's museums, Barcelona's Modernisme, Seville's flamenco, San Sebastián's pintxos, Granada's Alhambra, and Balearic and Canary islands. Nights start late; dinner at 9pm.
Sweden
Sweden runs from Stockholm's archipelago and design, through Gothenburg's food scene, to Lapland's ice hotels and sled-dog country.
Switzerland
Switzerland is Alpine travel at its most efficient. Zermatt and the Matterhorn, Grindelwald, Lucerne's lake, Zurich and Geneva cities. With trains that run exactly on time.
Ukraine
Ukraine has Kyiv's golden domes, Lviv's cafe-and-courtyard old town, the Carpathian mountains, Odesa's Black Sea history, and deep folk traditions. The ongoing war makes this cultural background first, not ordinary trip planning.