US to Hungary Power Adapter: What Plug Do I Need? (2024)

Other FAQs about traveling in Hungary

• 1. When should you travel to Hungary

  The shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are the best time to visit: the temperatures are mild, the tourist throngs are thin, and the hotel rates are low. Spring is a particularly pleasant time to explore rural regions as the flowers come out to bloom. Nevertheless, summer (June to August) is the most popular season as it coincides with regional holidays. Hungarian summers aren’t oppressively hot, although you can encounter higher than average rainfall and an excess of fellow travelers.

  Subzero temperatures are the norm in winter, so you’ll have to wrap up. On the bright side, the country’s famed architecture looks especially stunning with a fresh dusting of snow. The ski fields are also open for business at this time of year. Be sure to check current Hungary travel advisories before you go.

• 2. What is the weather like in Hungary?

  Hungary resides in a temperate climatic zone, meaning it rarely gets unbearably hot or cold. Given this is a country of four seasons, it’s crucial to pack accordingly for the time of year. In Budapest, average daily highs rarely surpass 83F (28C) in summer, while average winter lows don’t go far under 30F (-1C).

• 3. What’s there to do in Budapest?

  With the River Danube snaking its way through a multitude of grandiose medieval architecture, Hungary’s stellar capital leaves even the most cynical traveler in awe. The region was once comprised of two sister cities, Buda and Pest, which didn’t unite until the 19th century. On the west side of the Danube, Buda is all about hilltop panoramas and imposing imperial edifices. The jewel in the crown is Buda Castle, an enormous 13th-century fortress and the historic home of Hungarian kings. Nowadays, the landmark houses the National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum instead.

  The other must-visit site in Buda is the Fisherman’s Bastion, A.K.A. the Halaszbastya, a whimsical neo-gothic terrace famed for its pointy spires. Here, a brave group of local fishermen used its elevation to defend the city from invaders in the middle ages. Retrace their footsteps by climbing to the upper terrace for the best city views. Next, treat yourself to a day spa while admiring the intricate Art Nouveau entrance of the Gellért Baths. Other beautiful options in Buda include the Ottoman-era Rudas and Kiraly Baths.

  The flatter eastern side of Pest is known for its historic sites, frantic nightlife, and steamy bathhouses. On the bank of the Danube lies the imposing Hungarian National Parliament. Take a 45-minute tour of this epic Neo-Gothic edifice (if parliament isn’t in session) to properly appreciate its grandeur. Another worthwhile attraction is the 19th century St. Stephen’s Basilica, Hungary’s most important and beautiful church. For a quick retail fix, the Neo-Gothic 19th century Central Market is an enchanting place to shop. Everything from fashion and knickknacks to fresh fruits line these frantic stalls.

  Pest boasts the city’s most accessible bathhouses, the most famous of which is the stunning Széchenyi Baths. Set in the center of the leafy City Park, it’s steamy indoor pools come clad with colorful mosaics, while the outdoor section offers unbeatable Budapest views. Come nighttime, the latter converts into a no-holds-barred “Sparty,” where the liquor flows as freely as the inhibitions of the attendees. The best nightlife is found in Pest’s buzzing “Ruin Bars,” a selection of abandoned buildings converted into uber-hip watering holes. Dilapidated second-hand furniture and oodles of creative energy define these unique venues, the most popular of which is Corvintet.

• 4. Where should you go in Hungary?

  Budapest may draw the biggest tourist crowds, but there’s plenty to discover outside the capital as well. For a quaint escape, make your way to Tihany on the shimmering Lake Balaton. The windy cobblestone streets of this sleepy town are a pleasure to explore on foot, as are the well-marked hiking trails that blaze through the lush outlying hills. Be sure to pop into the beautiful 17th-century Benedictine Abbey, an elegant twin-spired church with an enticing baroque-rococo interior.
  Pécs is southern Hungary’s most eclectic town, whose ensemble of Ottoman architecture and buzzing party scene provide plenty of reason to linger.

  Check out the Pasha Gazi Kasim Mosque and the Pécs Cathedral to better understand Hungary’s past. To the east of the capital, the heavily fortified Eger Castle offers a glimpse into the warfare of old. Situated on the southern slopes of the Bükk Mountains, travelers can combine a visit with a hilly hike or two. Another regal attraction is the stately Visegrád Royal Palace, which rests on a hilltop overlooking the Danube not far north of Budapest. Another interesting activity is to burrow underground at the Baradla Caves on the Slovakian border. The UNESCO-listed network stretches several miles and is packed full of impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Other exciting subterranean highways can be found in Lillafüred, not far from Eger Castle.

• 5. How’s the best way to get around in Hungary?

  Hungary boasts a modern and efficient railway network, which isn’t all that unlike its western neighbors. The main downside is the system is centralized, meaning long-distance routes frequently backtrack via Budapest. The Man in Seat 61 explains in detail how to book tickets online.

  If the train doesn’t suit, the German-owned FlixBus and its local offshoot Volánbusz run regular services to just about every imaginable domestic destination. Domestic air travel within Hungary is virtually non-existent.