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HUNGARY TRAVEL GUIDE
Hungary is one of the most popular countries to visit in Eastern Europe and has plenty to offer those who make the trip. Budapest is the main attraction, the capital and the hippest city in the country. It features grand buildings on the mighty River Danube and boasts bags of charm and character. As for the rest of the country, it too is well worth exploring. Lake Balaton lies to the west of Budapest and is a major tourist hotspot with its bustling resorts and water sports, while historical Baroque towns dot the landscape. Spas and wineries are also a big part of Hungarian holidays.
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HUNGARY WEATHER - When To Go
Hungary has a continental European climate, meaning hot summers and cool winters. The south sees the highest temperatures and the west the most rain. Temperatures range from about -20°C to 40°C in Hungary throughout the year and the levels of rainfall are somewhat unpredictable. Summertime, from June to September, is the peak season, while rainy autumn and spring are shoulder seasons. Winters (November to February) are icy cold although off-peak prices generally apply to hotels.
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HUNGARY HIGHLIGHTS - Places to Visit
Budapest: known as the ‘Pearl of the Danube’, the Hungarian capital is one of fine architecture and a fistful of intriguing sights. The city is divided by the most beautiful stretch of the River Danube and features Buda, the old and charming part, and Pest, the Central Business District. Buda has the pick of the attractions, including Gellért Hill with its fine views and the gorgeous Citadella. The renowned Gellért Baths are also up here while the National Gallery and the Fisherman’s Bastion are well worth a look. Budapest restaurants and nightlife are a major highlight and a reason to visit on their own merit. [For more info on Budapest, have a look at our visitBudapest.co.uk website].
Lake Balaton: is situated in Hungary’s verdant west and is central Europe’s largest lake. It is favoured by locals and tourists alike during the summer months and is beautifully surrounded by historical towns, rolling hills and vineyards. Needless to say the scope for water sports at Lake Balaton is excellent and the southern shores have the pick of the resorts and hotels. Discerning visitors tend to head for the north shore with its historical sights and mountain trails. Lake Balaton's premier resort is Siófok, which boasts great swimming, sunbathing and eating. Keszthely, at the western end, is a popular town with tree-lined streets and an interesting café scene. Trains run regularly from Budapest to Lake Balaton along the southern shore, including to Siófok, in about three hours.
Pécs: lies in the Hungarian southwest, not far from the Slovenian border. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and head of the country’s sparkling wine industry. Pécs is a pretty city of churches and squares and is ideal for those into history and wine. A Turkish presence is all around, with the Pasha Kasim Mosque in the main square being the most prominent building. Other highlights include the 11th century cathedral and Roman remains, while the nearby Mecsek Hills feature the city’s vineyards and best scope for wine tasting. Getting to Pécs from Budapest is made easy by frequent trains which complete the journey in less than three hours (express).
Eger: is well within reach of Budapest, lying about 80 miles to the northeast of the capital. A charming Baroque-style town with a Mediterranean atmosphere, Eger has a pedestrianised town centre that is delightful for strolling. Eger Cathedral and a minaret are highlights and when you have seen the centre, check out the 13th century Eger Castle. Lovers of wine should also visit the Egri Bikavér wine cellars while walkers should check out the nearby Northern Uplands hills. Trains leave Budapest Keleti Station every 30 minutes and take just over two hours to reach Eger. Buses from Budapest Stadionok Station are a little quicker.
Hortobágy National Park: is located in the east of Hungary, not far east of the town of Debrecen amid the Great Plain, and is well known among bird lovers and ornithologists. Hundreds of species of birds have been spotted here, including heron, egret, eagles and the great bustard, making it among the best bird watching spots in Europe. The park is diverse and features wetlands, grasslands and marshes and is best explored on a daytrip from Debrecen. The chief mode of transport within the park is horse and carriage or foot power.
Debrecen: is Hungary’s second-largest city and can be found in the country’s eastern region. It is the gateway to the Great Hungarian Plain and although unattractive in parts, its many parks and gardens are pleasant.
Aggtelek: provides access to the beautiful karst mountains towards the Slovak border in northeastern Hungary. Caving is the main activity here and takes place in nearby Jósvafő, with its huge karst caverns. The Baradla cave is best seen on a longer, five-hour trip.
Miskolc: is another of Hungary’s cave towns in the northeast, and is the third-largest city in the country. Situated near the Bukk Mountains, Miskolc’s nearby caving opportunities are good while thermal spas are also a popular way to spend a few hours.
Other places to visit include Esztergom, home to one of largest churches in Europe; Kecskemét for its plum brandy; Nyíregyháza for its spectacular autumn festival and Székesfehérvár, once home to the royal family.
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HUNGARY HOSPITALITY - Eat, Drink, Sleep
Food and eating out: Budapest easily has the best spread of eateries in Hungary, from back-alley Hungarian potato joints to fine international restaurants right in the city centres. Fast-food restaurants are ubiquitous in tourist towns. Meat, potato and vegetable dishes are the mainstay of Hungarian cuisine. Make sure you try some Hungarian Goulash.
Entertainment and nightlife: don’t expect fireworks in this area, although bars and the arts are well represented in Budapest, especially at the Hungarian State Opera House. Lake Balaton has some fun nightlife along the south shore. The best Hungarian beers are Dreher and Borsodi, and Hungarian wines are also popular.
Accommodation: options are varied but prices are not as cheap as they used to be. Everything from hostels to five-star luxury can be had in the capital, particularly in the Castle Hill area, while Village Tourism (farmhouses) is a great way to experience rural Hungary up close.
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HUNGARY FLIGHTS - Flying from the UK
Direct flights to Budapest are available from a number of UK airports.
Flights from London to Budapest are available with BA / British Airways (from Heathrow), Easyjet, Wizz Air and Malev Hungarian Airlines.
Jet2.com fly to Budapest from Manchester airport.
Ryanair offer flights to Budapest from Bristol, East Midlands, Liverpool and Glasgow-Prestwick airports.
Ryanair also offer offer flights to Lake Balaton from London Stansted.
Also try travel sites such as Expedia.co.uk or ebookers for flight deals to Budapest and Hungary.
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