Cost of Vacation in Hungary 2020 See Language and Top Places to Visit
Cost of Vacation in Hungary 2020 See Language and Top Places to Visit.
Cost of Vacation: A lot of people don’t know that Hungary is one of the hottest vacation destinations in Eastern Europe.
It’s the most visited city is Budapest, which has a rich history, impressive architecture, and an excellent art and music scene.
Outside of Budapest, Hungary has many diverse destinations including low mountains in the northwest, the Great Plain in the east, lakes, and rivers, and many beautiful small villages and cities.
Unfortunately, many international visitors to the area find themselves rushed for time and rarely visit many sights outside of Budapest. If time allows, it is well worth it to spend at least a few days exploring the countryside outside of the main cities.
Hungary is also strategically located in the middle of Europe. It makes a wonderful base for exploring central Europe as it is well connected with frequent train and bus lines to most of the area’s major cities and travel destinations.
Within Hungary, it is easy to find a bus or train that will help you experience the country’s impressive natural beauty, historic, quaint small towns, and captivating capital city.
One of the most popular and recommended experiences in Hungary is to visit the thermal waters that are common in the country. There are over one thousand thermal hot springs throughout Hungary and many have been converted into baths or spas.
The most popular options, including Szechenyi baths, are in Budapest, but there are some wonderful options in the surrounding countryside as well. Also, consider visiting the Miskolc-Tapolca cave baths or the spa at Egerszalok.
Traveling in Hungary can be slightly more expensive than many countries in Eastern Europe. The larger cities, in particular, are comparable in price to many places in Western Europe, although it is still possible to find some affordably priced hostels and restaurants.
It is recommended that you make reservations in advance, particularly during the peak season, as this will likely help ensure you get the best deal.
Language of Hungary
Currency of Hungary
Climate of Hungary
The Cost of Accommodation in Hungary
There’s great-value accommodation available in Hungary, whether you’re a backpacker on a super-tight budget, part of a couple on a mid-range-priced vacation, or a luxury traveler looking for an affordable getaway.
One of the cheapest ways to explore Hungary is by staying in a hostel. I’ve stayed in several as I’ve traveled around the country, and was impressed with the quality of the hostels, as well as the number of options to choose from.
One of the more notable hostels in Hungary is Maverick City Lodge (dorms starting from 5,000 Ft [€16/$18] a night), as it consistently receives the best reviews of any hostel in the city.
It’s in an amazing location, in the center of the fabulous Jewish Quarter, is clean and modern, and perfect for solo travelers, as there’s so much going on for socializing.
If you’re all about the tight budget and spending as little as possible in Hungary, there are slightly more affordable options for hostel living around the country.
- The cheapest dorm bed in Budapest comes in at 1845Ft/€5/$6 a night at the surprisingly well-reviewed Avenue Hostel, and the cheapest private double room in the city comes to 4,445Ft/€14/$16 a night at Baroque Hostel.
- In Eger, you’ll pay just 5960Ft/€18/$21 a night for a dorm bed at the excellently-reviewed Lokomotiv Motel, or 6040Ft/€19/$22 a night for a private double room at Cecey Vendégház, so there’s no real reason to stay in a dorm here unless you’re craving the social aspects.
- In Lake Balaton, there aren’t any decent hostels, but you can stay in a cheap private double room at Glázer-Szálló for just 6250Ft/€20/$22 a night.
Food Cost in Hungary
Hungary is exceptionally affordable when it comes to eating out and buying groceries, so you won’t need to budget a huge amount for food. As an example, a three-course meal at a decent, mid-range restaurant will set you back just €15 each!
In general, you should expect to spend the following on each meal:
- Breakfast: €2 each for bacon and eggs; €6 each for something in a hipster cafe.
- Lunch: €5 each for a set meal in a traditional restaurant.
- Dinner: €5 each if you’re on a budget, €12 each for a mid-range restaurant, €25 each for something high-end.
Transportation Cost in Hungary
To give you a good idea of how much you can expect to spend on transportation in Hungary, here’s a list of journeys you might decide to take while you’re in the country:
- Single train ticket from Budapest to Eger: 2725Ft (€8/$10)
- Single bus ride from Budapest to Lake Balaton: 3395Ft (€11/$12)
- Return train ticket from Budapest to Vizegrad: 2240Ft (€7/$8)
- Return train ride between Budapest and Esztergom: 2240Ft (€7/$8)
- Return bus ticket between Budapest and Eger: 5450Ft (€17/19)
- Return train ticket between Budapest and Pecs: 7900Ft (€25/$28)
- A one-way ride on the Buda Castle funicular: 1000Ft (€3/$4)
- A single ride on Budapest’s metro: €1
Top Places to Visit in Hungary:
1. Cave Bath, Miskolc-tapolca
The Cave Bath at Miskolc-Tapolca is a must-see attraction for anyone who enjoys relaxation and pampering. This thermal spa bath is located in a natural cave system, which can only be explored by wading in. The water, which is rich in minerals and sits at a constant temperature of 30C, is reportedly good for the health.
The thermal waters here have been drawing in visitors since the 17th century, but they only gained widespread popularity after a new bathing complex was opened in the 1940s. As well as a variety of different pools, there are also spa treatments available on site. The baths are open all year, except January.
2. Caves of Aggtelek Karst
The Caves of Aggtelek Karst National Park are one of 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country, but it is the only natural site of this number. Enter the caves to see an impressive array of stalactites and stalagmites, including some of the largest stalactites in Europe.
Due to the rich and varied mineral content of the ground above, there are also some wonderfully patterned rocks. It is possible to do special tours which allow you to also see the Slovak Karst caves (across the border) including one of the most impressive ice caves in Europe.
3. Heviz
If soaking in hot springs water relaxes you, head to Heviz, home to one of the largest thermal lakes in the world. Water temperature varies from 24 to 37 degrees (71 to 100 °F), making for a pleasant swim. The water flows from its source fast enough to change every 3-1/2 days, keeping the water clean.
Located near Lake Balaton, Heviz is famous for its spas with many flourishing resorts. After a swim in these medicinal waters, you might want to hike in the nearby forest or take in a food festival or outdoor concert. With a Mediterranean-like climate, Heviz is a popular year ‘round destination.
4. Places of Arts, Budapest
The places of arts are the building in the Budapest which is opened in March 2005, It is located near the Lagymanyosi Bridge. It is the destination for ballet, dancing, arts, and other activities as well. The places of arts have become the most prestigious center for artistic expression and their art activities, it also attracts the art lover tourists.
5. Debrecen
Debrecen, which served as Hungary’s capital various times over the century, is an important cultural center. Heavily destroyed during World War II, Debrecen is considered the intellectual center of the country, starting with the founding of Calvinist College in 1538. Now known as the University of Debrecen, the college is famous for its architecture.
The city has a thriving music scene and is home to the Bela Bartok International Choir Competition. Top attractions include the Reformed Great Church, the largest Protestant church in Hungary; the Deri Museum with its collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, and the annual Flower Carnival.
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CSN Team.
