By train

There used to be a Moscow-Budapest train, but it was canceled. Now you can take the Moscow-Prague train, a direct carriage to Budapest. On the way you will spend about 31 hours. And from the capital of Hungary it is convenient then to go to other European cities by train or plane.

By plane

According to Local Business Explorer, there are direct daily flights from Vnukovo and Sheremetyevo. Low-cost flights fly from Vnukovo – tickets are cheaper, but luggage must be paid separately. There are seasonal flights from St. Petersburg. Of course, charter planes fly.

By bus or taxi

All such routes run through Ukraine, and due to the political situation, there may be problems with travel. Moreover, the road will take a lot of time and it’s easier to choose a plane after all.

Transport

The transport network in Hungary is very well developed.

Between cities

The easiest way to get around is by bus and train. Buses are more expensive, but they are more comfortable than trains and trains. They travel between almost all settlements of the country. The railway network is a little less developed, but you can save money on trains. Air travel within the country is almost non-existent.

In the summer, an interesting option would be to travel along the Danube on excursion boats – they depart from Budapest to different cities of the country.

In cities

Buses and trolleybuses run almost everywhere. To save money, the easiest way is to take a tourist pass – they are valid for a day and up to a month. Night buses run, as well as express trains that do not stop everywhere.

Budapest has a metro and suburban trains, trams run in the capital and major cities.

It is better not to try to drive without a ticket – for this an immediate and large fine.

There are taxis almost everywhere, prices can be seen right on the glass of the car. Payment for landing and further by kilometers.

It is possible to rent a car if you are over 21 years old and have a credit card, as well as an international driving license. To do this, you need to officially live in Hungary, at least in a hotel.

Money

The national currency of the country is the forint, HUF. The price tags often write Ft. You can pay only to them, dollars and euros are practically not in use, and the exchange rate for purchases will be unprofitable. The currency is non-convertible, it can only be obtained in the country – in banks, hotels or exchange offices. Keep a certificate of exchange so that you can exchange money back at the same rate at the exit. For the same reason, make exchanges only in official exchangers.

Rubles are not accepted for exchange everywhere, prepare dollars or euros in advance.

Major hotels and supermarkets accept VISA and Mastercard, but small shops, ticket offices and markets do not accept cashless payments, so be sure to carry enough cash with you. In small resorts, there are also problems with cashless payments.

Cuisine and restaurants

If you have chosen Hungary for your vacation, do not forget to try the local cuisine. Here, very unusual and tasty dishes are prepared from the ingredients familiar to us.

The most popular is goulash, which is also called “peasant royal soup.” In Gyula, you can even find the goulash academy restaurant, where visitors are served more than 30 types of this dish. Goulash was invented in Hungary and here it is something like a thick soup and meat stew at the same time.

Of the other dishes of interest:

• “Chicken paprikash” – chicken with paprika, sour cream and vegetables;
• “Reindeer goulash soup” in a pot of bread;
• “Turosh Chusa” – boiled noodles with cracklings and dairy products;
• Local tomato lecho with pork sausage and paprika;
• “Halasle” – ear;
• Transylvanian cabbage rolls with minced meat, fried brisket, sausages and smoked meat;
• “Toltott paprika” – red peppers stuffed with rice and meat.

Paprika, a capsicum red pepper brought here by the Turks in the distant 16th century, is added to almost all dishes.

Desserts deserve special attention – walnut strudel made from special flour, pancakes with dried fruits and sour cream, national cakes “dobosh” and “shomloi dumplings”, cakes and “kyurteshkalach” – traditional rich pastries.

As for drinks, be sure to try Tokay wines – spicy, with a very rich taste.

Reviews

Reviews about holidays in Hungary, especially in Budapest, are mostly positive. Tourists like low prices for accommodation and meals, interesting sights and especially the friendliness of the locals. The climate is also very pleasant. There are many opportunities for recreation with children. I really like the local wine.

Of the shortcomings, they mainly note that it is dirty in cities, in Budapest it is often not clear where to go, since there are no signs and explanations. Some people are unlucky with the weather, and it can be cloudy and damp almost at any time of the year. Non-smokers don’t like that people smoke almost everywhere. It is almost impossible to pay by card anywhere.

Even the shortcomings usually do not cover the positive impressions, and people are very satisfied with their vacation.