Welcome to Hungary

Hungary has always marched to a different drummer – speaking a language, preparing dishes and drinking wines like no others. It’s Europe at its most exotic... Read More

Top experiences in Hungary

Recent articles

Autumn in Budapest: feasting, festivals and the great outdoors

Lonely Planet has produced this article for Hungary Tourism. All editorial views are those of Lonely Planet alone and reflect our policy of editorial independence and impartiality.

Autumn’s golden light sets Budapest glowing– leaves in City Park blush scarlet and the white turrets of Fishermen’s Bastion gleam beautifully under the late afternoon light, while the setting sun burnishes the waterfront Parliament building, a kaleidoscope of architectural styles. But the change of seasons brings much more than colour to Hungary’s capital. A freshness in the air makes you long to linger in warm outdoor baths, wine cellars and gritty ruin bars. The summer crowds have ebbed away, so you’re free to roam parks and museums without fighting for space. From seasonal events and inspiring sights to the city’s quirky side, here’s how to explore the best of Budapest in the autumn.
Anita Isalska
Lonely Planet Writer

Wild Debrecen: a weekend in Hungary’s refreshing second city

Even in Debrecen’s city centre, wilderness beckons. Forested parkland hugs the northern rim of Hungary’s second city, while 40km west lie the great plains of Hortobágy National Park. But despite natural riches at its fringes, as well as spas and a gleaming historic centre, Debrecen remains a juicy secret for travellers. Here’s how to invigorate yourself on a weekend in Hungary’s wild east.

The Great Church on Debrecen's central square. Image by Witold Skrypczak / Lonely Planet Images / Getty Images
Anita Isalska
Lonely Planet Writer

A guide to Budapest’s thermal baths

Budapest sits on a patchwork of almost 125 thermal springs, and ‘taking the waters’ has been a part of everyday life here since people walked in togas. No baths still operating date back to Roman times but some are a legacy of the Turkish occupation, others are Art Nouveau marvels and there are even spic-and-span modern establishments boasting all the mod cons.

Which bath you choose is a matter of taste and what exactly you’re looking for – be it fun, a hangover cure or relief for something more serious. Here are the essential tips to keep in mind when planning a visit to Budapest’s baths, and our selection of the best of them.
Steve Fallon
Lonely Planet Writer
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Travel guides

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Hungary adventures

$2399 Small group tours

Croatia and the Balkans

The Balkans are just getting noticed as a great European travel destination - we can’t believe it took so long! Situated on the balmy shores of the Adriatic and home to some of the most wondrous landscapes, monuments, and villages you’ll ever see, this part of the world still feels like a well-kept secret. This adventure showcases the region’s compelling history and scenery and allows time for outdoor pursuits like kayaking and hiking. You may not know much about Croatia and the Balkans now, but once you’ve been, you’ll be hard-pressed to stop talking about them.
$2199 History & culture

Explore Central Europe

Home to some of the world’s most celebrated cultural touchstones, Central Europe was built for exploration. This nine-day adventure crosses four countries and makes stops in four of Europe's most fascinating cities – Berlin, Vienna, Prague, and Budapest. Connect with the past at a 16th-century market in Vienna, and by walking along the Berlin Wall with a historian. Make some special memories against a backdrop rich with art, music, and unforgettable flavours.
$32.01 Sightseeing tours

Budapest Bike Tour

Budapest's original and most renowned biking tour is an innovative, entertaining and relaxing way to see most of the city sights in an intimate way through grand roads and bike pathways. Your private guide will lead you across Budapest and its history, full of UNESCO World Heritage sites before heading out on your own to explore. Numbers are limited to 15 people on this small-group biking tour of Budapest, ensuring you'll receive personalized attention from your guide.
$505.71 Small group tours

5-Day Sightseeing Tour from Budapest to Vienna

Travel the picturesque route from Budapest to Vienna on this round-trip five-day sightseeing tour! As you explore these cities, admire beautiful landmarks on the Danube River and soak up the sophisticated atmospheres. You’ll spend four nights in comfortable 3-star or 4-star hotels (your choice), both of which include breakfast. Start in Budapest, capital of Hungary and ‘the Pearl of the Danube’, and end in Vienna, capital of Austria and ‘the City of Dreams’. On this tour, see the best of these cities, which are home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, beautiful architecture and rich histories.
$25.91 Sightseeing tours

Budapest Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Bus and Boat

Explore the beautiful and historical city of Budapest, much of which is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a hop-on hop-off tour! Sightsee at your own pace aboard an open-top, double-decker bus, as well as a boat route on the Danube. You can hop on and off as many times as you like at any of the 28 stops to see Budapest’s top attractions, including Heroes’ Square, Margaret Island, Budapest Citadel and Hungarian State Opera House.
$262.97 Small group tours

3-Day Budapest Weekend Adventure

Join this guided weekend adventure exploring Budapest! A local, professional guide is guaranteed to provide the best the city has to offer. Stop by iconic sites such as Heroes' Square, St. Stephen’s Basilica & the Holy Hand, Grand Market, and the Jewish Quarter. Kick back in the world-famous Szechenyi thermal baths and go caving deep inside the hills of Buda! By nightfall, experience the city's incredible "ruin bars" on the popular local pub crawl. Small group sizes and centrally located accommodation ensures a personalized experience.
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