Hungary

(Hungarian: Magyarország) is an EU member state featuring a gorgeous capital city, Budapest, and the largest lake in Central Europe, Balaton. Hungary offers many diverse destinations: relatively low mountains in the north-west, the Great Plain in the east, lakes and rivers of all sorts, and many beautiful small villages and hidden gems of cities. Top this off with Hungary's great accessibility in the middle of Europe, a vivid culture and economy, and you get a destination absolutely worth visiting if you're in the region.

• Budapest. — with green filled parks, interesting museums, and a pulsating nightlife, Budapest is one of Europe's most delightful and enjoyable cities
• Debrecen. — the second largest city in the country
• Győr. — there are many cafés, restaurants, boutiques, and night clubs in its lovely baroque city center
• Kecskemét. — a town famous for its vibrant music scene, plum brandy, and Art Nouveau architecture
• Miskolc. — with the unique cave bath in Miskolc-Tapolca, the third largest city in the country, located near the Bükk hills
• Nyíregyháza. — a medium-sized city with a busy water resort, museum village, and annual autumn festival
• Pécs. — a pleasant cultural centre and university town
• Szeged. — the sunniest city in Hungary
• Székesfehérvár. — former royal seat, famous for its baroque architecture and museums

Budapest. — with green filled parks, interesting museums, and a pulsating nightlife, Budapest is one of Europe's most delightful and enjoyable cities

Debrecen. — the second largest city in the country

Győr. — there are many cafés, restaurants, boutiques, and night clubs in its lovely baroque city center

Kecskemét. — a town famous for its vibrant music scene, plum brandy, and Art Nouveau architecture

Miskolc. — with the unique cave bath in [[Miskolc-Tapolca]], the third largest city in the country, located near the Bükk hills

Nyíregyháza. — a medium-sized city with a busy water resort, museum village, and annual autumn festival

Pécs. — a pleasant cultural centre and university town

Szeged. — the sunniest city in Hungary

Székesfehérvár. — former royal seat, famous for its baroque architecture and museums

• Lake Balaton. — the major lake of Hungary and the biggest lake in Central Europe
• Hortobágy National Park. — Hungary's largest protected area and the largest semi-natural grassland in Europe

Lake Balaton. — the major lake of Hungary and the biggest lake in [[Central Europe]]

Hortobágy National Park. — Hungary's largest protected area and the largest semi-natural grassland in Europe

Hungary is one of the 15 most popular tourist destinations in the world, with a capital regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world. Despite its relatively small size, Hungary is home to numerous World Heritage Sites, UNESCO Biosphere reserves, the second largest thermal lake in the world (Lake Hévíz), the largest lake in Central Europe (Lake Balaton), and the largest natural grassland in Europe (Hortobágy). In terms of buildings, Hungary is home to the largest synagogue in Europe (the Great Synagogue of Budapest), the largest medicinal bath in Europe (Széchenyi Medicinal Bath), the third largest church in Europe (Esztergom Basilica), the second largest territorial abbey in the world (Pannonhalma Archabbey), the second largest Baroque castle in the world (Gödöllő), and the largest Early Christian Necropolis outside Italy (Pécs).

You can expect to find safe food and water, good safety and a generally stable political climate.

Hungary has been ethnically diverse since its inception, and while today over 90% of the population are ethnically Hungarian, pockets of ethnic and cultural Slovaks, Romanians, Germans, Romani/Sinti people (Gypsies), and others dot the country. Due to the border changes of Hungary after World War I, over 2 million ethnic and cultural Hungarians live in bordering countries, as well. The Hungarians, otherwise known as Magyars, are the descendants of several tribes from Central Asia, who were believed to be fierce, nomadic horsemen and came to Central Europe in the 9th century.

Hungary is governed by a right-wing conservative party that is accused of authoritarian behavior. This is unlikely to affect travellers who refrain from political activity and do not run afoul of the law, except for Romani/Sinti people, who have been under violent attack by vigilantes in some places. The ultra-right-wing opposition Jobbik Party has also made some very troubling anti-Semitic and anti-Romani/Sinti statements, and if it ever gained greater power, it is likely that many people would be endangered; It received 19-20% of the votes in the 2014 and 2018 recent elections. There are also reports of general anti-foreigner sentiment and racism against people who look ethnically non-European, however, Hungary seems to lie within the average of the former Eastern Bloc in that regard.

Temperatures in Hungary vary from -20°C to 39°C through the year. Distribution and frequency of rainfall are unpredictable due to the continental clime of the country. Heavy storms are frequent after hot summer days, and so do more days long still rainfalls in the Autumn. The western part of the country usually receives more rain than the eastern part, and severe droughts may occur in summertime. Weather conditions in the Great Plain can be especially harsh, with hot summers, cold winters, and scant rainfall.

• 1 January - New Year's Day
• 15 March - National Day (commemorating the 1848 Hungarian revolution and independence war against the Austrian Empire)
• moveable - Good Friday
• moveable - Easter
• 1 May - International Worker's Day
• moveable - Pentecost
• 20 August - State Foundation Day (also known as St. Stephen's Day)
• 23 October - National Day (also known as Republic Day)
• 1 November - All Saints Day
• 25-26 December - Christmas

1 January - New Year's Day

15 March - National Day (commemorating the 1848 Hungarian revolution and independence war against the Austrian Empire)

moveable - Good Friday

moveable - Easter

1 May - International Worker's Day

moveable - Pentecost

20 August - State Foundation Day (also known as St. Stephen's Day)

23 October - National Day (also known as Republic Day)

1 November - All Saints Day

25-26 December - Christmas

Hungarians are rightly proud of their unique, complex, sophisticated, richly expressive language, Hungarian (Magyar pronounced "mohdyohr"). It is a Uralic language most closely related to Mansi and Khanty of western Siberia. It is further sub-classified into the Finno-Ugric languages which include Finnish and Estonian; it is not at all related to any of its neighbours: the Slavic, Germanic, and Romance languages belonging to the Indo-European language family. Although related to Finnish and Estonian, they are not mutually intelligible, though several words are similar. As such, Hungarian is considered one of the most difficult languages for English speakers to learn with the vocabulary, complicated grammar, and pronunciation being radically different. However, it is written in the Latin alphabet in modern times, thus obviating the need for English speakers to learn a new script.

English is now compulsory in schools. With that said, most Hungarians are not fluent in it, and fluency levels tend to be low compared to other European countries. Younger generations and people in Budapest might be able to hold a decent conversation; otherwise, do not expect people to speak it well or at all. This goes double for rural areas.

On the other hand, German is also very useful in Hungary: it is almost as widely spoken as English, and almost universally so near the Austrian border and especially Sopron, which is officially bilingual and has huge contacts with Vienna due to it being accessible by Vienna suburban trains. In these areas, German will most often take you a lot further than English.

Though not as widespread as English and German, French remains fairly common, and has become more popular. The more "touristy" a place is, the more likely you'll encounter Hungarians who can speak some French.

The older generations have had less access to foreign language tuition, so they may well not speak any foreign languages. A minority of Hungarians speak Russian, which was compulsory in the Communist era, although most Hungarians are quite happy to forget it so try it only as a last resort.

In Hungary, you will have a much better chance finding someone speaking a foreign language (mostly English and German) in larger cities, especially in those with universities such as Budapest, Debrecen, Miskolc, and Szeged.

Hungary has several World Heritage sites. These are:

• Budapest, including the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue
• Old Village of Hollókő and its Surroundings
• Caves of Aggtelek National Park — beautiful caves with dripstones and stalagmites
• Millenary Benedictine Abbey of Pannonhalma and its Natural Environment
• Hortobágy National Park - the Puszta
• Early Christian Necropolis of Pécs (Sopianae)
• Fertő Lake Cultural Landscape common place with Austria more see there.
• Tokaj and Villány Wine Regions and Historic Cultural Landscapes

Other major tourist destination is Lake Balaton, with winehills, thermal spa in Hévíz, Hajdúszoboszló and Harkány around. Sopron is one of the most popular place for a sightseeing in the region.

There are also some amazing things to see.

• Tiszavirágzás. In mid-June the Tisza produces swarms of mayflies which are likened to flowers. Once decimated by pollution, the population is rebounding. (They're famous for living only for 1–2 days.)
• Busójárás. In February the people chase away bad ghosts by loud clamping on streets of Mohács.

[[Tokaj]] and Villány Wine Regions and Historic Cultural Landscapes

Tiszavirágzás. In mid-June the Tisza produces swarms of mayflies which are likened to flowers. Once decimated by pollution, the population is rebounding. (They're famous for living only for 1–2 days.)

Busójárás. In February the people chase away bad ghosts by loud clamping on streets of Mohács.

Birdwatching Hungary is an excellent destination for birdwatching holiday. There are wooded hills, vast fish-pond systems and grasslands, the puszta. Particularly good areas include the Kiskunsag and Hortobagy National Parks and the Aggtelek, Bukk and Zemplen Hills.

Horse riding Vast areas of open countryside coupled with the long traditions of horsemanship make Hungary an ideal country for riding. Wide open plains in the south and forested hills in the north offer varied riding terrain.

Thermal waters abound in Hungary with over 1000 thermal springs in the country many of which have been turned into baths and spas. The most famous being the Szechenyi baths in Budapest. There are, however, hundreds of individual baths all around the country. The cave baths at Miskolc-Tapolca and the spa at Egerszalók are some nice examples.

See Budapest#Baths, Nyíregyháza#Do for details. More thermal bath and spa from Hungary: A selected list of authorized medicinal waters.

The Hungarian currency is the forint, denoted by the symbol "Ft" (ISO code: HUF). Notes come in 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500 denominations; coins are 200 (two coloured, similar to €1), 100 (two coloured, similar to €2), 50, 20, 10 and 5.

Euros are now accepted at most hotels and some of the restaurants and shops. Make sure you check the exchange rate, sometimes even well known places (like McDonald's) will exchange at unrealistic rates. Forint is scheduled to disappear in coming years in favour of the euro, but no date is yet fixed.

You can use major credit cards (EuroCard, Visa) in major shops and larger restaurants, but never expect that without checking first. Small places cannot afford to handle cards. ATMs are available even in small cities, the coverage is good.

While completing any monetary transactions, it is best to pay in forint when you can. Some restaurants and hotels charge a steep rate for exchanging euros and often due to the fluctuation in forint, cost and services stated may vary drastically.

Shopping in Hungary is extremely cheap for people from the Euro-zone and them US. An exception to this rule is that luxury goods are often at higher prices than would be encountered in Western Europe or the US.

Exchange rates for euros and US dollars are roughly the same within central (at least in Budapest and Eger). Rates will likely be much worse in airports and large train stations, so only change what you need to reach the city centre. A good habit is to compare the buy and sell rates: if they are drastically different, you're best going somewhere else. Official exchange offices always give a receipt and normally have a large glass between client and a cashier making all steps transparent for client.

Euros are very widely accepted, in hotels, in some splurge restaurants or bars, in some shop (like all SPAR super/hypermarkets, usually at the cashdesk area is a board with the actual rate), or international cash desk of course the rates five even ten percent worse than in the banks and be prepare the change they will get back in forint. Try using small notes (max. 50), at international cash desk even can pay also with coins and the rate is ok. Traded currencies at the two biggest Hungarian bank K&H Bank: AUD, CAD, CHF, CZK, DKK, EUR, GBP, HRK, JPY, NOK, PLN, SEK, USD; OTP Bank: same as K&H plus BGN, RUB and accepted Euro or Amex travellers cheques (comission). Smaller banks like Raiffeisen Bank (for CZK), Oberbank (for CHF) or Sberbank (for RUB) giving better rates, but not change so many currencies (need to check as it is variable). For your remained forints buying euros, US dollars and Swiss francs always available, but others only when in stock. More unusual currencies, such as Israeli shekels, Hong Kong dollars, or Ukrainian hyrvnia, can only be exchanged at money changers.

If you arrive in Hungary at weekends, holidays or evening banks are closed only ATMs or money changer shops or some hotels (mostly the biggers). ATMs and banks can be found in hypermarkets.

If you arrive at Budapest Ferihegy Airport late at night or on state holidays changing money is possible as there are five interchange money changer offices. Opening times vary: from morning to around midnight, and one is open 24 hours a day. There is an ATM in the arrival hall at Budapest Ferihegy, and the rates for using ATMs with a card are often better than the bureau de change. Also Interchange has booths at Déli (one), Keleti (three), Nyugati (one) Railway stations. These are open daily from 07:00 or earlier to 20:50-23:30. Locations and opening time here. In the city centre of Budapest at #2 Vörösmarty square (:Vörösmarty tér) branch is open 24 hours a day.

There are many ATMs in Budapest which will accept European and North American debit or credit cards. Be aware that "Euronet" ATMs have high charges in addition to any charges your own bank may apply, whereas ATMs operated by banks (e.g. OTP Bank, Raiffeisenbank) don't add extra charges.

Visitors report that unofficial money changers operating nearby an official money changing booth offer unfavourable rates, and recommend using the official exchange offices. Such exchangers are illegal and there is the possibility that you will receive other than Hungarian currency or nothing at all.

Tips (borravaló) are given in Hungary for some services: in restaurants, in bars, to taxi drivers, to hairdressers, and often to people that fix things around the house, like plumbers and electricians.

Although not legally required, social norms encourage that tips are given. 10% is usually enough. Check your receipt before you pay, because some bars and restaurants charge a 10% service fee (szervizdíj), in this case tipping is not expected.

Apart from classic tourist souvenirs such as postcards and trinkets, here are some things unique to Hungary or just hard to find elsewhere.

• Duck and goose liver
• Salamis - products of Hertz, Picks are the best, try Winter salami (Hu: Téliszalámi)
• Sweets Chocolates with fruit Brandy, Szamos Marzipan dessert, Praline with Truffle, szaloncukor, literally: "parlour candy", is a popular sweet at Christmas.
• Cold-smoked sausages - Mangalica and grey beef specials
• Herbal Teas
• Truffle Products - Honeys, Jams
• Spices: Paprika and Hungarian Saffron
• Gundel set of cheese: aged in Gundel wines or with walnut pieces or seasonings. Most easily found in 350 g sets of three kinds in duty-free of Ferihegy Airport in Budapest (at least in Terminal 2), but is likely available in Gundel 1894 Food & Wine Cellar (see Pest#Eat). Keep in mind that shelf life for this cheese is only 2 months.

Duck and goose liver

Salamis - products of Hertz, Picks are the best, try Winter salami (Hu: Téliszalámi)

Sweets Chocolates with fruit Brandy, Szamos Marzipan dessert, Praline with Truffle, szaloncukor, literally: "parlour candy", is a popular sweet at Christmas.

Cold-smoked sausages - Mangalica and grey beef specials

Herbal Teas

Truffle Products - Honeys, Jams

Spices: Paprika and Hungarian Saffron

Gundel set of cheese: aged in Gundel wines or with walnut pieces or seasonings. Most easily found in 350 g sets of three kinds in duty-free of Ferihegy Airport in [[Budapest]] (at least in Terminal 2), but is likely available in Gundel 1894 Food & Wine Cellar (see [[Budapest/Pest#Gundel|Pest#Eat]]). Keep in mind that shelf life for this cheese is only 2 months.

• Champagnes
• Wines: the vineries of Badacsony, Tokaj, Villány have the best products, but when purchasing wine beyond the right kind and vintage is also important the wine rack. The wrought iron with wine leaves is very showy, but if you are traveling by plane difficult to transport, so maybe a wood is more practical and you can buy a wide range of it. Other good names are: Somlói Juhfark, Egri Bikavér (see Liquor), Kadarka, red wine from Villány area etc.
• Pálinka: very famous and strong brandy made from fruits.
• Unicum: a herbal digestif liqueur.

Champagnes

Wines: the vineries of Badacsony, Tokaj, Villány have the best products, but when purchasing wine beyond the right kind and vintage is also important the wine rack. The wrought iron with wine leaves is very showy, but if you are traveling by plane difficult to transport, so maybe a wood is more practical and you can buy a wide range of it. Other good names are: Somlói Juhfark, Egri Bikavér (see Liquor), Kadarka, red wine from Villány area etc.

Pálinka: very famous and strong brandy made from fruits.

Unicum: a herbal digestif liqueur.

• Black pottery - part of the Transdanubian folk art
• Porcelain - look for high quality handmade Herend and Zsolnay products, usually sell them in set, simple candle holders are much cheaper and also popular
• Herend majolica at more affordable prices than the classic Herend.
• Hungarian Cuisine book (English, German, French, Spanish, Italian)
• 'matyó' patterned wooden spoons, ceramic of Sárospatak spoon holder
• Embroideries such as patterned of Kalocsa or Matyó.
• Blueprinted textiles mostly linen or cotton materials
• Diamonds in handmade white gold, platinum inlaid jewellery, try your luck at Szentendre the Europe’s largest diamond & jewellery centre
• Handicrafts and decorative arts works decorated with traditional, Hungarian folk motifs (letter-paper envelope sets, greeting cards, handkerchiefs, napkins, tablecloths, pillows, towels)
• The Rubik's cube originated in Hungary and was invented in 1974 by Erno Rubik and is one example of its longstanding gaming tradition.

Black pottery - part of the Transdanubian folk art

Porcelain - look for high quality handmade Herend and Zsolnay products, usually sell them in set, simple candle holders are much cheaper and also popular

Herend majolica at more affordable prices than the classic Herend.

Hungarian Cuisine book (English, German, French, Spanish, Italian)

Embroideries such as patterned of Kalocsa or Matyó.

Blueprinted textiles mostly linen or cotton materials

Diamonds in handmade white gold, platinum inlaid jewellery, try your luck at [[Szentendre]] the Europe’s largest diamond & jewellery centre

Handicrafts and decorative arts works decorated with traditional, Hungarian folk motifs (letter-paper envelope sets, greeting cards, handkerchiefs, napkins, tablecloths, pillows, towels)

The Rubik's cube originated in Hungary and was invented in 1974 by Erno Rubik and is one example of its longstanding gaming tradition.

Main courses in menu are normally 2000–4000 Ft in touristy places in Budapest, 1500–2200 Ft outside it, or in towns like Eger and Szentendre (Jan 2014).

A two-course lunch with a soft drink in Budapest typically costs 1500–8000 Ft per person, and half or third of that outside Budapest (Chinese fast food menu is around 900 Ft - 2014).

In restaurants, a service charge is frequently included into bill, 10% or even 12%, but this has to be clearly pointed out on the menu. If it's not mentioned, the place has no right to include a service charge in the bill.

Even if there's no service charge, unless the service was preposterous most Hungarians tend to leave a tip of 10% minimum. Unlike in most western countries, tip is usually not left on the table but rather the amount is specified to the waiting staff when you pay.

There were some places, mainly in the centre of Pest, that try to rip off drunk tourists at night by charging ridiculously high prices for drinks. Most of these places are closed now, but it's still a good idea to always check the prices before ordering.

Common in major cities and next to the highways are branches of major international chains such as KFC, McDonald's, Burger King, Subway, Pizza Hutand TGI Friday's last two just in Budapest.

Hungarians are quite proud of their cuisine (Magyar konyha), and most of the time not without a reason. Food are usually spicy, but not hot by general standards, and it's tasty rather than healthy: many dishes are prepared with lard or deep-fried. The national spice is paprika, made from ground sweet bell peppers and which actually has some flavor when fresh. The national dish is goulash but Hungarians call the thick paprika-laden stew known as goulash elsewhere by the term pörkölt and reserve the term gulyás for a lighter paprika-flavored soup.

Meat is popular, especially pork (sertés), beef (marha) and venison (őz). Less common is lamb and mutton. The best fish in Hungary are river fish: carp (ponty), zander (fogas/süllő) and catfish (harcsa), though many restaurants will serve fish from far away, another typical hungarian fish meal is roasted hake (sült hekk). Chicken (csirke) and turkey (pulyka) are common, and you will also find game birds excellent in smarter restaurants and country areas. Pheasant (Fácán), Partridge(Fogoly) and duck (Kacsa). A typical meal will involve soup, often like a consommé (erőleves), meat with potatoes (burgonya) and a side salad, and a dessert like pancakes (palacsinta).

Less well known in the rest of the world are csirke paprikás, chicken stew in paprika sauce, and halászlé, paprika fish soup often made from carp.

Goose is also quite popular in Hungary. While tourists gorge on goose liver (libamáj), still cheap by Western standards, probably the most common dish is sült libacomb, roast goose leg. Stuffed (töltött) vegetables of all kinds are also popular, and Hungarian pancakes (palacsinta), both savoury and sweet, are a treat. Common snacks include kolbász, a Hungarianized version of the Polish kielbasa sausage, and lángos, deep-fried dough with a variety of toppings (mostly sour cream, cheese and/or garlic).

A Hungarian meal is almost always, even at breakfast, accompanied by Hungarian pickles called savanyúság, literally "sourness". These are often dubbed saláta on menus, so order a vitamin saláta if you want fresh veggies. Starch is most often served as potatoes, rice or dumplings (galuska or nokedli). The primary Hungarian contribution in this field is an unusual type of small couscous-like pasta called tarhonya.

It is worth to visit a "Cukrászda" if you are in Hungary. These are very popular with delicious cakes and coffee. Try the traditional Krémes (with vanila cream), Eszterházy (lots of nuts) or Somlói Galuska. You should visit Auguszt, Szamos or Daubner if you want the best. Daubner is a little out of the way, Auguszt Cukrászda is an absolute must. They have a shop near the Astoria metro station, founded in 1969.

Another favourite is Lángos, which is deep fried bread served served with various fillings. Most common is plain, with salt, garlic (fokhagyma) and soured cream (tejföl). If you do come across a Langos stand, there are usually a large number of options from pizza langos, or eggs with mayonnaise or Nutella and bananas.

Vegetarians and Vegans will have about as much ease eating out as in any other western country. Budapest is not a problem, as there is a wide variety of restaurants to choose from, but in an ordinary Hungarian restaurant the non-meat mains on the menu are pretty much limited to rántott sajt (fried cheese) and gombafejek rántva (fried mushrooms).

Italian food is popular, so as long as you don't mind a pasta heavy diet as a vegetarian you will find a wider choice.

For self-catering, the selection of fruits and vegetables from supermarkets or local shops and market is quite good, especially in summer.

There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan restaurants, and a lot of health food stores that offer all sorts of vegetarian/vegan products, including cosmetics. A good place for specific information is Budaveg.

• Egri Bikavér (Bull's Blood of Eger) (1000 Ft for a good one) is a strong red Hungarian wine which supposedly saved a clever Hungarian girl from her fate with a Turkish sultan. During the time of the Turkish occupation, it is said a young girl was summoned to become a member of the local sultan's harem. Not wanting this fate for his daughter, her father gave her a bottle of Egri Bikavér to take to the sultan. He told her to tell the ruler it was bull's blood, and would make him invincible. The sultan, being Muslim, was unaccustomed to alcohol, and proceeded to pass out, leaving the daughter unharmed. There is another story connected to why Bull's Blood is called so, and it also comes from the Turkish era. According to that one, the defenders of the different castles used to drink this red wine. When they saw the color on the mouths of the Hungarians, they thought that it must have been from a bull, thus the name.
• Tokaj is known for its sweet dessert wines (Tokaji aszú), (2000–6000 Ft) which acquire their distinctive taste from grapes infected by the "noble rot" Botrytis cinerea. The favorite tipple of aristocracy, past fans of Tokaji include Louis XIV (who called Tokaj as "The king of the wines, the wine of the kings"), Beethoven, Napoleon III and Peter the Great — which is still reflected in the steep pricing of the best varieties. Almost uniquely among white wines, Tokaj keeps well for a long time.

If new to Hungarian wine, be aware that both champagne ("pezsgő") and wine, red or white, are quite likely to be sweet ("Édes" or "félédes"). If dry wine is your preference, look for the word "Száraz" on the label. When buying bottled wine, don't bother with types cheaper than 600–700 Ft, as these are usually very low quality (maybe not even produced from grapes). In wine cellars high quality may be available at surprisingly low prices.

Egri Bikavér (Bull's Blood of Eger) (1000 Ft for a good one) is a strong red Hungarian wine which supposedly saved a clever Hungarian girl from her fate with a Turkish sultan. During the time of the Turkish occupation, it is said a young girl was summoned to become a member of the local sultan's harem. Not wanting this fate for his daughter, her father gave her a bottle of Egri Bikavér to take to the sultan. He told her to tell the ruler it was bull's blood, and would make him invincible. The sultan, being Muslim, was unaccustomed to alcohol, and proceeded to pass out, leaving the daughter unharmed. There is another story connected to why Bull's Blood is called so, and it also comes from the Turkish era. According to that one, the defenders of the different castles used to drink this red wine. When they saw the color on the mouths of the Hungarians, they thought that it must have been from a bull, thus the name.

Tokaj is known for its sweet dessert wines (Tokaji aszú), (2000–6000 Ft) which acquire their distinctive taste from grapes infected by the "noble rot" Botrytis cinerea. The favorite tipple of aristocracy, past fans of Tokaji include Louis XIV (who called Tokaj as "The king of the wines, the wine of the kings"), Beethoven, Napoleon III and Peter the Great — which is still reflected in the steep pricing of the best varieties. Almost uniquely among white wines, Tokaj keeps well for a long time.

In Hungarian, pálinka denotes strong brandy-like liquor distilled from fruit. Pálinka is a very social drink: just as the English drink tea, the Hungarians, especially in rural areas, will offer pálinka to guests upon arrival. The best-known varieties are barackpálinka, made from apricots, körtepálinka from pears, and szilvapálinka made from plums. Factory-made pálinka is widely available, but keep an eye out for homemade házipálinka. Pálinkas usually contain around or above 50% of alcohol, often more for the homemade ones. Pálinka bottles marked mézes will be heavily sweetened with honey. (3000 Ft for something good)

Unicum is a strong digestif made from a secret mix of over 40 herbs. It comes in striking black bottles emblazoned with a red and white cross, and has a very strong and unusual taste. Unicum Next has a lighter, citrusy flavor, and is rather more palatable. Definitely worth trying, the spherical bottle (affectionately called "the Holy Hand Grenade") itself may also be used for decoration, and keeps very well for a long time. It is available in every bar in Hungary but it is rare to see someone drinking it.

Hungarian beer is quite average compared to other Central European countries like Germany and the Czech Republic as it has long been a wine culture. The most common beers are Dreher, Szalon, Borsodi, Soproni and Arany Ászok, available in the styles világos (lager) and barna (brown). All of Hungarian breweries are owned and managed by international brands such as: Dreher Sörgyár (Budapest); Heineken Hungaria (Sopron and Martfű); Heineken; Borsodi Sörgyár (Bőcs); Pécsi Sörfőzde (Pécs); Ottakinger. They cost 200–300 Ft at a store and 400–600 Ft at a bar. Some expensive club can charge up to 900 in Budapest.

Imported beers like Pilsner Urquell, Staropramen and Budweiser-Budvar (the original Czech variety) are widely available in bars and markets for not much more than the ubiquitous Hungarian brands.

When offering a toast with beer, be warned that most Hungarians will politely refuse. This is due to an old tradition due to remembering soldiers executed by the Habsburgs of Austria in the 1848 revolution, whereby it was decreed no Hungarian would toast with beer for 150 years. It's been so long, however, that most Hungarians no longer know the origins of this tradition or that they've been free to make toasts over beer for the past ten years.

Cafe culture is widespread in Hungary, although it may never recover the romance of its turn-of-the-century intellectual heyday. Unless asked, it's a good idea to specify what kind of coffee you prefer. The word kávé means the strong, espresso-like coffee, although American-style coffee, known as hosszú kávé in Hungarian, usually translated as "long coffee", is also available at most places.

Tea houses are becoming popular in cities, especially among the young. There is a growing number of tea houses, mainly in Budapest and some bigger cities where people can buy several types of loose tea. The best teas are herbal and fruit varieties. In restaurants and cafes, lemon juice is frequently served in a small bottle. However, in traditional restaurants or cafes good teas are hard to find as coffee are preferred.

Hungary in general is a very safe country. However, petty crime in particular remains a concern, just like in any other country.

Watch your bags and pockets on public transport. There is a danger of pickpockets. Passports, cash and credit cards are common targets of thieves. Keep items that you do not store in your hotel safe or residence in a safe place, but be aware that pockets, purses and backpacks are especially vulnerable, even if closed. There are also reported cases of people who got their baggage stolen while sleeping on the train.

Generally, Hungary is rather quiet during the night compared to other European countries, and crime to tourists is limited to pickpocketing, and cheating on prices and bills and taxi fares.

Everyone is required to carry their passport and ID card. Not doing so lead to trouble with the police. The police generally accept a colour copy of your passport.

The police force is professional and well trained, but most hardly speak any English.

See the Budapest travel guide for more specific and valuable information about common street scams and tourist traps in Hungary.

The majority of Hungarians drive dangerously and had 739 deaths on the roads in 2010. This is largely due to careless driving habits. Many drivers do not observe the speed limits and you should be extra careful on two-way roads where local drivers pass each other frequently and allow for less space than you may be used to.

Car seats are required for infants. Children under age 12 may not sit in the front seat. Seat belts are mandatory for everyone in the car. You may not turn right on a red light. The police issues tickets for traffic violations and issue on the spot fines. In practice the laws are widely ignored.

Also, Hungarian laws have zero tolerance to drink and drive, and the penalty is a severe fine. It means no alcoholic beverage is allowed to be consumed if driving, no blood alcohol of any level is acceptable. Failure to pay fines may result in your passport getting confiscated, or even a jail term until or unless you pay the fine.

More importantly, the police stops vehicles regularly for document checks. You shouldn't worry when you are stopped because by law, everyone needs to have their identification papers checked.

Hungary has some of the harshest penalties for those involved in a car accident. Involvement in a car accident results in a fine, and maybe a prison sentence from 1 year to 5 years (depending on the aggravating circumstances).

Food and water is generally safe, even in remote villages. It is safe to drink tap water anywhere, even in remote areas, however, due to the cleaning process the taste of the water can be really unpleasant. Best idea is to try before changing to the bottled water. Bottled waters has a large selection, both the fizzy (blue bottle cap) and still (red/pink bottle cap) water and it is cheap (starts from less than 100 Ft for 1.5 litre). The only notable exception of the drinking water are trains where the tap water is not drinkable and other places where tap water is labeled as such.

It is widely available and good practice to have with you a bottle during hot summer.

Private health care providers are high quality, but limited in scope once outside Budapest. Dentistry is cheaper here than in Western Europe (8000–10,000 Ft for an appointment and x-ray), and physiotherapy also (3000 Ft for a half-hour treatment), but check the price with the provider before you confirm the appointment. Outside Budapest you will likely have to speak basic Hungarian to communicate your needs as few doctors will have any English or German skills.

Public health care is free for qualifying (insured) people, and is of adequate quality in urban areas.

The country has joined the EU, so basic coverage is present for EU citizens, but check before entering the country how far are you insured and what you have to pay for. Do not expect at this time that the local doctor will know the EU rules, prepare to provide info.

The European Health Insurance Card is required from EU citizens applying for free treatment under this regulation.

Pharmacies are everywhere, you may expect high prices, but good pharmaceutical coverage. Sadly the situation clearly has worsened a lot since early 2010, as many pharmacies can not maintain an adequate reserve of medicines. Another problem might be communicating with the pharmacist as most of them speak only Hungarian. Quite unexpectedly some rusty Latin might come handy. Due to reduced trade between Hungary and andania (as of Dec 2006), some of familiar medications are unavailable—so be prepared to find a substitute in advance.

• The 1956 Revolution continues to be a sensitive subject with many of the Hungarians. You are well advised not to discuss the Treaty of Trianon (1920) at all - the Hungarians can take it surprisingly sensitively.
• Open display of the Communist red star and hammer and sickle symbol, the Nazi swastika and SS symbols, and the Hungarian fascist Arrow Cross, is prohibited by law. Make sure your clothing does not have these symbols on it, even if it's just a joke. You can be fined for it.
• Members of the Gypsy community may find the traditional Hungarian label 'Cigány' (pron. 'tzigan') offensive, preferring to be labeled as Roma.
• As a rural tradition, Hungarians affectionately refer to themselves as "dancing with tears in our eyes" ("sírva vígad a magyar"), as in a bittersweet resignation to the perceived bad luck in their long history. Avoid mocking Hungarian history and Hungarian patriotism.
• Talking loudly is generally considered rude. You will notice how most Hungarians tend to keep their voices down in public places.
• When entering a home, shoes should generally be taken off.
• Displaying a good upbringing is a social status symbol, and this is mostly shown through displayed respect to the elder people. On public transport it will be considered inpolite not to offer your seat to older people (roughly above 65-70), if there are no other open seats. On the other hand, offering your seat to people around 50-60 might earn you a sarcastic "I´m not that old".

• It's an old tradition that Hungarians do not clink beer glasses or beer bottles. This is due to the legend that Austrians celebrated the execution of the 13 Hungarian Martyrs in 1849 by clinking their beer glasses, so Hungarians vowed not to clink with beer for 150 years. Obviously this time period has expired, but old habits die hard although less so by younger generations.

• Broadband Internet access is now widespread in Hungary. It's quite usual to find free Internet access (wifi) in Shopping centers; in Budapest, most cafes and pubs. You'll have wifi access even in small towns. Look for the "wifi" signs, you may have to ask for the access password, however, if you consume, it will be freely given.