Grandeur on the Danube
Hungary’s vibrant capital contains a collection of imposing and romantic edifices rising from the Buda hills and hugging the meandering waters of the Danube. The immense river divides this imperial city into ancient Buda and upbeat Pest. Together, they are one of the most exciting cities in Europe. Travellers can revel in the artistic treasures of the city’s galleries and museums and wander streets that reverberate with history. Relax like the locals at a steaming bathhouse before heading out to sample the national cuisine, which is often both hearty and famously sophisticated.
Beyond Budapest
Visitors who can tear themselves away from the capital can enjoy Hungary’s other cities: Pécs (a hotspot of cultural heritage), Eger (surrounded by the Alps and famous for its Bull’s Blood wine) and Austrian-infused Sopron (Austrian-influenced with medieval cobbled-streets). Venture to smaller villages to experience the strong folk culture of this nation. Don’t miss the wooden churches of the Bereg region or idyllic Hollókő, which, in addition to depicting rural life before the Industrial Revolution, has repeatedly been voted prettiest village in Hungary.
Rolling hills and open spaces
Hungary’s gentle green landscape is ideal for active holidays. Lake Balaton is a favourite playground-in-nature and the sweeping grassland of the Great Plain – the largest in the world – is home to national parks with well-maintained hiking trails. Visit the wine-growing region of Badacsony to see its vineyards and sample wines from small independent wineries. Does that sound appealing? Find cheap flights to Hungary today.
When to go
European tourists begin to arrive in June, although July and August are the peak months for tourism. The weather is warm and dry, and festivals pop up all around the country. Prices tend to be highest during these summer months, resorts will be busy and city attraction will have long queues. If you want to travel at this time, book your flights between one and two months in advance.
Shoulder season is also a great time to explore Hungary. From April to June, spring flowers cover the landscape, though keep in mind that May and June can be rainy. September marks the start of the grape harvest, making it a great time to visit for wine-tourism. Along with September, October is a beautiful time to walk through the Buda hills.
November can be wet, and temperatures start to plummet. Prices are at their lowest, but many attractions are closed. The festive period in Hungary can be a winter wonderland, particularly with charming, traditional markets and its towns lit up with lights. The Budapest Advent and Christmas Market is a particularly attractive option for those looking for a ‘proper’ Christmas; think mega Christmas trees, wooden huts, open fires and huge pots of steaming goulash.
Airports and airlines
By leaving your departure dates blank or use the month-by-month view option on Netflights, you can to see the full range of flights for your travel period. Save money by being flexible and pick the best routes and deals to suit you and your budget.
Most flights to Hungary arrive at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (also called Ferihegy). There are a range of low-cost airlines offering Hungary flights from the United Kingdom, such as Whizz Air (departures from London Luton, Glasgow and Liverpool); Ryanair (Bristol, East Midlands, Edinburgh and London Stansted); EasyJet (London Gatwick) Flybe (London Southend); Jet2 (departs from East Midlands, Edinburgh, Leeds/Bradford and Manchester) and British Airways (London Heathrow).
Other airlines that fly to Budapest include: KLM, Air France, Finnair, LOT Polish Airlines, Swiss Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Czech Airlines, Norwegian Airlines, Air France, Eurowings, SmartWings, Aegean Airlines, Brussels Airlines and more. You can find alternative Hungary flights to Debrecen International in eastern Hungary with Whizz Air and Lufthansa.
