If you’re considering visiting Hungary, here’s a brief piece of advice – do it! The country holds a myriad of charms that will surprise, amaze, and delight you. Now a full EU member, the former communist country has steadily attracted growing number of tourists ever since it turned west in the 1990’s. Its capital Budapest has emerged as one of Europe’s most popular city destinations, while a moderate climate makes for some stunning countryside, along with all the accompanying culinary delights.
As with all things in life, some of the finest charms are sometimes hidden from plain sight or simply overlooked. Not exactly secrets, but often forgotten delights, here’s a list of Hungary’s finest qualities.
Lakes and spas
For a country that’s landlocked, Hungary sure has a fascination with water. The nation is crazy for water sports – water polo in particular – and it certainly has plenty of playgrounds. The country counts close to 1,500 thermal baths and spas, with a large number located right in the capital city. Lake Balaton, the so-called “Hungarian Sea”, is the largest lake in Central Europe and the country’s most popular vacation destination. It pulls double duty as the country’s party hub, with many of the surrounding town’s booming with nightlife in summertime.
Wine country
You might be surprised to learn that Hungary has a long tradition of wine making – so long, in fact, that it holds the distinction of having the world’s oldest official wine region. That region would be Tokaj, established in 1737 and world-renowned for its sweet white wine. Today, there are 22 distinct wine regions in Hungary, and exploring them is a special treat.
Paprika
The hot red spice is the main ingredient of Hungary’s national cuisine. In fact, paprika is so essential to the Hungarian way of life that any changes in prices or threats to the plant’s yield routinely make the news headlines. It adds color to almost every dish, and it comes in many varieties. Hungarian spicy sausages are highly respected, and you will have a jolly old time exploring the assortment.
Nightlife
For several years back, the capital of Budapest has been lauded as Europe’s best kept secret when it comes to nightlife, so much so that it is no longer a secret. An excellent place to start is the historic Jewish district of Erzsébetváros, the hip central quarter with an abundance of lively cafes dotted around a labyrinth of streets and courtyards.
Business
In the past decade Hungary has emerged as Central Europe’s tech hub, with many successful companies operating from the nation’s capital. This development was boosted by a number of government initiatives to help entrepreneurs and draw foreign capital through government funds to tax relief. It has also become a business immigration hotspot, with many companies opting for Hungarian residency as a way to expand onto the market. Hungarian residence permit for investors provides numerous benefits, such as low corporate tax, freedom of travel within the EU and a favorable business climate.
Pinball museum
A peculiar gem that exists outside of any recognized Hungarian tradition, the Budapest Pinball Museum is one man’s lifelong passion exhibited for all to enjoy. It is Europe’s largest collection of playable pinball machines, collecting these pieces of retro magic and providing a full day of fun for those nostalgic for a bygone era. It was opened in 2015 and quickly grew to become one of Budapest’s most popular tourist attractions.
Goulash
Fairly well-known around the world, although in a slightly different shape, goulash is Hungary’s national dish, and what a glorious one it is. Often mistaken for a stew (Hungarian “pörkölt”, which is also exquisite), goulash is actually a nourishing soup with a generous dose of meat and potatoes. It is cooked in many delicious regional varieties, and you can easily find a cooking class in and out of Budapest, for a lasting memory of your visit to Hungary.
Horse riding
Most commonly considered to be the descendants of Attila the Hun’s horse riding hordes (although the Hungarian origin is often passionately debated), Hungarian’s have a strong tradition of horse breeding and horse riding. The Hungarians have also invented coaches, and their light cavalry was legendary in battle. Nowadays, you can find many excellent horse riding schools in Hungary’s idyllic countryside, ideal for starting lessons or casual visits.
Budapest’s underground caves
Underneath the city of Budapest lies a surprising hidden gem: the largest geothermal cave system in the world! Not only are these underground caves a unique experience, they are also located in the middle of a bustling European metropole, with access points only a few minutes away from the city center.
Public transport
Getting around a bustling European city is always a point of concern, but you have nothing to worry about in Budapest. Its public transport system is phenomenal, with numerous options for even the most remote parts of the city at any time of day or night. In fact, Budapest has the oldest continental underground railway in Europe, only preceded by London’s metro. The public transport system includes subway, buses, trolleybuses, and ferry boats. There are combined cards and passes that allow you unlimited transportation for a desired time.
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Lillian Connors is an avid traveler and a passionate writer within this niche. She enjoys sharing her insights with others infested with a travel bug.