A Travel Guide for Schengen Countries: Unraveling Hungary

Hungary, a splendid country in Central Europe, is a favorite with tourists for its enthralling scenery and amazing tourist attractions. The country hypnotizes you with its magnificent scenery and architectural marvels worth their weight in gold.

You can experience life's rich tapestry moving from its relaxing spas to its stimulating nightlife. Film lovers and theatre buffs can have a wonderful time cherishing Hungarian cinema, dance and folk music.

Why Visit

Many tourist attractions have something for everyone. Hungary goes a step further - it has everything for everyone! Historic locations, lush green terrain, entertaining festivals and buzzing nightlife - you name it and Hungary delivers.

Hungary's travel menu is not complete without its outdoor activities like horse riding, skiing and fishing. Food enthusiasts flock to Hungary for its delightful cuisine. Its sparkling wine is a favorite with tourists.

When to Visit

• High Season: June-August, December
  These are perhaps the coldest months, and hence the country does not see many tourists during this time. But the rates are cheaper, and there are many museum events and concerts.
• Low Season: January-February
  These are perhaps the coldest months, and hence the country does not see many tourists during this time. But the rates are cheaper, and there are many museum events and concerts.
• Shoulder Season: September-November, March-May
  The pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and a host of cultural events make spring and autumn the best time to visit the Scandinavian country.

Schengen Visa for Hungary

Every tourist needs to possess a Schengen Visa to travel to Hungary. Considered as a boon for tourists, the Schengen Pact is the result of cooperation between 26 European countries. These countries have eliminated individual visa requirements, thereby minimizing border control. The Pact ensures tourists and citizens enjoy hassle-free movement within the member countries on a common visa. Simply put, a Schengen Visa lets one travel to any member country without applying for multiple visas.

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa

To apply for a Schengen Visa, one needs to download the Visa Application Form, which is easily available online. Submit the duly filled form along with valid documentation to the destination country's embassy in India. Remember, the form needs to be filled carefully stating the reason for your visit. It also needs to be supported with your recent financial statement. Also, availing the right travel insurance plan is mandatory for securing a visa approval for a Schengen country.

How to Travel

• To Hungary
  Hungary's main international airports are Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport in Budapest and Airport Debrecen in Debrecen. There two other international airports as well. Various regions in Europe are connected to Hungary through the main railway hub in Budapest. Several international buses also connect Hungary to its neighboring countries.
• Within Hungary
  The train network within Hungary has its hub in Budapest. The trains are fast, efficient and there are also several intercity trains. You can also choose to travel within the country in a bus or a car and many cities can also be reached by boat. Use this efficient public transport to save costs. If you are an adventurous bike-lover, zip your way through the city, renting a bike. If you love clear water, take a ferry to move around the city.

Where to Stay

Do you wish to relax in a spa resort? Or enjoy all the luxuries of modern life in a pampered environment? Or are you on a tight budget? You can choose any type of accommodation as per your needs. Choose a hotel, resort or rent yourself an apartment.

Things to Do

• Buda Castle, Budapest: Located in the Budapest district on Buda Castle Hill, which houses splendid attractions and historical museums, the Buda Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Entertain yourself at its electric festivals and discover your inner self at the Matthias Church. Also visit the 100 year old Fishermen's Bastion (Halaszbastya) for fantastic vantage points of the city.
• Danube River Cruise: The scenic river and its amazing meandering paths are worth a watch. A perfect view-point for nature lovers, you can also revel in the panoramic views of the two charming parts of the city, "Buda' and 'Pest", on the opposite sides of the river.
• Szechenyi Spa Baths, Budapest: These baths are frequented by all kinds of tourists and locals - couples, children and elders. Choose to relax and heal yourself at its multiple spas spread over Budapest.
• Lake Balaton, Transdanubia : Visit the picturesque freshwater Lake Balaton to enjoy a serene environment. Covering a huge area of 592 square kilometers, it is Europe's largest freshwater lake. No wonder it has become Hungary's most popular vacation resort. You can have fun with water-related activities or explore the lake on its cycle paths.
• Hungarian National Museum, Budapest : Experience the splendid Neo-Classical architecture of the building and learn about the rich Hungarian history. There are other things to explore too - Roman history, World Wars, post-war period and the list goes on. What's more, there is no entry charge!
• Parliament, Budapest : Visit the seat of Hungarian democracy, the Parliament building to understand what makes this successful democracy tick!
  (Please Note: Parliament building may not be open to tourists if some official event is scheduled. Reach early as check-in might take some time.)
• Esztergom : One of the oldest towns in Hungary, Esztergom is a charming little Hungarian town and also its spiritual home. Situated along the Danube River, facing Slovakia on the other side of the river, the town is historically important. Visit Hungary's largest church, the Basilica that is also the town's symbol.

Do's & Don'ts in Hungary

• Protect your belongings when travelling in trains. Thefts in trains are a common nuisance factor in Hungary
• Hire reputed cabs from a credible cab company. Many cab drivers are known to fleece customers. The most common way they do so is by returning currency notes of lower denominations in lieu of higher denomination notes.
• Do remember 112 the emergency helpline number throughout Europe works in Hungary too. In Hungary, you can access 104 for ambulance and medical services, 105 for fire-brigade, rescue services or civil protection and 107 for police.

You can buy a comprehensive travel insurance plan to make your trip to Hungary more enjoyable. It not only financially covers you against medical shocks, but also against other unexpected events like loss of baggage and passport.

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