Hungary
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General Travel Guide: The Heart of the Danube
Hungary is a land of majesty and soul, a country that surprises visitors with its rich history and vibrant present. Its capital, Budapest, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, a 'Pearl of the Danube' where the opulence of the Austro-Hungarian Empire merges with the bohemian energy of its famous 'ruin bars'. Beyond the capital, Hungary unfolds into vast plains, vineyard-covered hills and charming towns. Get ready to immerse yourself in healing hot springs, taste intense and comforting cuisine marked by paprika, and discover the warmth of a town with a unique character and a fascinating history. This is a trip to the heart of Central Europe.
Capital
Budapest
Population
9.597.085
Langue
Húngaro
Sites du patrimoine de l'UNESCO
8
Indices de voyage
📊Indices de voyage
Le meilleur de Hungary
Expériences uniques
Immerse yourself in a Budapest Thermal Spa
Visiting a spa is a quintessential Budapest experience. Whether in the outdoor pools of the neo-baroque Széchenyi, even in winter, or in the Art Nouveau elegance of the Gellért Spa, relaxing in these mineral-rich waters is a social and therapeutic tradition that dates back centuries.
Sailing the Danube at Sunset
Watching Budapest's most iconic monuments light up from a cruise along the Danube is a magical moment. The Hungarian Parliament, Buda Castle and Chain Bridge shine in spectacular light, offering an unforgettable perspective of the city.
Bar Going in the Jewish District of Budapest
The phenomenon of 'romkocsma' or 'ruin bars' is unique to Budapest. Located in abandoned buildings and interior courtyards, these bars are decorated with second-hand furniture, eclectic objects and street art. Szimpla Kert is the pioneer and the most famous, a labyrinth of rooms and environments that you cannot miss.
Take an Excursion along the Danube Bend
Escape the city to explore the three jewels of the Danube Bend. Szentendre will charm you with its artistic atmosphere and cobblestone streets. In Visegrád, climb the citadel for panoramic views of the river. And in Esztergom, marvel at Hungary's largest basilica, the former seat of the kingdom.
Try the 'Fireplace Cake' (Kürtőskalács)
The smell of this freshly made sweet permeates the streets of Hungary. It is a sweet dough rolled into a cylinder, roasted over charcoal and covered with sugar, cinnamon, nuts or cocoa. Eating it hot, unrolling the spiral, is a simple and irresistible pleasure.
Tasting the 'Wine of Kings' in Tokaj
Travel to the World Heritage-listed Tokaj wine region to taste its famous sweet wine, Tokaji Aszú, which Louis XIV called 'the wine of kings, the king of wines'. Visit its centuries-old cellars dug into the rock and learn about the 'noble rot' process.
Magyar Flavors: The Kingdom of Paprika
Hungarian cuisine is much more than goulash. It is a robust, tasty cuisine full of history, with deep roots in Magyar traditions and Ottoman and Austrian influences. Paprika is the undisputed queen, providing color and flavor (sweet or spicy) to countless dishes. It is a cuisine of slow stews, hearty soups and memorable desserts.
Hungarian cuisine is much more than goulash. It is a robust, tasty cuisine full of history, with deep roots in Magyar traditions and Ottoman and Austrian influences. Paprika is the undisputed queen, providing color and flavor (sweet or spicy) to countless dishes. It is a cuisine of slow stews, hearty soups and memorable desserts.
The Sacred Trio: Paprika, Onion and Fat
The base of many Hungarian dishes begins with sautéing onion in fat (usually lard or oil), to which paprika is generously added. This stir-fry is the soul of stews like pörkölt and goulash.
The omnipresence of 'Tejföl'
'Tejföl' is a thick, slightly acidic sour cream that is used to enrich and soften soups, stews (such as chicken paprika) and to accompany dishes such as cabbage rolls or lángos.
Plats Iconiques
Gulyás (Goulash)
Contrary to popular belief, authentic Hungarian Goulash is a rich, hearty soup, not a stew. It is made with pieces of beef, potatoes, vegetables and a generous amount of paprika. It is the national dish par excellence.
Lángos
A popular street food. It is a fried dough, crispy on the outside and spongy on the inside. The classic version is eaten spread with garlic, sour cream (tejföl) and grated cheese.
Csirkepaprikás (Chicken Paprika)
A classic homemade dish. Chicken thighs simmered in a creamy paprika and sour cream sauce. It is traditionally served with 'nokedli', a type of pasta or small gnocchi.
Töltött Káposzta (Stuffed Cabbage)
Fermented cabbage leaf rolls (sauerkraut) filled with minced meat and rice, cooked in a tasty sauce and served with a dollop of sour cream. A typical winter and celebration dish.
Halászlé (Fisherman's Soup)
A river fish soup (usually carp) of a deep red color due to the large amount of spicy paprika. It is a traditional dish from the Danube and Tisza region, especially popular at Christmas.
Pörkölt
This is the stew. It is a thick meat stew (beef, pork or chicken) with a rich onion and paprika-based sauce, often served with 'nokedli' or potatoes.
Boissons typiques
Wine (Bor)
Hungary has a long winemaking tradition. In addition to the famous Tokaji Aszú, don't miss the robust red from Eger, known as 'Egri Bikavér' (Bull's Blood from Eger), or the fresh whites from the Lake Balaton region.
Pálinka
The national brandy, a powerful fruit distillate. It can be apricot (barackpálinka), pear, plum or cherry. It is drunk in a single gulp as an aperitif or digestif, and is a symbol of hospitality.
Unicum
A dark and bitter herbal liqueur, with a secret recipe containing over 40 herbs and spices. It is aged in oak barrels and drunk as a digestif. Its round bottle is unmistakable.
Fröccs
The summer drink. It is a wine spritzer, a mixture of wine (usually white or rosé) and sparkling water. There is a whole culture around proportions, with different names for each mixture.
Desserts traditionnels
Kürtőskalács (Fireplace Cake)
A cylinder of sweet, leavened dough that is roasted over charcoal and sprinkled with sugar, cinnamon or ground nuts. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, it is addictive.
Somlói Galuska
A strong and delicious dessert. It consists of pieces of three types of sponge cake, soaked in rum, with raisins, walnuts, chocolate sauce and a generous mound of whipped cream.
Dobos Cake (Dobos Cake)
An elegant Hungarian cake. They are thin layers of sponge cake interspersed with chocolate and butter cream, and topped by a layer of crunchy caramel. A classic of Central European pastry.
Gundel Palacsinta
A famous crepe created at Gundel restaurant. It is filled with a mixture of ground nuts, raisins and rum, and is served flambéed with a dark chocolate and orange sauce.
Que voir par thème
Beyond its stunning capital, Hungary offers a great diversity of landscapes and experiences, from endless plains to historic cities.
Budapest: The Queen of the Danube
Take time to explore both sides of the capital. The mountainous Buda, with the Castle, the Fisherman's Bastion and the Matthias Church. And flat, bustling Pest, with Parliament, Andrássy Avenue, the Opera and the vibrant Jewish quarter.
Heritage of the Empire and Royalty
Follow the trail of Hungarian history. In the Danube Bend are the former royal capitals of Esztergom and Visegrád. Near Budapest, Gödöllő Palace, known as the 'Hungarian Versailles', was Empress Sissi's favorite summer residence.
The Hungarian Sea and its Surroundings
Lake Balaton is the quintessential holiday destination for Hungarians. The south shore is ideal for families, with shallow waters and beaches. The north shore is more historic and wine-growing, with towns such as Tihany, home to a beautiful Benedictine abbey, and vineyards in the volcanic hills.
The Great Hungarian Plain (Puszta)
Experience the traditional life of Magyar horsemen ('csikós') in the Puszta. The Hortobágy National Park is the heart of this vast steppe, where you can see equestrian shows, native animal breeds and enjoy the gastronomy of the 'csárdas' (traditional sales).
Historical and Cultural Cities
Discover the provincial jewels. Eger, in the north, is a charming baroque town famous for its castle, Turkish minaret and red wine cellars. Pécs, in the south, has a delicious Mediterranean atmosphere, an impressive cathedral and early Christian necropolises declared a World Heritage Site.
Conseils de voyage
Currency
Hungary is a member of the European Union but does not use the Euro. The local currency is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). Although some tourist places accept euros, the exchange rate is usually not favorable. It is better to pay by card or change money at offices ('pénzvált') in the center.
Language
Hungarian is a Finno-Ugric language, unrelated to the languages of its neighbors. It is considered one of the most difficult to learn. In Budapest and other tourist areas, English is spoken by young people and in the service sector, but outside of these areas it can be more difficult to communicate.
Public Transport in Budapest
Budapest has an excellent and extensive public transport network including metro, trams and buses. It is essential to validate the single ticket before traveling. Multi-day passes are a very convenient and profitable option.
Tips
Tipping is common practice. In restaurants and bars, if the service has been good, they usually leave between 10% and 15%. Check your bill, as a service charge ('szervízdíj') is sometimes included. In that case, it is not necessary to leave an additional tip.
This guide is just the beginning of what Hungary has to offer. Its true essence is discovered by exploring further
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