Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
Stop researching. Start exploring.Discover all 90 highlights,ranked
and organized into practical routes.
Get instant access
Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Most travelers to Hungary don’t need special vaccinations. Ensure routine vaccines are up to date, like measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and the flu shot. Consider the hepatitis A vaccine if you’re concerned about contaminated food or water. For extended stays or rural exploration, consult a healthcare provider about hepatitis B and rabies vaccines. Always check with your doctor for personalized advice.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Hungary, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for HungaryCulture & Customs
Hungarian dining etiquette often involves waiting for the host to start eating or drinking. Always bring a small gift if invited to someone’s home, like flowers or wine. Public displays of affection are generally acceptable, but be cautious in rural areas. For LGBTQ+ travelers, Budapest is quite open, but discretion is advised in more conservative regions. Women should be aware that catcalling can occur, though it’s less common in major cities. Be polite, and say ”thank you” often. Avoid discussing politics or historical issues unless you know your audience well.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Hungary.
- Gulyás (Goulash): A hearty stew made with beef, onions, paprika, tomatoes, and green peppers. It’s more of a soup than a stew and represents Hungary’s love for paprika. It’s a comfort dish that embodies the pastoral traditions of the Hungarian plains.
- Halászlé (Fisherman’s Soup): A spicy soup with a paprika-infused broth, typically made with carp or catfish. It’s particularly popular along the Danube and Tisza rivers, showcasing Hungary’s rich fishing culture.
- Lángos: A deep-fried dough often topped with sour cream and cheese, or just garlic butter. This street food staple is perfect for a quick snack or a cheap meal, especially after a night out.
- Chicken Paprikash: This dish features chicken simmered in a creamy paprika sauce, usually served with nokedli (similar to dumplings). It’s a perfect example of how Hungarians incorporate paprika into their cuisine.
- Dobos Torte: A multi-layered sponge cake filled with chocolate buttercream and topped with a thin caramel layer. It’s a testament to Hungary’s rich dessert tradition and named after its creator, József C. Dobos.
Yes, the tap water in Hungary is safe to drink, and locals consume it regularly without issues. Tourists can drink it too, but if you have a sensitive stomach, you might want to stick to bottled or filtered water just to be cautious.
The main language in Hungary is
Hungarian. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Hungarian skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Hungary includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Hungary,
English proficiency varies significantly depending on the location and demographic. In major cities like Budapest, many younger people, particularly those in the hospitality and service industries, speak English quite well. Tourist attractions, hotels, and restaurants often have English-speaking staff, making it easier for travelers to navigate.
However, in more rural areas, English may be less commonly spoken, and older generations might have limited proficiency. In these regions, basic phrases or a translation app can be helpful. Hungarian is the official language, and while many Hungarians are eager to assist tourists, they may feel more comfortable communicating in their native tongue.
Overall, while you can generally get by with English in urban areas, it’s beneficial to learn a few basic Hungarian phrases to enhance your experience and engage with locals.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Hungary is HUF (Ft).
ATM Access: ATMs are everywhere in cities and towns, so it’s easy to pull out cash when needed. Stick to ATMs attached to banks to minimize fees.
Cash or Card: Hungary is pretty card-friendly, especially in Budapest. However, smaller towns and local markets might still prefer cash. It’s smart to carry a bit of local currency (forints) just in case.
Currency: Hungary uses the Hungarian forint (HUF), and although some touristy spots might accept euros, you’ll usually get a poor exchange rate. Forget about using dollars.
Card Acceptance: Major credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, but always check if there’s a minimum spend requirement. A contactless card can speed things up when buying a quick snack.
Exchanging Money: Avoid airport exchange counters due to high fees. In the city, look for exchange offices with a clear display of rates or head to a bank. Compare rates since they can vary significantly between places.
Tipping in Hungary is generally expected, and around 10-15% is standard in restaurants if the service charge isn’t already included. In bars or for taxi drivers, rounding up the bill or giving a small tip is appreciated. Always check your bill first, as some places may include a service charge automatically.
v2.webp){kind=logo}
Best Backpacking.jpg)
Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
.jpg)
Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.