Macaristan

The most suitable time to visit Hungary is during spring and autumn. Between April and June, and during September and October, the weather is pleasant, and temperatures are comfortable. While spending time by Lake Balaton is lovely in the summer, Budapest can be crowded and hot.

In winter, soaking in Budapest's thermal baths becomes more atmospheric, but days are short and the weather is cold. If you want to see a snowy Hungary, December and January are options, but since you'll be outside the tourist season, many places operate with reduced services.

Turkish citizens with green, grey, and black passports can enter Hungary visa-free and stay for 90 days. The most practical way is by plane; there are direct flights to Budapest from major cities in Turkey. Alternatively, bus and train options are available but take longer.

Upon arrival in Budapest, the city's metro, tram, and bus network are quite developed for transportation. If you purchase a tourist card, public transport becomes cheaper. You can easily travel to other cities in Hungary by train or bus.

Budapest should, of course, be your first stop. On the Buda side, Buda Castle and Halászbástya (Fisherman's Bastion) are worth seeing, while on the Pest side, the Hungarian Parliament Building and Andrássy Avenue are notable. I recommend taking a night cruise on the Danube River.

Outside Budapest, Szentendre attracts attention with its colorful houses and art galleries, Siófok on the shore of Lake Balaton is a beach holiday resort, and Eger has full-bodied wines and Ottoman ruins. In Pécs, Ottoman architecture can be seen, and in Hollókő Village, the traditional Hungarian way of life.

If you only want to see Budapest, 3-4 days will suffice. You can dedicate 1-2 days to exploring the city center, 1 day to relaxing in the thermal baths, and 1 day to nearby excursions. However, if you want to see the country's other beauties, 7-10 days is ideal.

If you prefer a more relaxed pace, 10-12 days would be great. You can allocate 4-5 days to Budapest, 2-3 days to Lake Balaton, and 2-3 days to Eger and other small towns. This way, you'll have a trip where you can breathe.

A classic Hungary tour starts with Budapest and then proceeds to Lake Balaton. Spend the first 4 days in Budapest, visiting Buda Castle, the Parliament, the thermal baths, and taking a Danube cruise. Then, take a bus or train to the Balaton region, and spend 2 days in Siófok enjoying the beach and water activities.

When leaving Budapest, you can also add Szentendre; it's suitable for a quick day trip. Then, as an alternative by train, go to Eger to taste full-bodied wines. On your way back, you can visit Esztergom or Hollókő for a cultural final touch.

Accommodation options in Budapest are varied; there's everything from budget hostels and mid-range hotels to luxurious five-star establishments. The Pest side is livelier and more tourist-oriented, while the Buda side is calmer. Areas near the Chain Bridge are central but expensive; options around the Ruin bars are more affordable.

Around Lake Balaton, Siófok mostly operates hotels and guesthouses catering to holidaymakers. In Eger, there are fewer tourists but the quality is good. If you're on a tight budget, Airbnb apartments in Budapest can be found at manageable prices. Affordable accommodation is available; do a quick search to check current prices.

Hungarian cuisine is hearty and delicious; you must try goulash (Hungarian stew), langos (deep-fried bread), and flódni (fruit-filled pastry). In Budapest, there are restaurants for every budget, from street food to elegant venues. You can find cheap and authentic places near the market hall and thermal areas.

Hungarian wines, especially Eger's full-bodied wines, are famous. White wines around Lake Balaton are also of good quality. In Budapest, you can taste local products and foods at the Great Market Hall. Eating at a quality restaurant is affordable compared to Turkey, but prices in tourist areas might be a bit higher.

Váci Street in Budapest is the main shopping street, but it's known for tourist prices. The Great Market Hall is a visitor favorite; you can find local cheese, salami, and paprika products. However, instead of ordinary tourist souvenirs, you might consider Hungarian ceramics, bottles of full-bodied wine, or a sheepskin shaving brush (valódi bőr).

You'll find more affordable prices on Budapest's more local streets and in market places. For those looking for antiques and vintage items, the city's District II offers good opportunities. Thermal products (soap, massage oil) can also be an original gift and are of good quality if purchased.

Hungary is slightly more expensive compared to Turkey; daily expenses can range from 40-60 euros per person. In Budapest, a mid-range hotel is 60-100 euros, cheap accommodation 25-40 euros, street food 5-8 euros, restaurant meal 15-25 euros. Thermal bath entrance fees are around 15-20 euros.

Tour packages and activities (Danube cruise, city tour) range from 20-50 euros. A weekly public transport card costs around 20 euros. Prices in Balaton or Eger are slightly cheaper. Art and museum entrance fees are also reasonable. A budget traveler can manage on 30 euros daily, while those seeking comfort can spend 60-80 euros.

In Budapest's tourist areas, be careful of scams; when calling a taxi, use official sites, and check bills in tourist establishments. Don't forget to use sunscreen at Lake Balaton. Hungarian is not as widely spoken as English; learning basic words and downloading a translator app will be helpful.

When going to the thermal baths, bring a towel to save on rental fees. The currency is the Hungarian Forint; ATMs are widespread. Walking in the city center is safe, but avoid quiet streets late at night. If you have a Schengen visa, there are no issues in Hungary, but always carry your Turkish passport with you.

The most iconic photo of Budapest is taken from the Danube River at night; the Parliament Building and Buda Castle glow in the background. The panorama of the city from the Fisherman's Bastion is beautiful, especially at sunrise and sunset. Photos taken from the Chain Bridge are classic Budapest postcards.

The decorative interiors of the Ruin bars look great when photographed under neon lights. Sitting in the hot water pool at Széchenyi Thermal Bath and the rising winter mist create a legendary scene. In Szentendre, colorful houses and narrow streets are a paradise for photographers. The golden hour on the western side of Lake Balaton offers unforgettable views.

Hungary is one of Central Europe's affordable travel destinations, with a good balance of history, nature, and culture. While Budapest feels like a Western capital, the city's people are hospitable and helpful. Hungarian gastronomy, art scene, and thermal facilities together make this country attractive.

You can spend hours exploring the city center without spending money; parks, streets, and architecture are free to walk through. If you want to get to know the local culture up close, visit local markets on Monday mornings. Most tourists coming to Hungary don't see beyond Budapest, so even with little time, a trip to Balaton or Eger offers a different experience. One more thing: most places accept card payments, and cash withdrawals are available everywhere.