Hungary Travel

Overview
Situated in the very heart of Europe, Hungary is the best place to enter both Central and Eastern Europe. Hungary offers many diverse destinations: relatively low mountains in the north-west, the Great Plain in the east, lakes and rivers of all sorts (including Balaton - the largest lake in Central Europe), and many beautiful small villages and hidden gems of cities. Top this off with Hungary's great accessibility in the middle of Europe, a vivid culture and economy, and you get a destination absolutely not worth missing if you're in the region.

Climate
Temperatures in Hungary vary from -20°C to 39°C through the year. Distribution and frequency of rainfall are unpredictable due to the continental clime of the country. Heavy storms are frequent after hot summer days, and so do more days long still rainfalls in the Autumn. The western part of the country usually receives more rain than the eastern part, and severe droughts may occur in summertime. Weather conditions in the Great Plain can be especially harsh, with hot summers, cold winters, and scant rainfall.

When to go
Every season has its attractions in Hungary. Aside from being cold and often bleak, winter sees museums and other tourist sights closed or their hours sharply curtailed. Although it can be pretty wet in April and May, spring is just glorious throughout Hungary. The weather is usually mild and - a boon for independent travellers - the crowds of tourists have not yet arrived. The Hungarian summer is warm, sunny and unusually long, and the resorts can get very crowded in late July and August. Autumn is beautiful, particularly in the hills around Budapest and in the Northern Uplands.

Hotels
Hungary has a wide range of hotel options, ranging from barely acceptable to luxury establishments. Many date from the communist era but a growing number have been built to modern standards since the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Grading: Hungarian hotels are classified by use of a star rating system from 5- and 4-star hotels, of luxury class, to 2- and 1-star hotels, generally adequate and clean. Tourist hostels provide simple accommodation, usually in rooms with four or more beds. Over the summer holidays, usually from 1 July to 20 August, there are also cheap rooms available in university dormitories.

Tipping
Hungary is a very tip-conscious society, and virtually everyone routinely tips waiters, hairdressers and taxi drivers. Doctors and dentists accept 'gratitude money', and even petrol station attendants who pump your petrol and thermal spa attendants who walk you to your changing cabin expect something. If you were less than impressed with the service at the restaurant, the joyride in the taxi or the way your hair was cut, leave next to nothing or nothing at all. He or she will get the message - loud and clear.