+/- 0 h

Budapest

Official language

Hungarian

Language capabilities

English and German

• 230 volts
• A travel plug adapter for type C and F sockets is required.

Banks

8.00/9.00 am–1.00/4.00 pm (Mon–Fri)

Banks in Hungary are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

Shops

8.00/10.00 am–6.00 pm (Mon–Fri)
10.00 am–1.00 pm (Sat)

• 1 January: New Year’s Day (Újév)
• 15 March: National Day, commemorating the 1848 Revolution
• Easter Monday: date varies (Húsvéthétfő)
• 1 May: Labour Day (A munka ünnepe)
• Whit Monday: date varies, the Monday after Pentecost (Pünkösd hétfő)
• 20 August: State Foundation Day (Szent István ünnepe)
• 23 October: Republic Day, commemorating the 1956 Revolution
• 1 November: All Saints’ Day (Mindenszentek)
• 25 December: Christmas Day (Karácsony)

• The following documents are required to enter France:
• A valid Swiss identity card or a valid Swiss passport.
• A visa is not required.
• Minors: minors travelling alone, with only one parent or without their parents are advised to carry a travel consent form.

Last updated: May 2024

Hungary has a temperate continental climate, characterised by hot summers, cool autumns and cold winters. Summer temperatures often rise above 30°C, while winter temperatures frequently fall below freezing. This climate creates distinct seasonal variations, which also affect agriculture and tourism. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with a peak in early summer.

The ideal time to visit Hungary

• Lakeside holidays: the best time to visit Lake Balaton is from June to September, when temperatures are ideal for water-based activities.
• City breaks: Hungary’s cities are attractive throughout the year, although spring and autumn are particularly pleasant for exploring cultural attractions without the summer heat.
• Winter holidays: December to February is ideal for visiting Christmas markets and occasionally enjoying ice skating in larger cities such as Budapest.

• Mobile phone use in Hungary may incur roaming charges. Before travelling, it is advisable to check roaming rates and, where necessary, purchase a special roaming package to reduce costs.
• Free Wi-Fi is available in cafés, hotels, public places and on public transport.

• Buda Castle (Budavári Palota): a historic royal complex on Castle Hill in Budapest, featuring impressive architecture and panoramic views across the city.
• Hungarian Parliament Building (Országház): Budapest’s iconic landmark, renowned for its neo-Gothic architecture and its location directly beside the Danube.
• Budapest thermal baths: including the Széchenyi Thermal Bath and Gellért Thermal Bath, famous for their relaxing thermal waters and impressive architecture.
• Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere): one of Budapest’s most important squares, known for the Millennium Monument and statues of significant national leaders.
• Aggtelek Caves: a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations.
• Lake Balaton: the largest lake in Central Europe, popular for summer holidays, water sports and the surrounding wine regions.
• Eger: famous for its historic castle, beautiful Baroque architecture and wine production, particularly the red wine “Egri Bikavér”.
• Pécs: a city with a long history, known for its Roman ruins, medieval buildings and the Zsolnay Ceramics Museum.
• Hortobágy National Park: Hungary’s largest protected area and part of the Great Hungarian Plain, known for traditional livestock farming and birdwatching.
• Szentendre: a picturesque artists’ town near Budapest, known for its galleries, museums and charming streets.

Travel inspiration

Discover Hungary’s most fascinating cities and regions with inspiration from our engaging blog articles:

Budapest: sights, culture, food and thermal baths.

Hungary’s culinary landscape is a true feast for the senses, shaped by rich flavours, deep-rooted traditions and a variety that appeals to every food lover. The combination of the country’s geographical location, cultural heritage and local ingredients creates dishes that are both rustic and refined.

• Goulash and paprikás: these two classic dishes, characterised by the generous use of paprika, are cornerstones of Hungarian cuisine and can be found in households throughout the country.
• Pörkölt and lecsó: these dishes provide an authentic introduction to Hungarian flavours, ranging from hearty stews to lighter summer specialities.
• Halászlé and töltött káposzta: traditional dishes such as halászlé, a flavoursome fish soup, and töltött káposzta, stuffed fermented cabbage leaves, offer an insight into Hungary’s rural cuisine.
• Cakes and confectionery: Hungary’s refined pastry tradition, known for Dobos cake and delicate strudels, reflects the country’s rich baking heritage.
• Fish soups and game dishes: local river fish and game from the forests form the basis of richly flavoured soups and stews, highlighting Hungary’s close connection with nature.
• Wine: the lesser-known yet excellent wines from regions such as Tokaj and Villány are gaining increasing international recognition.
• Cafés and pubs: Hungary’s cafés and pubs are important social meeting places, where people enjoy life over coffee and hearty snacks.

In Hungary, as in many cultures, there are certain rules of etiquette that visitors should observe to show respect and good manners:

• Greetings: a friendly handshake is customary; hugs and kisses on the cheek are also common among closer acquaintances. Use surnames initially unless invited to do otherwise.
• Saying please and thank you: words such as “Kérem” (“please”) and “Köszönöm” (“thank you”) should be used in everyday situations to show politeness.
• Clothing: wear appropriate clothing, particularly in business settings and at religious sites, where conservative dress is expected.
• Dining etiquette: wait for the host to begin the meal. Avoid speaking with your mouth full or resting your elbows on the table. An empty plate is regarded as a sign of appreciation.
• Smoking: smoking is prohibited in public buildings, on public transport and in many bars and restaurants. Pay attention to the relevant no-smoking signs.
• Tipping: a tip of 10–15% is customary in restaurants if service is not already included. Other service providers, such as taxi drivers and hairdressers, generally expect a similar tip.

• Tap water is generally safe to drink. In Budapest and other major cities, the water quality meets EU standards. However, because of the taste or for additional reassurance, some local residents and tourists prefer bottled water.
• No compulsory vaccinations are required to enter Hungary.
• Ensure that adults and children are up to date with the routine vaccinations recommended in the Swiss vaccination schedule issued by the Federal Office of Public Health.

• Medical care in Hungary is well developed and of a high standard. Before travelling, Swiss citizens should obtain a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from their health insurance provider.
• Pharmacies in Hungary are well stocked and offer both prescription and over-the-counter medicines. The original prescription must be carried for prescription medication.

• Before and during your trip, follow the latest developments in the media and remain in contact with your tour operator.
• Despite increased security measures, there is a risk of terrorist attacks.
• Petty crime, such as theft, is particularly common on public transport and near tourist attractions in Hungary. Caution is advised, as there have been reports of theft committed by people wearing police uniforms. Genuine police officers carry a badge displaying a five-digit service number and can produce an official identity card in credit-card format.
• Further information on the current security situation is available on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

Last updated: May 2024

• The Swiss driving licence is accepted for car hire, provided that, depending on the car hire company, it was obtained at least one year previously.
• Many car hire companies do not rent vehicles to drivers under the age of 21 and charge additional fees for drivers under 25.
• A CH sticker, first-aid kit, high-visibility vest and warning triangle are compulsory.
• Dipped headlights must also be used during the day.
• Blood alcohol limit: 0.0‰

Hungary’s well-developed public transport network offers a wide range of travel options, efficiently connecting different parts of the country:

• Long-distance trains: operated by MÁV-START, the passenger transport subsidiary of the state railway company Magyar Államvasutak (MÁV), these trains provide fast and comfortable connections between Hungary’s major cities and important tourist destinations. Advance seat reservations are recommended to take advantage of lower fares.
• Regional trains: in addition to MÁV-START, GYSEV (Győr-Sopron-Ebenfurth Vasút) operates several regional routes, particularly in western Hungary near the Austrian and Slovak borders. These trains connect smaller towns and communities and provide an opportunity to explore Hungary’s charming rural areas.
• Buses: the bus network is operated mainly by Volánbusz, which provides nationwide services connecting both urban and rural areas.
• Metro: in Budapest, the metro system operated by BKV (Budapesti Közlekedési Vállalat) provides fast connections throughout the capital.
• Tickets: train and bus tickets can be purchased at stations, from ticket machines, directly from bus drivers or increasingly through mobile apps such as the MÁV app and the Volánbusz app.

• Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD): direct connections from Basel and Geneva.
• Debrecen International Airport (DEB): no direct flights to or from Switzerland.
• Hévíz-Balaton Airport (SOB): no direct flights to or from Switzerland.

The direct flights are operated mainly by airlines such as Wizz Air and EasyJet.

00 41 (omit the zero from the Swiss area code)

• General emergency number: 112
• Police: 107
• Fire brigade: 105
• Ambulance: 104

Budapest, Stefánia út 107
Tel. +36 1 460 70 40
Email: budapest@eda.admin.ch

• Please note that photographing military installations and other strategically important facilities is strictly prohibited in Hungary.
• Violations of drug legislation, even involving small quantities and regardless of the type of drug, may result in lengthy prison sentences.
• Transporting refugees in a vehicle is considered people smuggling in Hungary and may be punishable by up to eight years’ imprisonment. Travellers should therefore avoid giving lifts to unknown persons, even for part of a journey.
• The export of cultural property, meaning objects more than 50 years old, weapons and pets from Hungary requires special permits.
• Heavy rainfall may cause flooding and landslides and result in considerable damage to infrastructure.