Hungary, also known as the Republic of Hungary, is a landlocked country in central Europe. Budapest is the largest city, the capital, and the most traveled area of Hungary. Hungary is known for being hospitable toward tourists, which is apparent to many tourists. Hungarians live a somewhat traditional lifestyle with a modern flair. There are many people that can be found wearing the latest fashions while in some places traditional Magyar garb. Budapest is situated on the River Danube. One side of the river used to be the city of Buda which is mountainous. The other side of the river contains what used to be Pest. The two cities merged into modern-day Budapest. Today Buda is more residential where Pest contains more commercial and industrial buildings. There is also an island in the center of the city known as Margit sziget. This island is a very large park where many recreational activities can be found. To get around the island, tourists take bringohintos which are odd four-wheeled bicycles. Budapest is also known for its beautiful opera houses, many malls, and mineral springs. The mineral springs are usually contained by large buildings where people can come and bathe. It’s important before making a trip to a particular mineral bath before checking the gender requirements. Some baths are for both men and women while there are many baths that are for one gender only. Castle Royal Palace, Fisherman’s Bastion, Statue Park, Matthias Church, and Gellért Hill are also tourist destinations in Budapest. Another place in Hungary that is a popular tourist destination, is Lake Balaton in the west of Hungary. Hungary is also known for a wide variety of dishes including gulyás and paprikás.
There are nearly ten million people living in Hungary. A large portion of the populace speaks Hungarian, but there are many German speakers as well. When meeting a Hungarian for the first time, a handshake is customary. It is also considered polite to bring a small gift when visiting a Hungarian in their home. Hungarians dress casually in public, but will dress more formally for special events or when attending the opera. Tipping is restaurants is customary and amounts are generally 10-15% depending on the quality of service. Hungary has a temperate climate with harsh winters and hot summers.
To reach Hungary by air, the airline known as Malev is a popular way. Malev is the national airline of Hungary, but many other major airlines also service flights to Hungary. Tourists will generally come in by Ferihegy Airport which is a the largest airport in Hungary. For those interested in coming to Hungary by water there is a hydrofoil service which brings visitors into Hungary daily from cities like Vienna and Bratislava. Coming into Hungary by rail is also an option. Hungary is connected by train to many large cities throughout Europe.
Duty free items differ depending on where tourists are from. Tourists from EU countries can take home 800 cigarettes or 400 cigarillos or 200 cigars or one kilogram of smoking tobacco and ten liters of spirits with an alcohol content of more than 22% or 20 liters of alcoholic beverages containing less than 22% alcohol content, or 90 liters of wine or 60 liters of sparkling wine, or 110 liters of beer and 50g perfume or 250 ml eau de toilette, any gifts, food, fruit for personal use with a value of up to €175. For those from non-EU countries 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g and one liter of spirits and two liters of wine as well as 50g perfume or 250 ml eau de toilette, any gifts, food, fruit for personal use with a value of up to €175.
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