Hungary holidays

Hungarian holidays serve up city breaks and lakeside escapes – all soaked in the country's traditional fruit brandy.

Europe's centre piece

Land-locked Hungary takes its place in central Europe. It's penned in by a different country on every corner – Slovakia covers its north border while Ukraine’s bagged the north east. Then, from east to west, Hungary’s border meets up with Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia and Austria. Despite its penned-in status, the water-scene is thriving. The mighty River Danube is at the heart of the vibrant capital, Budapest. Then there’s Lake Balaton. Nicknamed ‘Hungary’s Sea’, it stretches over 80km from end to end and serves up a list of things to see and do that matches its super-sized status.

Budapest, a city of two halves

The two sides of Budapest – Hungary’s capital city – each bring something different to the table. On the western bank of the Danube is Buda, which plays host to big-name sights like Buda Castle and the Fisherman's Bastion. And heading east of the river, there's Pest – it's twice the size of its neighbour and known for its buzzing bars. When it comes to relaxing, the city’s spas are front and centre. There are 123 thermal baths to pick between and there’s no better place to unwind like a local. For a dip with a difference, check out one of the nighttime bath parties, where light shows and DJs add club-style vibes to the scene.

Make a splash at Lake Balaton

Its lack of coastline doesn’t hold Hungary back when it comes to water-themed fun. Whether you love stretching out on a lounger or go wild for watersports, Lake Balaton has a shoreside spot just for you. Gently sloping beaches make it a prime place for little paddlers. And with average water temps of 25-28°C, you’ll be kicking off your flip-flops for a swim faster than you can say “hold my ice-cream”. There’s plenty more to explore away from the water’s edge, too. Lakeside towns serve up lively nightlife and local culture, then there’s the foodie scene, which ticks off famous dishes like hearty goulash and spicy chicken paprikash.