Tourism in Hungary

Hungary has welcomed visitors from around the world for a long time. In 2002, it was the thirteenth most visited country for tourists. From 2004 to 2005, the number of visitors grew by almost 7 percent. Most visitors come from Europe, especially from Austria, Germany, and Slovakia. Many tourists arrive by car and usually stay for a short time.

The busiest time for visitors is from April to October, with July and August being the most popular months. Budapest is the top destination, attracting the most tourists to see its famous sights and enjoy its beauty.

Tourism in Budapest

Budapest became one of Central Europe’s most popular tourist spots in the 1990s. The city has many famous places to visit, such as Buda Castle, which has several museums including the Hungarian National Gallery. Other popular sites include Matthias Church, the Parliament Building, and City Park. The city also has many museums, three opera houses, and relaxing thermal baths. Some important areas like Buda Castle, the Danube River embankments, and Andrássy Avenue are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Hungary has about 1,300 thermal springs, and many of them are used as spas. The country’s thermal waters are famous and attract many visitors. Only a few other countries, such as France, Japan, Bulgaria, Iceland, and Italy, have as many thermal springs. People have used Hungary’s thermal waters for over 2,000 years to relax and feel better. Budapest has many thermal baths, some very old and others modern, offering steam rooms, massages, and special treatments. The city also has around two hundred caves that tourists can explore, each with its own unique features.

Regional tourism

Lake Balaton in western Hungary is the biggest freshwater lake in Central Europe and is very popular with visitors. It is the second most important place for tourists in Hungary. Hungary also has many spas, places for active holidays, and beautiful cultural spots like the villages of the Great Hungarian Plain and the art treasures in Budapest. The country has many places where families can camp, and special paths for bicycles. Many people also enjoy fishing, birdwatching, horse riding, and hunting.

Tourist regions

In 2016, many visitors stayed overnight in Hungary. There were 27 million stays, which was 7% more than the year before.

Medical tourism

Hungary is a popular place for people from other countries to visit for medical care. Most visitors come from Europe. The number of tourists has grown over the years, showing that more people are choosing Hungary for their health needs.

Statistics

Arrivals by country

Many visitors to Hungary stay for a short time. These visitors come from some countries more than others. Day-trippers and people staying outside hotels are not counted.