Tourism in Hungary

Hungary has a long history of welcoming visitors from around the world. In 2002, it was the thirteenth most visited country for tourists. Between 2004 and 2005, the number of visitors grew by almost 7 percent. Most of these 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, drawing 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 holds 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. In 1994, more than 2.5 million people came to enjoy the lake. 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 over 400 places where families can camp, and more than 2,500 kilometers of special paths for bicycles. Many people also enjoy fishing, birdwatching, horse riding, and hunting.

Tourist regions

In 2016, there were 27,695,465 overnight stays by visitors in Hungary. This was a 7% increase from the year before.

Medical tourism

Hungary has become a popular place for people from other countries to visit for medical care. Many visitors come from Europe, making up over 98% of the tourists who travel to Hungary for health reasons. The number of tourists has grown over the years, showing that more people are choosing Hungary for their medical needs.

Statistics

Arrivals by country

Most visitors who stay in Hungary for a short time come from certain countries. These visitors are not counted if they are just day-trippers or staying outside hotels.