Hungary.
Flight from TLV
3h 19m
Best season
אפר–דצמ
Avg temp
16°
Currency
Ft HUF · 1=₪0.010
Time zone
שעה אחת מאחורי ת״א בחורף ובדרך כלל גם בקיץ
Language
הונגרית
Plug
C / F · 230V
Visa
אין צורך בוויזה לישראלים לשהייה קצרה של עד 90 יום במרחב שנגן
Safety
בטוחה בדרך כלל לתיירים; יש להיזהר מכייסים בתחבורה הציבורית ובמוקדי התיירות בבודפשט
Overview
🇭🇺Hungary
🇭🇺Hungary
Hungary is first and foremost a Budapest getaway: soaking in Széchenyi Thermal Bath, taking an evening Danube cruise past Parliament, shopping along Váci Street and at Arena Mall, and going out in the Jewish Quarter. Israelis love the short flights, approachable prices, nightlife, kosher venues such as Carmel and Tel Aviv Café, and the active Chabad presence. Beyond the capital lie picturesque Szentendre, the wineries of Eger and Lake Balaton, a particularly good summer choice for families. It is ideal for a romantic weekend, a shopping and spa break with friends, or a family trip combining city life, nature and Jewish heritage.
Places
Islands & sub-destinations in Hungary
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Where to stay
Where to stay in Hungary
Each area and who it suits best.
District V, Belváros-Lipótváros, Budapest
This is the easiest base for walking to Parliament, the Danube Promenade, Váci Street and St. Stephen’s Basilica, with hotels such as Four Seasons Gresham Palace and Kempinski Corvinus. It is polished, central and restaurant-rich, but rooms cost more, Váci Street is touristy, and the Basilica area can be noisy at night.
District VII, Jewish Quarter, Budapest
Around Kazinczy, Dob and Gozsdu Passage you will find ruin bars such as Szimpla Kert and Instant-Fogas, Chabad facilities, kosher restaurants and the Great Synagogue on Dohány Street. Hotels such as Continental Hotel Budapest place you in the middle of the action, but weekend crowds, graffiti and late-night noise come with the territory, so families with small children should favor the district’s quieter edges.
District VI, Terézváros, Budapest
Andrássy Avenue runs from the Opera House toward Heroes’ Square, while the Oktogon area offers metro access, cafés and hotels such as W Budapest opposite the Opera. It is a strong base for Andrássy shopping and quick trips to Westend, though rooms facing Oktogon or Nagymező Street may suffer from traffic and nightlife noise.
District I, Buda Castle District
The cobbled lanes around Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church and Hilton Budapest become especially calm and romantic after day-trippers leave. Parliament views are exceptional, but dining and nightlife are limited, prices are higher, and returning from Pest requires a bus, taxi or an uphill walk.
Siófok, Lake Balaton
Petőfi Promenade, Plázs beach and the Water Tower make this Lake Balaton’s liveliest summer base, with family-friendly pools at hotels such as Hotel Azúr. July and August bring parties and noise around the promenade, while the shallow water suits children; outside bathing season, however, the town becomes very quiet and some businesses close.
Eger
This compact Baroque city combines Eger Castle, Dobó Square and the wine cellars of the Valley of the Beautiful Women, with comfortable bases such as Imola Hotel Platán near the baths. It is ideal for one or two nights and access to the Bükk Mountains, but far removed from Budapest’s nightlife and shopping; after wine tastings, book a taxi rather than drive.
Year-round weather
Year-round weather in Hungary
Temperature averages
Real climate dataינו
6°
0°
Cool
פבר
8°
0°
Cool
מרץ
14°
4°
Cool
אפר
17°
7°
Recommended
מאי
21°
11°
Recommended
יונ
27°
16°
Excellent
יול
29°
18°
Excellent
אוג
30°
18°
Excellent
ספט
24°
14°
Excellent
אוק
17°
8°
Recommended
נוב
9°
2°
Cool
דצמ
5°
0°
Cool
Most pleasant weather: יונ · יול · אוג · ספט
Peak season for Israelis (when everyone goes): אפר · מאי · יונ · ספט · אוק · דצמ. Spring and early autumn offer Budapest’s most pleasant weather, with many Israelis arriving around Passover and Sukkot; July and August draw families who often continue to Lake Balaton. December is another popular peak for Christmas markets, festive lights and hot thermal baths.
Based on a 3-year average · measured in Hungary · Open-Meteo
This week in Hungary
Measured in Hungary
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Things to do
Things to do in Hungary
On the map
Hungary on one map
Every spot travelers love — tap a pin for photos, opening hours, navigation and booking.
Suggested plan
A perfect Hungary itinerary
Day by day, so you can picture the whole trip.
- 1
Day 1
Classic Pest and the Danube
Start at St. Stephen’s Basilica and continue through Szabadság Square to Parliament, whose guided tour should be booked in advance; arrive 20 minutes early. Pause at the Shoes on the Danube memorial, follow the promenade and cross Chain Bridge toward Buda. Return for a kosher dinner at Carmel or Tel Aviv Café, then take an evening cruise as Parliament and the bridges light up. Those interested in a casino can visit Las Vegas Casino Tropicana near Vörösmarty tér with a passport and smart attire, though it is an optional extra rather than the evening’s centerpiece.
- 2
Day 2
Buda, Fisherman’s Bastion and the baths
Reach Fisherman’s Bastion before 8:30 a.m. to enjoy its terraces and Parliament views before tour groups arrive, then visit Matthias Church and the Castle District lanes. Walk down to Buda Castle, explore its courtyards and viewpoints, and enter the Hungarian National Gallery if art interests you. Reserve two or three afternoon hours for Gellért or Rudas Baths, booking ahead on weekends. Watch sunset from Gellért Hill or the Buda embankment, and check bath schedules and child-age restrictions in advance.
- 3
Day 3
Jewish Quarter, shopping and nightlife
Begin at the Great Synagogue on Dohány Street and the Weeping Willow memorial, then walk to the Kazinczy Orthodox Synagogue and streets where Jewish community life has re-emerged. Have lunch at Hanna or Tel Aviv Café, continue through Gozsdu Passage and see Szimpla Kert during daylight. Spend the afternoon on Andrássy Avenue, at the Opera House and in Westend or Arena Mall, where Israeli shoppers seek chains such as Zara, Mango, Reserved and Douglas. Return to Gozsdu and Instant-Fogas for nightlife, while families may prefer an opera performance or a quiet evening by the Basilica.
- 4
Day 4
Heroes’ Square, City Park and Széchenyi
Take metro M1 to Heroes’ Square in the morning, then walk through City Park to Vajdahunyad Castle and the House of Music Hungary. Families can choose Budapest Zoo, while couples and groups will enjoy two hours at Széchenyi Baths, especially the outdoor pools in cold weather. Follow Andrássy Avenue back toward the center and stop at the Opera House. In the evening, book a concert or dine in the Jewish Quarter before walking around Erzsébet Square and the Basilica.
- 5
Day 5
Szentendre and the Danube Bend
Leave before 9:00 a.m. on the HÉV suburban train from Batthyány Square to Szentendre, an artists’ town of colorful lanes, Fő Square and a Danube promenade. Families can visit the Marzipan Museum, while everyone should allow time for galleries and ceramic studios rather than shopping only on the main street. In summer, return to Budapest by boat if the sailing schedule works; otherwise the HÉV is faster and more dependable. Travelers with a car can continue to Visegrád Citadel for a Danube Bend panorama, though this makes for a longer day.
- 6
Day 6
Eger, its castle and wine cellars
Take a morning train from Budapest-Keleti to Eger, or drive if you want easier logistics and an overnight stay. Start at Dobó Square, climb to Eger Castle, and visit the Basilica and Ottoman minaret, which together tell the city’s unusual story. In the afternoon, take a taxi to the Valley of the Beautiful Women for Egri Bikavér and Egri Csillag tastings at places such as Bolyki or pre-booked cellars. There is no dependable kosher infrastructure here, so bring a packed meal from Budapest and do not drive after tasting.
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Budget
How much does Hungary cost?
Real ILS price ranges, so you know what to expect.
Round-trip flight from TLV
₪550-1,400 (holidays: ₪1,800+)
4-5 night package
₪1,700-3,400 per person
Mid-range hotel nightly
₪320-600 per room
5★ hotel nightly
₪750-1,600 per room
Restaurant meal
₪55-120 per person
Local beer
₪10-20
Coffee
₪8-16
Short taxi ride
₪20-40
Rental car per day
₪130-280 (parking extra)
Thermal bath entry
₪90-145 per person
Daily budget per person
₪300-650 (excluding hotel)
Family, 5 nights
₪8,500-15,500 for four
Good to know
Good to know before Hungary
Getting around
From the airport
From Budapest Airport, bus 100E runs directly to Kálvin tér, Astoria and Deák Ferenc tér in about 35-50 minutes for roughly ₪25 per person; it requires a dedicated ticket. Bus 200E connecting with metro M3 is cheaper at around ₪8-12 in total and usually takes 50-65 minutes, depending on the ticket and transfer. An official Főtaxi from the rank generally costs ₪120-170 to central Budapest and takes 30-45 minutes, while Bolt can be booked at a similar demand-based fare. A shared miniBUD shuttle costs approximately ₪45-90 per person and provides hotel drop-off, but waiting and multiple stops can stretch the ride beyond an hour.
Need a car?
Do not rent a car for Budapest: the metro, trams 2, 4 and 6, buses and Bolt cover nearly every need, while central parking is scarce and expensive. Families visiting only Szentendre can use the HÉV suburban railway or a boat; a car becomes worthwhile when combining Eger, the Danube Bend, Lake Balaton towns or the Tokaj wine region. In winter and rural areas, check tires and road conditions, and after wine tastings leave the driving to a sober driver or taxi.
Tips
Download Bolt for taxi bookings, although the official Főtaxi booth at the airport is also straightforward and reliable; ignore unsolicited ride offers inside arrivals. Use BudapestGO for public transport, buy the correct ticket and validate it when required, as inspectors are common on tourist routes; 24-hour or 72-hour passes work well for frequent riders. When driving outside the city, ensure the rental includes the motorway e-vignette, and in central Budapest book accommodation with parking rather than relying on street spaces.
Kosher & Jewish
Chabad / community
The main Chabad hub for travelers is in the Jewish Quarter, centered around Keren Or Synagogue at 20 Károly körút and additional Chabad facilities near Kazinczy Street. It offers prayers, pre-booked Shabbat and holiday meals and traveler assistance, while a mikveh and kosher shops also operate in the area; schedules and meal venues can change, so confirm directly before arrival. Jewish infrastructure outside Budapest is very limited, making District VII or somewhere within walking distance the best base for Shabbat.
Kosher food
Reliable options cluster in the Jewish Quarter: Carmel at 31 Kazinczy Street for Hungarian-Israeli meat dishes, Tel Aviv Café at 28 Kazinczy Street for dairy meals, and Hanna within the Kazinczy Orthodox Synagogue complex. Kosher Market at 36 Dohány Street and nearby Jewish shops stock packaged products, wine and challah, though travelers should verify certification and pre-Shabbat opening hours. Kosher-observant Israelis commonly book an apartment with a kitchenette near the quarter, stock up in advance and carry packaged food on day trips outside Budapest.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance for Hungary 🇭🇺
A hospital day in Hungary can cost thousands. Full coverage with Hebrew support.
- Medical + hospital 24/7
- Trip cancellation
- Baggage
- Gadgets & pre-existing conditions
Currency & rates
Live rateCurrency & rates
Quick conversion at today's rate
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You get
0.97
1 HUF
₪0.01
100 HUF
₪0.97
1,000 HUF
₪9.69
Source: exchangerate-api · updated Sep 14 · refreshes daily
Visa & documents
Visa & documents for Hungary 🇭🇺
What you need before you fly
- אין צורך בוויזה לישראלים לשהייה קצרה של עד 90 יום במרחב שנגן
- Passport valid 6 months
- Travel insurance, leave details for a quote
Local tips
Good to know about Hungary
- 💳Pay in Hungarian forints and always select HUF on the terminal, because DCC conversion into euros or shekels can inflate the cost; for cash, use an OTP or Erste ATM rather than Euronet.
- 🚌From Budapest Airport, bus 100E runs directly to Deák Ferenc tér, but it requires a dedicated ticket that can be purchased and validated in the BudapestGO app.
- 🎫Inspectors frequently check Budapest’s metro and trams, so validate paper tickets before travel or activate and scan digital tickets as instructed by BudapestGO even when there is no visible barrier.
- 🏨For a first visit, stay in District V near Deák Ferenc tér or St. Stephen’s Basilica; nightlife-focused groups suit District VII, while families tend to prefer the quieter District VI streets around Andrássy út.
- ♨️For weekends and holiday periods, prebook admission with a private cabin at Széchenyi or Gellért Baths, and bring flip-flops plus a swim cap if you plan to use the swimming pools.
- 🌙At Szimpla Kert and the bars of Gozsdu Udvar, arrive before 21:00 to avoid queues; clubs such as Ötkert are stricter about smart clothing and closed shoes.
- 🍽️Restaurants generally expect about 10 percent in total, but check whether a service charge called szervizdíj is already included before tipping again.
- ✡️For kosher dining, reserve ahead at Carmel or Hanna Garden near the Kazinczy Street Synagogue; Chabad’s Keren Or center can also assist with Shabbat meals and services when arranged in advance.
- 🔒Keep phones and wallets in a closed pocket, especially on trams 4 and 6, metro line M1, and in crowds around Vörösmarty tér, and use only Bolt or an official taxi rank.
- 📱A European eSIM works well in Budapest and on trips to Szentendre and Lake Balaton, but download offline maps because coverage can be less reliable in villages and during intercity journeys.
מאיה רוזן
Senior agent · Greece for 12 years
"Hungary feels to me like an elegant European holiday without the Paris or London price tag. I love starting with the Parliament view from Fisherman’s Bastion, stopping for coffee among the grand buildings of Andrássy Avenue, and ending in the warm pools of Széchenyi Baths. Israelis fall for this mix of comforting goulash and chimney cake, good shopping, nightlife, and indulgent hotels just a short flight from Tel Aviv. Those who venture beyond Budapest also discover Szentendre’s artists’ lanes and the soft sunsets over Lake Balaton."
Loves
My favorite local secret is reaching Gellért Hill about an hour before sunset, climbing from Liberty Bridge, and pausing at the Danube-facing viewpoints rather than heading only to the Citadella. In spring or early autumn, the light over Chain Bridge and Parliament is beautiful, and afterward I walk down for a drink on Ráday Street, a calmer alternative to the Jewish Quarter.
Skip
I avoid restaurants on Váci Street that use photo menus and touts at the entrance, as they usually charge more and deliver less. An unmarked taxi outside Keleti station or the nightlife district is another common mistake, so I always order through Bolt.
Boutique pick
At 08:00 I would begin at Fisherman’s Bastion before the tour buses, continue past Matthias Church and Chain Bridge for brunch in the Jewish Quarter, and reach the Great Market Hall and Danube promenade by 13:00. The afternoon belongs to Széchenyi Baths, with a private changing cabin booked in advance, followed at 19:30 by a river cruise as Parliament lights up. I would finish with a cocktail at 360 Bar or the courtyard atmosphere of Szimpla Kert, depending on the mood.
Client stories
What returning travelers say about Hungary
"We started the morning at Széchenyi Thermal Bath and ended with a Danube cruise facing the illuminated Parliament, exactly the romantic weekend we wanted. Hungary surprised us with its elegant atmosphere, good food, and prices that let us indulge without calculating the cost of every coffee."
Noa and Ido, Tel Aviv
Couple · 4 nights · October
"The kids loved Budapest Zoo and a full day of pools and slides at Aquaworld, while we appreciated how easy the city was for a family. Hungary gave us a great combination of attractions, parks, and public transport without spending the entire trip in taxis."
Michal and Yoav, Modi'in
Family with children · 6 nights · August
"We began the night at Szimpla Kert and kept dancing at the Instant-Fogas complex until the early hours, all within walking distance of our apartment in the Jewish Quarter. Hungary was perfect for a friends’ getaway, with distinctive bars, great energy, and spending that stayed under control."
Ori, Daniel and Maya, Be'er Sheva
Friends · 4 nights · June
"We booked a guided tour of the Parliament Building and then spent two restful days at the thermal lake in Hévíz, a combination that gave us both city culture and real relaxation. Hungary felt pleasant and well organized, and our only regret was not leaving another day for the towns around Lake Balaton."
Ronit and Avi, Haifa
Older couple · 7 nights · September
FAQ
Common questions about Hungary
Do Israelis need a visa for Hungary?
Israeli passport holders do not need a visa for a tourist stay in Hungary of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, subject to Schengen rules. Before flying, check whether online ETIAS authorization is already required and ensure your passport meets the validity rules.
Are there direct flights from Israel to Hungary, and how long is the flight?
Direct flights operate from Tel Aviv to Budapest, the main gateway to Hungary, with a typical flight time of about 3 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours 40 minutes. Frequency and fares vary sharply around Israeli holidays, so book early for Passover, Sukkot, and Hanukkah.
When is the best time to visit Hungary, and when is peak season?
The most pleasant periods in Hungary are May-June and September-October, ideal for Budapest, the Danube Bend, and Lake Balaton; peak season falls in July-August and during December’s Christmas markets. Winter is cold and sometimes snowy, but it is excellent for thermal baths and a more affordable city break.
How many days do you need in Hungary?
Allow four nights for Budapest alone, while a broader Hungary trip deserves 7-9 days including Szentendre, Eger, or Lake Balaton. Families should avoid overpacking the itinerary and spend at least two nights outside the capital.
What is the easiest way to get around Hungary?
Within Budapest, use the BKK metro, trams, and buses, especially Tram 2 along the Danube, and skip the car. For rural Hungary a rental car is more convenient, although Szentendre, Eger, and Győr are also well served by train; drivers must purchase the required electronic motorway vignette.
How much does a holiday in Hungary cost for Israelis?
A four-night Budapest holiday for a couple from Israel generally costs around ₪5,000-₪8,500 including flights, a good central hotel, transport, food, and attractions, excluding major shopping. Hungary is no longer as cheap as it once was, but bakeries, public transport, and local restaurants remain good value compared with Western Europe.
Is Hungary safe for Israeli travelers?
Hungary is generally considered safe for tourists, and most Israelis feel comfortable even in Budapest’s Jewish Quarter, but it is wise to avoid demonstrations and follow Israel’s official travel guidance. The main everyday risks are pickpocketing around Váci Street, public transport, and crowded sights, plus unofficial taxi drivers.
What are the must-see attractions in Hungary?
On a first visit to Hungary, do not miss the Parliament Building, Fisherman’s Bastion, the Dohány Street Synagogue, Széchenyi Thermal Bath, and an evening Danube cruise. Outside Budapest, choose at least one destination such as Szentendre, Eger’s wine cellars, Lake Balaton, or the thermal lake at Hévíz.
What are nightlife and casinos like in Hungary, and are there kosher food and Chabad?
Hungary’s nightlife is concentrated in Budapest’s Jewish Quarter, home to Szimpla Kert, the Instant-Fogas complex, and Gozsdu Udvar, while licensed casinos include Las Vegas Casino Corvin and Atlantis. Chabad and established kosher restaurants such as Carmel and Hanna Garden operate around Kazinczy and Dohány streets, but opening hours and supervision should be checked in advance.
Is Hungary better for families or couples, what should you pack, and what can it be combined with?
Hungary works beautifully for both: families enjoy Budapest Zoo, Margaret Island, and water parks around Balaton, while couples often choose a hotel near St. Stephen’s Basilica, thermal baths, and a night cruise. Pack walking shoes, layers, an umbrella year-round, and swimwear even in winter; Hungary also combines easily by train with Vienna or Bratislava, or by car with Slovakia.