Taking the waters is not just a tourist activity; it is a deeply embedded Hungarian ritual. Budapest alone has over a dozen thermal complexes fed by natural hot springs.

Etiquette: Most modern baths (like Széchenyi and Gellért) are mixed-gender all week and require bathing suits. Always bring your own flip-flops and a towel to avoid expensive rental fees. If you plan to swim in the dedicated lap pools (rather than just soaking in the hot pools), a swimming cap is strictly mandatory.

While Hungary is part of the European Union, it does not use the Euro. The official currency is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). While heavily tourist-focused areas may accept Euros, the exchange rate will be terrible.

Credit cards are widely accepted almost everywhere via contactless pay, but keeping a few thousand Forints in cash is helpful for small market stalls or tipping. Speaking of tipping: a 10% to 15% tip is standard in restaurants. However, always check your bill first—many restaurants automatically include a 12.5% service charge, in which case you do not need to tip extra.

Hungarian food is hearty, comforting, and deeply reliant on sweet paprika, sour cream, and garlic.

Must-Tries: Gulyás (Goulash) is actually a soup, not a thick stew, made with beef, potatoes, and paprika. For ultimate street food indulgence, order a Lángos—a massive disc of deep-fried dough rubbed with raw garlic and smothered in sour cream and grated cheese. For a sweet treat, look for Kürtőskalács (Chimney Cake), a sweet, spiral dough roasted over open coals and dusted with cinnamon sugar.