You don’t need to follow any specific etiquette in Hungary; be friendly and helpful. To help you engage with Hungarians and make your trip even more relaxing, here are some things you should and shouldn’t do.
DO’s
Do as much walking as you can
Budapest and other Hungarian cities may not have skylines dotted with enormous skyscrapers. Still, the decorations and walls that adorn older buildings are a stunning sight, and some of the most distinguishing features may be seen in the tiny side streets.
Choosing where to start your journey in this vast, historic city might be tricky because there is so much to see. The most popular choice for tourists is to start their trip with a walking tour of the vibrant city’s streets with an informed guide who will delve into its history, cuisine, culture, and tradition.
Unless you’re in the mood for it, there are tons of extraordinary walking expeditions to pick from, so you don’t simply have to go on a typical sightseeing trip.
Go on a segway tour
After a brief instruction, you will be okay with riding your zippy ride.
A small group of tourists will include you in their group, shadowing a local guide who will give you the dirt on all the must-see tourist attractions, restaurants, and hidden gems on a segway tour, which are available throughout this lovely city.
You’ll be familiar with every detail of the city by the time it’s done!
Go on a scooter tour
A scooter tour is a fun way to visit Hungary’s central and lesser-known sights in a single evening.
E-scooter experiences allow visitors to see the city at night while enjoying specials at local eateries for an experience you won’t get on any ordinary tour bus.
Best of all, goulash is frequently free!
Do visit the Nuclear Bunker Museum
Budapest, Hungary‘s Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum is located directly beneath the Buda Castle in the centre of Europe. The hospital played a significant historical role as an emergency facility during the Second World War and the 1956 revolution.
DON’Ts
Avoid exchanging currency at the airport!
You’ll get a significantly better exchange rate and more Hungarian Forints for your money anywhere in the city.
Do not anticipate that everyone will be bilingual
Older people could solely speak Hungarian to communicate; however, speaking a second or third language is natural (or sometimes in Russian or German) for the younger generation. In addition, most individuals are charming, and amiability or willingness can get across communication difficulties.
Avoid making this joke
Never describe yourself as “Hungary.” The phrase has been repeated a million times, and Hungarians do not find it amusing. This joke is the fastest method to finish a discussion with a Hungarian, and it’s been warned.
Remember the toilet; Finding a public restroom might be difficult
Sometimes it can be challenging to find a restroom, and cash should always be on hand if you need to use it. Enter a hotel lobby and use the first-floor restroom as a last resort. Staff members won’t likely approach you if you don’t look presentable. Although we do not encourage any trespassing, there are situations when you must go.
Refrain from expressing gratitude before receiving the bill
While talking about tipping manners, waiting to say thank you after receiving your change before you accept a bill at a restaurant is polite. You don’t need to change if you say “thank you.” Don’t count on getting change from servers in tourist places, which may be aware that you need to familiarise yourself with the peculiar habit.
Do visit Tropicarium
The aquarium offers a wide variety of attractions, including snakes and reptiles. The entire experience lasts around 90 minutes and is unquestionably worth a visit. It’s approximately an hour’s ride on public transportation to get there from the city centre, but the costs are reasonable, and I’d suggest it to other travellers.
Remember to leave a tip
Hungary is a tipping nation. People who earn their living from tips rely on this money. Most tips must be cash because many establishments do not allow tipping with a credit card. US dollars and euros are frequently accepted and valued if you need more forint.
Only order after checking the price
To avoid paying more than necessary, only order with an understanding of the cost. To be sure you are being appropriately charged. Additionally, to avoid the tried-and-true “bait and switch” tactic, it is advised to always keep the menu with you. To increase costs, certain restaurants have been known to modify menus.
Hold onto a menu or keep an eye on the price.
The good and, more significantly, the wrong things to do should now be more apparent.