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Hungary is a quintessential Eastern Bloc country that’s come into its own. The Danube River snakes through, bisecting the capital city into its founding towns of Buda and Pest. Each side retains a distinct character to this day. Architecture aficionados would be wise to wallow in the city’s splendour: from Baroque to Bauhaus – and even Soviet Brutalism – countless buildings are ready for their closeup. You must also check out Budapest’s baths (not the gay kind). With 1000 natural springs in the nation, and 118 in the city alone, they’re a huge part of Hungarian culture. Since the country still has its own currency, it also offers great value versus other European nations.
On the upside, homosexuality is legal and discrimination is not. You can also change your gender without reassignment surgery or hormone therapy. Common law relationships are recognized, and single gay people can adopt or pursue IVF. However, same-sex couples don’t enjoy full rights and privileges, including marriage and adoption rights.
Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Gay Marriage: Other type of Partnership
Right to Change Gender: Legal, but requires surgery
Same-Sex Adoption: Married couples only
LGBT Discrimination: Illegal
Equal Age of Consent: Equal
There’s a small but thriving queer scene in downtown Budapest – they even have baths (the gay kind). You don’t need to suppress your sexuality, but it’s still Eastern Europe, so PDAs may not be well received. Outside the city centre, conservative attitudes prevail.
Gay Villages
Budapest: Inner City (Not a gay village per se, but the primary location you’ll find gay bars)
Pride Festivals/Events
Budapest Pride: Annually in July
Best Gay Bars
Budapest: Habroló Bisztró
Budapest: Why Not Bar
Budapest: Madrid Café & Bar
Budapest: Alterego Bar & Lounge
Best Lesbian Bars/Parties
Budapest: Ösztrosokk, WOW
5. Aggtelek National Park
A bewitching limestone landscape in Northern Hungary prized for unique caves filled with spectacular stalactites.
4. Szentendre
A culturally rich town along the Danube prized for its numerous art galleries and museums. Cobblestone streets are lined with baroque churches and colourful houses.
3. Eger
Castle of Eger is well-worth a day trip out of Budapest. The medieval fortress has some of the best country views in Hungary.
2. Budapest (Buda)
The city is so grand we’re dedicating two slots to it. On the Danube’s west bank sits genteel Buda. Start your exploration below the spires of Matthias Church.
1. Budapest (Pest)
Pest on the Danube’s east bank is the city’s commercial heart. It’s lively and has an in-the-middle-of-it-all spirit. Grand boulevards, Parliament Building, Chain Bridge and the city’s best shopping await.
Best Time to Visit: March through November
Electricity: Type C- and F-Socket
Time Zone: CET (UTC+01:00)
Vaccinations: The WHO suggests immunization against Hepatitis A and B, rabies, and influenza before visiting Hungary. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, consult with your doctor or a travel medical clinic.
Visas: Visit Hungary’s Consular Services website for up-to-date information on Visa requirements.
LGBT Rights in Hungary
On the upside, homosexuality is legal and discrimination is not. You can also change your gender without reassignment surgery or hormone therapy. Common law relationships are recognized, and single gay people can adopt or pursue IVF. However, same-sex couples don’t enjoy full rights and privileges, including marriage and adoption rights.
Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Gay Marriage: Other type of Partnership
Right to Change Gender: Legal, but requires surgery
Same-Sex Adoption: Married couples only
LGBT Discrimination: Illegal
Equal Age of Consent: Equal
Lesbian Hungary Travel
There’s a small but thriving queer scene in downtown Budapest – they even have baths (the gay kind). You don’t need to suppress your sexuality, but it’s still Eastern Europe, so PDAs may not be well received. Outside the city centre, conservative attitudes prevail.
Gay Villages
Budapest: Inner City (Not a gay village per se, but the primary location you’ll find gay bars)
Pride Festivals/Events
Budapest Pride: Annually in July
Best Gay Bars
Budapest: Habroló Bisztró
Budapest: Why Not Bar
Budapest: Madrid Café & Bar
Budapest: Alterego Bar & Lounge
Best Lesbian Bars/Parties
Budapest: Ösztrosokk, WOW
Best Places to Visit in Hungary
5. Aggtelek National Park
A bewitching limestone landscape in Northern Hungary prized for unique caves filled with spectacular stalactites.
4. Szentendre
A culturally rich town along the Danube prized for its numerous art galleries and museums. Cobblestone streets are lined with baroque churches and colourful houses.
3. Eger
Castle of Eger is well-worth a day trip out of Budapest. The medieval fortress has some of the best country views in Hungary.
2. Budapest (Buda)
The city is so grand we’re dedicating two slots to it. On the Danube’s west bank sits genteel Buda. Start your exploration below the spires of Matthias Church.
1. Budapest (Pest)
Pest on the Danube’s east bank is the city’s commercial heart. It’s lively and has an in-the-middle-of-it-all spirit. Grand boulevards, Parliament Building, Chain Bridge and the city’s best shopping await.
More Info
Best Time to Visit: March through November
Electricity: Type C- and F-Socket
Time Zone: CET (UTC+01:00)
Vaccinations: The WHO suggests immunization against Hepatitis A and B, rabies, and influenza before visiting Hungary. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, consult with your doctor or a travel medical clinic.
Visas: Visit Hungary’s Consular Services website for up-to-date information on Visa requirements.
