Airbnb and holiday rentals in Hungary

Known for its affordable attractions, food and drink, Hungary is the ideal budget get-away. There is no reason why your accommodation should be any more expensive, with affordable holiday homes and apartments spread across this central European country to suit every need. For a cheaper alternative to a hotel room, you can secure a room with a view over the picturesque Lake Balaton, or a holiday apartment in Gyor , one of Europe's most underrated jewels. Choose an apartment rental with a sea view which stands upon the striking scenery of Lake Balaton, where you can wake up alongside the Balaton Uplands National Park, the Tihanyi Bencés Apátság monastery, and the impressive Festetics Palace, all of which showcase the best of Hungary's timeless history. Alternatively, for a unique city break, secure a bed and breakfast in the northern urban jungle of Gyor. Here, you can spend your days taking in the views from the Toronykilátó, and your nights exploring Szechenyi Square, all while sampling some traditional Hungarian cuisine in the acclaimed Kisfaludy Gourmet Wine Bar and Restaurant along the way.

When to visit Hungary

Temperatures begin to warm across Hungary in March, so if you are able to, choose to visit between then and late May, perhaps over the Easter holidays in order to avoid the crowds over the summer months that take over the waterfront regions and large cities. Though some areas can avoid mass visitor crowds all year round, another alternative to ensure you can visit the attractions with minimum waiting time is to visit between September to late October, when the summer crowd has passed, but temperatures are still warm enough to enjoy the outdoor baths and water activities.

What types of holiday rentals are available in Hungary?

There is an endless list of reasons why you might want to visit Hungary, from its renowned cosmopolitan city life and magical streets to the mountainous views across the verdant landscape. With so many attractions just waiting to be explored, it is no surprise that there are so many unique holiday lettings available across the country. There is no better way to enjoy the capital, also sometimes called the ‘Paris of the East', by choosing one of the many holiday apartments in Budapest overlooking the river Danube, that famously splits the formerly separate cities of Buda and Pest. Expand your horizons and browse are dotted across the country. These villas and homes are ideal for groups of friends and larger families who want to live like a local in a quaint Hungarian setting.

How to get to Hungary

Situated in central Europe, Hungary's many wonders can be reached easily by rail across the continent. From the UK, however, the quickest way of travelling to the country is by air. With daily flights from London, Birmingham, Manchester and Bristol straight into Budapest Airport taking approximately 2 and a half hours, with a transfer time of around 30 minutes to Budapest centre, you can explore the best of Hungary from the UK in almost no time at all! The travel duration to other tourist hotspots, including Veszprém and Szeged differ, however, the most effective way of getting across the country is by hiring a car or making use of MAV, the efficient Hungarian Railway system.

Where to book a holiday rental in Hungary

Budapest

The impressive Hungarian Parliament building and Fisherman's Bastion have been featured on a million postcards and Hungarian chocolate boxes, though it is not hard to understand why these landmarks are so photographed when you visit Budapest for yourself. The globally renowned attractions of this majestic city are among the jewels of central Europe, with the marble kingdom of St. Stephen's Basilica, the haven of Buda Castle and the beautiful art nouveau buildings, and, of course, the Széchenyi Bath. Find accommodation which mirrors this city's enduring charm, from a penthouse which overlooks the Danube, to an apartment with a garden which can be a jungle retreat in this vibrant capital.

Debrecen

With a name that has synonyms with extreme richness and traditionalism, Hungary's second largest city showcases some of the most beautiful castles, galleries and orthodox synagogues in the entire country. These opulent riches of the city can be enjoyed by every visitor, booking an apartment in Debrecen, you will be able to admire the mosaic street art, or immerse yourself in the flora during the annual Flower Carnival every August.

Sopron

Sopron is almost as Austrian as it is magical, with influences from Hungary's bordering neighbour never been too far out of sight in this lakeside city. A holiday home in Sopron with views of Lake Neusiedl, or an apartment which looks out onto the city's ancient structures, which gives the city a fairytale feeling, are all possible in Sopron, where you can explore the elegance of Esterházy Palace, or dream away your days in the botanical garden.

Szeged

There is something for every visitor in Szeged, from the history enthusiasts who can spend the day in the Móra Ferenc Museum, to the younger travellers who can enjoy the city's zoo and Sunshine Aquapolis Szeged waterpark. Just like all great cities in Hungary, Szeged has a fairytale atmosphere which is framed in the Votive Church, City Hall and Dömötör Tower, all of which can be quickly accessed from your holiday rental in Szeged.

Hungarian food and culture tips

Mention Hungarian food, and you will almost certainly think of Goulash, the paprika based stew, which is available in nearly every restaurant in the country. Choose a self-catered holiday rental and use the opportunity to sample Goulash, and other local dishes including Lángos and Rétes in a traditional local restaurant or try your hand at home cooking in your own kitchen. One thing is for sure; you will not be going hungry in Hungary, as you cannot leave the city's streets without sampling Kürt?skalács, the hot sweet treat which has the power to tempt visitors back to Hungary, time and time again. Hungarian is spoken across the country, and it has a reputation of being an incredibly difficult language to learn, yet it still may be worth memorising the key phrases to get you by, especially if you are planning on staying in an area which is less populated by tourists.

Magical healing baths in Hungary

Hungary is blessed with a vast number of hot springs which have contributed to the formation of nearly 500 thermal spas and bathing houses across the country. These natural baths are as enticing today as they were in the Ancient Roman era and have since welcomed visitors and locals who both enjoy a game of chess in the steaming waters. The most famous of these spas is the Széchenyi Bath in Budapest, which happens to be the greatest medicinal bath in Europe. The Széchenyi Bath, which lays in a grand palace setting, has a collection of indoor and outdoor healing pools and saunas, to emphasise the authentic Hungarian spa experience. No trip to Hungary is complete without an afternoon soaking up the benefits of these healing waves, so you can return to your bed and breakfast or apartment rental feeling relaxed and ready to take on Hungary's nightlife scene.

Adventure in Hungary

Hungary boasts vast natural landscape which includes the award-winning Megyer-Hegyi Mountain Pool, and the Hortobágy National Park, with its immense grassland and wild animal park which contributed to its title as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A bed and breakfast in the heart of the National Park will leave you in the best place to spend your evenings gazing upon the stars which are free from light pollution, with this park being renowned for its diverse wildlife habitat and even a recreational cowboy show. The adventure in Hungary does stop there, however, as you can secure a rustic holiday cottage or villa with a swimming pool in the golden region of Transdanubia, with its vast sunflower fields which offer hiking and cycling opportunities for anybody who visits. Hungary may be in the centre of the continent, but that does not necessarily mean you have to miss out on some Watersport activity. Choose a sunny apartment in one of the waterfront villages on Lake Balaton, Hungary's answer to the seaside. With this stretch of water comes the range of Watersport activities, including the opportunity to jet ski and windsurf in this scenic area of the country.