From the banks of the Danube, where you will find Budapest, to summer fun on the shores of Lake Balaton, there is much to see and do in this country of Central Europe.

Budapest is the undoubted tourism star of Hungary and it continues to shine brightly, luring visitors to steamy bathhouses, café-lined squares and ancient castles. Elsewhere in landlocked Hungary, weary muscles are revived at sensational spa destinations, while wine lovers sniff and swig sweet dessert wines and full-bodied reds.

With an abundance of cheap flights to Hungary and a flight time of less than three hours from UK airports, jetting in for a weekend break is a pleasure. There are plenty of great-value Hungary hotels too, so you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a really good time. Stay for a couple of nights or take your time and enjoy the sights, sounds, smells and delicious tastes of Hungary for a week or two. If you book cheap car hire in Hungary you can tour a wealth of diverse and fascinating attractions and stay at some of the best hotels in Hungary as you travel.

For more information on where to stay, read our short guide below. Then use the TravelSupermarket search tool to compare prices on accommodation in Hungary, flights and car hire, as well as a host of other travel extras such as insurance and airport parking.

Most visitors arrive at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) for a wonderful weekend in the beautiful capital city of Hungary. The best Budapest hotels are located in the central areas of the city, especially in the Castle Hill district on the Buda side of the river and in Belvaros, in downtown Pest. There are many four- and five-star hotels as well as a good spread of mid-range accommodation. Hotels in Budapest will be in greatest demand during weekends between late spring and early autumn, in the busy summer months, and on weekends leading up to Christmas as shoppers flock to the festive markets. Early booking of hotels during these peak times is therefore advised.

Hotels around Lake Balaton and in the nearby spa resorts of Zalakaros and Heviz, among others, should also be booked as soon as possible during the summer months due to high demand.

In Debrecen, the second-largest city in Hungary, summer is another busy time for tourism. It’s a small city and easy to explore on foot, with attractive landscapes just minutes from the city centre. Book car hire and visit Hortobagy National Park, where goulash was invented.

Other popular destinations in Hungary include Miskolc, which is nestled in the Bukk Mountains of the north, and historic Gyor.

Pecs and Szeged are cities in the south, with the latter boasting a youthful student vibe and the former giving visitors a glimpse of Roman Hungary.

From basic guesthouses that ooze charm, to castles offering the finest in Hungarian hospitality, find the hotel that suits you with the price-comparison service on TravelSupermarket.

Top five attractions

Varhegy (Castle Hill)

One of the first places to head for the minute you set foot in Budapest is the magnificent Castle Hill, which casts its imposing shadow over the western side of the Danube. The area is awash with stylish restaurants, bars and shops, and also houses the Royal Palace.

Thermal Baths

The Ottoman Empire had an influence on much of Hungary, but one of its greatest legacies is undoubtedly the baths of Budapest. Heated by thermal springs, you can opt for a relaxing soak or go all out for a soap-down and full, if not slightly brutal, massage.

Parliament Building

Home to the National Assembly of Hungary, the Parliament Building has been one of Budapest’s most recognisable landmarks since it opened in 1904. Inside the free-to-enter building (guided tours cost about £10) you will find plenty of art relating to Hungary’s history.

Nagyerdo (City Park)

The picturesque city of Debrecen is home to one of Hungary’s national treasures – the 2,280-hectare city park. Within its extensive grounds there is more than just delightful walks; a zoo, an amusement park, a family water park, and even a football stadium compete for attention here.

Cave Spa

On the outskirts of the city of Miskolc, there lies a real treat – a spa set inside caves that boasts pools heated naturally by thermal springs. It is a wonderful place to spend a day relaxing, either by floating about in the hot pools inside the cave system or by enjoying one of the many treatments available.

Carnival (Farsang); February: This huge, lively event begins with a children’s masquerade parade and turns into a huge street party. There is plenty going on around this time in Budapest.

Budapest Spring Festival; April: Expect two weeks of concerts and performances spread across the city during this popular event. Thousands of visitors flock to Budapest to enjoy some of the world’s finest opera and ballet.

Buda Castle Beer Festival; June: Known throughout the world for its excellent beer, Hungary showcases its finest creations in the auspicious halls of Buda Castle over four days in June.