Hungary has deep musical roots, with some very talented composers hailing from the country, and this gives rise to an abundance of concert halls and festivals. There are musical performances to suit all taste with everything from classical and opera to rock and jazz. Jazz fans should try to see the famous Balazs Elemer group and George Szabados live here. There are many more festivals across the country, but one not to miss is the Budapest International Circus Festival held biannually in January and February.

Hungary’s scenic landscape makes it ideal for active holidays. The mountain region has many exciting hiking trails, which allow you to take in the mass of wildlife, flora and fauna at close quarters, whilst the flat terrain along the many river banks and lake shores is perfect for cycling tours. Golf has taken off over the last ten years and there are now 13 golf courses in the country, mainly around Budapest and Western Transdanubia. Lovers of horse riding should in addition to following the many riding trails, visit the Puszta, where they can experience many exciting horse shows as well as gaining an insight into the country’s folk traditions. You don’t have to be a good rider to ride a horse or carriage here. Hungary’s many freshwater lakes provide excellent facilities for sailing, fishing and bird watching; Lakes Balaton and Tisza are ideal for a range of relaxing leisure pursuits including surfing and water skiing. Hunters will also enjoy the abundance of wildlife and game and there are many hunting tours on offer for people of all abilities; great hunting areas are located in the Pilis, Börzsöny Mountains, and the Central Transdanubian Region and in the Great Plain.

Hungary has over a thousand hot mineral springs and a wealth of spa resorts and facilities including those of sumptuous luxury and those which cater for the more simple tastes of the local people. The spa water here caters for a wide variety of ailments and individual treatment plans can be designed to include massage, relaxation therapy and mud baths. The spa at Héviz has water temperatures in the eighties and offers both indoor and outdoor spa pools. Budapest is the Spa Capital of the world and has over 100 mineral springs and 12 medicinal baths – more than any other world capital. Other noteworthy spas are located in Buk, Balf, Sárvár and Zalakaros.

Wine culture also plays a leading role in Hungarian tourism and there are 22 wine growing regions producing over 400 wines. The House of Hungarian Wines in Budapest is a great starting place for any wine tour as it contains a full complement of Hungarian wines. The Villány-Siklós Wine Route in the south is one of the most scenic wine tours; the towns of Villány and Villánykövesd are famous for the ruby-red wine they produce. Siklós is renowned for its many white wines. Wine cellars all over the villages are open to visitors who wish to pop in and taste the home-made wines.