Latest tourism news in Hungary

5 Dec 2024

- Sziget Festival 2025 Lineup Announced: The first performers for the highly anticipated Sziget Festival 2025 have been revealed, featuring top artists like Charli XCX and Chappell Roan, alongside renowned acts such as the French duo Justice, rock band Papa Roach, and pop star Nelly Furtado.

The lineup also includes popular electronic artists like Armin Van Buuren and Boris Brejcha. Interestingly, the festival accidentally leaked the lineup a day early through a scheduled YouTube video. Get ready for an exciting summer of music! Read more here

1 Dec 2024

- National Athletics Center Budapest opens to the public: The National Athletics Center in Budapest’s IX District has officially opened its new public running track, which features spectacular views of the city and the Danube River. Operating daily from 7 AM to 9 PM, the center previously hosted the 2023 World Athletics Championships and will hold an elite athletics series finale in 2026.

The facility aims to promote outdoor sports among residents, offering not just the running track but also a playground, various fitness areas, bouldering walls, a skatepark, and a sandy beach area along the riverbank. Read more here

27 Nov 2024

- New two-year Airbnb moratorium in Budapest: Beginning January 1, 2025, Budapest will enforce a two-year moratorium on new registrations for Airbnb-style accommodations. This decision, approved by the National Assembly, allows current property owners to register new rentals until December 31, 2024, if applications are submitted before the deadline.

Furthermore, the government is proposing a fourfold increase in the flat tax on short-term rentals, aiming to tackle the city's housing affordability issues. Recent local council actions have already shown a slight decrease in property prices in Terézváros. Read more here

25 Nov 2024

- Argentine hiker narrowly escapes freezing in Bükk mountains: In a dramatic rescue, an Argentine hiker was found frozen and disoriented in the Bükk Mountains by Felsőtárkány's mayor, Attila Simon Juhász, during his morning run. The hiker had reportedly been lost for several days, surviving by lighting fires and melting snow for water.

When located, he was wrapped in a blanket and showing severe signs of cold exposure, including swollen legs and a struggle to communicate. Emergency services took him to the hospital for treatment. Read more here.

24 Nov 2024

- Rising thefts at duty-free shops in Budapest Airport: Liszt Ferenc Airport reports an annual passenger flow of 15 to 16 million and around 500 to 600 crimes, with thefts being the most common. While luggage theft has decreased due to mandatory body cameras, a new trend of traveling thieves is emerging, targeting duty-free shops.

These thieves exploit low-cost airline tickets to hit multiple airports in a single day, stealing valuable items like designer perfumes and sunglasses. However, Budapest Airport's extensive surveillance helps maintain a nearly 100% detection rate of these crimes. Read more here

21 Nov 2024

- Wizz Air flight from Brussels to Budapest delayed by 18 hours

A Wizz Air flight faced an 18-hour delay due to technical difficulties after slush affected the aircraft's sensors while taxiing at Brussels Airport. The flight was scheduled to leave Wednesday evening but finally departed at 1:49 PM on Thursday.

The delay also stemmed from a shortage of de-icing fluid amid cold weather conditions. Wizz Air provided meal vouchers to affected passengers and worked to keep them informed during the wait. Read more here.