Customer Reviews

Lonely Planet Hungary (Country Guide)

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While the internet is virtually an (almost) unlimted source for information about any country, it is also an overload of too much information ... that is when you need a guide to help you sort it all out. Lonely Planet does *just* *this* for anyone who is interested in visiting and touring Hungary. I have been to Hungary three times in the past five years and was delighted to discover this wonderful book. While my primary purpose was to visit relatives, the opportunity to visit historical sites and experience the culture is always foremost in my mind. Since most vacations are limited to 2, 3 or 4 weeks - you need to know where to find what interests you and make the most of your European vacation. This is the primary purpose of this book.

Lonely Planet tells you about restaurants, hotels (and their prices), entertainment, folklore events, art galleries, museums, castles, and churches, too -- giving a very good description of *nearly* everything of historical or cultural interest in the major cities and towns of Hungary. There are some very nice photographs,too. I was most impressed by their including information about transportation, buses, the metro and the trains. You are given an indespensible synopsis and outline of "what you need to know" of how to get "where you want to go." Budapest is described in vivid detail - the charm of this old world capital is evident - anyone unfamiliar with its treasures is enticied to visit. I have visited, Szekesfehervar, Veszprem, Sarvar, Szombathely, Gyor, Sumeg, Koszeg, Csesznek, Zirc, Mor, and at Lake Balaton: Siofok, Keszthely, Tihany & Badacsony -- all described beautifully for what they offer the tourist. Of note, there are highlighted boxes which give special information, hard to find elsewhere, for instance, "Herend Porcelain" is featured, giving a brief history of this art and a description of some patterns. "The Victoria pattern of butterflies and wild flwoers of the Bakony was designed for Queen Victora after she admired a display of Herend pieces at the Great Exhibition in London in 1851." (page 228)

Another major plus to this guide, is it gives an accurate, scholarly and well researched brief history of Hungary in about 10 pages. I have read recently published history books about Hungary - Lonely Planet got it right! So if you are looking for a concise, cultural, historical, educational complete guide to visiting Hungary - buy this book. My highest accolades to this guide! Erika Borsos (erikab93)

I lived in Hungary for a while, and this is a great resource for traveling around the country. The author captures the Hungarian spirit and quirkiness quite well, and the reviews of the restaurants, hotels, and attractions are usually accurate.

I do caution people that the information isn't as accurate if you're traveling to any of the minor cities. I lived in Szombathely, and many of the hotels and restaurants don't exist any more, and the attractions are rather... er, not quite as they are portrayed.

Also be aware that the train schedules change every January, so even if the guide says a certain leaves from Keleti or Deli, this may not be the case. Verify everything before you can make travel arrangements.

Although this edition was only published 2 years ago, the accomodation sections in various towns is already quite out of date . I suppose the accomodation situation changes quite rapidly in Hungary, even the 2005 edition of LP Eastern Europe has much more up to date accomodation info for Hungary, altough as a whole it has less info on Hungary of course.

This book is very easy to use and has very helpful information on Hungary. For someone going to Hungary for the first time, it is very useful.

This is the kind of book that gives LP the great reputation that it deserves. The guide was generally helpful for both Budapest and Eger, and we used it religiously for our one-week visit to the country.

However, it would have been useful to have translations of the phrase "Is service included in the bill" (I have also found many other LP guides also omit this useful phrase). We would have also appreciated a more in-depth historical background. The historical description between the 1960s-90s was a little light.

This is a far cry from LP's Romania book, which was decent at best.

Lonely Planet books are always fairly well organized and this edition of Hungary is no exception. The information is current and doesn't neglect any corner of this very interesting and beautiful country. The book contains information to satisfy a wide range of interests; everything from those interested in winery tours to those looking for a relaxing beach vacation at Europe's largest lake, Lake Balaton. Likewise, the book nicely balances the needs of those who travel by rail, bus or by their own rented car, as we did. One small complaint, not the author's fault, is Lonely Planet's editorial decision to omit good photos, other than the few esoteric token photos near the center of the book. I suppose there is an editorial struggle between pretty pictures versus content, but it can be frustrating if tackling a country such as Hungary where you have no apriori knowledge of the various landscapes in different regions of the country. A picture is in fact worth a thousand words, but Lonely Planet simply does not see it that way. Perhaps pick up the DK guide for photos to inspire and guide your trip planning for Hungary.

I have visited Budapest and more than five towns around it last summer, and have used this book extensively as my only guide to the country.
It was of great help, in it you can find everything you will need to get the full experience of the country, including historical informations, sites to visit, maps, well choosed recommendations of restaurants and bars, informations about accommodation, transport and people.
I can recommend this book to everyone who wants to visit and learn about Hungary.

I've visited 44 countries, mostly on a budget, and Lonely Planet is THE only book I would consider using. It's throrough, comprehensive and concise. It's especially geared for the budget/adventure traveler, though it would also prove useful to anyone on a tour or cruise. Lonely Planet is packed with maps, useful phrases, history lessons, tips on culture & conduct, addresses and descriptions of museums, hotels, restaurants - everything you need. Though Lonely Planet leans towards those of us who travel in hostels and budget hotels, it also gives a good description of hotels and restaurants for those who wish to travel in a more luxurious manner. There are other good travel books out there - Eyewitness Guides, etc - that have a lot of beautiful photos - but unless you're traveling with a steamer trunk, these are of little use because they lack the information you'll need while on the road. Look at the others for inspiration before you go, if you'd like, but pack your Lonely Planet. I'd never travel without it.