Hungary & Austria: Musical Experience

Set in central Europe, Austria conjures up images of the picturesque Central Eastern Alps dotted with glamourous Alpine ski resorts surrounded by pristine pistes and aquamarine lakes. However, the country’s breathtaking nature only tells a small part of the story. With residents like Mozart, Freud, and other legendary figures playing an important role in developing the world we know today, the country is also blessed with a rich heritage. From the quaint, cobbled streets of timeless Innsbruck with its famous Golden Roof, to the enthralling Vienna Staatsoper, one of the most famous opera and ballet venues in the world, the historical choices are as diverse as they are seductive. The longstanding 'Kaffeehaus kultur' and the country’s delectable strudels, schnitzels and beer are enough reason to visit, alone. Chic, world-class cities are packed with spectacular modern and contemporary art galleries and a multitude of entertainment opportunities.

Currency 

Local currency: Euro 
Symbol: € 
ISO code: EUR 
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500 
Coins: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: No 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: Austrian Airlines 
International Airports: Vienna International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Salzburg Airport, Innsbruck Airport, Graz Airport 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: No 
Valid International Driver's License needed: No 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: No 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: Yes 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

Austrian cuisine is diverse and hearty, influenced by its neighboring countries. It includes dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel (breaded veal cutlet), Apfelstrudel (apple strudel), and Sachertorte (chocolate cake). Notable local drinks include Austrian wine, particularly Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, and Stiegl beer. 
Tipping: Around 5-10% 

Annual rainfall: Varies by region 
Average temperature: Varies by season 

Summer: 

Average highs: 25°C 
Average lows: 15°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 0°C 
Average lows: -5°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Austria is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is warm and ideal for outdoor activities. Winter is also popular for skiing and enjoying Christmas markets. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type C, Type F 
Voltage (V): 230V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

More than 2000 years of turbulent history have resulted in a fascinating country that boasts a wealth of historical attractions within the Hungarian countryside and in its cosmopolitan capital, Budapest. No European tour would be complete with a trip to this sophisticated capital, a bohemian metropolis with an array of attractions in the form of museums, galleries, monuments, and historic buildings as well as a thriving nightlife and numerous gastronomic establishments that thrill food lovers with all manner of culinary delights. Beyond the cities, Hungary’s natural beauty unfolds in all its glorious splendour. The countryside is strewn with charming towns and villages adorned with medieval squares and picturesque castles. Visitors can take in the panoramic views of the vineyards around Eger, relax in the thermal mineral baths of Balatonfured, or stroll around the charming old-world towns of the gorgeous Danube Bend. Hungary's remarkable landscapes and its array of cultural delights make it a wonderful addition to any European holiday itinerary.

Currency 

Local currency: Hungarian Forint 
Symbol: Ft 
ISO code: HUF 
Subunit: Filler 
Banknotes: Ft500, Ft1000, Ft2000, Ft5000, Ft10000, Ft20000 
Coins: Ft5, Ft10, Ft20, Ft50, Ft100, Ft200 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes (varied hours) 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: Wizz Air, Ryanair 
International Airports: Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Debrecen International Airport, Hévíz-Balaton Airport 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: Yes 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: Yes 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

Hungarian cuisine boasts hearty dishes like goulash, paprika chicken, and lángos (deep-fried flatbread). Traditional desserts include dobos torte and kürtőskalács (chimney cake). Notable local drinks include pálinka (fruit brandy), Tokaji wine, and Unicum liqueur. 
Tipping: 10-15% 

Annual rainfall: 600 - 800 mm 
Average temperature: 11°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 25°C 
Average lows: 15°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 2°C 
Average lows: -4°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Hungary is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type C, Type F 
Voltage (V): 230V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.