So, you’re excited about traveling to Hungary and have already begun jotting down ideas for your itinerary. The mix of gothic architecture, history, warm and hearty food, ruin pubs and beautiful scenery has drawn you in, already making it a fantastic trip from the get-go, but with so many different regions to explore and activities to do, it’s pretty easy to get overwhelmed. Especially when it’s all in another language! But does that mean you need a guide?
If you’re wondering whether a Hungary tour guide works best for you and your travel plans, you’ve come to the right place. Hiring a guide in Hungary, like in many other travel destinations, has its advantages and disadvantages, so here are some pros and cons to consider:
Language Barriers? No Problem!
Okay, about 60% of Hungarians speak English, making it the 17th most English-proficient country in the world. However, this is predominantly in the capital, Budapest, with English being much less common in smaller towns. A tour guide can enhance your Hungarian and provide you with tips on how to pronounce words, as well as point out phrases to be on the lookout for. Language is not just verbal, but also nonverbal, and there are cues and customs that a guide will be able to teach you about.
Find Hidden Gems
Our tour guides are locals, so they can teach you about the history and heritage of locations and tell you stories you might not find in guidebooks. When on a guided hike tour in Seoul, my guide told me about how monks would head down from the mountains and sneak into the back of restaurants to eat meat, an amusing fact I never would have learned without their insight. A guide can also inform you of locations beyond tourist traps, like the Bokod Floating Houses, or the stunning town of Esztergom.
Discover Authentic Hungarian Flavors
Okay, so you’ve heard you must try Lángos, but where do you get the fluffiest, cheesiest version? A local guide can tell you some of the best destinations for local delicacies as well as help you order dishes you want to try, making sure you know what you’re getting. I remember when I was in Hanoi, we went on a motorbike food tour, and we tried foods we never would have considered trying — it was the highlight of our trip!
Tailored Experiences
The tour guide shapes the tour for you. If you’re a female solo traveler, you can elevate your comfort by booking a female tour guide in Budapest or other towns. If you’re on limited time, inform your guide of your ideas, and they’ll reveal shortcuts or locations that might impress you more according to your interests. Hiring a guide enhances your trip by adding unique elements based on your schedule that others may not experience while in Hungary.
We’re not ones to push a guide on you, as we know they’re not for everyone. If you relate to these points below, a private guided tour may not be for you.
Cost
With the cost of living these days, we know that for some, hiring a guide is an extra expense added to your travel budget. While it can enhance your experience, it might not be budget-friendly for every traveler, so if you’re looking to stick to a cost plan, a private guide might increase that. To check out some of our prices, head to the Hungary private tours page.
Dependency
Relying on a guide might limit your ability to explore independently. If you enjoy the freedom of spontaneous exploration, and random chance encounters, a private guide may not be the best fit for your go-with-the-flow travel style.
Personal Compatibility
Your experience with a guide is highly dependent on the guide's personality and communication style. If there's a mismatch, it could impact your overall enjoyment of the tour. The great thing about GoWithGuide is you get to chat with a potential guide before making any commitments. Want to know how? Keep reading.
Hiring a guide in Hungary can greatly enhance your travel experience, providing local insights and a more organized itinerary. However, it's important to weigh the added cost against the benefits and consider your personal preferences for independent exploration.
Have we made you even more confused? If you like the idea of hiring a guide but hate the thought of following along in a large group through tourist-filled attractions, we can help with that.
Traditional Tour
GoWithGuide Private Tour
So, the idea of a private guide is appealing, but how do you go about booking one? Just follow these three steps:
It’s been decided, a private guided tour is for you, so let’s get some Hungarian-inspired tours into your itinerary.
Conclusion
Are you ready to start your guided tour? Contact a Hungary tour guide for regional & Budapest tours and start building your itinerary together.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest, Hungary