Population – 10 million, Area – 93,030 sq km (35,919 sq miles), Currency – Hungarian Forint (HUF; symbol Ft) = 100 fillér.

Flight times – From London to Budapest is 2 hours 30 minutes; from New York is 8 hours 40 minutes..

Cities – Budapest (capital), Debrecen, Szeged, Miskolc.

Time Zone – GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Weather – There are four seasons, with warm summers from June to August; spring and autumn are mild, while winters are very cold.

Languages – Hungarian (Magyar) is the official language; German and English are widely spoken by the older and younger generation respectively; some French is also spoken, mainly in western Hungary.

Religion – 52% Roman Catholic, 16% Calvinist, 3% Lutheran. Christian, Eastern Orthodox and Jewish minorities.

Electricity - 220 volts AC, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are used.

The Republic of Hungary lies in the Carpathian Basin in Central Eastern Europe and is bordered by Austria, Slovakia, Romania, Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia and Ukraine. Hungary is a remarkable country to visit rich in history and culture, as well as in natural beauty.

Hungary boasts one of the world's most beautiful capital cities: Budapest, the "Pearl of the Danube", whose wonderful panorama is on UNESCO's World Heritage list. It has a population of around 10 million. Hungary is known as the Gateway to Europe, but this strategic location had made the country vulnerable to many invaders in the past, including the Turks, the Habsburgs, the Germans and the Russians.

There is wide diversity in the Hungarian art and architecture which has elements of Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau styles. One will find great works of pottery, embroidery and handicrafts in this historically and culturally rich country. Its music ranges from rhapsodies, gypsy music, operas to excellent folk music.

Climate is Continental with Mediterranean and Atlantic influences and being in central Europe Hungary has very hot summers and raw cold winters. Average temperatures vary from -2oC in January to 23oC in July

The capital, Budapest, is located in a central northern position on the banks of the river Danube and is considered to be one of the top European destinations. A bustling, vibrant and architecturally beautiful city there is plenty to see and do, and despite the many invasions and uprisings the city’s original charm remains: Imagine sipping drinks in one of the many coffeehouses which have long time been popular haunts for poets, soldiers, musicians and aristocrats with passionate gypsy music in the background, overhearing locals’ heated discussions, or watching yellow trams hurtle down cobblestone streets passing facades marked with signs of revolution and magnificent old apartment blocks.

Budapest was originally separated into three parts and divided by the River Danube which flows from the north to the south with the district of Buda situated at the west, Pest at the east and Obuda (which translates as old Buda) at the north-west, but in 1873 three became one to form ‘Budapest’. As many of the dental and cosmetic surgeons are based in the capital, culture vultures can enjoy the city’s attractions after their treatment. Highlights include the Opera House, the Royal Palace, Buda Castle and the Old City Wall. Take a ride on the funicular railway to Castle Hill, or Tram number two to enjoy the hills of Buda, stroll around the Museum of Fine Arts or the Hungarian National Gallery then relax in one of the city’s 400 cafés with coffee and cake.

Hungary was one of the Eastern European countries to enter the European Union in 2004 but the Euro hasn’t arrived just yet; the currency is the Hungarian Forint and the exchange rate is roughly 366 Ft to £1. Hungary is very accessible and from London you can fly direct to Budapest in just under two and a half hours with return fares on budget airlines from as little as £40.

The Hungarians are a very proud, resilient and patriotic race who are generally very hospitable people despite their reputation for being a little pessimistic - but who could blame them after such a turbulent history? As far as dining goes expect to see dishes such as Paprika Chicken with dumplings or Goulash. Pork is also big news in Hungary and you will see plenty of it at most meal times, either as a main course or used for seasoning and added to anything from soups, sauces and cabbage. Allegedly the ham obsession goes back to the Turkish invasion when the Muslims (who for religious purposes won’t eat pork) left behind many pigs and hence it became a staple dish. And don’t forget to sample some Hungarian wine with your meal; it regularly wins prizes at international wine fares.

Nature lovers will delight in Hungary’s spectacular scenery; Lake Balaton, for example is Europe's largest freshwater lake, known as the Hungarian Sea and there are many other nature conservation areas to be explored. Take a trip out of Budapest to Szentendre, a peaceful folk village north of the city on the Danube bend, just 20 minutes by car or 40 by train. The country also boasts a collection of thermal spas (around 400 thermal springs in 85 different locations) whose therapeutic and medicinal properties have attracted visitors for many years and have been recognised by the Ministry of Health. The thermal water absorbs minerals from the earth’s crust and is especially good for muscle tension, aches and pains or circulatory/injury rehabilitation. The main ones are Gellért Spa, King Spa, St Luke Spa and Széchenyi Spa.

Hungary has for a long time been a popular destination for the Germans and Austrians, once they cottoned on to the fact that it was much cheaper to have their surgery in Hungary than at home.  Consequently over the past fifteen years or so the market has expanded and an increasing number of surgeons have emerged giving greater access to top class, affordable cosmetic and plastic surgery, general surgery, dental surgery and other treatments.

Until fairly recently however, Hungary hasn’t been a particularly popular option for British people seeking their healthcare needs abroad.  This is because Hungary wasn’t very accessible and it was cheaper to fly to other Eastern European countries.  However, following the launch of various budget airlines such as Wizzair, Jet2 and SkyEurope you can now jet over to Budapest from as little as £40 return and traditional airlines like British Airways also offer pretty good deals.

Surgery is carried out in Budapest clinics with modern up-to-date facilities and run by internationally trained, English speaking doctors and surgeons, so with a high level of professionalism and a premium service you can effortlessly combine the cost of your treatment with a holiday in the beautiful city of Budapest.  For example in the UK a face/neck lift costs around £5,000, compared to Hungary where this would be around £2,000* (excluding flights etc).

Hungary is renowned all over the world for its high standards and advanced medical procedures, with many of their medical profession teaching and practicing internationally.  And being just two and a half hours away from the UK, Budapest is a very relaxing place to recover from surgery with the many rejuvenating thermal spas making the experience of having your surgery abroad a real ‘healthcare holiday’.

Furthermore, many health tourism programs are available, organising the entire trip from flights, transfer, accommodation and surgical or dental treatment.

And with the lowest MRSA rates in Europe, access to high class and affordable cosmetic and plastic surgery, general surgery, dental surgery and other treatments, Hungary is a practical choice for your healthcare treatment abroad.

Saint Stephen established the Kingdom of Hungary in 1000. It was invaded by the Mongols after the Hungarians were defeated at the Battle of Muhi in 1241. This period was a devastating one for the country as half of the country was killed by the Mongols. Between 1526 and 1686 this country was under the Ottoman Empire which was very oppressive. The Communist era and the two World Wars were equally bad for the Hungarians. It became a member of NATO and the European Union in 1999 and 2004, respectively.

Roman, Gothic, Baroque influenced the Hungarian art and architecture and Art Nouveau styles. The musical tradition of the country is also Remarkable. Famous works are the rhapsodies of Ferenc Liszt, the operas of Ferenc Erkel, the folk-music and gypsy music. The most famous works of literature are connected to the main events of the Hungarian history. Hungary has one of the most valuable folk traditions and folk art. The most important folk crafts: woodcarving, pottery, ceramics, embroidery, weaving, blue painting, tanning, saddler, clothes and costume manufacturer, hatmaker, straw spinner, matting, wicker, lace worker, pearl stringer, jewel and horse jewel manufacturer, felt maker, blacksmith, toy-maker, furniture maker, paper dipper, bone and horn carving, egg painter, farrier, candle dipper, music instrument maker , shoemaker, boot maker . Travellers can familiarise themselves with the Hungarian folk art in museums, exhibitions and markets. The Hungarian applied arts are also remarkable. The products of the Herend, Zsolnay and Hollóház china factories are world famous.

Royal Palace

Located at the top of Castle Hill in the picturesque Castle District of Buda, the Royal Palace was first inhabited by King Béla in the 13th century who, after the Mongol invasion, turned it into a fortified stronghold against further attack. Over the next 700 years it was the residence of many royal figures. The strategic location of Budapest, situated in the heart of Europe and straddling the Danube, offered whoever controlled the city a defensive position and potential control of the main waterway. This led to repeated invasions,followed by rebuilding in the style of the period. The castle has a mixture of architectural styles, ranging from Gothic to Baroque. Today it is the country's most important cultural center housing numerous museums and the majority of the buildings are historical monuments.

Fisherman's Bastion

Built in 1905 on the medieval castle walls, the neo-Romanesque ramparts were so named after the city's fishermen whose duty it was to defend this side of the hill during the Middle Ages, but the existing bastion never actually served a defensive purpose. It is solely ornamental with gleaming white cloisters and stairways connecting seven turrets symbolic of the Magyar tribes that conquered the Carpathian Basin in the 9th century. Set back from the ramparts is an equestrian statue of King Stephen, a memorial to the founder of the Hungarian nation. The view from Fisherman's Bastion, over the Danube, the Chain Bridge and the Parliament Buildings with Pest stretching out into the distance, is outstanding. Floodlit at night, the bastion is a mesmerizing sight from across the river.

Gellért Hill

Gellért Hill offers unrivalled panoramic views of the city, taking in both Buda and Pest and the meandering Danube. The hill was named after a bishop who was asked to convert pagan Magyars to Christianity but, according to legend, was killed by being rolled off the hillside in a barrel by militant heathens. A statue of the martyred Bishop stands at the base of the hill. On its summit stands the Liberation Monument, a female figure holding aloft the palm of victory, dedicated to the memory of Soviet troops who died freeing Hungary in 1945. With the fall of communism the inscription was changed to honor those who died for 'Hungary's prosperity'. Behind the monument is the Citadella, or fortress, built after the 1848 revolution to provide military control against further uprisings. Today it houses a hostel and a museum. The hill is also home to several historic spas, valued for their medicinal qualities since the Turkish occupation. The city's most famous spa, the Gellért Baths, is attached to the grand establishment of the Art Nouveau Gellért Hotel.

Chain Bridge

The Chain Bridge was the first stone bridge to be built over the Danube and is the most famous with its lion statues. Today nine bridges span the river linking Buda to Pest, but Chain Bridge takes pride of place as the city's symbol, a magnificent sight when floodlit at night. It owes its construction to Count István Széchenyi who decided to build a permanent crossing after having to wait a week to cross the river to bury his father. The Chain Bridge was built by William and Adam Clark, who also constructed London Bridge. It was considered an amazing feat of engineering when it was opened in 1849. At the foot of the bridge is Kilometer Zero, the point in Budapest from where all distances are measured.

Memento Park

One of the city's popular but more bizarre attractions is Memento Park, containing the giant figures of the Communist era that once filled the streets of Budapest. After the change in the political system the monuments glorifying Communism were banished into the exile of this outdoor museum and among the statues, busts and monuments are the forms of Lenin, Marx and Engels, as well as memorials to the Soviet Soldiers and the Communist Martyrs. This is the only collection in the world from the time of Communist politics. Some of the interesting souvenirs sold at the park are cans of air from the 'last breath of socialism' and Stalin and Lenin shaped candles.

Hévíz

Hévíz is the site of Europe's largest and the world's second largest thermal lake, Gyógytó. It is the most extraordinary sight with its huge milky blue surface covered in water lilies and steam. The warm water wells up from a volcanic crater spring about 128 ft (40m) below the surface and provides year round swimming, although the recommended maximum time in the water during any one session is one hour. The mud on the bottom and edges is said to be slightly radioactive, good for various medical conditions, but in small doses. The complex offers indoor and outdoor swimming. A pavilion in the center of the lake is reached by a covered bridge and indoor swimming takes place in an area enclosed with Plexiglas. Gaps in the plastic lead to the outdoor swimming area, the rest of the lake, where swimmers can float among the water lilies and swim between the 'rest' platforms bobbing on the surface.

Hungarian Hospitals listed below are the most popular for Medical Tourism. Thousand of International patients  receive high quality medical treatment  at these hospitals annually. Our Network hospitals provide exclusive services to our clients due to our long Term relationships,stringent operational rules and contracts that favors our clients comfort and safety. To understand more about these hospitals, with details about its services, specializations, comforts, doctors and staff resumes, accreditation , certifications, specific treatments and success rates, you can discuss in detail with our Professional Medical Case Managers.

The hospitals in SurgeryPlanet Network have state of the art facilities and services with excellent and highly trained staff. Many of them have independent sections and departments to provide Specialized services to our International Customers. 

The exclusive Guarantees, International Patient Agreements, Special services and comforts that are provided by  our Network hospitals and Providers  exclusively to SurgeryPlanet Customers, due to our International Service Agreements , may not be provided to customers that approach the Hospital/Providers directly and  are not enrolled with SurgeryPlanet. Once you have contacted the hospitals/providers directly and your customer name/details has been entered in the Providers enrollment system, you will not be able to avail  SurgeryPlanet exclusive special services and guarantees, which will protect your rights, and comforts at the overseas destination/Provider.

To understand more about the hospitals, services , provider ratings and accreditation and to get free Treatment Plans ,  Cost estimate Quotes please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or  fill up the Get Quote form.

To browse all our Network hospitals at this  or other destinations, click Find Hospitals.Below is a brief List of Hospitals at this destination.