Current Time in Hungary
Hungarian culture of time
Hungarian culture of time
High punctuality in public transport
Hungarian public transport, especially the Budapest subway and trams, are very punctual, and even a delay of 1-2 minutes is considered a "delay". Timetables are almost 100% followed.
Cafe culture and the flow of time
In traditional cafes, it is acceptable to spend several hours on a cup of coffee. The culture of taking time to relax is especially rooted in Budapest's historic coffee houses.
Sense of time in hot springs
In Hungarian hot springs, there is no limit to the time you can spend in the bath, and it is not uncommon for people to spend several hours or even half a day there. It is recommended to take your time and relax.
Hungarian values of time
Punctuality in business
Punctuality is strongly expected in official situations, and being late is considered rude. It is ideal to arrive 5-10 minutes early.
The importance of meal times
Lunch is usually taken between 12:00 and 14:00, taking more than an hour, and dinner is usually taken leisurely after 19:00. Meal times are important social times.
Balance between work and private time
Outside of working hours is respected as private time, and people tend to refrain from contacting each other after working hours.
Things foreigners should know about time when traveling or relocating to Hungary
Shop opening hours
Most shops close at 18:00 on weekdays and 13:00 on Saturdays. Most shops are closed on Sundays. Supermarkets are also generally open until 20:00.
Short opening hours of banks and government offices
Banks are usually open from 8:00 to 16:00 on weekdays, and many government offices close by 16:00, so it is recommended to visit them in the morning.
Restaurant dining hours
Many restaurants are open in two shifts, 11:30-14:30 and 18:00-22:00, and may be closed during these times.
Fun facts about time in Hungary
History of the Budapest Metro
The Budapest Metro (M1 line) was the first subway in continental Europe, opened in 1896, and even now, more than 100 years later, it continues to operate accurately.
Parliament clock
The clock in the Parliament building in Budapest is modeled after the historic clock used at the coronation of the Hungarian royal family, and is extremely accurate.
"Treatment time" in hot springs
In Hungarian medical hot springs, there is a "treatment time" prescribed by a doctor, and bathing time is carefully managed in 20-minute increments.