Among the country's activities are bird-watching and horse riding in the Hortobágy region; hiking in the Mátra Hills and in the Zemplén Hills near Tokaj; canoeing on the Tisza River; and caving in Aggtelek. You can sightsee by ultra-light aircraft over Lake Balaton, as well as cycle around its shores, or windsurf on its waters.

Hungary's major celebration is the Budapest Spring Festival (March), a two-week cultural extravaganza of local and international performances, conferences and exhibitions. Other important events include: the Budapest Film Festival (February), which premieres new Hungarian films; Busójárás (Mohás; February also), the nation's top Mardi Gras; Sopron Festival Weeks (Sopron; June/July), showcasing ancient music and dance performances; the Folk Arts Festival (Nagykálló; August), one of the biggest and best events of the year; and Jazz Days (Debrecen; September), which is Hungary's top jazz festival.