Summer programmes in Hungary without an immunity certificate

We created a little guide for the summer programmes and activities you can do in Hungary, without having been vaccinated.

Summer is officially here, and not just because the calendar says so. As the weather is starting to get warmer and warmer by the day, it urges countries even more to help facilities and businesses that provide a service for tourists, especially after our disastrous last summer. On the other hand, we cannot go crazy and get rid of masks just yet, as protection should still be a priority while finally having fun with friends and family. Since protection is key, most of the service providers and programmes require you to show your immunity certificate upon entering. In the case you are still not vaccinated and are without the plastic card and the application, we collected some activities you can do this summer until you get your jab.

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about summer? Actually, it might be a combination of hot weather, ice cream, and water. Since hot weather is to be enjoyed by anyone, without the discrimination that accompanies the plastic card, let us move on to ice cream. Who does not like a cold and refreshing treat when it is 30 degrees Celsius outside? Whether you like all kinds, are vegan or lactose intolerant, or simply do not like very sweet desserts,

this list is absolutely worth checking out, as it includes the best ice cream spots in Budapest.

The beach is the absolute best place to spend not only a long day but even a complete week either to relax or to spend some quality time with friends. Despite indoor spas and thermal baths all requiring the immunity certificate, we have good news. As Daily News Hungary previously reported, the

Lupa Beach is already open and eager to welcome everyone.

Since we are talking about an outdoors activity, the immunity certificate can be ditched, and you can enjoy the beautiful summer sun right away. As I previously mentioned, do not forget your masks, though, as you will need them in the bars and restaurants at the lake.

Lupa Beach is not the only one in the country that lets you enjoy fresh and warm water without the most serious restriction of these days.

All outdoor baths and beaches of Lake Balaton are open for all visitors with or without the immunity certificate.

This is extremely good news; however, several people are worried that the huge crowds will lead to the further spread of the virus. In accordance with the epidemiological rules, beach operators have made several recommendations for visitors. On the beaches, 10 m2/person is the limit regarding who can be admitted, which will also be considered in the case of free beaches, not just with the ones where there is an entry fee.

The official season starts next weekend, on June 12. Until then, all beaches can be visited free of charge.

In case you want something more from the water you swim in, I recommend you a free beach that has no entry fee, despite the fact that its water is actually thermal water. The canal of Hévíz, which exits Lake Hévíz and enters the River Zala 13 kilometres later, is Hungary’s only free beach with thermal water.

After spending a whole day outside and either being active in the water or relaxing on the shore, the only thing we need is food. Luckily,

the famous Food Truck Show of the country is already up and running since this Friday.

This season kicked off in Kiskunhalas, before rolling to Győr first, and then to Budapest. Of course, all the vehicles of the show, which has no fixed programme, will make the rounds around Lake Balaton on numerous occasions during the whole of this summer. The whole season will culminate in a huge event in Budapest, in the Kincsem Park in September, with 50 cars and special Spanish dishes to make up for 3 events that needed to be cancelled at the beginning of the season and last year due to the pandemic. The only rule that needs to be respected is the limited number of visitors allowed to show up in each city. Nevertheless, the organisers are trying to make everything as safe as possible. All vehicles will be placed farther from each other than normally, they will set up disinfection points, there will be a pre-order application, and, of course, contactless payment in every car will be available.

To give you a concrete activity with a fixed location and fixed programmes,

the famous Gastro Promenade of Etyek will kickstart with the Etyek Piknik Light this weekend.

On the 5^th and 6^th of June, you will be able to choose from a wide variety of places to visit in order to taste some very good wine accompanied by a delicious meal. On these two days, all places will align their opening hours. Since no immunity certificate is needed in the case of an outdoor activity of fewer than 500 people, most of these programmes are available to anyone, since they all welcome fewer guests than this number (usually around 30 and 60, but some of them up to 100 or 150).

Although, be aware that many of these places are wine cellars where the immunity certificate will be needed.

In the case of terraces and open-air spots, you might want to be quick to arrive, or else you will have to wait for your turn. Nevertheless, it is absolutely worth it. Moreover,

during the whole of July and August, all places will be open along the Gastro Promenade.

The season will end on September 4 and 5 with the big Autumn Picnic.

In case you crave some very good food but do not want to travel outside the capital, check out this list of the best spots to eat in Budapest, moreover, on a budget. I know you need the immunity certificate to sit inside a restaurant or a bar, but all these places offer the possibility to order their best meals.