Locals Hate When Tourists Break This Unspoken Rule While At A Bar In Hungary

Aside from researching transportation, activities, and lodging when planning a trip, it is also wise to look into local customs for the place you will be visiting. Tourists can fall victim to scams in places that receive massive amounts of tourists like some parts of Europe. Following local rules not only helps you blend in, but it can also help prevent Europe from becoming "anti-tourist." Examples include essential road rules in Britain or covering your shoulders and knees in major Italian cathedrals. For those traveling to Hungary, there is an unspoken gesture not to make while in a bar.

Ownership of the land Hungarians have long called home changed at certain points in history. For centuries, the Habsburg family ruled Austria and incorporated part of Hungary into their empire in 1526, followed by the rest in 1699. The Hungarians eventually began pushing for independence in the mid-1800s. Support from other regions under Habsburg control and Russia helped the Austrians brutally squash the Hungarian uprising. Upon securing victory in 1849, some of the Austrian military leaders made toasts and clinked their glasses. This led Hungarians to vow never to do such a gesture for the next 150 years.

Hungary finally gained independence in 1918 after the Habsburg-led Austro-Hungarian Empire (also known as Austria-Hungary) found itself on the losing side of World War I. Despite this and the fact that well over 150 years have passed, some Hungarians still don't clink their glasses and might give you the side-eye if you do. After all, the uprising in the mid-1800s did lead to the deaths of 13 beloved Hungarian military leaders at the hands of Austrian forces. 

Do not shy away from having a drink in Hungary, however, especially in its capital city. Budapest has an exceptionally unique and trendy bar scene. The city's "ruin bars" occupy old buildings mainly in the Jewish Quarter and have eclectic, mismatched decor. Popular ruin bars in Budapest include Szimpla Kert and Csendes Vintage Bar & Café. These locales represent upcycling at its finest. The enjoyment that locals and travelers both get out of these ruin bars shows that repurposing buildings that already exist is perhaps even better than doing too many modern renovations. Feel free to take in all the beauty of Budapest drink in hand. Just remember not to clink your glasses!