From Nobel Prize-winning authors to cozy independent bookshops lining the streets of Budapest, Hungary has a rich literary tradition waiting to be explored. Let us guide you through the best reads, the finest bookstores, and practical advice for cultivating a rewarding reading life.
Hungary has produced some of the most compelling voices in world literature. Here is why their work deserves a place on your reading list.
Imre Kertesz won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2002, but Hungarian literary excellence stretches back centuries through authors like Sandor Marai and Magda Szabo.
Positioned at the crossroads of Eastern and Western Europe, Hungarian writers offer a distinctive lens on history, identity, and the human condition that you rarely find elsewhere.
More Hungarian novels are being translated into English than ever before, thanks to publishers like Pushkin Press and New York Review Books championing Central European voices.
Budapest is home to dozens of independent bookstores, secondhand treasure troves, and multilingual shops where you can browse for hours.
From the ornate Szabo Ervin Library to the vast National Szechenyi Library, Hungary boasts some of the most beautiful reading spaces in Europe.
Book clubs, literary festivals like the Budapest International Book Festival, and a growing culture of reading cafes make Hungary a welcoming place for book lovers.
Honest reviews, curated reading lists, and practical tips to help you read more and read better.
A curated guide to the most important works of Hungarian fiction and poetry, from 19th-century masterpieces to contemporary voices gaining international recognition.
Updated: February 2026
An honest guide to the finest places to browse, buy, and borrow books in the Hungarian capital, from historic libraries to charming independent shops.
Updated: February 2026
Evidence-based strategies for reading more consistently, choosing books that match your interests, and making reading a natural part of your daily routine.
Updated: February 2026
HungaryReads was born from a simple observation: while Hungary has a deep and fascinating literary culture, there is surprisingly little accessible English-language content about it. We wanted to change that by creating a resource that helps readers discover Hungarian authors, find the best bookstores and libraries in Budapest, and develop a more fulfilling reading practice.
According to a survey by the European Parliament, Hungary ranks among the top EU countries for book ownership per household, with an average of over 200 books in Hungarian homes.
Whether you are a lifelong reader or just getting back into the habit, our articles are written to be practical, engaging, and free of unnecessary jargon. We believe that reading is one of the most rewarding activities you can pursue, and our goal is to make it easier for you.
Learn More About UsSimple habits that help you read more consistently and enjoy it more.
Even 15 minutes a day adds up to roughly 20 books per year. The key is consistency rather than marathon reading sessions. Pick a time that works for you, whether it is morning, lunch break, or before bed, and protect it.
Having a book within arm's reach makes it far more likely you will pick it up during idle moments. Keep one in your bag, on your nightstand, and in your living room. Physical proximity is a surprisingly powerful motivator.
Life is too short for books that bore you. If a book is not working after 50-100 pages, set it aside and move on. Forcing yourself through a dull read is the fastest way to kill a reading habit.
Browsing bookshops feeds your curiosity and exposes you to titles you would never find online. Budapest has wonderful independent bookstores that make browsing a pleasure in itself.