Things To Do
in Békés
Békés is a quiet market town in southeast Hungary known for its relaxed pace, wide tree-lined streets and traditional Great Plain charm. The town has a modest historic core with Reformed and Catholic churches, small museums, and access to natural floodplain landscapes along the Körös river. It serves as a practical base for exploring the surrounding countryside, bird-rich wetlands and nearby spa towns.
Visitors will find friendly local cafés, seasonal markets and straightforward access to cycling and fishing opportunities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your adventure in Békés by visiting the local market, where you can indulge in freshly baked pastries and local delicacies. Stroll through the charming streets adorned with traditional Hungarian architecture and soak in the morning atmosphere. Don't forget to stop by the Békés Town Hall, a beautiful historic building that offers a glimpse into the region’s governance.
In the afternoon, head to the Békés Museum to learn about the rich history and culture of the area. The museum showcases artifacts that tell the story of the region from ancient times to modern day. After exploring the exhibits, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby café, sampling delicious Hungarian cuisine.
As dusk falls, take a relaxing walk along the banks of the Körös River, where you can watch the sunset reflect off the water. Treat yourself to dinner at a traditional restaurant, savoring local specialties such as gulyás and lángos. End your evening with a visit to a local pub to enjoy live music and mingle with friendly locals.
After breakfast, take a short trip to Szarvas, known for its beautiful Arboretum. Spend your morning wandering amongst the diverse flora and enjoying the serenity of nature. The tranquility of the gardens makes it a perfect spot for a peaceful stroll or a quiet moment to reflect.
In the afternoon, visit the nearby Körös-Maros National Park, where adventure awaits. Engage in activities like canoeing or hiking along scenic trails, immersing yourself in the stunning landscapes filled with unique wildlife. Pack a picnic to savor by the riverside, enjoying the fresh air and beautiful surroundings.
As the sun sets, return to Békés and unwind at a traditional Hungarian thermal bath, known for its healing properties. Enjoy the warm waters while mingling with locals and fellow travelers. Experience the rejuvenating effects of the thermal waters, wrapping up your day feeling refreshed and relaxed.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $2-3 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (0.5L) | $2-4 |
| 🚌Local bus or tram ticket | $1-2 |
| 🚕Taxi start / short ride | $3-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Relaxed atmosphere and authentic rural Hungarian life
- Affordable food and accommodation
- Good access to nature, birdwatching and flat cycling routes
- Low tourist crowds compared with major Hungarian cities
- Limited nightlife and cultural attractions within the town itself
- Fewer English speakers than in larger tourist centers
- Public transport outside peak times can be infrequent
- Fewer specialist dietary options and boutique shops
- "Jó napot" - Good day / Hello
- "Köszönöm" - Thank you
- "Kérem" - Please / Here you go
- "Mennyibe kerül?" - How much does it cost?
- "Hol van a piac?" - Where is the market?
- "Beszél angolul?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Békés
Visit one of these nice places.
Capture the architecture of the town hall, churches and market facades with classic provincial Hungarian character and slow-moving daily life.
Riverside trees, reflections in the water and small fishing boats provide picturesque scenes at sunrise and sunset.
Wide flat horizons, patchwork fields, and seasonal sunflower or grain fields make for strong landscape compositions, especially in golden hour.
Colorful stalls, smoked sausages, cheeses and lively vendor interactions create great candid and detail-focused shots.
Food in Békés
Békés Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A slow-cooked paprika and onion stew, usually made with pork or beef; common in family-run restaurants and perfect with nokedli (dumplings).
Must-Try!
A spicy river-fish soup made with paprika, often prepared from local catches of the Körös; try it at places near the river or during local festivals.
Local smoked sausages and cured meats sold at markets and butcher shops; ideal to buy as picnic supplies or souvenirs.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Held near the center on market days: stalls sell seasonal vegetables, cheeses, eggs, kolbász and baked goods — great for tasting regional produce and meeting locals.
In summer and around holidays small outdoor stands and festivals offer grilled sausages, lángos (deep-fried flatbread) and pastries — perfect for sampling street food.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A firm handshake and eye contact are standard when meeting someone; use 'Jó napot' (good day) in shops and formal encounters.
Show courtesy to older people; addressing people politely and using formal speech in first encounters is appreciated.
Wait for the host to start eating and keep hands visible but elbows off the table; it’s polite to say 'Jó étvágyat' (enjoy your meal) before eating.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially vendors or during private events; be mindful of religious or private property.
Safety
Tipping in Békés
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping 10% in restaurants is customary if service is not included; round up or leave small change for café staff and taxi drivers. For very small purchases tipping is not expected but appreciated for good service.
Hungarian forint (HUF) is the local currency. Cards are widely accepted in restaurants and shops in town center, but small vendors and market stalls may prefer cash — keep some forints on hand.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot and often dry; long daylight hours are ideal for cycling, festivals and river activities. Bring sun protection, light clothes and insect repellent for evenings near wetlands.
Crisp, pleasant weather with colorful fields and harvest markets; great for food-focused trips and photography of mellow landscapes. Pack layers for variable temperatures.
Cold with occasional snow and frosty mornings; town life slows down and some attractions have reduced hours. Bring a warm coat, waterproof boots and expect shorter daylight hours.
Mild, blooming countryside and returning birdlife make it a good time for nature walks and birdwatching; muddy paths possible after thaw or rains — waterproof footwear recommended.
Békés at Night
Hiking in Békés
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle, lowland routes along river embankments and through wetlands suitable for easy hikes and birdwatching; best in spring and autumn.
Marked country lanes and farm roads connecting nearby villages offer low-difficulty walks through agricultural scenery and sunflower fields in season.
Short educational trails in parts of the Körös-Maros protected landscapes introduce local flora, fauna and floodplain ecology — good for families and photographers.
Airports
How to reach Békés by plane.
Approximately 100–140 km north (depending on route); offers regional flights and connections. Accessible by rental car or regional train/bus combinations to larger hubs.
Around 180–220 km to the northwest; the main international gateway to Hungary with frequent rail and bus links to towns, though travel time by car or train is several hours.
Across the border to the southeast (roughly 80–120 km depending on route); useful for travelers combining Romania and Hungary visits. Check border-crossing options and transport links in advance.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority population with traditions rooted in Great Plain rural life and small-town culture.
Present in the region as in much of rural Hungary; communities contribute to local culture and music.
The population tends to be older on average than urban centers, with families involved in agriculture and local services.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local amateur and youth football clubs are common and community matches draw local support.
Water sports on the Körös rivers are popular for recreation and local clubs often organize outings.
Cycling is popular for both daily transport and leisure across the flat Plain, with many informal routes linking villages.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Békés.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited in traditional venues; cafés and bistros are most likely to offer salads, egg or cheese dishes and vegetable stews. Ask for 'vegetáriánus' options and be explicit about no meat or fish.
Strict vegan food may be harder to find in small town restaurants; rely on markets, bakeries, and larger cafés or prepare simple meals from fresh produce. Use the phrase 'vegán' and check for lard (disznózsír) in pastries.
Gluten-free choices are limited; communicate 'gluténmentes' needs clearly and prefer naturally gluten-free dishes like salads, grilled meats and some soups if thickening is not used.