Things To Do
in Békéscsaba
Békéscsaba is the county seat of Békés county in southeast Hungary, known for its relaxed small-city atmosphere, Austro-Hungarian architecture and strong culinary identity. The city has a mixed cultural heritage with Hungarian and Slovak influences visible in local traditions and festivals. Békéscsaba sits near the Körös river system, making it a gateway to lowland waterways, birdlife and nearby thermal spas.
Visitors find a compact historic centre, accessible museums and seasonal events celebrating the famous Csabai kolbász (sausage).
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, enjoying traditional Hungarian pastries and coffee. After breakfast, stroll through the historic center, taking in the charming architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the famous Békéscsaba Great Church, where you can appreciate its stunning interior and learn about its history.
For lunch, indulge in some authentic Hungarian cuisine at a nearby restaurant, sampling dishes like gulyás or pörkölt. Afterward, visit the Jókai Theatre, a beautiful architectural gem where you can catch a matinee performance or simply admire its facade. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the local shops and art galleries, picking up unique souvenirs and artwork.
As the sun sets, enjoy a relaxing dinner at a riverside restaurant, savoring the local wine and seasonal dishes. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the Körös River, enjoying the serene views and peaceful ambiance. Finally, wind down your evening by stopping at a local pub for a nightcap, engaging with friendly locals and soaking in the lively atmosphere.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at your accommodation before heading to the Munkácsy Mihály Museum. This museum is dedicated to the renowned local painter, Mihály Munkácsy, and features an impressive collection of his works. Spend your morning appreciating the art and learning about the artist's life and influence on Hungarian culture.
After a museum visit, enjoy lunch at a traditional Hungarian eatery, where you can taste local specialties. Post-lunch, head to the Békéscsaba City Museum, which offers insights into the region's history, culture, and traditions. Dive into the exhibits showcasing artifacts and photographs that tell the story of Békéscsaba.
For dinner, choose a cozy restaurant that specializes in regional dishes, allowing you to continue your culinary exploration. After your meal, attend a cultural event or concert at the local community center, where you can experience traditional Hungarian music and dance. Cap off the night with a stroll through the illuminated city streets, soaking in the local nightlife.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| ☕Coffee (regular café) | $2-4 |
| 🚌Local bus single fare | $1-2 |
| 🚕Taxi start (short ride) | $3-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $50-90 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strong regional food traditions and a famous local sausage (Csabai kolbász).
- Compact, relaxed city centre with accessible cultural sites and easy day-trip options to nature.
- Affordable prices compared with larger Hungarian cities.
- Limited late-night and high-end entertainment compared with Budapest or Szeged.
- Fewer direct international transport links; requires train or car connections from major airports.
- "Jó napot" - Good day / Hello
- "Köszönöm" - Thank you
- "Elnézést / Bocsánat" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Mennyibe kerül?" - How much does it cost?
- "Beszél angolul?" - Do you speak English?
- "Hol van a ...?" - Where is the ...?
Places to Visit in Békéscsaba
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic theatre façade, surrounding architecture and the town square provide classical urban shots—best in the golden hour.
River scenes, bridges, reflections and birdlife make for peaceful nature and landscape photos, particularly at sunrise or sunset.
Colorful stalls, smoked sausages and candid portraits of vendors and visitors are great for street and food photography during market days and festivals.
A short trip away, this arboretum offers diverse tree specimens, park landscapes and a deer park—excellent for macro, portrait and landscape shots throughout the year.
Architectural details, stained glass and sculptural monuments scattered around the city offer photographic interest and cultural context.
Food in Békéscsaba
Békéscsaba Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
The region's renowned spicy smoked sausage, flavored with paprika and garlic; available at delis, markets and specialty shops, and sold whole or as part of cooked dishes.
Must-Try!
A chunky, paprika-spiced meat and vegetable stew served across town in restaurants and cafés—hearty and great after outdoor activities.
Cabbage rolls stuffed with meat and rice, slow-cooked and often served at family-style restaurants and during seasonal celebrations.
Deep-fried dough topped with sour cream, cheese, or garlic—street-food style and commonly found at markets and fairs.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local market offering fresh produce, cured meats, cheeses and baked goods—good for tasting regional flavors and buying Csabai kolbász.
During warmer months and festival weekends you’ll find street vendors selling lángos, grilled sausages, pastries and regional specialties—ideal for casual sampling.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake is the standard greeting; use formal titles and surnames in first meetings. Saying 'Jó napot' (Good day) is polite when entering shops or addressing staff.
Humility and politeness are valued—avoid loud or boisterous behavior in public. Show respect at memorials and churches and follow local customs at religious sites.
A few Hungarian phrases go a long way; people appreciate any attempt to speak the language, even though younger residents may speak English.
Safety
Tipping in Békéscsaba
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants a tip of around 10% is customary if service is good; in cafés and bars rounding up the bill is common. For taxis, round up or add ~10% for longer rides; small tips are appreciated by hotel staff and guides.
Hungary uses the forint (HUF). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants, larger shops and hotels, but cash is useful for small markets, rural vendors and some taxis. ATMs are readily available in town.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blossoming parks make it pleasant for cycling and walking; some festivals and market activity resume—bring a light jacket for cool mornings.
Hot and sunny, ideal for water activities on the Körös and outdoor festivals; expect occasional thunderstorms—sunscreen and hydration recommended.
Crisp, comfortable weather with harvest-time events and sausage festivals; golden foliage is great for photography—layers work well for variable temperatures.
Cold with potential snow and frosty mornings; city is quieter, and some attractions have reduced hours—pack a warm coat, hat and sturdy shoes.
Békéscsaba at Night
Hiking in Békéscsaba
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Flat lowland routes along riverbanks and wetlands ideal for easy to moderate walks, birdwatching and nature observation.
Well-maintained paths through a diverse arboretum and parkland—suitable for leisurely hikes, photography and observing planted collections.
Short nature and historical walks around Gyula's castle and park area, often combined with spa visits for a relaxed outdoor experience.
Airports
How to reach Békéscsaba by plane.
About 90–120 km north of Békéscsaba, Debrecen offers a selection of European regional flights and is the closest larger airport; access by car or regional train connections.
Hungary's main international airport, roughly 200–230 km from Békéscsaba; reachable by intercity train or car and offers the widest range of international connections.
Szeged is a regional centre about 100–130 km away; air services are limited but the city is an important rail and road hub for reaching Békéscsaba.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of the population identifies as Hungarian, forming the cultural and linguistic majority in the city.
Historically there has been a Slovak community in the region with cultural influence still visible in traditions and cuisine.
Like many Hungarian towns, there are Roma communities and assorted smaller demographic groups; social and economic conditions vary across communities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local and regional football is popular; Békéscsaba has its own clubs and active local support, making match days a community event.
Handball enjoys popularity in many Hungarian towns and is played competitively at youth and amateur levels in the region.
Canoeing and kayaking on the Körös waterways are common recreational activities due to the accessible river system.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Békéscsaba.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited compared with meat dishes; ask for vegetable soups, salads, egg-based dishes and cheese plates. Larger restaurants and cafés increasingly offer meat-free mains—learn phrases asking for 'vegetáriánus' dishes.
Vegan and gluten-free choices are less common in small-town eateries; plan ahead by visiting supermarkets for basics or seek out newer cafés and restaurants that advertise special diets. Communicate restrictions clearly in Hungarian to avoid misunderstandings.
Bring a translated allergy card if you have severe allergies and inform staff before ordering; cross-contamination is possible in traditional kitchens.