Things To Do
in Berettyóújfalu

Berettyóújfalu is a small town in eastern Hungary, quietly perched along the Berettyó River in Hajdú-Bihar County. The town blends agricultural heritage with a compact, walkable center that invites strolls through historic streets and a lively market square. Visitors can expect friendly locals, rustic cafes, and easy access to the broader Hungarian Great Plain.

As a gateway to the region, Berettyóújfalu serves as a convenient base for day trips to nearby nature reserves and cultural sites.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the main square in Berettyóújfalu, where you can admire the beautiful architecture and the vibrant atmosphere. After soaking in the sights, head to the Berettyóújfalu Museum to learn about the town's rich history and cultural heritage. Don't forget to grab a traditional Hungarian breakfast at a local café, enjoying a hearty lángos or freshly baked pastry.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll along the Berettyó River, where you can enjoy the serene views and perhaps catch sight of local wildlife. Stop by the local market to experience the flavors of the region, sampling artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and fresh produce. As you explore, engage with friendly locals who are often eager to share stories and recommendations about the area.

evening
:

As the sun sets, find a cozy restaurant that offers traditional Hungarian fare, such as gulyás or pörkölt, paired with a glass of local wine. After dinner, take a short walk to a nearby park where you can watch the vibrant sunset over the river, creating a picturesque scene. End your evening with a nightcap at a local pub, enjoying the lively atmosphere and perhaps some live music.

day 2
Nature Walks and Picnic
morning
:

Begin your day with a refreshing nature walk in the nearby Berettyóújfalu Forest, where the fresh air and the sounds of wildlife create a peaceful retreat. Spend some time observing the diverse flora and fauna, taking photographs of the stunning landscapes. Afterward, find a picturesque spot for a relaxing picnic, enjoying the tranquility of the surroundings.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, continue your exploration by visiting the nearby Lake Berettyó, a popular spot for birdwatching and leisurely walks along the shore. Take your time to appreciate the natural beauty of the lake, perhaps even renting a bicycle to cover more ground. Pack some snacks and enjoy another picnic by the water, soaking in the sun and the serene atmosphere.

evening
:

As the day winds down, return to Berettyóújfalu for dinner at a family-run restaurant that specializes in local dishes. Savor the flavors of the region while chatting with the friendly staff about their favorite dishes and local customs. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the town, enjoying the quiet ambiance and the twinkling lights.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant$20-40
🧃Bottle of water (0.5L)$0.50-1.50
Coffee in a cafe$2-3
🏨1-night in a mid-range hotel$40-80

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authentic small-town Hungarian experience
  • Affordable prices and easy day trips
  • Limited nightlife and nightlife options
  • Public transport options can be less frequent in rural areas
  • "Szia" - Hi/Hello
  • "Kérem" - Please
  • "Köszönöm" - Thank you
  • "Beszélsz angolul?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Hogyan jutok el ide?" - How do I get here?
  • "Mennyibe kerül ez?" - How much is this?

Places to Visit in Berettyóújfalu

Visit one of these nice places.

Main Square and town hall

Colorful facades, arcades, and the central clock create a photo-worthy scene especially in the morning light.

Berettyó River promenade

Water reflections, riverbank views, and the bridge provide calm, scenic shots at dawn or sunset.

Historic church exterior

Classic religious architecture and surrounding greenery offer strong contrast against the Magyar plains.

Town center arcades

Shaded streets with historic shopfronts make for atmospheric street photography.

Hortobágy plains (nearby)

Expansive steppe landscapes and wildlife provide wide-angle opportunities just a short drive away.

Culinary Guide

Food in Berettyóújfalu

Hungarian countryside cuisine around Berettyóújfalu centers on hearty meat dishes, seasonal vegetables, dairy, and bread. In town you’ll find rustic taverns, family-run cafes, and market stalls that showcase local produce and traditional flavors.

Berettyóújfalu Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Gulyás (Goulash)

A hearty paprika-spiced meat stew with potatoes, typically served with small dumplings or bread.

Must-Try!

Pörkölt with nokedli

Slow-cooked meat stew (often pork or beef) served with soft egg dumplings called nokedli.

Lángos

Deep-fried dough topped with sour cream and grated cheese, a popular street snack at markets and fairs.

Hortobágyi palacsinta

Savory stuffed pancake filled with meat and covered in rich sauce; a regional favorite in taverns.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Berettyóújfalu Market

Weekly market offering fresh produce, dairy, bread, pastries, and prepared foods. Look for lángos and seasonal specialties.

Market street stalls

Seasonal street food vendors offering quick bites and local snacks along the market lanes.

Climate Guide

Weather

The area experiences a temperate continental climate with hot summers, cold winters, and moderate rainfall. Spring and autumn are mild, while summer can be quite sunny and winter can bring frost and occasional snow.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A friendly handshake is common; greet with the local phrases (Szia/ Jó napot) depending on the time of day.

Dress and church etiquette

Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; remove hats and speak softly in sacred spaces.

Public behavior

Polite, relaxed, and respectful; avoid loud talking in public transport and in the streets late at night.

Safety Guide

Safety

Berettyóújfalu is generally safe with low crime rates. Practice basic safety: keep valuables secure in crowded markets, stay aware of surroundings at night, and plan for weather changes when exploring rural areas.

Tipping in Berettyóújfalu

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants, rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is common. In cafes or pubs, small tips are appreciated but not obligatory.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted, and many places take cards. Smaller vendors may prefer cash; inform staff if you want to pay by card.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot days and long sunlight; stay hydrated, enjoy riverside spots, and catch late-afternoon markets and events.

Autumn

Mild days with colorful fields and harvest activities; ideal for outdoor photography and village strolls.

Winter

Cold with occasional snow; some outdoor venues may have limited hours, but winter markets and indoor events are common.

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes; great for cycling and hiking as trails reopen after winter.

Nightlife Guide

Berettyóújfalu at Night

Berettyóújfalu offers a modest nightlife scene centered around local pubs, taverns, and cafes. Expect relaxed evenings with conversations, occasional live music in summer, and social gatherings in town squares rather than large clubs.

Hiking in Berettyóújfalu

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Hortobágy National Park trails

Steppe meadows and birdwatching trails on flat terrain; accessible by car or bike.

Airports

How to reach Berettyóújfalu by plane.

Debrecen International Airport (DEB)

Closest major airport, about 60-90 minutes by car; connections to several European hubs.

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)

National hub about 2.5-3 hours by road/train; more international options.

Oradea International Airport (ODR)

Romania near the border, roughly 90-120 minutes by car; convenient for regional travel.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and walkable, with most sights reachable on foot. For outlying areas and nature trips, a car or bike is convenient.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Residents

Primarily ethnic Hungarian with a Roma community; Hungarian is the dominant language.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Widely played and followed in the region.

Cycling

Flat plains make cycling easy for all levels.

Horse riding

Rural countryside offers opportunities for riding.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Berettyóújfalu is typically light. Public transport exists via buses to nearby towns; a car is convenient for day trips and accessing Hortobágy National Park.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Berettyóújfalu.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options exist through vegetable stews, dairy dishes, and egg-based meals. When ordering, ask for no lard stock and ask for vegetarian versions of traditional stews (vegetáriánus étel).

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare is available at local clinics; for more comprehensive care, Debrecen or other larger towns have hospitals. Carry a European Health Insurance Card if applicable and have travel insurance. Emergency number is 112.

Discover Hungary

Read more in our Hungary 2025 Travel Guide.

Hungary Travel Guide