Things To Do
in Kaposvár

Kaposvár is the capital of Somogy County in southwestern Hungary, known for its leafy boulevards, parks, and growing cultural scene. The city center offers museums, theatres, and a lively market that reflects the region’s traditional flavors. It serves as a gateway to the surrounding countryside, including the nearby Zselic hills and tranquil lakes.

Visitors can enjoy a relaxed urban atmosphere, historic architecture, and enjoyable day trips into nature.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Kaposvár
morning
:

Arrive in Kaposvár and check into your chosen accommodation. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café to start your day. Take a stroll through the nearby Rákóczi Square, admiring its historic architecture.

afternoon
:

Visit the Kaposvár Gallery to explore local art and exhibitions. Take a break at a nearby park with a small picnic or a coffee, absorbing the charming surroundings. Wander through the picturesque streets of the city, stopping by local shops.

evening
:

Dine at a traditional Hungarian restaurant, savoring local specialties like gulyás and túrós csusza. After dinner, enjoy a walk along the scenic Kapos River, letting the tranquility wash over you. If time permits, catch a folk dance performance at a local venue.

day 2
Explore Lake Balaton
morning
:

Take a short trip to Lake Balaton, one of Hungary's most famous tourist destinations. Enjoy a breakfast with a view at a lakeside café. Spend some time on the beach, soaking up the sun.

afternoon
:

Engage in water activities such as kayaking or paddleboarding, or simply stroll along the shore. Visit the nearby town of Keszthely, home to the stunning Festetics Palace. Explore its gardens and learn about Hungarian history at the local museum.

evening
:

Return to Kaposvár and relax with a light dinner at a bistro. Spend your evening in one of the local pubs enjoying traditional Hungarian wines. Take the time to unwind, reflecting on your day's adventures.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
Coffee or tea$2-4
🏨Mid-range hotel (1 night)$60-120
🚆Public transport (1 day pass)$3-7
🧺Groceries (weekly)$25-70

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Calm, walkable city with parks and culture
  • Good base for day trips to Zselic and Balaton region
  • Small nightlife scene compared to bigger Hungarian cities
  • Limited direct international flight options from Kaposvár itself
  • "Üdvözlöm" - Hello (formal)
  • "Kérem" - Please / You're welcome
  • "Köszönöm" - Thank you
  • "Beszél angolul?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Mennyibe kerül?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Hol van a mosdó?" - Where is the bathroom?

Places to Visit in Kaposvár

Visit one of these nice places.

Kossuth Square and Town Hall

A central square with imposing architecture, fountains, and changing seasonal backdrops for urban photography.

Rippl-Rónai Museum exterior

Architectural interest and sculpture in a refined setting; ideal for capturing cultural vibes.

City Park and lake

Green space with water features, bridges, and reflective surfaces—great for sunrise or golden hour shots.

Historic city center facades

Colorful and historic facades along pedestrian streets offer charming street photography opportunities.

Culinary Guide

Food in Kaposvár

Local cuisine blends hearty Hungarian classics with regional Somogy flavors, featuring paprika-rich stews, seasonal vegetables, and comforting dishes. In Kaposvár you’ll find welcoming eateries with a mix of traditional and modern takes on Hungarian fare.

Kaposvár Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Gulyásleves (Goulash soup)

A hearty paprika-spiked soup with meat and vegetables, commonly found in taverns around Kaposvár.

Must-Try!

Lecsó

Pepper-tomato ragout often served with eggs or sausage; ideal with fresh bread.

Pörkölt

Beef or pork stew slow-cooked in paprika and onions, typically served with nokedli (dumplings) or csusza.

Lángos

Fried dough topped with sour cream and grated cheese; a popular street snack at markets and festivals.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Kaposvár City Market (Kossuth tér area)

A lively spot for fresh produce, bakery goods, cheeses, and local snacks like lángos.

Street food corners in the city center

Casual stalls offering quick bites such as lángos and grilled sausages.

Climate Guide

Weather

Kaposvár has a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Spring and autumn are mild and changeable, with comfortable days for outdoor activities. Rainfall occurs throughout the year, with slightly wetter summers and relatively dry spells in late winter.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and etiquette

A handshake is common on first meetings; address people by their surname with a title where appropriate; be punctual for appointments and quiet in religious or ceremonial spaces.

Queue and personal space

Queue patiently in shops and cafés; personal space is respected in public areas.

Safety Guide

Safety

Kaposvár is generally safe for travelers; take standard precautions against petty theft in crowded areas and keep valuables secure in busy spots. In case of emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or ambulance services. Stay aware of weather advisories during storms or heavy snowfall in winter.

Tipping in Kaposvár

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

In restaurants, tipping 10–15% is typical if service is not included; rounding up is common in casual places.

Payment methods

Cash is widely accepted, cards are common, and contactless payments are increasingly available in shops and restaurants.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot days with occasional thunderstorms; stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and seek shade in parks and indoor venues during peak heat.

Autumn

Mild days with colorful foliage; ideal for walks, outdoor markets, and photography of autumn light.

Winter

Cold and possibly snowy; indoor attractions like museums and theatres are good options; dress in warm layers.

Spring

Mild temperatures with spring showers; parks come alive with flowers and fresh greenery; great for outdoor exploration.

Nightlife Guide

Kaposvár at Night

The nightlife in Kaposvár centers on the city center with bars, cafés, and occasional live music venues. It is generally relaxed, with theatre nights and cultural events at venues like Csiky Gergely Theatre offering evening entertainment. It’s not a party-focused city, but there are pleasant spots to enjoy a drink or a casual meal after sundown.

Hiking in Kaposvár

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Zselic Landscape Protection Area

Rolling hills, conifer and mixed forests, scenic viewpoints and wildlife; reachable by car in about 30-45 minutes.

Balaton Uplands National Park (nearby)

Hiking and nature trails around the Balaton region; scenic day trips from Kaposvár.

Airports

How to reach Kaposvár by plane.

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)

Main international hub; approx. 2.5–3 hours by road with tolls to Kaposvár.

Sármellék Airport (FlyBalaton, LTI)

Small regional airport near Lake Balaton; limited seasonal flights; drive to Kaposvár is feasible.

Getting Around

Walkability

Kaposvár is very walkable in its city center, with dense squares, pedestrian-friendly streets, and compact museums; however, some neighborhoods are car-centric, and buses connect the outskirts.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Hungarian majority

Predominant ethnicity in the city; includes minority communities such as Roma.

Students and academics

Home to university facilities and students in the area.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Popular domestic sport with local teams; local clubs host matches at stadiums around Kaposvár.

Basketball

Community and school-level tournaments; occasional local games.

Handball

Strong tradition in Hungary; local clubs host matches.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Kaposvár is light to moderate; the city has a straightforward ring road and central corridors. Public transport includes buses; car use is common for day trips to surrounding countryside.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Kaposvár.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most Hungarian dishes are meat-based, but vegetarian options are widely available in city restaurants; look for mushroom dishes, ragouts without meat, and seasonal salads; ask for vegetable sides or egg-based dishes.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is provided by the Somogy County Hospital and local clinics; travelers can access pharmacies in the city center; international emergency number is 112.

Discover Hungary

Read more in our Hungary 2025 Travel Guide.

Hungary Travel Guide