Things To Do
in Makó
Makó sits on the Tisza river in southeastern Hungary, near the Romanian border. It is renowned for Makói hagyma, the region's sweet onions, cultivated in the marshy plains for centuries. The town has a charming historic center, a riverside promenade, and a compact, walkable layout that invites easy exploration.
Visitors come for the food, local culture, and relaxed pace of life by the water.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Fly into Szeged and take a short train ride to Makó. Settle into your hotel and enjoy a traditional Hungarian breakfast at a local café. Spend the morning exploring the charming streets and quaint shops of the town.
Visit the iconic Hagymatikum Thermal Baths for a relaxing soak in the thermal waters. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling local dishes such as makói töltött káposzta. Stroll through the scenic Maros River banks, taking in the picturesque views.
Dine at a local bistro where you can try authentic Hungarian goulash. Join a friendly conversation with locals, giving you a true taste of the region’s culture. End your day with a quiet walk along the river as the sun sets, painting the sky with beautiful colors.
Visit the Traditional Folk House to learn about the rich cultural heritage of Makó. Participate in a workshop to make local crafts, such as pottery or textile work. Enjoy a breakfast of freshly baked pastries paired with strong Hungarian coffee.
Head to the Reformed Great Church, an architectural highlight, and appreciate its stunning interiors. Grab a bite at a nearby eatery to taste some of Hungary's famous pastries like chimney cake. After lunch, explore the local market for handmade goods and fresh produce.
Watch a performance featuring Hungarian folk dances at the town's cultural center. Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a restaurant that specializes in traditional dishes. Cap the night with a nightcap at a local wine bar, sampling award-winning wines from the region.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🚌One-way local transit | $0.50-1 |
| 🏨Hotel room (per night) | $40-80 |
| 🛒Groceries (weekly) | $15-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact size makes it easy to explore on foot
- Iconic Makói onion and welcoming locals
- Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
- English not widely spoken outside main sights
- "Jó napot kívánok" - Good day
- "Kérem" - Please / Excuse me
- "Köszönöm" - Thank you
- "Elnézést" - Sorry / Excuse me
- "Hol van a…?" - Where is the …?
Places to Visit in Makó
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide river views with golden light on the water and calm boating activity, ideal for wide-angle and lifestyle shots.
Colorful signage and traditional courtyards provide vivid, story-rich backdrops.
Narrow streets and shuttered facades offer classic Hungarian street photography vibes.
Calm scenes with mist over the water and silhouettes against the sky.
Food in Makó
Makó Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A warming, flavorful soup highlighting the town’s famous sweet onions.
Must-Try!
A bright peppers and tomatoes stew, often served with bread or nokedli.
Slow-cooked meat stew served with Hungarian dumplings; a comforting staple.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Traditional market offering fresh Makói onions, peppers, river fish, honey, and baked goods.
Casual stands along the riverfront serving onion rings and flatbreads with onion toppings.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake is common; address people formally with Jó napot or Tisztelettel in business contexts.
Hungarians value orderly queues; keep modest personal space in public areas.
Being on time is appreciated, especially for scheduled tours or reservations.
Safety
Tipping in Makó
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, rounding up or leaving about 5-10% is common if service is good; check the bill if a service charge is included.
Cash (Hungarian forint) and cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common; ATMs are convenient in town.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days with blooming orchards; great for city walks and market visits.
Hot days with long daylight; seek shade along the river and enjoy outdoor dining.
Harvest season for onions and peppers; pleasant temperatures for cycling.
Can be cold; expect occasional rain; cozy cafes and seasonal markets offer warmth.
Makó at Night
Hiking in Makó
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Flat, scenic riverside trail ideal for a relaxed hike or photography.
Wetland boardwalks with birds and open landscapes near the floodplain region.
Airports
How to reach Makó by plane.
Hungary's main international hub; roughly 2-3 hours by car or rail to Makó.
Northern Hungary gateway with international connections; longer drive to Makó.
Romanian airport near the Hungarian border; convenient for cross-border trips to Makó.
Romanian airport a short drive from the border; accessible to Makó via road.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority population with Roma and small minority groups present.
A notable community contributing to the local culture and crafts.
People with ties to Romania and neighboring regions due to the proximity to borders.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular team and weekend matches attract locals and visitors.
Flat plains make cycling a common leisure activity.
River and lake fishing are enjoyed by residents and guests.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Makó.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Hungarian dishes can be adapted; look for lecsó, vegetable stews, salads, and cheese pastries.