Things To Do
in Szeged

Szeged, Hungary, is a vibrant city located at the confluence of the Tisza and Maros rivers, known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture. It is famous for the Szeged Open Air Festival and its beautiful parks, making it a great destination for both relaxation and entertainment. The city offers a mix of historical sites, modern amenities, and a lively atmosphere throughout the year.

With its friendly locals and delicious cuisine, Szeged has something to offer everyone.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Cultural Exploration
morning
:

Start your day at the Votive Church of Szeged, an iconic symbol of the city, and enjoy the stunning architecture and views from the tower.

afternoon
:

Visit the Szeged National Theatre and the nearby Dóm Square, where you can explore the local shops and take in the atmosphere.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant followed by a stroll along the Tisza River, where you can relax and enjoy the evening ambiance.

day 2
Day 2: Nature and Leisure
morning
:

Begin with a visit to the Szeged Botanical Garden, a peaceful retreat with diverse plant species and beautiful landscapes.

afternoon
:

Head to the Anna Thermal Bath for a relaxing afternoon soaking in thermal waters or enjoy some leisure activities in the nearby parks.

evening
:

Experience Szeged's nightlife by visiting a local bar or pub, sampling Hungarian wines and traditional spirits.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍽️Meal at a mid-range restaurant$15
Coffee$2
🍺Local beer$3
🚍Public transport ticket$1
🏨Hotel night$50

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural heritage and history.
  • Delicious local cuisine and wines.
  • Beautiful parks and outdoor activities.
  • Limited English proficiency in some areas.
  • Public transport may not be as frequent.
  • Summer can be quite hot.
  • "Kérem" - Please
  • "Köszönöm" - Thank you
  • "Hol van a fürdő?" - Where is the bath?
  • "Beszél angolul?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Mennyibe kerül?" - How much does it cost?

Places to Visit in Szeged

Visit one of these nice places.

Votive Church

The stunning neo-Romanesque architecture of this iconic church is perfect for capturing beautiful photographs.

Dóm Square

A lively square surrounded by historic buildings, perfect for street photography and capturing local life.

Tisza River Promenade

The riverside promenade offers picturesque views, especially at sunset, ideal for serene landscape shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Szeged

Szeged is a culinary delight, renowned for its rich flavors and diverse local dishes that reflect the region's culture and traditions.

Szeged Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Halászlé

A traditional fish soup made with river fish and a blend of spices, particularly paprika, unique to the region.

Must-Try!

Lángos

Deep-fried flatbread topped with sour cream, cheese, or garlic, popular as a street food snack.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Szeged Market Hall

A bustling market offering fresh produce, local delicacies, and a great atmosphere for tasting traditional Hungarian foods.

Climate Guide

Weather

Szeged experiences a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures can reach highs of 30°C (86°F), while winters can drop to -5°C (23°F). Spring and autumn are mild, making them ideal for outdoor activities. Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year, with summer being the wettest season.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A firm handshake and maintaining eye contact is customary when greeting someone.

Dining Etiquette

Wait for the host to start eating before you begin, and it's polite to keep your hands on the table during meals.

Respect for Traditions

Showing respect for local customs and traditions, especially during festivals, is appreciated by the locals.

Safety Guide

Safety

Szeged is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates. However, it's always wise to stay alert in crowded areas and safeguard personal belongings. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 112, and having a basic understanding of local healthcare facilities is advisable.

Tipping in Szeged

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

It is customary to tip around 10-15% in restaurants; rounding up the bill is also appreciated.

Payment Methods

Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's advisable to carry some cash, especially for small purchases or in local markets.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Spring (March to May) brings mild weather and blooming flowers, making it a great time for outdoor activities and festivals.

Summer

Summer (June to August) can be hot, with plenty of events like the Szeged Open Air Festival, perfect for enjoying local culture.

Autumn

Autumn (September to November) showcases beautiful foliage, ideal for scenic views and photography.

Winter

Winter (December to February) can be cold and snowy, but the city is charming with holiday decorations and winter markets.

Nightlife Guide

Szeged at Night

Szeged boasts a lively nightlife scene with a variety of options, ranging from cozy pubs to vibrant clubs. The city is known for its bars serving local wines and spirits, where you can mingle with locals. During the summer months, outdoor terraces become popular spots for socializing, while the winter offers warm and inviting venues for gatherings.

Hiking in Szeged

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Tisza River Trail

A scenic trail along the Tisza River, perfect for leisurely hikes with breathtaking views of the river and surrounding nature.

Kopasz Hill Trail

Located just outside Szeged, this trail offers more challenging hikes with stunning panoramas of the landscape.

Airports

How to reach Szeged by plane.

Szeged Airport

Located about 5 km from the city center, Szeged Airport primarily serves regional flights and is a convenient point of entry for travelers.

Getting Around

Walkability

Szeged is a highly walkable city, with many attractions located within walking distance of each other. The city center features pedestrian-friendly streets, making it easy to explore on foot. Sidewalks are well-maintained, and there are plenty of parks and public squares to enjoy along the way.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Students

Szeged is home to a large student population due to its reputable universities, bringing a youthful energy to the city.

Older Residents

The city has a significant number of older residents, contributing to its rich history and cultural heritage.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football

Football is immensely popular in Szeged, with local teams competing in national leagues, fostering a passionate fan culture.

Water Polo

Szeged has a strong tradition in water polo, with local teams achieving success in both national and international competitions.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Szeged is generally manageable, with most streets in the city center having limited congestion. Public transportation includes trams and buses that provide access to various parts of the city. Biking is also a popular mode of transport, supported by dedicated bike lanes.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Szeged.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many restaurants in Szeged offer vegetarian options, but it's advisable to check with the staff for ingredients.

Gluten-Free

Gluten-free options are becoming more available, especially in larger restaurants, but may be limited in traditional eateries.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Szeged is accessible with several hospitals and clinics available. The region has a mix of public and private health services, with emergency care available at local hospitals. It is advisable to have health insurance that covers international travel.

Discover Hungary

Read more in our Hungary 2025 Travel Guide.

Hungary Travel Guide