Things To Do
in Szolnok
Szolnok is a riverside city in central Hungary where the Tisza River and railway crossroads shape daily life and scenery. It blends 19th–20th century architecture, lively riverfront promenades and a small but active cultural scene including galleries and museums. The city is a practical base for exploring nearby floodplain nature, cycling routes and regional thermal baths.
Szolnok feels quieter and more affordable than Hungary's big tourist hubs, offering authentic local life and seasonal festivals on the riverbank.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Szolnok and settle into your accommodation overlooking the Tisza river. Wander along the scenic Tisza promenade, admiring early morning reflections and river traffic. Pop into a local café for strong coffee and freshly baked pastries to kick off your adventure.
Head to Szolnok’s bustling downtown for a guided walking tour of the main square and river bridges. Sample traditional lángos and local cheeses at an open-air market while chatting with friendly vendors. Pause by the Szolnok Secondary School of Arts to admire student sculptures lining the boulevard.
Dine at a riverside bistro for grilled paprika-spiced fish paired with a crisp Hungarian white wine. Stroll back along the embankment as street lamps cast golden glows across the water. End your night with a leisurely sit at a terrace bar, listening to live acoustic guitar.
Visit the Damjanich János Museum to uncover Szolnok’s Jász-Kun heritage through interactive exhibits. Admire archeological finds, period costumes, and folk instruments displayed in restored neo-classical halls. Enjoy a complimentary guided tasting of homemade jams and honey in the museum café.
Explore the Museum of Hungarian Alcoholic Drinks, sampling pálinka varieties and learning local distillation traditions. Meet the master distiller and try your hand at blending a custom fruit spirit. Follow up with lunch at a gastropub known for artisanal charcuterie boards.
Attend a pottery-painting workshop at a nearby artisan studio, decorating your own keepsake bowl under expert guidance. Sip herbal tea as you shape colorful glazes and learn firing techniques from local ceramists. Conclude with dinner at an intimate trattoria serving Hungarian-Italian fusion dishes.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍺Local beer (0.5L) | $2-3 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $2.5-4 |
| 🚕Taxi start / short ride | $3-8 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $60-90 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Attractive riverside setting with good photo opportunities
- Authentic, affordable local culture and food
- Convenient rail links and regional access
- Proximity to floodplain nature and outdoor activities
- Limited international flight options and fewer tourist services than larger cities
- Some attractions close outside peak season
- Fewer multilingual services compared with Budapest
- "Jó napot!" - Good day / Hello
- "Köszönöm" - Thank you
- "Kérem" - Please / You're welcome
- "Hol van a vasútállomás?" - Where is the train station?
- "Mennyibe kerül?" - How much does it cost?
- "Egészségedre!" - Cheers!
Places to Visit in Szolnok
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden-hour views of the river, reflections, bridge structures and busy riverside life—excellent for landscape and urban-river photography.
Modern bridge and adjacent walkways provide clean lines and symmetry for minimalist compositions and night shots.
Streets with period architecture, decorative details and small squares ideal for street and architectural photography.
Museum exteriors, sculptures and nearby park areas make attractive subjects, especially in spring and autumn.
Early morning mist and abundant birdlife along the Tisza create opportunities for wildlife and nature photos.
Food in Szolnok
Szolnok Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A spicy, paprika-forward river fish soup made with Tisza-caught fish; find it at riverside restaurants and seasonal food stalls.
Must-Try!
Classic Hungarian comfort dish served with nokedli (small dumplings); widely available in family-run restaurants.
Deep-fried flatbread often topped with sour cream and cheese, sold at markets and street vendors—great as a quick snack.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Central market hall with fresh produce, local cheeses, cured meats and small eateries where you can try lángos, pastries and seasonal specialties.
In summer look for pop-up stalls along the Tisza offering grilled fish, döner-style sandwiches, and local sweets during festivals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use 'Jó napot!' (good day) or 'Szia' with acquaintances; a handshake is common for introductions—maintain polite eye contact.
Wait for a host to start a meal; keep your hands visible on the table and say 'Jó étvágyat' before eating to wish others a good meal.
Be sensitive when discussing politics or history; Hungarians value personal space and modest directness.
Safety
Tipping in Szolnok
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants a 10–15% tip is customary if service is not included; for taxis round up or add a small percentage. Tip small amounts to hotel staff and guides for good service.
Cards are widely accepted in restaurants and shops, but small vendors and markets may be cash-only—carry some Hungarian forints (HUF) for markets and taxis.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot weather with long daylight hours; riverfront is lively with festivals, outdoor terraces and water-based activities—pack sun protection and light clothing.
Mild days and colorful foliage along the Tisza make it a pleasant time for photography and hiking; temperatures cool in evenings, so bring layers.
Cold, sometimes snowy with short days; the city is quieter, prices can be lower and you’ll find atmospheric riverside scenes—pack a warm coat and sturdy shoes.
Blossoming parks and migrating birds in the floodplain; unpredictable weather—bring a rain layer and enjoy fewer crowds than summer.
Szolnok at Night
Hiking in Szolnok
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Lowland trails and boardwalks along the river ideal for easy walks, birdwatching and seasonal nature viewing; accessible from Szolnok with short travel.
Protected wetlands and steppe habitats suitable for day trips, wildlife spotting and gentle hikes—best visited in spring or autumn.
The Mátra mountain range (including Kékes, Hungary's highest peak) is reachable by car for more challenging hikes and panoramic views—good as a full-day excursion from Szolnok.
Airports
How to reach Szolnok by plane.
The main international gateway to Hungary, about a 1–1.5 hour drive or 1.5–2 hour train/bus connection from Szolnok depending on route—best choice for international arrivals.
An alternative regional airport to the east with limited international connections; roughly a 1.5–2 hour drive from Szolnok.
Local airfield near the city used for military, training and occasional charter flights; not a major commercial hub but convenient for private aviation.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population; families, students and working professionals form the core of city life.
A visible minority in some neighborhoods, contributing to local culture while also facing socio-economic challenges.
Szolnok serves as a regional service center, so many residents commute within the county or to nearby cities for work.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is popular locally, with Szolnoki Olajbányász being a well-known club that has competed nationally and in regional competitions.
Canoeing, kayaking and recreational boating on the Tisza are common and supported by local clubs and rental operators.
Local amateur and semi-professional football clubs are part of community life, with matches drawing local fans.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Szolnok.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are less varied than in larger cities; many restaurants will adapt dishes (paprikás with mushrooms, egg-based dishes). Markets offer fresh produce for self-catering.
Specialty vegan or gluten-free restaurants are limited; bring snacks or check larger cafés for a few options and communicate restrictions in advance.
Food labeling is not always detailed at smaller venues—use simple Hungarian phrases to explain allergies and prefer established restaurants when possible.