Located on the Tisza River, this Hungarian city is known for thermal baths, lively student culture, and 11th-century history. Enjoy local cuisine and wine in the vibrant center.
Szeged, Hungary's third-largest city, sits at the confluence of the Tisza and Maros rivers. Known as the "City of Sunshine" for its warm climate, Szeged has much to offer visitors. You can admire the twin spires of the Votive Church, shop along bustling Kárász Street, or relax in the Anna Thermal Bath. The city is also famous for its paprika production and hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including the Szeged Open Air Festival in summer.
Architectural Highlights of Szeged
After the devastating flood of 1879, Szeged underwent a significant rebuilding. Today, you'll see the results of this effort in structures like the Votive Church, a large neo-Romanesque cathedral dominating Dóm Square. Nearby, you can admire the Reök Palace, an Art Nouveau building designed by Ede Magyar, with its flowing lines and floral motifs. The New Synagogue, completed in 1907, is the fourth-largest synagogue in the world and showcases elements of both Art Nouveau and Moorish revival architecture.
Museums and Theaters
Visit the Móra Ferenc Museum in its Neoclassical building to explore exhibits on local history, art, and natural sciences. For an evening of culture, attend a performance at the Hungarian National Theater of Szeged, which regularly stages drama, opera, and ballet productions. The presence of the University of Szeged adds a youthful energy to the city and contributes to its intellectual atmosphere.
Local Food and Drink
Szeged is a major center of paprika production, an essential spice in Hungarian cuisine. You can learn about its history at the Pick Salami and Szeged Paprika Museum. Try local dishes like halászlé (fish soup) or szegedi gulyás (goulash) at restaurants around Klauzál Square. For dessert, visit one of the city's many cafés, such as Virág Cukrászda, which has been serving cakes and pastries since 1870.
Festivals and Events
During summer, Dóm Square transforms into an outdoor theater for the Szeged Open Air Festival, an annual event since 1931. You can watch opera, concerts, and theatrical performances with the illuminated cathedral as a backdrop. Throughout the year, Széchenyi Square hosts various events, including a wine festival, a beer festival, and food-themed celebrations.
Thermal Baths and Wellness Centers
Relax in the Neo-Renaissance Anna Thermal Bath, built in 1896. You can soak in medicinal waters, use various saunas, or book a massage. For a more modern experience, visit the Napfényfürdő Aquapolis, a large water park complex with slides, pools, and wellness facilities.
Transportation in Szeged
Most of Szeged's points of interest are concentrated around Széchenyi Square and Kárász Street, making it easy to explore on foot. The city also has a tram network for reaching outlying areas. If you prefer, you can rent bikes to tour the city. Trains connect Szeged to Budapest, with frequent services taking about 2.5 hours.
Nearby Attractions
About 30 kilometers from Szeged, you'll find the Ópusztaszer National Heritage Park. Here, you can learn about Hungarian history and see the Feszty Panorama, a large cyclorama depicting the arrival of the Hungarians in the Carpathian Basin. The Kiskunság National Park, known for its unique flora and fauna, including the Great Bustard (Europe's heaviest flying bird), is also within reach for a day trip.
