If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

This is Why A visit to Szeged, Hungary's 3rd largest city, is worth it!

Szeged, off the beaten path in Hungary

Szeged is one of Hungary’s hidden gems. Here, you can relax without standing in long lines or feeling like you’re in a tourist trap.

Szeged is Hungarys fourth largest city

The city most associated with Attila the Hun!

Szeged’s association with Attila the Hun is tied to its location near what some historians believe could have been the site of Attila’s capital, the legendary city of Attilanum. While there’s no definitive evidence that Attila lived in Szeged, this historical speculation adds an intriguing layer to the city’s identity.

Attila the Hun, a fearsome leader in the 5th century, left a

mark on history, and Szeged’s connection amplifies that. The landscape around Szeged has archaeological findings and remnants, suggesting it could have been a significant area during the time of the Huns.

So, while Attila the Hun himself hasn’t been definitively linked to Szeged, the rich archaeological finds hint at a strong Hunnic presence in the region during his reign.

The length of the day in Szeged varies significantly over the course of the year. For instance, the shortest day is December 21, with 8 hours, 36 minutes of daylight. In contrast, the longest day is June 20, with 15 hours, 47 minutes of daylight. 

Summer has beautiful warm sunny days between June to August, generally ranging from the upper 20’s to around the mid-’30s. Lately, even reaching the upper-30s. The humidity in July/early August can be quite high, sometimes exceeding your comfort level. For instance 80% plus.

In autumn (September to November) you have the warm autumn-colored leaves (especially around end-October / mid-November), putting on a spectacular display.

Winter is most definitely not a season for tourism in Hungary. Days are grey, there’s little sunshine, daylight hours are short, and it is cold. In addition, most noteworthy attractions close during the winter months.

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (IATA: BUD, ICAO: LHBP), is commonly known as Budapest Airport.

Szeged has a small airport about 5km west of the city. The airfield is mostly used for private chartered jets and shows.

Szeged is about two hours by car from Budapest, give and take the traffic conditions. Most of the road trip is on highway roads.

Szeged has an excellent public transport infrastructure, consisting of bus, tram, and taxi services.

From the airport, book a transfer service through Zöld Transfer. See the review and contact information further down in this post – “Travel like a local”. 

The official currency in Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). Your master card or visa card will be accepted, or cash payment in Euros. When you’re in Szeged, make sure you exchange some of your Euros for Hungarian Fortin (HUF). The alternative is to use your card. It is seldom that Euros are accepted in the smaller cities outside of Budapest.

Cost of Living Calculator:  The calculator will give a a rough indication of how much more (or less) expensive it will be here, compared to your current cost of living.

SZEGED WEATHER

Getting To Know Szeged

Best things to do in Szeged Places near Budapest worth seeing min

Szeged, known as the “City of Sunshine” boasts the most sunshine hours in Hungary and is famous for its paprika production. It is a key hub for Hungary’s food sector.

Travel Szeged, Hungary, things to do in Szeged, travel and home ()

The name Szeged may come from the old Hungarian word ‘szeg’ (corner), referring to the Tisza River’s bend through the city. Others believe it derives from ‘sziget,’ meaning ‘island.’

Szeged history, ancient city, facts about Szeged, 4th largest city in Hungary

This ancient city was first recorded as “Szeged” in a document by King Béla III in 1183. Szeged, on the banks of the Tisza River, is on Hungary’s southern border.  Budapest is a 2-hour drive and it’s 15 km to Serbia. 

South Africans living in Hungary often compare Szeged to Potchefstroom, a South African university town. While Szeged’s population of around 160,000 is four times larger than Potchefstroom’s, both cities share a similar university-town atmosphere.

Travel Szeged, Hungary, things to do in Szeged, travel and home ()

The University of Szeged (1872) is known for its research. Like Nobel Laureate Albert Szent-Györgyi who discovered Vitamin C here. Students from everywhere study here, with courses offered in multiple languages.

Travel Szeged, Hungary, things to do in Szeged, travel and home ()

Szeged is Hungary’s 4th largest city. The western side (old town) is generally referred to as “Szeged”, while the newer eastern side is called “Új-szeged” (“New Szeged”).

Travel Szeged, Hungary, things to do in Szeged, travel and home ()

25 things you must do and see

15. Seged Exploration

Explore the city and solve a fun (brutal) murder mystery game, all in English.

Another option is to explore the charming city on foot or by bike, with your own in-app audio tour-

Movie Magic in Szeged

In 2021, Szeged played a prominent role in the first season of the television series ‘FBI: International’. Filming took place across various locations in Hungary, with the city center of Szeged standing in for Madrid. The production team also utilized other filming sites in Budapest, Buda Castle, Tököl Airport, Székesfehérvár, and Biatorbágy.

The success of the first season led to CBS choosing Szeged as a filming location again for the second season of ‘FBI: International’.

Szeged sightseeing tourist train, things to do in Szeged, Szeged sightseeing by train min

Travel Tip(s)

Install the free app Szeged Subotica Art Nouveau. Especially if you consider a day trip to Subotica. That said, it’s still worth the effort if you only use it for one city.  The app will point you in the right direction to find Art Nouveau architecture in both Szeged and Subotica.

You’ll find Thai massage parlors all over the city, like Thai Massage Szeged.

Located in the Dean’s Office of the Faculty of Medicine, the Szent-Györgyi Albert memorial room is a sight of great significance. In short, Albert Szent-Györgyi won the Nobel Prize “for his discoveries with reference to vitamin C”. An achievement that Hungarians are very proud of.

Address:  University of Szeged Faculty of Medicine, Tisza L. krt. 109.

Walking along the Tisza River in Szeged is like stepping into a picturesque dream. The promenade is pure bliss, offering stunning views and a relaxing vibe.

Szeged is the city of festivals. Have a look at the events calendar and plan your trip to join in the celebrations and experience Hungarian culture. 

Open-air musicals are staged in front of the Votive Church and it is a must-do when you are in Szeged during the summer months. Check for tickets and shows at: https://szegediszabadteri.jegy.hu/ 

Discover and explore the Jewish legacy in Szeged. Other than the synagogue there are many Jewish monuments and also the Israelite cemetery.

Travel Tip(s)

Download the free app to explore Jewish monuments in downtown Szeged, and visit the Israelite cemetery, as well as the Synagogue (mentioned earlier). The most fun of this app is the Treasure Hunting Game. It’s a marvelous way to explore Szeged’s Jewish footprint.

Day trips from Szeged

Budapest

1 hr 48 min (175.2 km) to Budapest

Timișoara, Romania

1 hr 55 min (118.8 km) to Timișoara, Romania

Subotica, Serbia

53 min (46.0 km) to Subotica, Serbia

Subotica, See the City Hall, Gradska Bibiloteka, Palata Rajhl Fere, and The Republic Square all in one convenient day
Subotica: See the City Hall, Gradska Bibiloteka, Palata Rajhl Fere, and The Republic Square all in one convenient day.

Lupa Beach, Budakalász

1 hr 57 min (199.3 km) to Budakalász

beach holiday in Hungary
Lake Lupa beach, where white sand, turquoise waves, palm trees, and sunshine converge for the ultimate Caribbean vibe!

What to eat and drink in Szeged

Hungarian cuisine is known for using paprika, onion, and black pepper. Chicken, pork, and beef are common. You seldom get turkey, duck, lamb, fish, and game meats unless it is a special occasion such as Christmas or Easter. Having lived in Szeged for a few years now, these are my personal recommendations as to what you must eat and drink while in Szeged.

Restaurants

If you like lamb meat, Classic Grill restaurant in the middle of town is the place to go. It’s a Serbian restaurant, thus the availability of lamb meat. Otherwise, lamb meat is scarce in town.

Emmarozs moved to ÜjSzeged and was well worth sitting down for quiche and coffee. The vibe and service were equally great.

Emmarozs Grand, Bakery and Coffee Shop in Szeged
Emmarozs Grand, Bakery and Coffee Shop in Szeged, Fő fasor 53/A.
Classic Grill, Szeged, Széchenyi tér 5
Classic Grill, Szeged, Széchenyi tér 5: Reserve a table ahead of time.

Travel Tip(s)

If luggage restrictions keep you from taking the original Hungarian Salami (must be made in Szeged) home, fear not. Buy it online!

Plan Your Trip To Szeged

Where to stay

If you are short on time, keep in mind that Szeged is a perfect day trip from Budapest.

Travel Tip(s)

Look for free cancellation options: Some hotels offer free cancellation up until a certain date. Booking accommodations with free cancellation can provide flexibility in case your plans change.

Check the map view: Booking.com has a map view feature that shows the location of hotels. This can help you identify accommodations in areas that are both desirable and affordable.

Book cheap flights to Budapest (BUD)
Airport Transfers
Buy anything under the sun...

Alza in Hungary is a leading online retailer in Hungary, offering a wide range of electronics, home appliances, and computing products at competitive prices. With a user-friendly interface and excellent customer service, Alza is the go-to destination for tech-savvy shoppers in Hungary. Whether you’re looking for a new laptop, a smart home device, or the latest gaming gear, Alza has you covered with fast and reliable shipping, easy returns, and secure payment options. Shop with confidence and experience the convenience of online shopping with Alza.

Comments + Reviews

Explore Hungary

The Heroes’ Gate, built in 1936, was dedicated to honor Horthy’s White Guards. Now, Horthy’s White Guards were paramilitary groups associated with Admiral Miklós Horthy, who was the regent of the Kingdom of Hungary from 1920 to 1944.

During Horthy’s leadership, the White Guards were essentially his loyal supporters and allies. They played a role in maintaining order and supporting the political establishment of the time. However, it’s important to note that Horthy’s era is also connected to controversial aspects, including anti-Semitic policies.

The Heroes’ Gate stands as a monument from that period.

Address: Boldogasszony sugárút (opposite Arad Martyrs Square)

Dóm Square surrounds the Votive Church and Cathedral with its two towers and is home to the world-famous University of Szeged. Here at the University of Szeged, Albert Szent-Györgyi managed to extract vitamin C from the paprika grown in Szeged. The square also hosts the city’s Christmas markets.

This Neo-Romanesque twin-spired church sits on Dóm Square next to the Dömötör Tower. Construction began in 1913. The outbreak of World War I caused construction to pause. Construction only ended in 1930. Standing tall with its 91-meter-high dome, the Votive Church offers panoramic views of both the city’s architectural gems and its scenic surroundings, drawing both locals and visitors to admire its beauty and historical significance.

“It is a cathedral, a family-friendly church, a destination of pilgrims, a sacred space, an exclusive conference and concert venue, home of the Szeged Open-Air Festival, and an open and receptive community magnet.”  -Szegedidom.com

Address: Dóm tér 15

The City Hall was revamped after the great flood in 1879. Go to the middle window of the staircase where you will see the decorated words “Szeged will be more beautiful than it used to be”. The bells start chiming a few minutes before the clock strikes 12 every hour. Each time, they play a different melody.

Address: Széchenyi tér 10

The museum is not only interesting but fun too! Go to the top for panoramic city views. The “Green Móra” area is a bit like a wonderland. For example it features different lights, buttons to push, magic-like little corners and hide-abouts, interesting things to look at, and books to pull out of the shelf to activate different elements.

Address: Roosevelt tér 1-3., Postal Code 6720

The devastating flood in 1879 about 60,000 people homeless. Szeged’s new layout and look was shaped by the flood. For examples a raised city center to minimize future flood damage. Some of the grand boulevards in Szeged were named after cities that provided significant aid during the reconstruction following the flood. For example Bécs utca (Vienna Street) and Párizs körút (Paris Ring Road).

Address: On the corner of Tisza lajos krt and Huszár Mátyás rkp.

Meander in Dugonics Square, in memory of the Piarist priest and teacher András Dugonics. In 1788 he wrote the first Hungarian novel, namely Etelka. Just like Széchenyi Square, Dugonics Square is known for all kinds of activities and festivals during the summer months.

Under the arcades that surround Dóm Square, you will find the Pantheon, a collection of busts and portraits of several prominent historical figures. For example:

  • Szent-Györgyi: He discovered Vitamin C and is Hungary’s one and only Nobel Laureate.
  • Mihály Munkácsy: A renowned Hungarian painter known for his realistic and evocative works, including the famous painting “Christ in front of Pilate.”

  • Béla Bartók: An influential Hungarian composer and ethnomusicologist, considered one of the greatest composers of the 20th century.

  • Lajos Kossuth: A key figure in Hungary’s fight for independence during the 1848-1849 revolution, serving as regent-president and later as Governor-President.

  • Ferenc Deák: A prominent statesman and Minister of Justice, known as the “Wise Man of the Nation” for his role in the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867.

  • Zoltán Kodály: A celebrated composer, ethnomusicologist, and educator, who played a significant role in preserving Hungarian folk music and developing music education.

  • Sándor Petőfi: A highly esteemed Hungarian poet and revolutionary, known for his powerful and patriotic poems, with “National Song” being one of his most famous works.

  • Endre Ady: An influential Hungarian poet, known for his innovative and symbolic poems, contributing to modern Hungarian literature.

To quote Luther Vandross: “The best things in life are free”. Many things in life are FREE and breathtakingly beautiful. One of those is a walk on the banks of the river Maros.

This is another perfect indoor activity for rainy days. Anna Gyógyfürdő is one of the oldest baths in Hungary, dating back to the late 1800s. 

Address: Szeged, Tisza Lajos krt. 24, 6720

Széchenyi Square is a lively spot with a rich history. It dates back to the 13th century when the castle’s western walls were built on the bank of the Tisza River. Over time, the square has been completely transformed. Today, it’s surrounded by well-preserved historical buildings. However, it has a youthful vibe thanks to the many students from nearby campuses. In the summer, it’s a bustling hub of activity.

Szeged’s Jewish Synagogue, completed in 1903, is a stunning architectural masterpiece, blending Art Nouveau and Moorish Revival styles. It ranks as one of the largest synagogues in Europe and the world’s fourth-biggest synagogue, accommodating up to 1,300 worshippers. The synagogue’s interior boasts breathtaking stained-glass windows and intricate decorations, creating a mesmerizing ambiance for visitors. A significant symbol of Hungary’s Jewish heritage, the synagogue serves as both a religious sanctuary and a cultural treasure, drawing tourists and locals alike to experience its rich history and spiritual significance. At the New Synagogue, find the biblical commandment in Hebrew and Hungarian that reads “Love your neighbor as yourself”.

Price list HERE.

Address: Jósika u. 10

Most probably the most famous example is the construction of Reök Palace, an exemplary piece of Hungarian Art Nouveau, constructed in 1907 by Ede Magyar. Today it is a popular place to have coffee and enjoy art exhibitions. Address: Magyar Ede tér 2. Price list HERE.

In addition to the Reök Palace, Ede Magyar, the “Gaudi of Hungary” designed several Art Nouveau buildings over a period of eight years. For example the Reformed Palace and Ungár-Meyer Palace. Other architectural beauties are Deutsch Palace, Gróf Palace, Móricz House, Ungar, Mayer Palace, Marer House, and Beregi House.

You will find plenty of sculptures of great significance everywhere in Szeged. Like the statue of Lajos Kossuth on Klauzál Square and an unparalleled golden tie pin. The pin is held in the gold spectacle of the Ferenc Móra Museum. Lajos Kossuth was a political reformer who inspired and led Hungary’s struggle for independence from Austria. The controversial Kossuth visited Szeged in 1848, giving two speeches to about 10,000 residents. “The cheers, music, and cannons had no length-end,” they wrote of the glorious day. Kossuth gave his legendary speech on this day: “The people of Szeged, the pride of my nation, the pillar of my poor betrayed country, I bow deeply before you!”  Later, in 1902, the statue was inaugurated.

The Church of St. Nicholas is a Serbian Orthodox church in Szeged.

Here you’ll see traditional orthodox interior. The rococo iconostas embellished richly with gold is one of the most beautiful pieces in Hungary. The church is on the northern side of Dóm Square towards the River Tisza.

Address: Somogyi u. 3

On Szent István Square you’ll find the Art Nouveau water tower, known to locals as the Old Lady, and built in 1904. The tower is open to the public on the first Saturday of every month between 1 April and 31 October. Climb the stairs to the top (54,9 meters tall) for stunning panoramic views of Szeged.