Szeged
Hungary
Why Szeged is a great destination
Szeged keeps the crowds light but the experiences rich: sun‑kissed streets, grand squares, authentic thermal culture and excellent value in a walkable riverside city.
- Atmosphere: Easygoing “City of Sunshine” energy with café terraces along the Tisza, student buzz from the University, and evening strolls across Belvárosi híd into leafy Újszeged.
- Authentic thermal culture: Unhurried, great‑value soaking at Anna Fürdő (Zsolnay‑tiled historic halls fed by the 1927 Anna Well) and the modern Napfényfürdő Aquapolis (quiet medicinal wing plus Europe’s longest year‑round enclosed slide), offering a calmer alternative to headline spa cities.
- Architecture & culture: Art Nouveau showpieces like Reök Palace, the soaring Votive Church on Dóm tér (host to open‑air summer performances), and the luminous Szeged Synagogue—heritage without the queues.
- Food & local flavour: Paprika country pride with Szegedi halászlé (fiery fish soup), Pick salami, and classic confectioners; browse Mars tér market then settle into wallet‑friendly bistros in Belváros.
Who should go to Szeged?
Szeged suits travellers who want authentic Hungarian thermal culture without the capital’s crowds. It blends a majestic historic bath with a cutting‑edge waterpark, letting you choose between hushed therapy and family fun in one city. Come for certified medicinal waters, handsome architecture and a relaxed, great‑value city break.
- History lovers: Step into the 1896 Anna Fürdő, a double‑domed Art Nouveau landmark born from the city’s post‑flood renaissance.
- Wellness seekers: Unwind in quiet, mineral‑rich medicinal pools at Anna Fürdő or the Aquapolis gyógyfürdő, with adults‑only Silent Wellness for true calm.
- Families: Make a day of it at Napfényfürdő Aquapolis with slides (including Europe’s longest year‑round enclosed run), splash zones and a big summer lido.
- Budget‑minded travellers: Enjoy authentic spa culture and treatments at prices often lower than Budapest, with flexible passes and off‑peak deals.
- Medical tourists: Tap into certified therapies for joints, rehabilitation and gynaecological issues, supported by on‑site professionals and doctor‑prescribed cures.
- Quiet city‑breakers: Savour a compact, walkable Szeged, balancing serene soaks at Anna with riverside cafés and uncrowded streets.
Who should go to Szeged?
Szeged suits travellers who want authentic Hungarian thermal culture without the capital’s crowds. It blends a majestic historic bath with a cutting‑edge waterpark, letting you choose between hushed therapy and family fun in one city. Come for certified medicinal waters, handsome architecture and a relaxed, great‑value city break.
- History lovers: Step into the 1896 Anna Fürdő, a double‑domed Art Nouveau landmark born from the city’s post‑flood renaissance.
- Wellness seekers: Unwind in quiet, mineral‑rich medicinal pools at Anna Fürdő or the Aquapolis gyógyfürdő, with adults‑only Silent Wellness for true calm.
- Families: Make a day of it at Napfényfürdő Aquapolis with slides (including Europe’s longest year‑round enclosed run), splash zones and a big summer lido.
- Budget‑minded travellers: Enjoy authentic spa culture and treatments at prices often lower than Budapest, with flexible passes and off‑peak deals.
- Medical tourists: Tap into certified therapies for joints, rehabilitation and gynaecological issues, supported by on‑site professionals and doctor‑prescribed cures.
- Quiet city‑breakers: Savour a compact, walkable Szeged, balancing serene soaks at Anna with riverside cafés and uncrowded streets.
Top things to do in Szeged
Here are the unmissable highlights of Szeged, distilled from its thermal-bath heritage and riverside charm. Use this shortlist to experience the city’s authentic spa culture and standout sights.
- Walk the Tisza riverfront across the Belvárosi Bridge to Újszeged for sunset views and easy access to Napfényfürdő Aquapolis.
- Explore Anna Fürdő’s historic thermal wing—Zsolnay tiles, domes and serene 32–38°C pools fed by the 944 m-deep Anna-kút.
- Visit Napfényfürdő Aquapolis’ medicinal section for Dóra-kút soaks and the 16+ Silent Wellness, or ride Europe’s longest year-round enclosed slides.
- Take a weekday-morning soak with locals, observing etiquette: shower first, wear papucs, speak softly, and limit hot soaks to about 20 minutes.
- Hike the leafy paths of Erzsébet-liget and the riverside parks between sessions for a cooling breather amid classic Szeged greenery.
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Top things to do in Szeged
Here are the unmissable highlights of Szeged, distilled from its thermal-bath heritage and riverside charm. Use this shortlist to experience the city’s authentic spa culture and standout sights.
- Walk the Tisza riverfront across the Belvárosi Bridge to Újszeged for sunset views and easy access to Napfényfürdő Aquapolis.
- Explore Anna Fürdő’s historic thermal wing—Zsolnay tiles, domes and serene 32–38°C pools fed by the 944 m-deep Anna-kút.
- Visit Napfényfürdő Aquapolis’ medicinal section for Dóra-kút soaks and the 16+ Silent Wellness, or ride Europe’s longest year-round enclosed slides.
- Take a weekday-morning soak with locals, observing etiquette: shower first, wear papucs, speak softly, and limit hot soaks to about 20 minutes.
- Hike the leafy paths of Erzsébet-liget and the riverside parks between sessions for a cooling breather amid classic Szeged greenery.
Experience Szeged differently: Book authentic tours & activities with GetYourGuide
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3-day Szeged itinerary
Day 1: Foundations, façades and your first soak
Szeged’s centre is compact, sunlit and full of Art Nouveau details. Ease in with grand squares and cafés, then slip into the city’s historic thermal heart for a calm, restorative afternoon.
- Morning: Stroll Kárász utca to Dóm tér for the Votive Church; if the tower is open, climb for sweeping views. Continue to Reök Palace to admire its sinuous Art Nouveau façade, then pause for coffee and a slice of cake at a nearby café.
- Midday: Lunch on Szeged fish soup (halászlé) at a traditional csárda, then pass by the Anna Well on Tisza Lajos körút where locals fill bottles of mineral water. Tip: pick up slippers (papucs) if you forgot yours—essential for the baths.
- Afternoon: Unwind at Anna Fürdő’s historic medicinal wing (quiet soaking; 20-minute stints in hotter pools are the norm). Etiquette notes: shower first, keep voices low, and use your wristband-operated locker; weekdays—especially mornings—are the calmest.
- Evening: Sunset walk along the Tisza and over the Belvárosi híd, followed by dinner in the centre. In cooler months, check if Anna Fürdő is running extended “night bathing” hours for a magical late soak (schedules vary).
Day 2: Újszeged and the many moods of water
Cross the river for a full day that can swing from waterslides to whispered wellness. Whether you’re with kids or craving silence, Napfényfürdő Aquapolis lets you tailor the experience.
- Morning: Arrive at Aquapolis at opening time. Families: start with the adventure pools and year-round enclosed slides; couples/quiet-seekers: head straight to the separate medicinal section fed by the hotter Dóra well (serene, no splashing).
- Midday: Refuel on site or picnic in nearby Erzsébet-liget. Summer: add the outdoor strand for lawns and laps; winter: savour the contrast in the steaming outdoor thermal pool (hydrate and pace yourself).
- Afternoon: Upgrade to the adults-only Silent Wellness (16+) for saunas, jacuzzis and relaxation beds away from the buzz. Not bathing? Detour to the Szeged Botanical Garden for lotus ponds and shaded paths (easy taxi or bus).
- Evening: Stroll back across the bridge for riverside drinks or a concert on Dóm tér in summer. Practical tip: energy-saving measures can alter sauna availability or hours—check the day’s notices or the website before you go.
Day 3: Markets, memory and a final dip
Today blends everyday Szeged with deeper heritage, leaving space for one last soak. Shop like a local, step into a spectacular synagogue, and close your trip with the ritual that locals swear by.
- Morning: Browse Mars tér Market (best on Sat) for paprika, pickles and pastries, then wander back via Kárász utca’s shops. Keep an eye out for eclectic façades and tiled details on side streets.
- Midday: Visit the New Synagogue—one of Europe’s most beautiful—or the Móra Ferenc Museum by the river. Lunch nearby on seasonal specials and a light dessert.
- Afternoon: Choose your finale: return to Anna Fürdő for its sauna world and rooftop jacuzzis, or slip into Aquapolis’s medicinal pools for a last, quiet soak (weekday afternoons are reliably peaceful). Bring towel, papucs and a bottle of water; showers are mandatory before re-entry.
- Evening: Farewell dinner—halászlé or a modern bistro take on Szeged’s flavours. Summer option: a short Tisza cruise if water levels and schedules allow; in colder months, linger over coffee and Dobos torte, then collect any last paprika to take home.
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Food and drink in Szeged
Szeged’s food scene is all about paprika-rich flavours, river fish, and its famed salami heritage. Expect sunny café terraces, the lively Mars Market, and relaxed riverside bars perfect for long, unhurried bites.
- Szegedi halászlé – the city’s iconic paprika-charged fish soup, often made with carp and catfish and served in a deep-red, passírozott (strained) broth; best savoured in a traditional csárda by the Tisza.
- Pick téliszalámi – slow-matured pork salami with a gentle peppery aroma; try tasting boards in cosy cafés or visit the Pick Salami & Szeged Paprika Museum for a deeper dive.
- Szegedi paprika – fragrant, sweet-to-hot ground pepper that defines local cooking; browse and buy at Mars téri piac (market), where stalls brim with sausages, spice blends, and seasonal produce.
- Csongrád wines & fröccs – light reds and rosés from the nearby wine region, often enjoyed as a refreshing spritzer; sip on sunlit terraces or along the riverside bar strip at dusk.
Eat like a local: Discover Szeged top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
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Food and drink in Szeged
Szeged’s food scene is all about paprika-rich flavours, river fish, and its famed salami heritage. Expect sunny café terraces, the lively Mars Market, and relaxed riverside bars perfect for long, unhurried bites.
- Szegedi halászlé – the city’s iconic paprika-charged fish soup, often made with carp and catfish and served in a deep-red, passírozott (strained) broth; best savoured in a traditional csárda by the Tisza.
- Pick téliszalámi – slow-matured pork salami with a gentle peppery aroma; try tasting boards in cosy cafés or visit the Pick Salami & Szeged Paprika Museum for a deeper dive.
- Szegedi paprika – fragrant, sweet-to-hot ground pepper that defines local cooking; browse and buy at Mars téri piac (market), where stalls brim with sausages, spice blends, and seasonal produce.
- Csongrád wines & fröccs – light reds and rosés from the nearby wine region, often enjoyed as a refreshing spritzer; sip on sunlit terraces or along the riverside bar strip at dusk.
Eat like a local: Discover Szeged top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
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Where to stay in Szeged
Choosing where to stay in Szeged is about picking the right area, as each neighbourhood offers a distinct pace and feel. Stay central for architecture and cafés, or cross the Tisza for greenery and easy access to Aquapolis. If thermal baths are your focus, decide between being near Anna Fürdő or Napfényfürdő.
- Belváros (City Centre) — grand Art Nouveau streets, cafés and markets; walk to Anna Fürdő, Dóm tér and museums; best for first‑timers and history lovers.
- Újszeged — leafy, riverside and quiet; steps from Napfényfürdő Aquapolis and the summer lido; ideal for families and wellness breaks.
- University Quarter (Egyetemváros/Dóm tér) — student buzz with budget eateries and bars, quick tram links; great for nightlife and value‑minded travellers.
- Alsóváros — traditional, residential calm around the Franciscan church; local bakeries and easy transport to the centre; suits slow travellers seeking peace.
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Where to stay in Szeged
Choosing where to stay in Szeged is about picking the right area, as each neighbourhood offers a distinct pace and feel. Stay central for architecture and cafés, or cross the Tisza for greenery and easy access to Aquapolis. If thermal baths are your focus, decide between being near Anna Fürdő or Napfényfürdő.
- Belváros (City Centre) — grand Art Nouveau streets, cafés and markets; walk to Anna Fürdő, Dóm tér and museums; best for first‑timers and history lovers.
- Újszeged — leafy, riverside and quiet; steps from Napfényfürdő Aquapolis and the summer lido; ideal for families and wellness breaks.
- University Quarter (Egyetemváros/Dóm tér) — student buzz with budget eateries and bars, quick tram links; great for nightlife and value‑minded travellers.
- Alsóváros — traditional, residential calm around the Franciscan church; local bakeries and easy transport to the centre; suits slow travellers seeking peace.
Find places to stay in Szeged on Booking.com
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Good to know before you go to Szeged
Szeged is a compact, well-connected university city, so getting in and around is straightforward. A few local nuances—bath etiquette, seasonal crowds, and transport options—will help you plan smoothly and save money.
- Affordability: Good value by European standards—coffee 600–900 HUF, a casual lunch 2,000–3,500 HUF, mains at mid-range restaurants 3,500–6,000 HUF, beer 700–1,200 HUF; mid-range hotels are typically 25,000–45,000 HUF per double (apartments 18,000–30,000 HUF), with boutique stays from 45,000–70,000 HUF.
- Transport: The centre is very walkable and bike-friendly, with reliable trams and trolleybuses; hourly InterCity trains link Budapest in about 2h20, and easy day trips by bus or car include Ópusztaszer, Mórahalom and Makó (no ferries needed, as bridges span the Tisza).
- Language: Hungarian is the main language, but English is commonly understood in the centre thanks to the university and tourism; basic phrases help in neighbourhood shops, markets and on buses.
- Safety & comfort: Generally very safe for families and solo travellers, with low violent crime; use usual city smarts for petty theft at festivals, markets and busy baths, and bring flip-flops for slippery spa areas.
- Crowds: Peak season is June–August (open-air festivals, school holidays) when baths and the riverside are busier; spring and autumn are pleasantly calm, while winter is quiet overall but popular for thermal soaking on weekends.
Good to know before you go to Szeged
Szeged is a compact, well-connected university city, so getting in and around is straightforward. A few local nuances—bath etiquette, seasonal crowds, and transport options—will help you plan smoothly and save money.
- Affordability: Good value by European standards—coffee 600–900 HUF, a casual lunch 2,000–3,500 HUF, mains at mid-range restaurants 3,500–6,000 HUF, beer 700–1,200 HUF; mid-range hotels are typically 25,000–45,000 HUF per double (apartments 18,000–30,000 HUF), with boutique stays from 45,000–70,000 HUF.
- Transport: The centre is very walkable and bike-friendly, with reliable trams and trolleybuses; hourly InterCity trains link Budapest in about 2h20, and easy day trips by bus or car include Ópusztaszer, Mórahalom and Makó (no ferries needed, as bridges span the Tisza).
- Language: Hungarian is the main language, but English is commonly understood in the centre thanks to the university and tourism; basic phrases help in neighbourhood shops, markets and on buses.
- Safety & comfort: Generally very safe for families and solo travellers, with low violent crime; use usual city smarts for petty theft at festivals, markets and busy baths, and bring flip-flops for slippery spa areas.
- Crowds: Peak season is June–August (open-air festivals, school holidays) when baths and the riverside are busier; spring and autumn are pleasantly calm, while winter is quiet overall but popular for thermal soaking on weekends.
Best time to go to Szeged
Thermal bathing in Szeged is best in the colder months, while summer pivots to outdoor lidos and family fun at Aquapolis. Shoulder seasons bring mild weather and balanced crowds, with most facilities fully operational.
- Winter (Oct–Apr): Cold outside, perfect for steaming outdoor thermal pools; quieter weekdays, cosy and serene vibe.
- High Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot and sunny; Aquapolis lido and slides at their busiest with families; lively, festive atmosphere.
- Shoulder Season (Apr–May & Sep–Oct): Mild, pleasant weather; manageable crowds and good value; relaxed yet fully running facilities.
Best time to go to Szeged
Thermal bathing in Szeged is best in the colder months, while summer pivots to outdoor lidos and family fun at Aquapolis. Shoulder seasons bring mild weather and balanced crowds, with most facilities fully operational.
- Winter (Oct–Apr): Cold outside, perfect for steaming outdoor thermal pools; quieter weekdays, cosy and serene vibe.
- High Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot and sunny; Aquapolis lido and slides at their busiest with families; lively, festive atmosphere.
- Shoulder Season (Apr–May & Sep–Oct): Mild, pleasant weather; manageable crowds and good value; relaxed yet fully running facilities.
Share Szeged with friends and start planning your trip together.
How to get to Szeged
By Air
- Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) – approx. 170 km. No commercial airport in Szeged.
- By car: 2–2.5 hrs via M5.
- By public transport: 2.5–3.5 hrs. Take airport bus (100E to city centre or 200E to Kőbánya-Kispest) then metro/suburban rail to Budapest-Nyugati, then InterCity to Szeged.
- Timișoara Traian Vuia Airport (TSR), Romania – approx. 170 km.
- By car: 2–2.5 hrs (allow time for border checks).
- Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG), Serbia – approx. 210 km.
- By car: 2.5–3 hrs (border checks). Limited direct public transport; connections via Subotica/Novi Sad/Belgrade.
- Debrecen International Airport (DEB) – approx. 220 km.
- By car: about 3 hrs; limited flight network.
By Train
- Main station: Szeged railway station (Indóház tér). Tickets/timetables: MÁV.
- Budapest–Szeged: hourly InterCity from Budapest-Nyugati; 2 h 20–2 h 30.
- Hódmezővásárhely: frequent tram-train every 20–30 min; 40–50 min.
- Subotica (Serbia): local cross-border trains operate; around 1 hr to the border and onward—check current schedules and ID requirements.
By Bus
- Domestic coaches (Volánbusz) from Budapest Népliget to Szeged (Mars tér bus station); typically 2 h 30–3 h, several departures daily.
- Regional services connect Szeged with Makó, Hódmezővásárhely, Kecskemét and other towns.
- International coaches (e.g., to Subotica, Novi Sad, Timișoara) run on selected days—check operators for current timetables.
By Car
- From Budapest: M5 motorway southbound; about 175 km, 1 h 45–2 h.
- From Romania: A1 (RO) to Nădlac II/Csanádpalota, then M43 to Szeged; from Timișoara about 2–2.5 hrs.
- From Serbia: A1/E75 to Horgoš–Röszke, then M5; border queues possible, especially weekends/holidays.
- Hungarian motorways require an e‑vignette (buy online or at fuel stations).
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