Day-trip to Szeged: discover Hungary’s 3rd largest city!
Located on the Great Hungarian Plain (Alföld), Szeged is the third-largest Hungarian city. Take a trip with us and discover the most famous sights of this beautiful city: the grand university buildings, the eye-catching scenery of the River Tisza, the Votive Church and many more.
The railway station
When travelling by car from Budapest, Szeged is to be reached in about 2 hours. However, there is also the option of taking the train, with which the estimated time to arrive is about 2,5 hours. Even if one does not choose this mode of transportation, the exquisite building of the railway station should not be missed.
The so-called tramtrain is a special mode of transportation that takes passengers from the station to the inner city of Szeged and nearby towns such as Hódmezővásárhely.
The city centre
Continuing our trip, the next stop is the city centre, which only requires a 15-minute walk from the railway station.
After the flood in 1879, the majority of the city centre was rebuilt and has reserved its form until today.
Tourists enjoy taking a walk along the streets admiring the colourful buildings.
Reök Palace
On the corner of Lajos Tisza Boulevard and Kölcsey Street stands the extraordinary Reök Palace.
Designed by Ede Magyar in the “Hungarian Jugendstil” in the beginning of the 20th century, this masterpiece is now home to art exhibitions.
There is also a charming confectionary, where one might freshen up with an ice cream or lemonade on a sunny day – and, in Szeged, there are a lot of sunny days.
Dugonics square
Szeged is often called a university city not only because of the lively campus life but also because several famous Hungarians are connected to Szeged’s university. For example, Attila József, the well-known Hungarian poet studied here and Albert Szent-Györgyi, the discoverer of Vitamin C, was once a rector at this academy. The majestic rectorial building on Dugonics Square represents the university life of Szeged.
Fun fact: According to a tradition in Szeged, every year, medical graduates take a bath in the fountain in front of the rectorial building.
The River Tisza
One of the main attractions of Szeged is the Tisza. The river cuts the city into two parts, dividing the old and new parts of Szeged.
The view from the bridge is breathtaking: small ships and boats floating on water, trees swaying on the edge of the river.
In addition, several restaurants and cafés are waiting for their guests right next to the river.
Culture and entertainment
When it comes to culture and entertainment, Szeged is definitely not short of possibilities.
Firstly, the grand building of the theatre captures everyone’s eyes with its bright yellow colour and fine architecture.
Secondly, the interior design of the cinema in the city centre resembles the design of a theatre rather than that of a simple cinema. Located in the heart of Szeged, the Móra Ferenc Museum is always a good idea! Explore the interesting exhibitions and galleries while you are in Szeged.
The Votive Church
Last but not least, an iconic symbol of Szeged is the Votive Church – or the Dóm of Szeged, as Hungarians call it.
The interior of the church includes a crypt with a multifunctional exhibition space, a pilgrim cafeteria, an art shop and a bookshop.
Built between 1913 and 1930, the stunning Dóm of Szeged is the number 1 attraction of the city, welcoming both believers and tourists.
Source: reok.hu, szegedidom.com
LOVED it there when my daughters & I visited. Have been learning about it since. Plan to move back home in 3 yrs time & that is where I plan to look for a little house to purchase on the outskirts.