Southern Great Plain

The Southern Great Plain features the sun-drenched city of Szeged, art nouveau architecture, paprika farms and the meandering Tisza River. It’s a region of open skies, festivals and spicy cuisine.

Reasons to Visit

• Visit Szeged’s Votive Church and stroll along the Tisza River promenade
• Experience the Ópusztaszer National Heritage Park’s historical exhibits and outdoor museum
• See paprika harvested around Kalocsa and sample local spicy dishes
• Relax at Szeged’s Aquapolis waterpark with slides and thermal pools
• Explore Kecskemét’s art nouveau palaces and museums

Things to Avoid

• Being unprepared for intense summer heat; hydrate and wear sun protection
• Trespassing on paprika farms during harvest
• Swimming in the Tisza outside designated areas due to currents

Local Transportation Tips

Intercity trains connect Szeged and Kecskemét to Budapest. Buses reach smaller towns, and bike lanes line the Tisza River. Rent a car for exploring rural paprika-growing areas.

Travel Etiquette

• Greet market vendors and farmers respectfully
• Remove shoes when entering some traditional homes in heritage parks
• Ask permission before photographing workers or property
• Tipping 10% in restaurants is customary

Did You Know?

• Szeged is dubbed the “City of Sunshine” for its average of 2,000 sunny hours per year
• The region is Hungary’s largest producer of paprika, a key spice in national dishes
• Ópusztaszer National Heritage Park commemorates the first Hungarian national assembly in 896

Cool Stats

• Szeged’s cathedral spires reach 81 metres high
• The Tisza River flows 965 kilometres, with many sections perfect for kayaking
• Aquapolis waterpark features over 4,000 square metres of pools and slides

Recommended Age Group

The Southern Great Plain is most suitable for Families and Adults due to its festivals, parks and culinary adventures.

• Babies (0-2 years) - Not recommended: extreme heat and long outdoor events are challenging
• Kids (3-12 years) - Highly recommended: waterparks, farms and heritage parks
• Teens (13-19 years) - Recommended: music festivals and kayaking on the Tisza
• Adults (20-64 years) - Highly recommended: culinary tours and city sightseeing
• Seniors (65+ years) - Recommended with caution: protect against heat and choose indoor attractions

Accessibility Level: Medium

• City centres have many pedestrian zones and ramps
• Some heritage parks provide accessible pathways and tactile exhibits
• Waterpark slides may not be accessible, but thermal pools often have lifts
• Beat the heat by visiting attractions early or late in the day