Southern Great Plain, Hungary Travel Guide

Discover the Southern Great Plain of Hungary: A Land of Wide Horizons, Rich History, and Warm Hospitality.

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Southern Great Plain

The Southern Great Plain, known as 'Alföld' in Hungarian, is a sprawling region in Hungary famous for its expansive landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. This area is characterized by its flat terrain, making it ideal for agriculture and home to picturesque farms and charming villages. The region's wide-open spaces offer tranquility and a sense of freedom, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. One of the standout attractions in the Southern Great Plain is the city of Szeged, often referred to as the 'City of Sunshine' due to its pleasant weather. Szeged is renowned for its stunning architecture, including the magnificent Votive Church and the historic Szeged Synagogue. The city also hosts the famous Szeged Open-Air Festival, drawing visitors from far and wide to enjoy performances in a unique setting. Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in the Southern Great Plain, from the Kiskunság National Park, which offers a glimpse into the region’s unique flora and fauna, to the tranquil banks of the Tisza River, where you can enjoy boating, fishing, or simply relaxing by the water. The region is also known for its thermal baths, with places like the Anna Spa in Szeged providing rejuvenation and relaxation. Food lovers will be delighted by the local cuisine, which features hearty and flavorful dishes. Don't miss the chance to try traditional Hungarian goulash or the region's famous salami. The Southern Great Plain is also a wine-producing area, so make sure to sample some of the local wines, particularly the robust reds. With its blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and culinary delights, the Southern Great Plain is a destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a taste of Hungarian culture, this region will captivate and charm you.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Southern Great Plain.

Visit Szeged in the summer to experience the Szeged Open-Air Festival, one of Hungary's most popular cultural events.
Explore Kiskunság National Park for a chance to see rare bird species and unique landscapes.
Try the local thermal baths for a relaxing and therapeutic experience.
Taste the regional wines and traditional dishes like Hungarian goulash and salami.
Rent a bike to explore the flat terrain and picturesque villages at your own pace.

Top City Travel Guides in Southern Great Plain

The cities of Southern Great Plain, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Budapest

Pecs

Szeged

Vac

Szekesfehervar

Destinations in Southern Great Plain

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Pilis Mountains

Vértes Mountains

Matra Mountains

Mecsek Mountains

Explore Southern Great Plain: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Southern Great Plain

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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All Attractions

Fisherman's Bastion

Discover the enchanting Fisherman's Bastion, a historic fortress in Budapest offering stunning views, rich history, and beautiful architecture.

4.8

Tropicarium-Oceanarium Kft.

Discover the vibrant world of wildlife and marine life at Budapest's Tropicarium-Oceanarium, where adventure awaits for the whole family.

4.5

Hungarian Parliament Building

Explore the grandeur of Budapest's Hungarian Parliament Building, a stunning architectural marvel filled with rich history and breathtaking views along the Danube.

4.8

Citadella

Explore the Citadella in Budapest: A historic fortress offering stunning views, rich heritage, and a beautiful park for relaxation and reflection.

4.6

Best landmarks in Southern Great Plain

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

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All Landmarks

Fisherman's Bastion

Experience breathtaking views and rich history at Fisherman's Bastion, Budapest's iconic neo-Romanesque architectural gem overlooking the Danube.

4.8

Central Market Hall

Explore Budapest's Central Market Hall, where local flavors and vibrant culture blend in a historic setting, creating an unforgettable experience in the heart of the city.

4.3

Heroes' Square

Explore Heroes' Square, Budapest's iconic landmark, celebrating the nation's heroes with stunning architecture and rich history in every corner.

4.7

Széchenyi Chain Bridge

Discover the stunning Széchenyi Chain Bridge in Budapest, a masterpiece of engineering and a symbol of the city’s rich history, offering breathtaking views.

4.7

Best restaurants in Southern Great Plain

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

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All Restaurants

Mazel Tov

Discover the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine at Mazel Tov, Budapest's unique restaurant oasis surrounded by lush greenery.

4.6

Sir Lancelot Medieval Restaurant

Immerse yourself in medieval charm at Sir Lancelot Medieval Restaurant in Budapest—where every meal is an adventure filled with Eastern European flavors.

4.4

Hungarikum Bisztró

Discover the flavors of Hungary at Hungarikum Bisztró – where tradition meets taste in the heart of Budapest.

4.7

Parisi 6

Experience the vibrant flavors of vegetarian Hungarian cuisine at Parisi 6, Budapest's top destination for health-conscious food lovers.

4.7

Best bars in Southern Great Plain

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

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All Bars

Szimpla Kert

Explore Szimpla Kert, Budapest's iconic ruin pub, where eclectic decor meets vibrant nightlife and cultural experiences.

4.6

360 Bar

Discover breathtaking panoramic views and exquisite cocktails at 360 Bar, Budapest's premier rooftop bar, perfect for an unforgettable evening.

4.2

Rumpus Tiki Bar

Discover Rumpus Tiki Bar, Budapest's lively cocktail haven with unique drinks and a vibrant tropical atmosphere.

4.5

Ruin Bars Budapest

Explore Budapest's Ruin Bars: A unique fusion of history, art, and nightlife in the heart of the city.

4.6

Best nightclubs in Southern Great Plain

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

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All Nightclubs

Instant-Fogas Complex

Discover the electric atmosphere of Instant-Fogas Complex, Budapest's premier night club offering an unforgettable nightlife experience.

4.2

Ötkert

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Budapest at Ötkert, a premier night club offering eclectic music, stylish cocktails, and an unforgettable atmosphere.

4.4

Club Heaven Budapest

Discover the pulse of Budapest's nightlife at Club Heaven, where music, dance, and energy come together for an unforgettable experience.

4.7

Peaches And Cream Club

Discover the heartbeat of Budapest's nightlife at Peaches And Cream Club, where every night is a celebration of music and dance.

4.4

Best shops in Southern Great Plain

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

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All Shops

Westend

Explore Westend, Budapest's bustling shopping mall with over 400 stores, diverse dining options, and exciting entertainment experiences for all.

4.2

Allee Mall

Discover Allee Mall, Budapest's vibrant shopping haven with a variety of stores, delightful dining, and entertainment options for every visitor.

4.5

Campona

Experience the best of shopping, dining, and entertainment at Campona, Budapest's vibrant hub for tourists and locals alike.

4.4

Premier Outlet

Discover unbeatable deals and a vast selection of brands at Premier Outlet, Biatorbágy's ultimate shopping destination for fashion and lifestyle.

4.3

Explore Southern Great Plain on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Southern Great Plain, mapped for you.

Southern Great Plain Essentials

The Southern Great Plain in Hungary is accessible via multiple international airports. The closest major airport is Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD), approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by car from the region. From Budapest, you can take a direct train to major cities in the Southern Great Plain such as Szeged, Kecskemét, and Békéscsaba. Alternatively, buses and car rentals are available for more flexible travel options.
Public transportation in the Southern Great Plain is well-developed. Trains and buses connect the main cities and towns, making it easy to explore the region. Taxis are available and reasonably priced, but always ensure to use registered taxi services. Car rentals offer the most flexibility, especially if you plan to visit rural areas. Biking is also a popular option, particularly in the flat countryside.
The official currency in Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities, hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. However, it's advisable to carry cash when traveling to smaller towns and rural areas. ATMs are readily available in cities and towns, but be aware of potential fees for international withdrawals.
The Southern Great Plain is generally safe for tourists. However, standard safety precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Szeged and Kecskemét are safe cities, but be cautious in less populated and unfamiliar areas. Petty crime like pickpocketing can occur, especially in tourist spots.
In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance (police, fire, and medical services). Major cities have hospitals and clinics that can handle emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and other unexpected situations.
Fashion: Do dress comfortably but modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress conservatively and speak softly. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket when using public transport, as fines for non-compliance are strict. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly nod or smile is also appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and be open to culinary experiences. Don't refuse food or drink offered by locals, as it is considered impolite.
To experience the Southern Great Plain like a local, visit local markets where you can find fresh produce and traditional Hungarian goods. Engage with locals; they are often friendly and willing to share stories about their region's history and culture. Don't miss the annual Szeged Open-Air Festival and the Kecskemét Animation Film Festival for unique cultural experiences. Exploring the Hortobágy National Park offers a glimpse into the traditional Hungarian way of life, including the famous Hungarian Grey cattle and horse shows.

When is the best time to visit Southern Great Plain?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Southern Great Plain

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Southern Great Plain. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloSzia
  [see-yah]
- GoodbyeViszlát
  [vees-laht]
- YesIgen
  [ee-gen]
- NoNem
  [nem]
- Please/You're welcomeKérem
  [kay-rem]
- Thank youKöszönöm
  [kuh-suh-nuhm]
- Excuse me/SorryElnézést
  [el-nay-zayst]
- How are you?Hogy vagy?
  [hodj vadj]
- Fine. And you?Jól. És te?
  [yole. es teh]
- Do you speak English?Beszélsz angolul?
  [be-sailz ahn-goh-lul]
- I don't understandNem értem
  [nem air-tem]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSzeretném megnézni az étlapot, kérem
  [se-retnem meg-nayz-nee az ayt-lah-pot, kay-rem]
- I don't eat meatNem eszem húst
  [nem es-em hoosht]
- Cheers!Egészségedre!
  [eh-gay-shay-gay-dreh]
- I would like to pay, pleaseSzeretnék fizetni, kérem
  [se-retnayk fee-zet-nee, kay-rem]
- Help!Segíts!
  [sheh-geets]
- Go away!Menj el!
  [menj el]
- Call the Police!Hívd a rendőrséget!
  [heevd ah ren-door-say-ged]
- Call a doctor!Hívd az orvost!
  [heevd az or-vosh-t]
- I'm lostElvesztem
  [el-ves-tem]
- I'm illBeteg vagyok
  [beh-teg vah-yok]
- I'd like to buy...Szeretnék venni...
  [se-retnayk ven-nee]
- I'm just lookingCsak nézelődök
  [chok nay-zay-lo-dok]
- How much is it?Mennyibe kerül?
  [men-yee-beh keh-rul]
- That's too expensiveAz túl drága
  [az tool drah-gah]
- Can you lower the price?Le tudnád csökkenteni az árat?
  [leh tood-nahd chuh-kken-tee az ah-raht]
- What time is it?Hány óra van?
  [hahn-ee oh-rah vahn]
- It's one o'clockEgy óra van
  [edj oh-rah vahn]
- Half past (10)Fél tíz
  [fayl tees]
- MorningReggel
  [reg-gel]
- AfternoonDélután
  [day-loo-tahn]
- EveningEste
  [esh-teh]
- YesterdayTegnap
  [teg-nahp]
- TodayMa
  [mah]
- TomorrowHolnap
  [hol-nahp]
- 1Egy
  [edj]
- 2Kettő
  [ket-tuh]
- 3Három
  [hah-rom]
- 4Négy
  [nayj]
- 5Öt
  [oht]
- 6Hat
  [haht]
- 7Hét
  [hayt]
- 8Nyolc
  [nyolts]
- 9Kilenc
  [kee-lents]
- 10Tíz
  [tees]
- Where's a/the...?Hol van a...?
  [hol vahn ah]
- What's the address?Mi a cím?
  [mee ah teem]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Meg tudnád mutatni (a térképen)?
  [meg tood-nahd moo-taht-nee (ah tayr-kay-pen)]
- When's the next (bus)?Mikor jön a következő (busz)?
  [mee-kor yohn ah keh-vet-keh-zoe (booz)?]
- A ticket (to ....)Egy jegy (....-ra)
  [edj yeh-dj (....-rah)]

History of Southern Great Plain

The Southern Great Plain has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with archaeological evidence pointing to early human activity dating back to the Neolithic era. The region's fertile soil and strategic location attracted various ancient cultures, including the Celts and later the Romans. Roman artifacts, such as coins and pottery, have been discovered in the area, indicating a thriving settlement during the Roman Empire's expansion.
In the 9th century, the Magyar tribes arrived in the Carpathian Basin, marking a significant turning point in the history of the Southern Great Plain. The Magyars, led by Árpád, established their dominion in the region, and it became an integral part of the emerging Hungarian state. The plains provided ample grazing land for their horses, contributing to the development of their nomadic lifestyle and military prowess.
The 16th century saw the Southern Great Plain fall under Ottoman rule following the Battle of Mohács in 1526. The Turkish occupation lasted for over 150 years, leaving a lasting impact on the region's architecture, culture, and demographics. Many towns, such as Szeged, became important administrative centers for the Ottomans. The legacy of this period is still visible today in the form of Turkish baths and mosques.
After the Ottoman withdrawal in the late 17th century, the Southern Great Plain came under Habsburg control. This period saw significant changes, including the reorganization of land ownership and the introduction of new agricultural practices. The Habsburgs also encouraged the settlement of various ethnic groups, such as Serbs, Slovaks, and Germans, which contributed to the region's cultural diversity.
The Southern Great Plain played a crucial role during the Hungarian Revolution of 1848 against Habsburg rule. Cities like Szeged and Kecskemét were hotbeds of revolutionary activity. The plains provided strategic advantages for the revolutionary forces, who utilized the open terrain for troop movements and battles. The revolution ultimately paved the way for greater autonomy within the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
World War I had a profound impact on the Southern Great Plain. The Treaty of Trianon in 1920, which formally ended the war for Hungary, resulted in significant territorial losses. The region, once a thriving agricultural hub, faced economic hardships as borders were redrawn and resources became scarce. Despite these challenges, the Southern Great Plain remained a vital part of Hungary's national identity.
Following World War II, Hungary fell under Soviet influence, and the Southern Great Plain experienced the impact of socialist policies. Collectivization of agriculture transformed the rural landscape, leading to the creation of large state farms and cooperatives. Industrialization efforts brought new factories and infrastructure to the region. Despite the political repression of the era, the Southern Great Plain continued to develop economically and culturally.
With the fall of communism in 1989, the Southern Great Plain entered a new era of transformation. The region embraced market reforms, leading to a resurgence in agriculture and industry. Today, the Southern Great Plain is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with traditional festivals, music, and cuisine celebrating its rich heritage. Cities like Szeged have become cultural hubs, attracting visitors with their historical landmarks and lively events.