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Southern Great Plain
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Explore Southern Great Plain landscapes, Szeged’s architecture, thermal towns, paprika traditions, river wetlands and the open grasslands of Hungary.

The Southern Great Plain occupies Hungary’s broadest lowland landscape, extending across the counties of Bács-Kiskun, Békés and Csongrád-Csanád. Its character is shaped by the great rivers that frame and cross it, especially the Danube, Tisza, Körös and Maros, as well as by seemingly endless fields, orchards, vineyards, alkaline grasslands and market towns. For visitors, this is a region of spacious skies and long distances, where rural traditions remain visible alongside lively university cities, thermal resorts and important cultural institutions.
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Szeged, on the Tisza near the Serbian border, is the region’s principal cultural centre. Its wide boulevards, ornate late nineteenth-century buildings and red-brick Votive Church reflect the city’s rebuilding after the catastrophic flood of 1879. The city is also associated with paprika, the Tisza riverfront and a strong café, arts and festival culture. To the north, Kecskemét combines Art Nouveau architecture with the agricultural traditions of the Kiskunság, while nearby Bugac provides access to the grasslands and pastoral heritage of Kiskunság National Park.
Further east, Békéscsaba is known for its Slovak heritage, distinctive sausage tradition and broad, quiet urban layout. Gyula brings a different atmosphere, with a medieval brick castle, a historic spa complex and a well-preserved town centre. Around Makó, fertile soils support onion cultivation, while the wetlands and floodplain landscapes along the Tisza and Körös rivers offer opportunities for birdwatching, canoeing and gentle cycling. In the south, the borderland setting gives towns such as Szeged and Baja a long-standing commercial and cultural connection with neighbouring countries.
The region’s historic depth reaches from prehistoric settlements and Roman frontier traces to medieval churches, Ottoman-era disruption, Habsburg resettlement and the modern transformation of agriculture. At Ópusztaszer, the National Heritage Park interprets foundational Hungarian traditions and rural life, while towns such as Kalocsa preserve embroidery, folk art and ecclesiastical heritage. Food is central to the experience: paprika, fish soup, farm produce, pastries, fruit spirits and regional wines appear in markets, family restaurants and seasonal celebrations. The Southern Great Plain rewards travellers who allow time for its contrasts—urban Szeged, spa towns, river landscapes and expansive protected grasslands rather than treating it as a single undifferentiated plain.

When is the best time to visit Southern Great Plain?

Best: June, August–September · 23–28°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January430
February535
March1140
April1745
May2250
June (best)2655
July2850
August (best)2845
September (best)2340
October1735
November930
December435

Getting to and around Southern Great Plain

How to get there

The Southern Great Plain is reached most easily by rail or road from Budapest, with regular intercity connections serving major cities such as Kecskemét, Szeged and Békéscsaba. Szeged is also connected by rail and road with neighbouring Serbia, while routes from Romania approach the eastern part of the region. The nearest major international airport is Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, outside the region; onward rail, coach or car travel is required. Smaller regional airfields exist but are not normally useful for scheduled international visitors.

Transportation

Rail and regional buses connect the principal towns, but rural attractions, national park sites and smaller spa settlements can be difficult to combine without a car. Kecskemét, Szeged and Békéscsaba have urban bus networks, and Szeged also has trams and trolleybuses. Cycling is rewarding on the mostly level terrain, although summer heat, wind and long stretches without shade require preparation. Taxis are available in larger towns, while organised excursions can be practical for protected landscapes and heritage sites.

Top city travel guides in Southern Great Plain

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

Destinations in Southern Great Plain

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

Best attractions in Southern Great Plain

The Southern Great Plain offers a varied set of attractions across a broad, mostly level landscape. Szeged provides museums, theatres, riverside walks and architecturally important public buildings, while Kecskemét is a centre for Art Nouveau architecture and cultural institutions. Békéscsaba and Gyula combine local history with distinctive food traditions, and Gyula’s castle and thermal facilities make it one of the region’s best-known visitor bases. Ópusztaszer National Heritage Park interprets early Hungarian history, traditional rural life and folk culture. Outdoors, Kiskunság National Park protects sand dunes, alkaline grasslands, marshes and pastoral landscapes, while the Tisza, Körös and Maros river systems offer birdwatching, canoeing, fishing and cycling opportunities. Around Makó, agricultural heritage and onion cultivation remain important themes; Kalocsa is noted for folk art, paprika and ecclesiastical culture. The region also contains village museums, farm attractions, wineries, seasonal festivals and thermal baths, but distances between them can be considerable. Its appeal lies less in a single headline attraction than in the contrast between university-city life, historic market towns, spa culture, river wetlands and the spacious landscapes of the puszta.

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Best landmarks in Southern Great Plain

Szeged’s Votive Church, with its twin towers and patterned brickwork, is the Southern Great Plain’s most recognisable urban landmark and a powerful reminder of the city’s rebuilding after the 1879 flood. The surrounding historic centre contains broad boulevards and civic buildings from the reconstruction era. In Kecskemét, the ornate Cifra Palace and the Town Hall represent the city’s distinguished late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century architecture. Gyula Castle is an unusually well-preserved medieval brick fortress whose walls and towers convey the town’s former frontier role, while its nearby historic streets create a strong architectural ensemble. The Great Church and Slovak cultural heritage of Békéscsaba express another strand of the region’s settlement history. At Ópusztaszer, the landscape and buildings associated with the National Heritage Park are important symbols of Hungarian historical memory. Beyond the towns, the open grasslands of Kiskunság National Park are landmarks in a geographical rather than monumental sense: alkaline plains, sandy ridges and traditional grazing landscapes define the visual identity of the western part of the region. River embankments, floodplain woods and the wide Tisza also provide major natural reference points.

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Explore Southern Great Plain on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Southern Great Plain

Food in the Southern Great Plain reflects fertile farmland, river fisheries, livestock raising and the long importance of paprika cultivation. Szeged is strongly associated with fish soup, usually prepared with freshwater fish and paprika, while Békéscsaba and the surrounding area are known for paprika-rich sausages and related pork products. Makó’s onions are a celebrated regional ingredient, and fruit, vegetables, honey and preserves appear in markets and seasonal cooking across the plain. Restaurants range from traditional csárdas and family-run eateries to modern kitchens in Szeged and Kecskemét, with cafés and bakeries providing pastries, cakes and excellent coffee. Rural inns may serve hearty soups, stews, grilled meats and dumplings, while larger towns offer broader Hungarian and international menus. Local wines and fruit brandies are available, though individual producers and availability vary. Farmers’ markets are useful for discovering produce, smoked goods and regional specialities, but visitors should distinguish genuinely local products from souvenirs simply labelled with the name of the wider area.

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Best bars in Southern Great Plain

Evening life is concentrated in Szeged, Kecskemét, Békéscsaba and the larger spa towns rather than spread evenly across the countryside. Szeged has the region’s broadest choice, including cafés, wine bars, traditional pubs, student-oriented venues, live music and cultural performances, with activity especially noticeable around the central streets and university areas. Kecskemét and Békéscsaba offer a smaller mix of bars, restaurants and occasional live entertainment, while Gyula’s evening scene is tied to its historic centre, spa visitors and seasonal cultural programming. In rural towns, the traditional pub or village restaurant remains more significant than the nightclub. Thermal resorts may have relaxed evening hospitality but are not generally late-night destinations. Local wines, pálinka and Hungarian beer can be sampled responsibly, and non-alcoholic options are widely available. Opening arrangements and festival programmes change, so visitors should check locally rather than assume that every venue operates throughout the week or outside the summer season.

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Best nightclubs in Southern Great Plain

Evening life is concentrated in Szeged, Kecskemét, Békéscsaba and the larger spa towns rather than spread evenly across the countryside. Szeged has the region’s broadest choice, including cafés, wine bars, traditional pubs, student-oriented venues, live music and cultural performances, with activity especially noticeable around the central streets and university areas. Kecskemét and Békéscsaba offer a smaller mix of bars, restaurants and occasional live entertainment, while Gyula’s evening scene is tied to its historic centre, spa visitors and seasonal cultural programming. In rural towns, the traditional pub or village restaurant remains more significant than the nightclub. Thermal resorts may have relaxed evening hospitality but are not generally late-night destinations. Local wines, pálinka and Hungarian beer can be sampled responsibly, and non-alcoholic options are widely available. Opening arrangements and festival programmes change, so visitors should check locally rather than assume that every venue operates throughout the week or outside the summer season.

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Best shops in Southern Great Plain

Shopping in the Southern Great Plain is centred on traditional market towns, covered markets, central high streets and independent food shops rather than large luxury districts. Szeged and Kecskemét offer the widest choice of bookshops, clothing shops, cafés, galleries and contemporary retailers, while Békéscsaba, Gyula, Baja, Kalocsa and Makó provide more localised shopping experiences. Farmers’ markets are useful places to look for paprika, onions, honey, preserves, smoked meats, seasonal fruit and regional pastries, although quality and provenance vary between sellers. Kalocsa is particularly associated with brightly coloured folk embroidery and painted decorative motifs, while ceramics, wooden objects, woven goods and locally made crafts can be found in town shops and heritage centres. In spa towns, souvenir shops often feature paprika products, soaps and practical thermal-bathing items. Supermarkets are convenient for packaged gifts, but specialist delis and market stalls offer a better sense of the region’s agricultural identity. Check transport and packaging requirements before buying liquids, pálinka or delicate handmade goods.

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Southern Great Plain essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Hungarian forint (HUF), used throughout Hungary including the Southern Great Plain. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, shops, museums and urban transport systems, but smaller rural businesses, market stalls and some thermal facilities may prefer or require cash. ATMs are readily available in towns; keep some forints available when visiting villages, markets or countryside attractions. Dynamic currency conversion offered by terminals or ATMs can be declined in favour of payment in HUF.
Safety
The region is generally straightforward for visitors, with the usual need to protect belongings in busy stations, markets and festival areas. More specific concerns arise outdoors: strong summer sun, heat, ticks, deep mud after rain and limited shade on grasslands or cycle routes. Observe warning signs near rivers and canals, and do not swim in unapproved waters. Drivers should watch for cyclists, agricultural machinery and wildlife on rural roads, particularly after dark.
Emergency Situations
Call 112 for police, fire and ambulance emergencies anywhere in Hungary; operators can handle urgent calls in several languages, although an interpreter may be needed for detailed information. The national numbers 107 for police, 105 for fire and 104 for ambulance may also be recognised, but 112 is the most useful number for international visitors. Give the exact town, road, landmark or map location, especially in rural areas, and follow instructions from emergency services near rivers or protected landscapes.
Do's and Don'ts
Greet people politely and observe normal Hungarian etiquette in shops, restaurants and public transport. Ask before photographing people, particularly at markets, religious buildings or folk events, and dress respectfully in churches. Do not enter private farmland or protected habitats without permission, and keep dogs under control where local rules require it. Tipping is customary for good service in restaurants and cafés, but check whether a service charge has already been added. In baths, follow posted rules about changing areas, swimwear and hygiene.
Local Tips
Start early for walks and cycling in summer, when the open plain becomes hot and shade is scarce. Market towns are most rewarding on their main trading days, but schedules vary and should be checked locally. In Szeged, allow time for both the historic centre and the Tisza riverfront; around Kecskemét, combine architectural visits with a countryside excursion. Travellers interested in food should ask whether paprika, fish soup, sausage or onion products are locally made rather than simply marketed as regional specialities.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
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

Prehistoric Settlements and the River Plain

The Southern Great Plain has supported human settlement since prehistoric times, when communities used the rivers, marshes and fertile soils for fishing, farming and animal husbandry. Archaeological sites across the region reveal changing settlement patterns, burial customs and material cultures long before the formation of the Hungarian state. The landscape was never simply empty steppe: rivers shifted course, wetlands expanded and contracted, and people adapted their economies to a lowland environment that could offer both rich soils and serious flood risks.

Roman Frontier Landscapes

Although the central Southern Great Plain lay beyond the core of the Roman province of Pannonia, Roman influence reached the region through frontier trade, military contacts and settlements near the Danube and Tisza systems. The wider lowland formed part of a frontier zone between the Roman world and peoples living beyond imperial control. Archaeological remains and imported objects indicate connections across the riverine borderlands, while the later importance of the area’s waterways continued a pattern of movement established in antiquity.

The Medieval Hungarian Kingdom

After the Magyar conquest and the establishment of the Hungarian kingdom, the plain became a landscape of villages, ecclesiastical estates, market centres and livestock routes. Monasteries and churches helped organise settlement, while the rivers connected communities with larger regional markets. The heritage park at Ópusztaszer preserves one of the region’s most important historical associations with early Hungarian tradition, although the site’s modern interpretation reflects later national memory as well as medieval history.

Ottoman Rule and Depopulation

The Ottoman conquest of central Hungary in the sixteenth century disrupted settlement across much of the Southern Great Plain. Warfare, taxation and insecurity caused many villages to decline or disappear, while some areas became sparsely populated grazing land. Towns and strongholds such as those at Szeged and Gyula occupied strategic positions in a contested borderland. The period left a lasting mark on settlement patterns, agriculture and the architectural remains that survive in the region.

Resettlement, Agriculture and Market Towns

Following the Ottoman period, Habsburg authorities and landowners encouraged the repopulation and economic reorganisation of the plain. Hungarian, Slovak, Serbian, German and other communities contributed to the region’s distinctive cultural mix. New villages, estates and market towns developed, and livestock raising was increasingly joined by grain cultivation, viticulture, fruit growing and horticulture. The agricultural identities of Békéscsaba, Kalocsa, Makó and the Kiskunság were shaped substantially during these centuries.

Flood Control, Railways and Urban Growth

Nineteenth-century engineering transformed the relationship between the region and its rivers. Flood-control works and river regulation opened land for more dependable agriculture, although they also altered wetlands and floodplain ecosystems. Railways connected Szeged, Kecskemét, Békéscsaba, Gyula and other towns with Budapest and wider European markets. The catastrophic 1879 flood that destroyed much of Szeged led to a planned rebuilding with broad streets, formal squares and substantial public buildings, creating the urban character visible today.

Twentieth-Century Industry and Contemporary Regional Identity

The twentieth century brought collectivised agriculture, food processing, light industry and major changes to rural society. Towns expanded, while traditional crafts and minority cultural practices adapted to modern conditions. Since the political and economic changes of the late twentieth century, tourism has increasingly drawn on thermal water, historic towns, protected landscapes, gastronomy and folk culture. Contemporary regional identity combines agricultural production and riverine landscapes with university life, cross-border connections and renewed interest in local heritage.

Southern Great Plain in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Southern Great Plain, Hungary

Discover the best of Southern Great Plain with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more. Plan your perfect trip with ease!

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
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Make the most of your Southern Great Plain adventure with Evendo, the all-in-one, free travel guide app. Explore top attractions, book experiences, and uncover local gems with ease.

  • History of Southern Great Plain and travel essentials
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near me' feature
  • Global coverage with information on 7,000+ destinations

Planning a trip to the enchanting Southern Great Plain in Hungary? Look no further than Evendo, your ultimate travel companion. This free app-based travel guide provides you with detailed information on all the must-see attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in the region.

Discover iconic landmarks such as the historic Szeged Cathedral and the tranquil Kiskunság National Park. Savor local flavors at renowned restaurants like Alabárdos Étterem and Roosevelt téri Halászcsárda. Whether you're interested in exploring cultural hotspots or indulging in culinary delights, Evendo has got you covered.

With Evendo, you can easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences all in one place. No more hassle of searching for information or figuring out logistics. The app offers rich details, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact information to help you plan and organize your trip effortlessly. Plus, the user-friendly navigation and 'Near me' feature ensure you make the most of your visit by easily finding nearby attractions and amenities.

Evendo is not just limited to Southern Great Plain; it covers over 7,000 destinations worldwide. So, no matter where your wanderlust takes you, Evendo is your go-to travel guide. And the best part? It's completely free with no in-app purchases or hidden costs.

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