Cegléd Travel Guide

Discover the hidden gem of Cegléd in Hungary. This travel guide covers the best attractions, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, what to buy, and more.


Hungary has a lot to offer, and Cegléd is no exception. This small city in Pest County, Central Hungary, is often overlooked by tourists. However, Cegléd is full of surprises and has something to offer to everyone. In this travel guide, we will take a closer look and check out the best things to do and see in this hidden gem.

Introduction to Cegléd

Cegléd is a small city with a population of around 35,000. It’s situated in the Great Hungarian Plain, known for its vast grasslands, crop fields, and orchards. Cegléd’s history dates back to Roman times and was an important settlement during the Ottoman era. Today, Cegléd is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and a bustling food and drink scene.

List of Places to Visit in Cegléd

There’s a lot to see and explore in Cegléd. Here’s a list of must-visit places:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Cegléd Museum - Discover the city’s rich history, including the Roman and Ottoman era, the two world wars, and local customs and traditions.

  • The House of Hungarian Poetry - A beautiful gallery showcasing the works of Hungary’s most prominent poets.

  • The Great Church - A stunning neoclassical church built-in 1822. It’s an architectural marvel and an essential landmark of the city.

Natural Attractions of Cegléd: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Arboretum - A stunning garden park full of rare and exotic plants. Ideal for a peaceful walk or a picnic with family and friends.

  • Szolnok-Dunaújváros Bike Route - A scenic cycling route that takes you on the banks of the beautiful Tisza and Danube rivers. It’s the perfect way to explore the countryside on two wheels.

  • The Cegléd Baths - A relaxing thermal bath and spa complex that offers a range of wellness treatments to rejuvenate your body and mind.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Cegléd

If you love hiking or biking, Cegléd is the place to be. The city has several trails that offer stunning views of the countryside. Here are some of the best routes:

  • The Kiskunság National Park - This national park is the largest sand ridge system in Europe. It offers a range of hiking trails that take you through sand dunes, forests, and grasslands.

  • The Váci-Medence Bike Route - A beautiful cycling route that takes you through the heart of the Cegléd Plain. You’ll pass through picturesque villages, vineyards, and orchards and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Best Things to Do in Cegléd: Activities and Tours

Cegléd has a rich cultural heritage, offering many activities and tours.

  • Cultural Tours - Explore the city’s history by joining historical walking tours. Visit the Cegléd museum, the House of Hungarian Poetry, and the Great Church.

  • Food and Drink Tours - Join the local foodies on a journey to explore the best food and drink scene of the city. Try traditional Hungarian dishes and learn about the local wines and beers.

Week-Long Itinerary for Cegléd

Cegléd is a great place to spend a week exploring the city and its surroundings. Here’s a sample itinerary:

Day Activity
Day 1 Check-in to your accommodation, relax, and visit the Arboretum.
Day 2 Explore the Kiskunság National Park.
Day 3 Take a cycling tour of the Váci-Medence area.
Day 4 Visit the Cegléd Museum and the House of Hungarian Poetry.
Day 5 Relax in the Cegléd Baths and enjoy a spa treatment.
Day 6 Join a traditional food and drink tour.
Day 7 Take a scenic train journey to nearby destinations.

Food and Drink Scene of Cegléd

Hungarian cuisine is flavorful and hearty, and Cegléd is no exception. Here are some must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Goulash - A traditional beef stew with paprika and vegetables, served with bread or potatoes.

  • Lángos - A deep-fried dough with sour cream, cheese, and garlic sauce. It’s a favorite street food in Hungary.

  • Kürtőskalács - A sweet chimney cake served with cinnamon sugar. It’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Local Beverages

  • Tokaji - This world-renowned dessert wine is made from grapes grown in the Tokaj region. It’s sweet and flavorful, perfect for pairing with desserts.

  • Unicum - A herbal liqueur made from a secret blend of over 40 herbs and spices. It’s often served as a digestif after a meal.

Where to Stay in Cegléd: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Cegléd has many accommodation options to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly to luxurious. Here are some recommended places:

  • Cegléd Thermal Hotel and Spa - A luxurious hotel and spa complex situated in the heart of the city.

  • Hotel Alföld - A budget hotel with clean rooms and a friendly atmosphere.

What to Buy in Cegléd: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Cegléd is known for its pottery, especially the iconic black ceramics with traditional Hungarian motifs. You can buy them at local souvenir shops and markets. Other souvenirs include traditional Hungarian clothes, paprika, and local wines.

Local Culture and Customs of Cegléd

Hungarian culture is evident in the local festivals and traditions. Cegléd celebrates one of Hungary’s most prominent festivals called the Busójárás. It’s a carnival-like festivity celebrating the end of winter and the beginning of spring.

Best Time to Visit Cegléd

The best time to visit Cegléd is during the late spring and early autumn when the weather is mild, and there are fewer crowds. The city is also stunning during the winter when it’s covered in snow.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cegléd

Do:

  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Try the local food and drinks.
  • Be polite and friendly to the locals.

Don’t:

  • Don’t drink and drive.
  • Don’t litter in the city.
  • Don’t be disrespectful to the locals.

Safety and Health

Safety in Cegléd

Cegléd is a relatively safe city, and tourists can freely wander around. However, it’s always wise to keep your valuables safe and avoid isolated areas after dark.

Health in Cegléd

Cegléd has modern medical facilities and hospitals that provide excellent healthcare services. Tourists are advised to have comprehensive travel insurance before visiting the city.

Getting to Cegléd: Transportation Options and Logistics

Cegléd is well-connected to the rest of Hungary and Europe. Here are some transportation options:

Airports Near Cegléd

  • Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport - This airport is the largest and busiest airport in Hungary, located around 60 km from Cegléd.

Bus Stations Near Cegléd

  • Cegléd Bus Station - Situated in the city center, this bus station provides regular bus services to nearby destinations.

Other Options

  • Trains - Cegléd has a railway station with regular trains to Budapest and other Hungarian cities. The trains are comfortable and reliable.

How to Get Around in Cegléd

Cegléd is a small city, and most of the attractions are within walking distance from each other. However, the city has a well-developed public transportation system, including buses and taxis.

Where to Go Next from Cegléd: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Cegléd is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area. Here are some nearby destinations worth visiting:

  • Kecskemét - A charming city known for its art nouveau architecture and traditional Hungarian culture.

  • Szeged - A vibrant university town famous for its historical buildings and culinary scene.

Conclusion

Cegléd is a hidden gem worth exploring. From the rich cultural heritage, natural landscapes, delicious food and drinks, and warm hospitality of the locals, there’s something for everyone in this lovely Hungarian city. Plan your trip to Cegléd today and create unforgettable memories.

Szabadság (Liberty) Square from Air Szabadság (Liberty) Square from Air Cegléd Railway Station Cegléd Railway Station Evangelical Church Evangelical Church Holy Cross Parish Church Holy Cross Parish Church Drum Museum Drum Museum Kossuth Museum, the main museum of Cegléd Kossuth Museum, the main museum of Cegléd Town Hall Town Hall In the early 20th-century town hall of Abony In the early 20th-century town hall of Abony Holy Trinity Monument Holy Trinity Monument Monument House, now CIB Bank office Monument House, now CIB Bank office Post Office Post Office