Szolnok Travel Guide

Discover the best activities, attractions, and accommodations in Szolnok with our comprehensive tour guide.


Introduction to Szolnok

Located in the Northern Great Plain region of Hungary, Szolnok is a charming city known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant food and drink scene. With a history that dates back to the 9th century, Szolnok is replete with monuments, museums, and historical landmarks that tell the story of Hungary’s past.

This comprehensive tour guide for Szolnok features a list of places to visit, hiking and biking routes, best things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Szolnok

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Szolnok Gallery and Museum: a must-visit for art lovers, this museum showcases paintings, sculptures, and other art forms from Hungary and around the world.
  • Tiszavirág Bridge: a historic bridge that spans the Tisza River and offers stunning views of the city.
  • Szolnok Synagogue: a beautiful example of Jewish architecture and culture in Hungary.
  • Kossuth Square: the city’s central square, surrounded by beautiful architecture and important landmarks.
  • Szolnok Castle: a 14th-century castle that now houses a museum with exhibits on local history, art, and culture.

Natural Attractions of Szolnok: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Tisza River Promenade: a peaceful walkway along the river with great views of the city, perfect for a morning run or evening stroll.
  • Szolnok Arboretum: a beautiful park filled with rare and exotic plants and trees.
  • Kenderföldi Landscape Protection Area: a vast area of wetlands and forests where visitors can hike, bike, or birdwatch.
  • Szanda Hill: a small hill with a lookout tower that provides panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Szolnok

  • Tisza River Bike Trail: a 200-kilometer long cycling trail that runs along the Tisza River and takes visitors through some of the most scenic parts of Szolnok.
  • Nagykörű Tourist Trail: a 17-kilometer long trail that takes visitors through the charming village of Nagykörű and its nearby countryside.
  • Túrkeve Bike Trail: a 30-kilometer long cycling trail that runs from Szolnok to the neighboring city of Túrkeve, passing through picturesque landscapes and small villages along the way.

Best Things to Do in Szolnok: Activities and Tours

  • Take a Danube River Cruise: the Danube is Europe’s second-longest river and is a great way to see Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria from a unique perspective.
  • Visit the Tiszavirág Festival: a unique cultural festival that takes place every August and features traditional music, dance, food, and crafts.
  • Explore the Szolnok Theatre: this beautiful theater is one of Hungary’s oldest and is a great place to catch a performance or show.
  • Take a Horse-drawn Carriage Ride: a romantic way to see the sights of Szolnok, horse-drawn carriage rides allow visitors to relax and enjoy the scenery.
  • Go Fishing on the Tisza River: the Tisza River is home to a wide variety of fish, and fishing trips can be arranged with local guides and outfitters.

Week-Long Itinerary for Szolnok

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore the Szolnok Gallery and Museum
Day 2 Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through Kossuth Square
Day 3 Hike the Nagykörű Tourist Trail
Day 4 Visit the Szolnok Castle and Museum
Day 5 Go fishing on the Tisza River
Day 6 Take a Danube River cruise
Day 7 Relax and enjoy the Tiszavirág Bridge and promenade

Food and Drink Scene of Szolnok

Must-Try Dishes

  • Gulyás (Goulash): a hearty meat and vegetable stew that is a staple of Hungarian cuisine.
  • Halászlé (Fisherman’s Soup): a spicy fish soup made with catfish and paprika.
  • Töltött Káposzta (Stuffed Cabbage): a popular dish made with cabbage leaves stuffed with seasoned meat and rice.

Local Beverages

  • Tokaji Wine: Hungary’s most famous wine, Tokaji is a sweet dessert wine that has been produced since the 16th century.
  • Pálinka: a traditional fruit brandy that is popular throughout Hungary.
  • Unicum: a herbal liqueur that is considered the national drink of Hungary.

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

  • Tisza Balneum Hotel: a luxurious spa hotel located on the banks of the Tisza River.
  • Abacus Business and Wellness Hotel: a modern hotel with a full-service spa and fitness center.
  • City Hotel Szolnok: a budget-friendly hotel located in the heart of Szolnok.

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

  • Hungarian Paprika: a key ingredient in many traditional Hungarian dishes, paprika is available in many varieties and makes a great souvenir or gift.
  • Szolnoki Füstölt Szalámi (Szolnok Smoked Salami): a delicious cured meat that is a specialty of the Jász-Nagykun-Szolnok region.
  • Handmade Pottery: Szolnok is home to many talented potters, and their handcrafted bowls, plates, and other ceramics make great souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Szolnok

Hungarian culture is characterized by a deep appreciation for family, food, and traditions. Visitors to Szolnok can expect to encounter a warm and welcoming people who take great pride in their heritage and cultural identity. Dress is generally casual, although more formal attire is expected for certain events and occasions. Tipping is customary in Szolnok and Hungary, with a standard rate of 10% for restaurants and cafes.

Best Time to Visit Szolnok

The best time to visit Szolnok is during the summer months of June to August when the weather is warm and sunny, and the city comes alive with festivals and events. Spring and fall are also great times to visit, with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Szolnok

Do:

  • Learn a few basic Hungarian phrases
  • Respect local culture and traditions
  • Take a dip in the Tisza River

Don’t:

  • Wear inappropriate clothing in religious sites.
  • Use a knife and fork to eat pizza (It’s acceptable to use your hands).
  • Ogle at women (Hungarian culture values modesty)

Safety and Health

Safety in Szolnok

Overall, Szolnok is a safe city, but visitors should still take normal precautions to protect themselves and their belongings. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas or areas with few people around. If you do need to walk alone at night, stick to well-lit, busy streets and keep a close eye on your surroundings.

Health in Szolnok

Hungary has a modern healthcare system, and visitors are not likely to experience any major health problems while in Szolnok. It is recommended that travelers obtain travel insurance before embarking on their trip.

Getting to Szolnok: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Szolnok

The nearest major airport to Szolnok is Ferenc Liszt International Airport in Budapest. From there, visitors can take a train or bus to Szolnok.

Bus Stations Near Szolnok

Szolnok has a well-connected bus station with daily services to Budapest and other major Hungarian cities.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Szolnok by car, bike, or train. The city is connected to major motorways and train lines, making it easy to access from all directions.

How to Get Around in Szolnok

Szolnok is a small city that can easily be explored on foot, by bike, or by public transportation. The city’s public transportation system consists of buses and trams that run regularly throughout the day. Taxis are also available, but they can be expensive compared to public transportation.

Where to Go Next from Szolnok: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Eger: a beautiful historic city known for its wine and baroque architecture.
  • Debrecen: Hungary’s second-largest city, with a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant student population.
  • Hortobágy National Park: a vast area of grasslands and wetlands that is home to a spectacular array of birds and other wildlife.

Conclusion

Szolnok is a hidden gem of a city waiting to be discovered. With its rich culture, history, and natural beauty, there is something for everyone in this charming Hungarian city. From its stunning museums and historic landmarks to its beautiful natural landscapes, Szolnok is a destination that should be on every traveler’s itinerary. With the help of this comprehensive tour guide, you’ll be a Szolnok expert in no time!

Aerial view of the city Aerial view of the city The Szolnok Gallery (formerly a synagogue) The Szolnok Gallery (formerly a synagogue) The Szolnok Calvinist church The Szolnok Calvinist church