Ready to end your summer with a bang? From August 26 to 29, 2026, Szeged’s Tisza riverbank transforms into festival central for the country’s biggest season finale: Szeged Youth Days (Szegedi Ifjúsági Napok). Sun-drenched days, friendship, stunning crowds, and an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else—there’s no better way to say goodbye to summer than this epic party in Hungary’s most lovable city.
Where to Stay
Szeged has you covered, with everything from riverside luxury to cozy downtown inns. Arena Deluxe & Spa (ARÉNA DELUXE & SPA) sits right by the Tisza River, next to major sports arenas—perfect for anyone hoping to pair concerts with a swim or a relaxing sauna session. Guests enjoy free wellness access, including a jacuzzi and Finnish and infrared saunas. Need a meeting? There’s even a fully equipped conference room for 35 people if you want to mix business with pleasure.
For a more intimate experience, Old Walnut Deluxe Guesthouse (Vén Diófa De Lux Panzió) is a family-style boutique guesthouse right on Petőfi Sándor Avenue (Petőfi Sándor sugárút), just a short stroll from Dugonics Square (Dugonics tér)—the city’s bustling center—and the iconic Cathedral Square (Dóm tér), home to open-air theater for nearly 80 years.
If you prefer peace and greenery, Anna Guesthouse and Apartment (Anna Vendégház és Apartman) is your spot. Tucked away in one of Szeged’s most elegant garden districts, near the Sunshine Bath Aquapolis Waterpark (Napfényfürdő Aquapolis), this guesthouse has welcomed travelers (and road-weary drivers heading to or from Serbia) since 1990. Enjoy restful gardens and a calm environment that makes it easy to recharge on your journey.
For those looking to keep things budget-friendly and sociable, the István Apáthy Dormitory (Apáthy István Kollégium), located in the city’s historic center, offers triple rooms with private bathrooms and high-speed internet. It caters mainly to medical students but welcomes festival guests during the event, too.
Prefer exclusive, smoke-free stays? Aquarius Guesthouse (Aquarius Vendégház) has seven elegantly designed rooms—each with a private bathroom and a minimum size of 194 square feet. Free secure parking is available on-site in the private courtyard.
Art Hotel Szeged (Hotel Art Szeged) is the city’s award-winning, trendy four-star stay, right by Cathedral Square (Dóm tér) on Somogyi Street (Somogyi utca). It’s a hotspot for theater fans, art lovers, and business travelers alike, with a modern restaurant and event spaces.
Families and couples will feel right at home in Szeged’s apartment houses, many with year-round swimming pools and peaceful inner-city locations tailored for relaxation. If you want a taste of rural charm, there are also lakeside retreats with on-site restaurants (with 300-seat terraces overlooking the lake), fishing, and even “wedding islands” tucked away from the city bustle.
The Food and Nightlife
You won’t go hungry (or thirsty) in Szeged. The city has been feeding crowds for over a decade with everything from daily specials to legendary Hungarian delicacies—like “beef lung stew” (szalontüdő). Venues double as event spaces, hosting parties alongside their regular services.
A2 Gastro Café (A2 Gastro Caffé) has become a local brunch favorite where tradition meets elegance. It’s more than just food and coffee—it’s the kind of place where guests shape the spirit of the venue with their presence.
Halberd Restaurant and Wine Bar (Alabárdos Étterem és Borbár) welcomes you with elegant table settings, silver cutlery, and a diverse menu—from fish dishes to light bites. Its unique cellar room houses Szeged’s one-of-a-kind “Iron Trade Sign” (Vasárú Cégér) artifact, often featured during wine dinners and banquets.
Tucked away in the city’s historic heart, Alchemist (Alkimista) is an intimate, 16-seat dinner restaurant offering 9 to 11-course tasting menus and chef-led evenings recognized by the Michelin Guide for culinary excellence.
Many places in Szeged specialize in Hungarian classics, tailored for special requests or large parties, and are always ready to customize menus for any event.
If you’re craving international flavors or just a hip hangout, Szeged boasts Hungary’s first eSport bar. Whether you’re into gaming tournaments, board game nights, or student pub crawls, BarCrafter caters to every geek and gamer.
Other highlights include the family-style Barka (Bárka), lively with music, cultural programs, and sports broadcasts right under the downtown bridge, as well as Peace Department (Béke Tanszék), a local institution for homely, traditional flavors and daily-changing menus.
Festival and City Vibes
Szeged Youth Days is far more than a music festival. It’s a whirlwind of open-air concerts, sun, late-night adventures, and the delicious chaos of Szeged’s hospitality. Whether you’re diving into the city’s culinary scene, relaxing by the river, or exploring festivals throughout the year, Szeged promises genuine summer memories you’ll brag about for months.
The organizers reserve the right to change dates and programs, but one thing is certain: the party—and everything that comes with it—will be unforgettable. Plan ahead, book your stay, and get ready to close out summer in legendary Szeged style!
