On Sundays in Szombathely, the city wakes up early and heads to the market hall for a ritual that’s equal parts treasure hunt and neighborhood hangout. The Zsibvásár flea market runs every Sunday from 5 a.m. to noon at the Market Hall (Vásárcsarnok), and it’s exactly where retro finds, antiques, books, handmade goods, and those once-in-a-blue-moon curiosities show up — the kind you’ll never stumble across in a store. It’s colorful, chaotic, and ridiculously fun, with the added thrill of sustainable shopping: pick up stylish clothes and accessories for a fraction of the usual price while keeping good stuff in circulation instead of in a landfill. “Come and discover the diversity you’ll only find here” isn’t a slogan, it’s the vibe.
Where and when to dive in
The market spreads across multiple spots around the hall: under the canopy on the Saint Martin Street (Szent Márton utca) side, in the Small Hall off Hunyadi Road (Hunyadi út), and in the rear Hall II. Doors open at 5 a.m. and close at noon, every single Sunday. Sellers can register on-site by filling out a form or download it from the website and email it back by Wednesday at noon. Upcoming dates are set: 2025.11.23, 2025.11.30, 2025.12.07, 2025.12.14, all in Szombathely. Organizers reserve the right to change dates and programs, so keep an eye out.
Bring cash, bring curiosity
This is the place for people who love stories attached to objects. Vinyl, porcelain, mid-century lamps, military relics, out-of-print books, handmade ceramics, vintage coats, the belt you didn’t know you needed — it’s all here. And a tip: the best deals show up early. Dress warm if the weather’s chilly, and don’t be shy about bargaining. You’ll go home with a piece of character for your house or wardrobe — and a better mood than when you arrived.
Make a weekend of it: where to stay
Szombathely is easy to navigate and generous with lodging. On the city’s eastern, leafy side, a family-run pension sits 33 feet from a local bus stop and offers about 30 secure parking spots. Expect homestyle dishes at fair prices, simple rooms, and private event spaces for weddings or family gatherings.
If you like your hotels with a theme, Forum Hotel and Restaurant leans into the city’s Roman roots. The two-level restaurant channels the era’s mood while serving modern takes on Hungarian and international classics; the hotel upstairs welcomes business travelers and tourists alike.
Garda Hotel scores on location near the Boat Lake, the Covered Swimming Pool and Thermal Bath, and the renovated Lake Bath beach. Rooms range from larger, elegant, air-conditioned options to smaller, more budget-friendly choices, all within a stroll of water and greenery.
Herényiek Háza sits by the famous Kámon Arboretum (Kámoni Arborétum), between the Gyöngyös and Perint stream valleys, a stone’s throw from Transdanubia’s (Dunántúl) highest point, Írottkő. The villa-style building, refreshed in 2007, operates as a community and leisure lodging with rentable halls for events. There’s a landscaped garden, an oven, a covered small house, indoor-outdoor games, and bike rentals to explore the area.
Il Gallo Nero Restaurant and Pension is a short walk from the historic center — a convenient base with an Italian soul.
Király Park Hotel, a four-star stay in a quiet garden district, has 16 modern, homey rooms, a strong events offering, and a medical rehab center (Király Rehab) with wide-ranging therapeutic services. The wellness zone includes Finnish, infrared, and steam cabins, a plunge tub, and a jacuzzi. More than 100 free parking spaces mean you can roll in without stress.
P4W Residence Hotel offers 19 spacious, renovated rooms with private bathrooms, its own secure parking, and a cozy beer terrace — a tidy escape from the weekday rush.
Self-contained apartments also pop up: private entrances from the courtyard, no shared spaces except with your own group — good for families and longer stays.
Sunset Motel takes cues from American roadside stays and adapts them to European comfort standards. Surrounded by a garden, it’s straightforward, affordable, and accessible from any direction.
Vadász Restaurant and Pension, near a 67-acre arboretum and the thermal bath, has eight rooms and an 80-seat restaurant known for friendly service and flavor-forward Hungarian and international dishes. The restaurant connects with a separate room for meetings and trainings and scales up to host 90-person corporate or private events — weddings, graduations, you name it. A garden section seats 40.
Where to eat and sip
108 Restaurant nods to goalkeeper Gábor Király’s 108 national caps and leans European and Mediterranean, with traditional Hungarian comforts still on the table. Weekday lunch menus, a modern wine list and drinks, and a pro team in the dining room keep it sharp.
A bar with a dash of African atmosphere pours excellent coffee and easygoing good times.
The east-side pension’s own restaurant serves homestyle dishes at friendly prices and hosts events in private rooms.
In the city center, a cultural hub pairs the latest films with a quality café: live music, specialty drinks and bites, and a terrace that doubles as a concert space. It’s also a reliable gig venue.
Inside the Artis Hotel, a sleek restaurant blends elegance with youthful energy. Fresh, healthy ingredients meet modern techniques, fusing European and Hungarian flavors with Asian twists. There’s a show kitchen, a strong wine and premium drinks list, daily hearty breakfasts, and on weekdays a business lunch and sushi bento box.
At the DOMUS department store upstairs in Derkovits, a kitchen channeling grandma’s care serves daily changing plates and a rich fixed selection, mixing classic flavors with modern textures.
Gerendás Vendéglő is back with new ambiance, weekly menus, and variety.
Il Gallo Nero keeps its Italian-Hungarian charm close to the historic core.
Another local favorite balances Hungarian specialties with standout fish and game for traditionalists and modern eaters alike; Saturdays bring live music. A refreshed kitchen elsewhere plates fish, game, and homestyle fare with several draft beers, special wines, and soft drinks — plus weekend live tunes.
See you Sunday
Set your alarm, bring a tote and small bills, and chase the unexpected. Szombathely’s Sunday flea never runs out of surprises — and the city around it will feed you, host you, and probably charm you into staying longer. Organizers may update times or programs, so check before you go.
