On September 13, 2025, the 13th Vásárhely Festival of Flavors (Vásárhelyi Ízek Fesztiválja) and Farmer’s Day will bring a true celebration of tradition to Hódmezővásárhely. For one day, the city’s Rapcsák András Street will be bustling with food stalls, local dishes, wine tastings, and a focus on the best of regional gastronomy. Picture dozens of tables laden with classic recipes from Hódmezővásárhely and beyond, forgotten recipes brought back to life, winemakers uncorking bottles, and an entire town ready to eat, drink, and be merry.
Where to Stay: Something for Every Taste
If you’re coming from afar or just want to make a weekend out of it, Hódmezővásárhely’s variety of accommodations ensures you’ll find your match.
Hotel Fáma is located on a quiet street just a 20-minute walk from both downtown and the thermal spa. This family-run spot offers rooms with minibars, TVs, and private bathrooms, plus a restaurant with a terrace and secure parking—pets are welcome too, so there’s no need to leave your furry friend at home.
The Creative House (Alkotóház), renovated in 2016, is a boutique guesthouse dedicated to art. With five twin rooms (named after local artists), a sunny garden, communal kitchen, and a studio space, it’s perfect for those seeking tranquility with a touch of inspiration. Vintage furniture and an old-world feel add to the atmosphere.
For those looking for something both stylish and sustainable, Hotel Ginkgo**** blends eco-friendly touches with traditional design—it’s all about guest comfort here, with staff striving to make every moment easy and relaxing.
Kenguru Guesthouse (Kenguru Panzió) caters to both classic bed-and-breakfast and apartment seekers around the clock. Plus, food adventures await right next door at the Kenguru Tavern (Kenguru Csárda), where the kitchen serves up hearty, regionally inspired meals.
Escape to the countryside at Kentaur Horse Guesthouse and Rest Park (Kentaur Lovaspanzió és Pihenőpark), set just outside town on the main road. It’s a peaceful retreat promising greenery and relaxation.
Some visitors will love the centrally located hotels next to the Sándor Török Spa (Török Sándor Fürdő) and Dezső Gyarmati Sports Pool (Gyarmati Dezső uszoda). Their Mediterranean-inspired rooms, surrounded by trees, promise true rest after a busy festival day.
Budget travelers, take note: the town’s vocational college dormitory offers simple, central accommodation for both visitors and students alike.
Dining: From Family Kitchens to Centuries-Old Cellars
Dining options range from elegant to rustic, ensuring festival-goers are spoiled for choice. Owl’s Castle Restaurant (Bagolyvár Étterem) exudes a turn-of-the-century vibe, with antique furniture, homey charm, and a garden that feels like an old wine cellar. Here, the kitchen resurrects flavors no one makes anymore, all served by discreet and highly trained staff—expect long, leisurely meals.
Family-run wineries, like those on the border of Csongrád and Bokros, invite guests to sample Kékfrankos, Zweigelt, Cabernet Franc, Kadarka, Kövidinka, and Pölöskei Muskotály in a 150-year-old adobe winery. Up to 20 guests can book tastings (usually on Friday and Saturday nights), and a new venue in Szeged hosts even grander events for 30–40 people.
Bandula Small Restaurant (Bandula Kisvendéglő) is a cozy eatery beloved in town. The staff is quick on their feet, the wine list is impressive, and signature dishes include delicious pot soup (köcsögleves), enormous Viennese schnitzel marinated in garlicky oil, Sunday-style fried chicken fillet, and inventive local salads. In true Hungarian fashion, portions are generous.
Seek out the perfect bistro atmosphere at places where up to 80 guests can dine al fresco. Other kitchens promise down-home, country cooking, either for dine-in, takeout, or even delivery. There are daily specials as well as custom orders for anyone wanting something unique.
Those with more adventurous palates will appreciate venues with ever-changing menus and international twists. And for those craving the taste of home, Falcon Bistro (Sólyom Bisztró), located in the local college’s restaurant, offers daily-changing menus and bistro classics with a homestyle flavor.
Wine runs deep in Hódmezővásárhely—quite literally. The outskirts of the city are home to quality vineyards connected to the Csongrád wine region. For decades, the Sóshalom area has produced Chasselas, Kövidinka, Olaszrizling, Grüner Veltliner (Zöldveltelini), Kékfrankos, and Cabernet Franc. The local wine processor and cellar, part of a cooperative since the late 1960s, has expanded and modernized over time. Visitors can stop by to sample and purchase wines, or groups can book special tastings with hearty one-pot meals.
Events and Gatherings With Flair
The town’s grandest event venue is a festival highlight in itself. In the 19th century, this location was home to a modest guesthouse, later expanded into a two-story hotel, and now boasts a beautifully restored Event House and Café. The splendid ballroom, one of Central Europe’s largest column-free spaces, can accommodate up to 400 guests—perfect for balls, concerts, weddings, reunions, and conferences. Anyone can drop in for a visit during café hours, but if you’re planning an event, this is the perfect backdrop for unforgettable gatherings.
One important note: event organizers reserve the right to adjust the schedule and program. So keep an eye out for updates—and most importantly, bring a big appetite.
