Get ready for a week when Kossuth Square in Hódmezővásárhely transforms into a lively showcase of heritage, wine, and gastronomy. From August 15 to 20, 2025, the city’s iconic St. Stephen’s Day (Szent István Nap) celebrations combine patriotic festivities with a bustling wine festival, promising days—and nights—packed with local culture, excellent food, and superb drinks.
Where to Stay: Comfort and Character
Finding the right place to stay is easy in Hódmezővásárhely. Hotel Fáma is a cozy spot tucked away on a quiet street, just a 20-minute stroll from both the city center and the thermal baths. Rooms are equipped with minibars, TVs, and private bathrooms, and there’s an inviting terrace for evening meals. Pets are welcome, and your car stays safe in a secure parking lot.
For travelers with a creative side, the Artists’ House (Alkotóház), renovated in 2016, offers five double rooms and a spacious studio, inviting everyone from photographers to painters. Each room is named after artists connected to the house, and the historic vibe is enhanced by period furniture, a cozy garden, a communal lounge, and a fully equipped kitchen.
Green living and tradition meet at Hotel Ginkgo, where attention to detail and guest comfort are top priorities. Expect quality at every turn—the staff go out of their way to make sure you feel right at home.
If you prefer a guesthouse atmosphere, Kenguru Guesthouse (Kenguru Panzió) offers comfortable rooms and apartments around the clock. Next door, the Kenguru Tavern (Kenguru Csárda) restaurant serves up regional culinary delights.
The Centaur Horse Inn and Leisure Park (Kentaur Lovaspanzió és Szabadidőpark) is perfect for anyone seeking peace on the city’s outskirts—think countryside relaxation and quiet nights.
For those who want to stay in the heart of the action, try the centrally located hotels nestled among leafy avenues, right next to the Sándor Török Spa’s (Török Sándor Gyógyfürdő) thermal pools and the Dezső Gyarmati Sports Pool (Gyarmati Dezső Sportuszoda). Rooms have a breezy, Mediterranean feel.
Need budget options or traveling in a group? There are plenty of guesthouses with all modern conveniences like Wi-Fi, secure parking, TV in every room, breakfast, and main meals. The Vocational Training Center dormitory (Szakképzési Centrum Kollégiuma) also opens its doors to visitors, providing a welcoming base right in the city center.
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry: The Flavors of Vásárhely
Dining is a highlight during St. Stephen’s Days. Bagolyvár Restaurant transports you back to a bourgeois home at the turn of the century. Enjoy leisurely lunches or dinners surrounded by antique furniture, or relax in a garden that has all the rustic charm of a wine cellar terrace.
If wine is your passion, visit family-run cellars near the villages of Csongrád and Bokros. They cultivate grape varieties like Blaufränkisch (Kékfrankos), Zweigelt, Cabernet Franc, Kadarka, Kövidinka, and Muscat. Wines are produced and stored locally, with tastings held in a charming 150-year-old mud-brick house. Up to 20 people can book tastings on Friday and Saturday nights, or you can visit their show cellar in nearby Szeged for larger gatherings.
Looking for authentic, hearty Hungarian fare? Bandula Small Inn (Bandula Kisvendéglő) is famous for its unique köcsögleves soup, garlicky Vienna schnitzel, crispy fried chicken thighs, and fresh salads. The team’s fast and friendly service and impressive wine list keep locals and visitors coming back.
There’s no shortage of bistro-style spots in town. Spacious terraces can seat up to 80 guests, perfect for relaxing summer evenings. Try local favorites or the daily specials, dine in or take food to go, and don’t hesitate to place special orders.
Foodies with adventurous tastes will feel at home in restaurants offering both homestyle cooking and modern twists, especially when the weather allows for outdoor dining. Don’t miss Sólyom Bistro, located in the local college’s dining hall, where the menu changes daily to keep things interesting.
Sip and Savor the Region’s Best Wines
Hódmezővásárhely is part of the renowned Csongrád wine region, especially famous for its Sóshalom vineyards. For centuries, the area has grown grapes like Chasselas, Kövidinka, Italian Riesling (Olaszrizling), Grüner Veltliner (Zöldveltelini), Blaufränkisch (Kékfrankos), and Cabernet Franc. Modern wineries here are open to visitors, who can tour cellars, taste local wines, and even pre-order simple one-plate meals for group tastings.
An Elegant Venue for Unforgettable Events
Looking for a touch of elegance with your festival experience? The city’s former inn has been converted into a beautifully restored Event House and Café. The grand upstairs ballroom—Central Europe’s second-largest pillarless hall—can host up to 400 guests, making it the perfect spot for balls, concerts, or banquets. Host your own family, corporate, or social gatherings here for a dose of nineteenth-century splendor.
Event times and programs are subject to change, but one thing is certain: St. Stephen’s Days (Szent István Napok) in Hódmezővásárhely will satisfy your appetite for celebration, tradition, and wine-fueled fun.
