Szeged is often overlooked by travellers heading to Hungary, but it shouldn’t be. While living in Budapest, I tried to visit as many Hungarian destinations as possible and loved Szeged.
Known for its Art Nouveau architecture, museums, parks, the impressive New Synagogue and thermal baths, Szeged stands out as a destination that offers more than just a break from the usual.
In this guide, I share my top picks for boutique hotels, ensuring your stay is comfortable and memorable.
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My Recommendation: The best boutique hotel based on my experience.
Great Alternative: If my top pick isn’t available.
Value for Money: Excellent service and amenities for the price.
Unique Design: Cool, quirky or unique hotel.
Green Hotel: A more sustainable option.
Where to Stay: The best areas and neighbourhoods.
Boutique Hotels in Szeged
When I was in Szeged, I stayed near the Votive Church, a superb location in the historic old town. This area is ideal as it’s within walking distance of most attractions, offering a taste of the city’s history and culture.
Alternatively, staying near Szechenyi Square is a great option, as it is the city’s main square, bustling with activity and central to many sights.
Further down, you’ll find a neighbourhood guide to help you choose the best area for your stay.
My Recommendation
Noir Hotel
Address: 11 Püspök utca, Szeged
Landmark: Szechenyi Square
The Noir Hotel in Szeged is a standout option for travellers seeking quality and comfort. Located near key landmarks like Szechenyi Square, the hotel is in a great spot, surrounded by restaurants and cafes. The hotel is known for its clean, spacious rooms, well-equipped kitchens, and modern amenities, making it suitable for short and longer stays. Reviews consistently highlight the comfortable beds, quiet environment, and overall cosiness of the hotel, emphasising its excellent quality-price ratio.
Features:
- Stylish boutique apartment hotel.
- Large rooms with seating area.
- Kitchen facilities.
- Excellent breakfast selection.
- Walking distance to popular attractions.
- Warm and welcoming service.
Sustainability:
- Most food is locally sourced.
- Limited single-use plastic.
Pros: Central location, friendly staff, spacious rooms, modern amenities, secure parking, peaceful environment, excellent value for money, responsive communication.
Cons: Limited sustainability measures are in place.
Check AvailabilityNext, I’ll recommend several other boutique hotels in Szeged and where I stayed, each chosen for different reasons.
Great Alternative
RIVA
Address: 4 Egyetem utca, Szeged
Landmark: Heroes’ Gate
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RIVA stands out as a modern and affordable option in Szeged. It’s a newly built hotel, appreciated for its contemporary design and comfort.
The rooms are described as perfect, with comfortable beds and effective soundproofing, ensuring a good night’s sleep.
The electric window blinds are a notable feature, providing control over light and privacy. Cleanliness is a strong point for RIVA, with guests praising the spotless rooms and the friendly cleaning staff.
The location is another highlight, being close to the city centre and in a quiet neighbourhood. Toiletries with a pleasant fragrance and the provision of bottled water in the rooms are thoughtful touches.
Best Value for Money
Art Hotel Szeged
Address: Somogyi u. 16, Szeged
Landmark: Votive Church
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My stay at Art Hotel Szeged was a calm experience, with excellent value for money. The hotel’s modern vibe and strategic location add to its appeal.
The rooms are notably large and comfortable, including a spacious balcony in some, providing a relaxed atmosphere.
One of the standout features is the breakfast, which is delicious and well-balanced.
The staff at Art Hotel are friendly and helpful, enhancing the overall experience and the quality of the mattresses and pillows, promoting a good night’s rest.
Unique Design
If you prefer to stay at a unique design hotel, focus on aspects that set it apart from standard hotels. These could include distinctive architectural features, creative interior design, or innovative services and amenities.
Science Hotel
Address: Petofi Sándor sgt. 17, Szeged
Landmark: Heroes’ Gate
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The Science Hotel stands out for its commitment to sustainability and its unique design. It uses 100% renewable electricity and tries to reduce food wastage, while most of its food is locally sourced and organic.
The rooms are large, well-decorated, and comfortable, with amenities like Nespresso machines and large TVs.
Guests appreciate the personalised touches, such as the option to request rooms with specific design colours.
The hotel’s cleanliness and flexible room service options are highly regarded. The staff are noted for their friendliness and helpfulness, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
Located right in the city centre, the Science Hotel is convenient for exploring Szeged on foot. Its breakfast is praised for its variety and quality, featuring superb cheeses and breads.
Green and Sustainable
When considering a green or sustainable hotel, look for practices that show commitment to environmental responsibility.
These hotels often use renewable energy, have waste reduction measures, and source local, eco-friendly products.
Mokka Apartman
Address: Pulcz utca 3, Szeged
Landmark: New Synagogue
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Mokka Apartman is an eco-friendly apartment in Szeged and is another sustainable option alongside the Science Hotel. Guests have praised the hosts for their kindness and quick responses.
It uses 100% renewable electricity and contributes some of its revenue to community and sustainability projects.
The accommodation is new, clean, and well-maintained, with friendly hosts who are keen to provide any necessary information. The rooms are clean and comfortable, offering a peaceful stay.
Its location is convenient, within walking distance to the city centre or accessible by electric scooter from the nearby intersection.
The apartment features new furniture and decor, enhancing its appeal. It is spacious, with amenities like a washing and drying machine, coffee machine, and kettle.
Explore more of Szeged with my comprehensive guide to Things to Do in Szeged, where I’ve covered the best activities and attractions the city has to offer.
Where to Stay in Szeged
Historic City Centre/Old Town: The heart of Szeged, this area is steeped in history and culture. It’s where you’ll find most of the city’s significant landmarks, including the beautiful Szeged National Theatre and the Mora Ferenc Museum.
The streets are lined with charming cafes and traditional Hungarian restaurants, making it ideal for food enthusiasts. This area is perfect for those who enjoy a mix of historical architecture and a lively atmosphere.
Dóm tér Area: Situated near the Votive Church and Heroes’ Gate, this neighbourhood is a hub of cultural activity. It’s known for its stunning architecture and the Dóm Square, where many of Szeged’s festivals and events take place.
The area is also home to the University of Szeged, adding a vibrant, youthful vibe. It’s a great place to stay for those who want to be in the middle of Szeged’s cultural life.
Szechenyi Square Area: This is the main square of Szeged and a bustling centre of city life. Impressive buildings surround the square, and it is a stone’s throw away from the Tisza River.
It’s a great area for shopping, with plenty of independent stores and boutiques. The nightlife here is lively, with numerous bars and cafes that stay open late into the night.
New Synagogue Area: Close to one of Europe’s largest synagogues, this neighbourhood is a blend of historical significance and modern life.
The area is quieter than the main city centre but still offers easy access to Szeged’s attractions. It’s a good choice for those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere while still being close to the city’s sights.
Tisza Riverbank: For those who enjoy green spaces and outdoor activities, the Tisza Riverbank is ideal. You can find jogging paths, parks, and areas for leisure activities along the river.
This area offers a more laid-back atmosphere and is perfect for families or those seeking a peaceful retreat within the city.
When considering where to stay in Szeged, these neighbourhoods offer a range of experiences, from the historical and cultural richness of the city centre to the serene green spaces along the Tisza Riverbank.
Create an Itinerary
Discover the best of Hungary’s capital with my guide to What to do in Budapest. It’s packed with tips and ideas for creating an unforgettable road trip itinerary, including how to incorporate a visit to Szeged.
This guide is essential for anyone planning to explore Budapest and beyond.
Plan Your Trip
Visiting the Anna Thermal Baths is a must when in Szeged, as it’s a quintessential experience that Hungary is renowned for.
I also found the New Synagogue worth a visit for its architectural beauty and cultural significance, especially if you’re looking to add more variety to your Szeged itinerary.
Responsible Travel Tips
Here are a few tips on how we can travel more responsibly in Szeged.
Choose Green Hotels: Book accommodation in Szeged that uses renewable energy sources and sustainable practices. I give two sustainable options in this guide.
Minimise Food Waste: When dining out in Szeged, order portions you can finish to avoid food waste. Many local restaurants serve traditional Hungarian dishes in generous quantities, so consider sharing meals.
Sustainable Diets: Try to include plant-based options in your meals. Szeged has a variety of eateries offering delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes, contributing to a more sustainable diet.
Use Sustainable Transport: Szeged is well-suited for walking or cycling. Rent a bike or walk to explore the city, reducing reliance on motor vehicles.
Train Travel: Consider train travel as an alternative to driving. Szeged is well-connected by train, making it a convenient and environmentally friendly option for your journey. I took the train from Budapest, and it’s a relaxing way to get to the city.
Electric Vehicles: If driving is necessary, consider hiring an electric vehicle. This is a cleaner alternative to petrol or diesel cars and supports the transition to sustainable transport.
Support Local Community: Engage with local guides for tours in Szeged. This not only enriches your travel experience with authentic insights but also contributes to the local economy.
By incorporating these practices into your trip to Szeged, you can enjoy a more responsible and sustainable travel experience, contributing positively to the environment and the local community.
If you have questions or want to leave a hotel review, please do so in the comments.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research.