Many people love it, but many still have the old stereotype of the town as “just” a place to swim. But this is not true, as you can find better and better bistros, bars, wine, playgrounds and hotels next to the spas.
There are few places where children, parents and grandparents can find the perfect entertainment for themselves. There's no need to compromise, with wine and food festivals, thermal waters and a growing city to explore. Hajdúszoboszló is an old favourite and tried and tested place for many, but if you haven't been there in a while, you might think it's only worth a visit for the water baths. But the truth is that the town is constantly building, expanding and organising a varied programme of activities.
Is Europe's largest spa complex here?
Hajdúszoboszló boasts a history of almost 100 years, when the medicinal water source was discovered in the settlement. Since then, many spa complexes and hotels have been built and welcome guests. It is true that Hajdúszoboszló is officially the largest spa complex in Europe. It offers modern medical, wellness and entertainment services to its guests, as well as entertainment for children, relaxation for adults and tranquillity for the elderly. It's worth a visit just for the tourism alone, and for a longer stay for a health cure.
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Culture, downtown, old town
Close to the baths is the city centre itself, where you are greeted by the beautiful Kálvin Square with its 15th century church. Across the road is the Church of St. Lazarus of the Catholic Church, where you can see the frescoes and read about their history. There's also a statue of István Bocskai nearby, followed by the István Bocskai Museum, and the ever-renewing contemporary exhibitions - these are the constants. But the city's festivals come back month by month, most of which line up in the aforementioned downtown areas with bands, peppercorn tatras and lacikonykhs.
Gastronomy, wine culture in the area
Tourists often seek out classic Hungarian cuisine, which is why the city's classic taverns are thriving. These include the Kemencés Csárda or the Halászcsárda, but for those who like bistros we recommend the Nelson Pub or the Tuba Tanya. Coffee and pastry shops abound, offering everything from classic cream teas to French pastries, as well as good black and black coffee. You can buy wine at the Angyal Winery in town or at the Mátyás Wine Bar, but if you want to take a bottle of wine back to your accommodation or as a souvenir, you can do so at the Wino-Bor-Wein wine shop on József Attila Street.
Did you know? Hajdúszoboszló is one of the top five most popular Hungarian resorts, 22 kilometres from Debrecen, with excellent transport links, so it's mostly used for longer trips.Since 1925, when the thermal waters were discovered by accident, pilgrims have been drinking the iodine- and sulphur-scented water for arthritis, which works wonders if you drink it.#
