Itinerary
You will start the day with a one hour drive to Kecskemét, a city that lies halfway between the capital of Hungary and Szeged. Once you get there, around its main square you will see some unique Art Nouveau buildings like the Town Hall and the Cifra Palace, also called “Gaudí Palace” because it resembles the works from Antoni Gaudí.
The historic city of Kecskemét became one of the European centers of wine industry at the end of the 19th Century. Because of the accumulation of capital, peasants began to adopt bourgeois customs and goods, stimulating trade in the town. Such regional wealth led to construction of new buildings in Secession style, Hungary’s Art nouveau. Kecskemét is a hidden Art Nouveau gem, showcasing stunning architecture that reflects Hungary’s unique take on the Secessionist style.
After this city private tour you will be driven to Szeged, where you will arrive one hour later and have lunch in an emblematic eatery and start our visit to the city. The fish restaurant is not Art Nouveau but sells typical Hungarian fish dishes.
Alternatively, we can go to have lunch at a local restaurant that is located in the main square in Szeged. It has a nice terrace with the view to some of the Art Nouveau buildings. Like this, you will be able to have the first views of the Art Nouveau heritage of the city.
Szeged, the third largest city of Hungary and the largest city and regional centre of the Southern Great Plain, is a hidden Art Nouveau gem. Your walking tour there will take a walk and explore plenty of Art Nouveau. These are some of the main spots we will try to visit the day of the private tour:
- Visit the impressive Synagogue. The interior of the great dome (almost 50 meters tall) is the work of the artist Miksa Róth. The only days that this visit won’t be possible is on Saturdays, or on Jewish festivals
- Climb the stairs to the top of a Water tower (more than 50 meters tall) built in 1904 which still has the same use of providing water to the city
- The Reök Palace, a stunning Art Nouveau building, houses the City Gallery and the Déri Museum
- Enter to a private lobby of a residential house with a private elevator from the year 1900 that you will be able to use
- Other views that only the best local guide can offer you. Some of the architecture beauties that our guide will show you are Deutsch palace, Gróf palace, Móricz House, Ungar, Mayer Palace, Marer House and Beregi House
During the afternoon if you feel like a coffee we can stop in a nice café opposite of the Unger-Mayer palace. As you will discover during the day of the tour, the center of Szegeed has beautiful buildings and wide avenues. This is mainly due to the great flood of 1879, which literally wiped away the whole town. Emperor Franz Joseph visited the town and promised that “Szeged will be more beautiful than it used to be”. During the next years a new, modern city emerged from the ruins, with palaces and wide streets.
Tailored to your interests
Where the private tour Begins and Ends
Your private tour can start either in Budapest or Szeged—please let us know your preference. Our licensed guides, who are also Art Nouveau experts, will meet you at your hotel in Budapest or Szeged and guide you through Hungary’s Art Nouveau highlights on a personalized driving tour. If you’d prefer, we can also arrange pick-up from the airport or train station; just let us know in advance when booking.
Our service includes a professional, fully licensed guide, hotel pick-up, private car/minivan with a driver, motorway tolls, and petrol—all at no extra cost. Please note that driving times may vary depending on traffic. Additionally, your group’s interests, the varying opening hours of some buildings, health regulations, and weather conditions may influence the final itinerary of your private Art Nouveau experience.
Exclusions
Entrance fees to the museums or houses that may be visited during the tour.
This is a walking private tour and it is not required the use of public transport. If during the private tour you want to use a public transport like a taxi or bus, the fare is not included.
Food and drinks.
Entrance to the museums. Your interests will determine the museums included in the tour because our tour guide will adapt the itinerary to your interests. The entrance fee for the following buildings is:
Entry fees for private tours charged by the museums (these prices are indicative and change in time, so if interested ask to get the price):
- Cifra Palace in Kecskemét (to see ticket prices CLICK HERE)
- Synagogue in Szeged (to see ticket prices CLICK HERE). Closed on Saturdays, except on on Jewish festivals
- Reök Palace in Szeged (to see ticket prices CLICK HERE). The main art nouveau attractions are the exterior and the main staircase and its interior rooms.
- Water tower in Szeged (to see ticket prices CLICK HERE)
Food and drinks.
Additional Information
Art Nouveau – Secession Style
Embark on a unique full-day private tour by car, minivan or bus to explore the exceptional Hungarian Art Nouveau treasures of Szeged and Kecskemét. These two hidden gems are rarely included in traditional itineraries, yet they are essential to understanding the history of Art Nouveau in Hungary, known locally as Szecesszió (Secession). Their charm lies not only in their stunning architecture but also in their fascinating stories, offering an unforgettable journey into the Hungarian countryside.
Kecskemét’s golden age began in the 1880s when its sandy vineyards resisted a devastating phylloxera plague that destroyed vines across much of Europe. This unexpected fortune spurred growth and prosperity, epitomized by the construction of its magnificent Town Hall, built between 1893 and 1897 to commemorate 1,000 years of Hungarian statehood. Designed by the renowned architects Ödön Lechner and Gyula Pártos, this masterpiece showcases the vibrant, colorful character of Hungarian Art Nouveau. The city’s architecture is a delightful mix of styles, from Gothic and Baroque to Art Nouveau and Socialist Realism. The Kecskemét Cathedral, a magnificent example of Gothic architecture, is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Kecskemét, a city in central Hungary, is renowned for its rich history, art nouveau architecture, vibrant culture, and beautiful architecture. Known as the “City of Flowers,” Kecskemét offers a delightful blend of traditional Hungarian charm and modern amenities. It has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the Middle Ages. The city has played a significant role in Hungarian history, serving as a center for trade, culture, and politics. Its strategic location has made it a target for numerous invasions over the centuries, but Kecskemét has always managed to rebuild and thrive.
Szeged, located 174 km from Budapest near the Serbian border, owes its Art Nouveau renaissance to a natural disaster. In 1879, a dike along the Tisza River broke, flooding the town and sparing only 300 of its 6,000 houses. From this devastation, the city emerged with a new vision, rebuilt in a unified Art Nouveau style with elegant ring boulevards, leafy squares, and architectural wonders that endure to this day.
While Hungary’s Art Nouveau movement may not rival the monumental examples of Vienna or Barcelona, its unique charm lies in its local expression, where beauty is found in intricate details and regional character. In Szeged and Kecskemét, you’ll discover how smaller cities embraced this international style, blending innovation with their cultural heritage. This exclusive tour invites you to witness the artistry of Hungary’s southern cities, where the wealth and creativity of a bygone era are vividly on display.
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