Nyíregyháza is a vibrant city located in northeastern Hungary. With beautiful architecture, a fascinating history, and a lively cultural scene, Nyíregyháza has plenty to offer visitors. Here are 15 of the best things to do in Nyíregyháza in 2024:

No.	Activity	Description
1	Nyíregyháza Zoo	Explore one of Hungary’s largest zoos.
2	City Center Walk	Wander around the city’s historic center.
3	History Learning	Learn about Nyíregyháza’s past at local museums.
4	Sóstó Zoo and Water Park	Enjoy the zoo and water activities.
5	Cantervár Adventure Park	Experience outdoor adventure activities.
6	Móricz Zsigmond Theater	Watch performances at this renowned theater.
7	Mustárház Tour	Visit this unique local museum.
8	Cycling Around Lake Nyíregyháza	Enjoy a scenic bike ride around the lake.
9	Cantemus Choral Festival	Attend this famous choral music festival.

Explore Nyíregyháza Zoo

Name and Location: Nyíregyháza Zoo is located at Chernel utca 1, on the northwest side of the city just off Route 41.

History and Significance: Founded in 1967, the zoo is home to over 500 animal species across 60 acres. It aims to conserve endangered wildlife through breeding programs.

What to Expect: Visitors can see big cats, primates, polar bears, giraffes, reptiles and birds from all continents. Walking paths connect naturalistic habitats.

Visitor Information: Open daily April-October from 9am-6pm, November-March 10am-4pm. Admission is 2,100 HUF for adults. A mini train and cafeteria are onsite.

Nyíregyháza Zoo is one of the top attractions in the city. Home to over 500 animal species, the zoo has large enclosures that mimic natural habitats. Walk along shaded pathways to see elephants, giraffes, tigers, and more up close.

Don’t miss the indoor rainforest hall and the reptile house showcasing snakes, lizards, and crocodiles. Enjoy a ride on the miniature train for fun views of the zoo grounds.

Wander around the City Center

Name and Location: Nyíregyháza’s compact city center lies just east and south of Szabadság Square, featuring pedestrian walkways and historic buildings.

History and Significance: As a planned city, Nyíregyháza’s layout revolves around Szabadság Square and neighboring streets with architectural gems, shops, and restaurants.

What to Expect: Stroll pedestrian walkways like Krúdy and Rákóczi Street to admire buildings, window shop, or stop in a cafe. Don’t miss the City Hall.

Visitor Information: The center is very walkable and compact. Sights cluster around the Square near the Evangelical-Lutheran church. Free to wander.

Nyíregyháza’s compact city center features many beautiful historic buildings. Start in Kossuth Square, the main public square with an impressive monument and the Orthodox Church with golden domes.

Stroll along pedestrian walkways like Krúdy Gyula utca to see grand 19th-century architecture. Pop into the Nyíregyháza Art Gallery to admire regional folk art. Stop for a coffee at one of the charming cafés that line the cobblestone streets.

Learn about the City’s History

Name and Location: Nyíregyháza’s history is showcased at the Jósa András Museum at Benczúr tér 21 near the city center.

History and Significance: Founded in 1867, the museum details Nyíregyháza’s development into an economic and cultural hub of northeast Hungary. Exhibits span archaeology, ethnography, and art.

What to Expect: See artifacts from the region’s ancient cultures, models depicting the city’s growth, and 19th-20th century paintings. Guided tours provide context. A cafe is onsite.

Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm, closed Mondays. Admission is 1,000 HUF. Located a 10 minute walk from Szabadság Square.

The Jósa András Museum provides an in-depth look at Nyíregyháza’s history and culture. Explore exhibits on archaeological findings, ethnography, and local art. View recreated rooms showcasing 19th-century furnishings and textiles.

Examine artwork depicting life in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg county throughout the centuries. Don’t miss the photography collection capturing Nyíregyháza during different eras.

Relax at Sóstó Zoo and Water Park

Name and Location: Sóstó Zoo and Water Park is located in Sóstófürdő just west of Nyíregyháza, about a 10 minute drive from the city center.

History and Significance: Sóstófürdő developed around its thermal baths and wooded park. Today it offers many family-friendly recreational attractions.

What to Expect: Visitors enjoy the small zoo, water slides, wave pool, thermal baths, paddle boating, mini train, and restaurants set amid nature.

Visitor Information: Open daily in summer, limited hours off-season. Combo tickets available. Reachable by car, bus, or taxi from downtown Nyíregyháza.

When warm weather hits, head to Sóstó Zoo and Water Park. Say hello to bears, tigers, and red pandas in the forested zoo. Then enjoy a day of aquatic fun at the connected water park.

Race down thrilling water slides, float along the lazy river, and splash in the wave pool. For more relaxed enjoyment, lounge on the sandy beach next to Lake Sóstó. The park also has mini golf, playgrounds, and paddleboats for rent.

Go to Cantervár Adventure Park

Name and Location: Cantervár Adventure Park is located at Erdei Tér 14 within Sóstófürdő, just west of downtown Nyíregyháza.

History and Significance: Opened in 2015, Cantervár offers fun outdoor recreation like ropes courses, archery, carts, and more amid the natural Sóstó park setting.

What to Expect: Visitors can challenge themselves on rope obstacles, zip lines, climbing walls, archery ranges, cart tracks, and more. Professional supervision ensures safety.

Visitor Information: Open weekends year-round, plus select weekdays in summer. Tickets from 3,000 HUF. 10% discount online. Public transit or taxi from Nyíregyháza.

For family-friendly outdoor adventures, visit Cantervár Activity Park north of the city center. An obstacle course features bridges, ladders, and ziplines suspended between tall trees.

Test your skills at archery with guidance from expert instructors. Go on a treasure hunt through the forest. In winter, skate at the park’s outdoor ice rink. Visit the petting zoo to feed fuzzy rabbits and goats.

See a Show at the Móricz Zsigmond Theater

Name and Location: The Móricz Zsigmond Theater is located at Szent István utca 14, just south of the city center in Nyíregyháza.

History and Significance: Named for the famous Hungarian author, the elegant theater opened in 1978. It stages theater, dance, opera, and orchestral performances.

What to Expect: Enjoy world-class productions in a modern setting with excellent acoustics and visibility. Some shows cater to younger audiences.

Visitor Information: Performances run September-June, 1-2 times a week in evenings and weekends. Ticket prices vary. Box office open weekdays 11am-5pm.

Experience live theater, dance, and music at the Móricz Zsigmond Theater. This grand performance hall presents dramas, operas, symphony concerts, ballet, and more.

If you don’t speak Hungarian, try to catch a pantomime, dance show, or opera to enjoy the artistry without language barriers. Dress up for an elegant night out appreciating the city’s thriving performing arts scene.

Tour the Mustárház

Name and Location: The Mustárház is an interactive mustard museum located at Orosi út 3/A, just northeast of central Nyíregyháza.

History and Significance: Opened in 2015, this museum celebrates Nyíregyháza’s history as the center of Hungarian mustard production starting in the 1800s.

What to Expect: Learn about mustard’s history and production through fun exhibits and demonstrations. Sample various mustards and make your own blend. A gift shop is onsite.

Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm. Admission is 800 HUF for adults. Easy to reach by car or bus #1, #2, or #3 from the city center.

For an immersive experience, visit Mustárház, also called the House of Mustard. This museum celebrates Nyíregyháza’s history of mustard production with engaging exhibits. Learn how mustard was made and sample creations like mustard ice cream.

View a documentary about the city’s mustard tradition. Browse the museum shop stocked with artisanal mustards to take home. Mustard tastings and workshops are also available.

Cycle around Lake Nyíregyháza

Name and Location: Lake Nyíregyháza is an artificial lake just east of the city center, off Sóstói út. A bike path encircles the lake.

History and Significance: Constructed in the 1970s, the scenic lake provides recreation and wildlife habitat. It is surrounded by parkland and connected to the city by the 11-mile cycling track.

What to Expect: The trail offers a pleasant ride amid natural scenery near the city. Rentals are available. Stops allow lake access for fishing or picnicking.

Visitor Information: The trail is open daily and free to use. Cyclists should yield to pedestrians in some sections. Access the track from Sóstói út or Törzs utca.

Relax surrounded by nature by cycling around Lake Nyíregyháza just west of downtown. Rent a bike and pedal along the paved path encircling the calm blue lake.

Stop halfway around at Napfény Stand Beach for a swim on sunny days. Pack a picnic and have lunch at one of the lake’s peaceful parks. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like ducks, swans, and herons as you ride.

Attend the Cantemus Choral Festival

Name and Location: The Cantemus International Choral Festival is hosted annually in late June at various venues across Nyíregyháza.

History and Significance: Founded in 1974, Cantemus draws top choirs and vocal ensembles from around the world to perform. It is Hungary’s premier choral event.

What to Expect: Hear choral masterworks along with modern compositions during several days of concerts. Performances take place at the Evangelical Lutheran church and other venues.

Visitor Information: Festival passes cost 14,000-20,000 HUF for 3-5 days. Single tickets also available. Concerts occur late-June. Schedule online in spring.

Enjoy four days of choral music at the Cantemus Choral Festival each August. Hear choirs from around Hungary and internationally perform an array of pieces spanning from classical to contemporary.

Concerts occur at venues throughout the city like Sóstó Zoo, churches, and concert halls. Even if you’re not a choral music buff, you’ll appreciate the festival atmosphere and musical talent.

Shop at the Market Halls

Name and Location: Nyíregyháza has three covered market halls: Központi Vásárcsarnok, Keleti Vásárcsarnok, and Semsei úti Vásárcsarnok.

History and Significance: These markets have sold fresh, locally grown produce in Nyíregyháza for over 100 years. They offer authentic retail shopping experiences.

What to Expect: Find stalls selling fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, baked goods, and artisan foods. Browse and purchase items straight from regional farmers and vendors.

Visitor Information: Each market is open weekday mornings and Saturdays. Located in different neighborhoods accessible by public transport from downtown.

Nyíregyháza has two main indoor market halls brimming with fresh produce, meats, pastries, and handicrafts. The Great Market Hall has vendors selling fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and pantry staples.

Szabadság Square Market Hall also has food stalls but focuses more on artisans selling embroidery, ceramics, clothing, and more. Wander through the vibrant halls to find unique Hungarian keepsakes.

Take a Day Trip to Tokaj

Name and Location: Tokaj is a historic wine-producing town located about 85km southeast of Nyíregyháza, renowned for its sweet Tokaji Aszú wines.

History and Significance: Tokaj has produced legendary wines since the 16th century, granted protected origin status. Its wine cellars are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What to Expect: Visit wineries to tour cellars and sample famous Tokaji wines. The town also offers a charming historic center with architecture and museums.

Visitor Information: Reach Tokaj by rental car, bus, or tour from Nyíregyháza. Cellar tours and tastings typically last 2-3 hours and cost around 5,000 HUF per person.

The town of Tokaj lies about an hour east of Nyíregyháza and makes for an easy day trip. Tokaj is best known for its white dessert wine made from grapes affected by noble rot. Tour cellars to learn about winemaking and sample vintages straight from the barrel.

The Ts’inege-Hegy lookout spot provides splendid views over the terraced vineyards. Before heading back, stroll Tokaj’s quaint streets lined with colorful buildings.

See the City From Sóstó Observation Tower

Name and Location: The Sóstó Observation Tower stands 96 meters tall in Sóstófürdő Park, just west of downtown Nyíregyháza.

History and Significance: Completed in 2009, the tower provides a panoramic vantage point over Nyíregyháza from its observation deck. The tower has become a symbol of the city.

What to Expect: Ride the elevator up to see unobstructed views in all directions spanning the city center to the surrounding plains and hills.

Visitor Information: Open daily 10am-8pm, April-October until 10pm. Admission is 1,000 HUF. Access via Sóstói út then 15-20 minute walk or park bus.

For panoramic views of Nyíregyháza, climb the Sóstó Observation Tower in Sóstófürdő Park. At 77 meters high, the lookout point allows you to take in the scope of the city and surrounding countryside.

The tower has a unique teardrop shape designed by local architecture students. On clear days, you can even see as far as the Ukrainian border about 35km away.

Explore the Village Museum

Name and Location: The Village Museum is an open-air ethnographic museum located within Sóstófürdő Park, west of Nyíregyháza’s downtown.

History and Significance: Established in 1968, this museum preserves examples of traditional rural architecture from the region. Over 15 structures showcase traditional life.

What to Expect: Thatched roof cottages, barns, workshops and churches reconstructed onsite provide insights into traditional life. Folk crafts, tools and equipment are displayed.

Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm, April-October until 8pm. Admission is 1,200 HUF. Reach via taxi/bus from the city center to Sóstófürdő stop.

The Nyíregyháza Village Museum authentically recreates life in rural Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg county during the 18th-20th centuries. Wander through the open-air museum to see traditional cottages, farm buildings, and workshops.

Costumed guides demonstrate folk crafts like pottery-making and weaving. Don’t miss the 150-year-old wooden bell tower moved here from a country church. On summer weekends, cultural programs like folk dancing bring the museum to life.

Take a Thermal Bath

Name and Location: Nyíregyháza has several thermal bath complexes, including Aquarius Gyógy- és Élményfürdő and Nyíregyházi Termálfürdő.

History and Significance: Geothermal springs in the area have been used for bathing since the 1700s. The baths offer relaxation and natural mineral waters believed to have healing properties.

What to Expect: Soak in indoor and outdoor thermal pools of varying temperatures. Most facilities also have saunas, steam rooms, massage, and waterslides.

Visitor Information: Admission from 2,500 HUF. Open daily until 8pm or later. Reach by taxi/bus or stay at an aqua hotel. Advance booking recommended.

Rejuvenate mind and body at one of Nyíregyháza’s thermal bath complexes. Sóstó Gyógyfürdő has indoor and outdoor pools filled with mineral-rich geothermal waters believed to have healing properties.

Aquarius Gyógy- és Élményfürdő is equipped with therapy pools, jet baths, and relaxing saunas. Unwind in the hot tubs after a day of sightseeing- your muscles will thank you. Most baths offer affordable full-day passes.

Go Wine Tasting at Korona Borház

Name and Location: Korona Borház is located at Császárszállási út 59A, southeast of central Nyíregyháza.

History and Significance: Korona Borház is one of the city’s few urban wineries. They focus on restoring traditional regional Szürkebarát and Portugieser grape varietals.

What to Expect: Tastings highlight their Szürkebarát and Portugieser wines paired with cheese and snacks. Guided tours explain their sustainable winemaking.

Visitor Information: Reserve tours on their website. Private groups only. Tours last 1-2 hours for around 5,000 HUF per person. Reach by taxi or car from the city center.

Sample some of Hungary’s best wines without leaving town at Korona Borház. This urban winery aims to make wine culture accessible in Nyíregyháza. Take a guided tour of the modern production facility and cellar.

Then head to the tasting room to learn about wine varieties and terroir while sipping flights of wines made locally in Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg county. With helpful sommeliers and an upscale setting, Korona Borház is great for beginner and expert wine lovers alike.

Conclusion

With its wealth of museums, parks, performance venues and more, Nyíregyháza offers variety for all travelers. Learn about Hungarian history and culture at the city’s excellent museums. Appreciate the architecture and cafe culture in the walkable downtown area.

Enjoy zoos and water parks for family-friendly fun. Take advantage of Nyíregyháza’s location near other destinations like Tokaj for easy side trips. Spend time soaking in thermal baths and sampling wines. Use this list to experience the best of what Nyíregyháza has in store for 2024.