Szombathely is an historic city in western Hungary near the Austrian border. Tracing its roots back to ancient Roman times, Szombathely has a wealth of historic sites and fascinating museums. Along with its rich history, Szombathely also boasts lovely architecture, trendy cafés, green spaces, and a vibrant cultural scene.

Activity	Description
Marvel at Iseum Savariense	Visit ancient temple ruins dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis, featuring frescoes and mosaics.
Tour Szombathely Cathedral	Explore the 18th-century cathedral with vaulted ceilings, stuccowork, and frescoes.
Relax at Csónakázó-tó	Enjoy boating, fishing, or strolling around a peaceful lake in downtown Szombathely.
Learn about Roman History	Visit museums displaying Roman-era houses, artifacts, and sculptures.
Walking Tour of Historic Architecture	Admire Gothic, Baroque, Classicist, and Art Nouveau buildings in the city.
Peruse the Markets	Explore local markets for Hungarian products, handicrafts, and antiques.
Attend a Concert at Weöres Sándor Theater	Experience performing arts in one of Hungary’s oldest theaters.
Hike up Jakob’s Ladder	Climb a wooden staircase for panoramic views of Szombathely.
Tour the Weiz Sörház	Visit a brewery museum to learn about local beer brewing history.
Try Szombathely’s Cuisine	Sample regional Hungarian-Austrian border cuisine.
Visit the Birthplace of Saint Martin	Explore sites connected to Saint Martin of Tours, including a chapel and historic churches.
Savaria International Folkdance Festival	Enjoy folk dance performances and cultural activities in July.
Take a Day Trip to Kőszeg	Visit a nearby town with historic buildings and local wines.
Relax at Thermal Spas	Experience thermal mineral springs and spa treatments in and around Szombathely.
Shop for Art and Antiques	Browse contemporary artwork and antiques in various galleries and markets.

If visiting in 2024, be sure to experience these 15 top things to do in Szombathely:

Marvel at Iseum Savariense

Name and Location: Iseum Savariense, Király utca 4, Szombathely

History and Significance: The Iseum Savariense was an ancient Roman temple dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis, built in the 2nd century AD when Szombathely (then called Savaria) was part of the Roman Empire. Excavated ruins of the temple are located in the historic city center.

What to Expect: Visitors can see the excavated foundations and partial reconstructed columns of the temple. Informational signs explain the history and architecture. The ruins are small but offer an interesting glimpse into Szombathely’s multicultural Roman past.

Visitor Information: The ruins are open to visit anytime. Entrance is free.

One of Szombathely’s most remarkable sites is the ruins of Iseum Savariense, a temple dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis dating back to the 2nd century AD. The excavated foundations provide a glimpse into Roman religious life in the area and include intricate frescoes and mosaic floors.

An onsite museum has interactive exhibits explaining more about the Isis cult during Roman times. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see an ancient temple ruin up close.

Tour Szombathely Cathedral

Name and Location: Szombathely Cathedral, Szentháromság tér, Szombathely

History and Significance: Szombathely Cathedral is a historic Roman Catholic church built in the 18th century in a mix of Baroque and neoclassical architectural styles. It is the seat of the Bishop of Szombathely and contains artwork and relics dating back centuries.

What to Expect: Visitors can tour the ornate interior of the cathedral and view the art, altars, pipe organ, and crypt. Going up the bell tower provides panoramic city views. Attending mass provides a look at the ceremonies.

Visitor Information: The cathedral is open daily 8am-6pm, with extended hours on weekends. Admission is free but donations accepted. Proper attire is required.

Dominating Szombathely’s main square is the impressive Szombathely Cathedral. Dating back to the 18th century, the cathedral has a magnificent interior with high vaulted ceilings, intricate stuccowork, dramatic altars, and stunning frescoes.

Climb up the bell tower for panoramic views over Szombathely. Guided tours provide insights into the cathedral’s history and art. Be sure to also spend time in the tranquil Gothic courtyard.

Relax at Csónakázó-tó

Name and Location: Csónakázó-tó, Szombathely

History and Significance: Csónakázó-tó is a peaceful artificial lake located right in Szombathely, constructed in the early 20th century. It has long been a popular spot for boating, walks, and relaxation for locals and visitors.

What to Expect: Visitors can rent rowboats and pedal boats to take out on the lake, or walk around the lake and take in views of the water, trees, and wildlife. Local restaurants surround the lake area.

Visitor Information: The lake is open daily year-round, though boating hours vary seasonally. Entrance is free. Boats can be rented for reasonable fees.

When warm weather arrives, head to Csónakázó-tó, a peaceful lake centrally located near Szombathely’s downtown. Rent a boat, go fishing, or just stroll around the lake taking in the natural scenery.

Have a picnic in the surrounding parkland or stop for an ice cream on the lake’s edge. In the summer, live music and cultural programs liven up the lakeshore in the evenings. It’s the perfect spot to unwind on a sunny day.

Learn about Roman History

Name and Location: Szombathely History Museum, Mátyás király utca 4, Szombathely

History and Significance: This museum covers the history of Szombathely from ancient Roman times through the Middle Ages until present day. Interactive displays utilize archeological artifacts, texts, maps, and models.

What to Expect: Visitors can explore exhibits about Roman Savaria, Gothic architecture, medieval life, 18th-19th century Szombathely, and more. Helpful multimedia guides are available. A gift shop sells books and souvenirs.

Visitor Information: The museum is open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm. Admission is 800 HUF for adults, 400 HUF for students.

Szombathely was an important Roman settlement known as Colonia Claudia Savariensum, and several museums shed light on this history. The Vas County Museums has ruins of ancient Romana houses and walls along with artifacts like coins and pottery.

The Martineum Museum focuses more on lapidary relics like Roman tombstones and sculptures with informative displays. Understanding Savariensum’s role as a Roman capital gives greater insight into Szombathely’s origins.

Take a Walking Tour of Historic Architecture

Name and Location: Szombathely Historic Architecture Walking Tour, city center

History and Significance: Szombathely has many well-preserved historic buildings that reflect its evolution over 2000+ years of history, including Roman ruins, Gothic churches, medieval townhouses, Baroque structures, and more.

What to Expect: Guided or self-guided walking tours allow you to explore the historic architecture while learning about the historical and cultural significance of structures like Iseum Savariense, the Cathedral, Town Hall, Derkovits tér buildings, and more.

Visitor Information: Free printable self-guided tours are available online. Guided tours can be booked through the tourist center or private companies.

Szombathely has beautifully preserved architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries. Take a self-guided walking tour to admire the Gothic, Baroque, Classicist and Art Nouveau buildings, many of which now house trendy shops, restaurants and cafés.

Notable structures include the Former Synagogue with ornate interior details and the Urmánczy-kastély mansion with extravagant Rococo wall and ceiling paintings. Discovering these architectural gems is a treat.

Peruse the Markets

Name and Location: Szombathely Markets, Fő tér

History and Significance: Open-air markets have been held in Szombathely’s main square since the Middle Ages. Farmers, artists, and craftspeople come to sell fresh produce, local goods, artwork, clothing, crafts, and more.

What to Expect: The markets offer an opportunity to mingle with locals while shopping for items like fruits and vegetables, meats, baked goods, honey, arts and crafts, and local products. Try bargaining for deals.

Visitor Information: The Fő tér markets run daily from early morning to early afternoon. Large markets happen on Thursday and Saturday mornings.

For a taste of local life in Szombathely, browse the bustling markets. The Central Market Hall has vendors selling fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, pastries and more. In the surrounding streets, you’ll find additional open-air markets and antique fairs happening, especially on weekends.

The markets are great places to pick up Hungarian products and handicrafts like embroidered tablecloths and handmade porcelain. Don’t be afraid to practice your bartering skills!

Attend a Concert at Weöres Sándor Theater

Name and Location: Weöres Sándor Színház, Szombathely

History and Significance: This theater opened in 1907 and was later renamed after the renowned Hungarian poet Sándor Weöres. It hosts dramas, comedies, musicals, operas, and concerts by local and visiting performers.

What to Expect: Visitors can experience high-quality musical, theatrical, and dance performances in an intimate Baroque-style theater. Operas are often performed with Hungarian surtitles.

Visitor Information: Show schedules and ticket prices/bookings are available on the theater’s website. Guided backstage tours can also be arranged.

Dating back over 200 years, the Weöres Sándor Theater is one of the oldest continuously operating theaters in Hungary. Today, it showcases a variety of performing arts including dramas, musicals, ballet, opera, and orchestral concerts.

If you don’t speak Hungarian, try to buy tickets for a dance performance, pantomime show or opera to enjoy the artistry barrier-free. Dressing up and attending the theater is a favorite local pastime.

Hike up Jakob’s Ladder

Name and Location: Jakob’s Ladder, Szombathely

History and Significance: Jakob’s Ladder is a zig-zagging public stairway leading up a steep hill that divides the old and new parts of Szombathely. Built in the early 20th century, it offers scenic views of the city.

What to Expect: Climbing the 130 steps provides a moderate cardio workout. The vantage points give great opportunities for photos overlooking the city, especially at sunset. The stairs are illuminated at night.

Visitor Information: Jakob’s Ladder is freely accessible to the public day and night. It starts at the end of Jákob utca.

For scenic views over Szombathely, take a hike up Jakob’s Ladder. This wooden staircase ascends Castle Hill, site of a former medieval castle. As you climb higher, you’ll get great panoramas of Szombathely Cathedral, downtown’s architecture, and surrounding countryside.

Benches along the way provide spots to rest and soak in the lovely vistas. Pack a picnic to enjoy at the top while taking in views of this historic city.

Tour the Weiz Sörház

Name and Location: Weiz Sörház, Hollán Ernő utca 15, Szombathely

History and Significance: This historic brewery was founded in Szombathely in 1864. Still in operation today, their beers are distributed across Hungary and beyond. Tours allow visitors to see traditional brewing processes.

What to Expect: Brewery tours show the facility and beer-making process, followed by a tasting session of Weiz beers like világos, barna, and IPA. Their beer hall serves traditional Hungarian food.

Visitor Information: English brewery tours run Saturdays at 2pm for ~2 hours. Book online or by phone. The beer hall is open daily 11am-11pm.

The Weiz Sörház (Brewery Museum) details Szombathely’s 150-year history of beer brewing. Housed in a former brewery built in 1853, the museum has historic artifacts, brewing equipment, and exhibits on traditional techniques.

Take a guided tour to hear stories from Szombathely’s past brewmasters. Then sample unfiltered Weiz beer straight from the wooden barrels in the historic beer cellar. This museum brings an important local industry to life.

Try Szombathely’s Cuisine

Name and Location: Szombathely restaurants and eateries

History and Significance: Szombathely cuisine features influences from Hungarian, Austrian, and Slovenian cultures. Local specialties include Rétes (strudel), Rántott csirke (fried chicken), Töltött káposzta (stuffed cabbage), Pecsenye (roasted meat), and more.

What to Expect: The city has many cozy local eateries, markets, and fine-dining restaurants to sample traditional cuisine. Be sure to try local meats, cheeses, pastries, stews, schnitzels, dumplings, roasted vegetables, and Hungarian wines.

Visitor Information: Most restaurants are on Fő tér or adjacent streets. Check menus and reviews online. Making reservations is recommended but walk-ins are usually fine.

Szombathely has mouthwatering cuisine reflecting its heritage in western Hungary near the Austrian border. Be sure to try regional specialties like patkócsucsa (crescent-shaped pasta), rétes (strudel), and wild game dishes.

Many cozy restaurants serve updated versions of Hungarian classics. For a unique experience, dine at Macok Bisztró which employs waiters with visual impairments to offer guests a taste of darkness. Their 5-course surprise menus showcase local flavors.

Visit the Birthplace of Saint Martin

Name and Location: Saint Martin’s Birthplace, Szombathely

History and Significance: Saint Martin of Tours, one of the most revered saints, was born in the Roman city of Savaria, modern-day Szombathely, in 316 AD. The site of his family’s former home is marked by the Saint Martin Memorial Site.

What to Expect: A humble chapel and courtyard mark the birthplace. Visitors can reflect on Saint Martin’s life and impact. A sculpture depicts his famous act of cutting his cloak to share with a beggar.

Visitor Information: The memorial site on Hollán Ernő utca is open daily. Entrance is free.

Szombathely is the birthplace of Saint Martin of Tours, one of the most revered saints, and several sites commemorate his legacy.

The Cell of St. Martin marks the chapel where he was born, parts of which date to the 4th century AD. The Saint Martin Tourist Route leads to additional historic churches connected to his life. You’ll gain a greater understanding of this saint’s origins and impact by visiting these meaningful sites.

See a Performance at the Savaria International Folkdance Festival

Name and Location: Savaria International Folkdance Festival, Szombathely

History and Significance: This annual event happening each July brings together Hungarian and international folkdance groups to perform in elaborate traditional costumes. It started in the 1980s and draws crowds to the city.

What to Expect: Festivalgoers can watch choreographed dances from Hungarian, Slavic, and other cultural groups on outdoor stages as well as participate in dances. Vendors sell folk handicrafts and foods.

Visitor Information: The festival spans several days in mid-July. Venues include Szombathely’s main square and cultural centers. Check the festival website for tickets.

Each July, Szombathely hosts the Savaria International Folkdance Festival. For 5 days, professional and amateur folkdance groups from around the world perform at outdoor stages and historic venues around the city.

Expect colorful costumes, lively music, and intricate choreography showcasing traditions from different cultures. Join in the revelry at the accompanying fair with handicraft vendors, children’s activities, and local dishes.

Take a Day Trip to Kőszeg

Name and Location: Kőszeg, Hungary

History and Significance: This small medieval town lies about 30km from Szombathely near the Austrian border. It offers well-preserved Gothic and Baroque architecture, scenic hilltop views, and local wineries to visit.

What to Expect: Top attractions are the historic downtown, Jurisics tér, Castle Hill, and Chernel Street. Hiking up Castle Hill provides panoramic views. The town also has museums, churches, and shops to explore.

Visitor Information: Kőszeg is an easy day trip from Szombathely by train or bus. The town is very walkable. Guided tours can be arranged through the Kőszeg visitor center.

The charming town of Kőszeg sits about 30km northeast of Szombathely and makes an easy day trip. Wander past storybook houses and gothic buildings on its main square. Hike up to Kőszeg Castle to take in panoramas from its lookout tower.

Browse local handicrafts and try Kőszeg’s grape-based wines and brandies. Back in Szombathely, look for Kőszeg’s famous onion at restaurants, a delicacy granted European Union protection.

Relax at Thermal Spas

Name and Location: Thermal spas in Szombathely

History and Significance: Szombathely has been home to thermal spa baths since ancient Roman times due to its natural geothermal springs. These therapeutic mineral waters draw visitors for relaxation and health.

What to Expect: Modern facilities like the Argosy Spa offer indoor and outdoor pools, jacuzzis, saunas, massages, and other pampering treatments. The ancient Roman bath ruins can also be visited.

Visitor Information: Argosy Spa is open daily 8am-8pm. 2-hour entry tickets start around $20 USD. Booking treatments is recommended. The Roman bath ruins have free entry.

Szombathely has thermal mineral springs perfect for rest and relaxation. Savaria Historic Thermal Bath has various indoor and outdoor pools fed by the therapeutic waters, along with spa treatments.

At Bükkszentkereszt Thermal Spa just outside town, enjoyed the rejuvenating hot baths surrounded by forest. The Arcadia Spa provides pampering services if you want to be indulgent. Spend time soaking in the mineral-rich waters to recharge your mind and body.

Shop for Art and Antiques

Name and Location: Antique shops in Szombathely

History and Significance: As an ancient city, Szombathely has many antiques and historical artifacts from Hungarian, Roman, Gothic, and other eras for sale in local shops. Items date back hundreds or thousands of years.

What to Expect: Shops specialized in antiques offer a variety of ancient coins, jewelry, glassware, ceramics, books, medals, artwork, and other artifacts. Expect a mix of quality, eras, and prices.

Visitor Information: Antique shops can be found near Fő tér and within the pedestrian zone. Always negotiate prices for antiques and inspect for authenticity.

Szombathely has a thriving arts and antiques scene thanks to its history-filled architecture. Gallery 33 showcases diverse contemporary artwork from both local and nationai artists. Find unique pieces to take home at antique shops like Butik Antik along Arany János utca.

Don’t miss the Sunday antiquities market on Fő ter main square, where you can browse antique books, furniture, china, jewelry and more from various vendors. Haggle for some rare finds.

Conclusion

From ancient Roman ruins to 18th-century cathedrals, Szombathely provides visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in Hungarian history and culture. Tour museums and historic sites during the day to learn about the region’s past, then enjoy relaxed evenings dining at cozy restaurants and taking in cultural performances.

The surrounding countryside offers options like hikes and winery visits for day trips. With thermal baths, great shopping, and beautiful architecture, Szombathely has something for everyone in 2024. Use this list to experience the best highlights of this diverse Hungarian city.