Békés County sits in Hungary’s sunny southeast, laced by the Körös rivers and known for folk traditions, paprika-rich sausages, and lingering spa culture. Its star is Gyula, a compact town where a red-brick medieval castle stands beside fragrant thermal pools and parkland. You’ll find an easy rhythm here: a morning in a museum, a lazy soak before dinner, and an evening stroll past linden trees.

History runs deep. Gyula’s 15th-century castle weathered Ottoman sieges; its aristocratic Almásy Palace later chronicled everyday noble life with hands-on, modern exhibits. Composer Ferenc Erkel—author of Hungary’s national anthem—was born here; his childhood home adds a melodic note to your walk through town.

Practicalities are painless. Trains from Budapest take roughly 3–3.5 hours, with Békéscsaba as the main junction. Cash and cards are both common; tipping is 10% in restaurants. For baths, bring a swimsuit and flip-flops; towel rentals are available on site. Expect hearty fare—Gyulai (and neighboring Csabai) kolbász, catfish soup, and poppyseed pastries—paired with light, floral pálinka.

Gyula

Gyula is a graceful small town ideal for a slow weekend: castle-and-spa, leafy promenades, and cafés that still serve tortes on porcelain. The core sights cluster around the Gyulai Vár (Gyula Castle) and the surrounding park, so you can wander everywhere on foot.

• Don’t miss: Gyula Castle Museum, Gyulai Várfürdő thermal baths & Aquapalota, Almásy Palace Visitor Centre, Erkel Ferenc Memorial House.
• What to eat: Slices of Gyulai kolbász with pickles, halászlé (fisherman’s soup), túrós csusza (cottage-cheese noodles), and old-world cakes at the 19th‑century Százéves Cukrászda.
• Vibe: Quiet, heritage-rich, and restorative—perfect for couples, culture-curious travelers, and spa fans.

Where to stay (Gyula): Browse apartments steps from the castle or spa hotels near the park.

• Vacation rentals and villas: Find Gyula stays on VRBO
• Hotels and guesthouses: See Gyula hotels on Hotels.com

Getting there: From Budapest, take an InterCity train to Békéscsaba and connect onward to Gyula (total ~3–3.5 hours; ~€15–25). Departures run through the day; seats are assigned on IC trains.

• Trains in Europe: Search Budapest–Gyula trains on Omio
• Buses in Europe (some routes via Békéscsaba): Compare regional buses on Omio
• Flying into Budapest (for European routes): Find flights to Budapest on Omio

Day 1: Arrival, Castle Quarter, and a Thermal Evening

Morning: Travel to Gyula. Aim for a late-morning or early-afternoon arrival so you can drop bags and get straight to the sights. Pick accommodation walking distance to the castle gates for the easiest flow.

Afternoon: Start at Gyula Castle Museum, one of Central Europe’s best-preserved brick fortresses. Climb the tower for views over the park, then trace sieges, noble life, and crafts in compact, well-signed rooms. For a sweet interlude, settle into the venerable Százéves Cukrászda (The “100-Year-Old” Confectionery, founded 1840) for Dobos torte or poppyseed bejgli with espresso—think wood-paneling, glass cases, and old Austro-Hungarian elegance.

Evening: Walk across to Gyulai Várfürdő, the town’s thermal complex set in the castle park. Rotate between mineral-rich outdoor pools and warm indoor baths, then try the Aquapalota slides if you want a playful jolt. For dinner, book a table at a traditional végvári-style inn near the castle for paprika-rich stews, túrós csusza, and grilled Gyulai sausage with mustard and pickled peppers; pair it with a glass of Kadarka or Bikavér. Round off the night with an easy stroll beneath plane trees around the moat.

Day 2: Palace Stories, Erkel’s Music, and Riverside Biking

Morning: Visit the interactive Almásy Palace Visitor Centre to peek into aristocratic daily life—kitchens, wardrobes, and games—brought to life with clever multimedia. Then continue to the Erkel Ferenc Memorial House, which celebrates the composer of Hungary’s national anthem; a short, focused visit that pairs well with a coffee at a nearby café.

Afternoon: Taste the region. Pop into a local Gyulai/“Gyulahús” brand shop for slices of the protected Gyulai kolbász (PGI), smoked ham, and creamy körözött spread to assemble an impromptu picnic. Rent bikes from the Tourinform Gyula office or a central rental to pedal quiet paths toward the Körös backwaters or the green meadows of Szanazug (seasonal cafés in summer). Prefer more spa time? Return to the thermal pools for saunas and a lazy swim.

Evening: For your farewell dinner, try a riverside restaurant for harcsapaprikás (catfish paprikash) with túrós csusza, or a grill house specializing in local sausage platters and potato rösti. End with a nightcap of szilva (plum) or barack (apricot) pálinka and a final loop through the softly lit castle park before your afternoon departure the next day.

Coffee, breakfast, and meal ideas in Gyula:

• Százéves Cukrászda: Classic cakes, layered tortes, and morning coffee in a historic setting—ideal for breakfast or an afternoon pause.
• Castle-side grills and inns: Look for menus featuring Gyulai sausage platters, gulyásleves in a kettle, and game stews; these spots offer hearty portions and fair prices.
• Spa cafés at Várfürdő: Casual snacks, lángos, and light salads between soaks—perfect if you want to maximize bath time.

Departure: Trains back to Budapest run throughout the day. If you’re catching a late flight, aim for a mid-morning departure to allow buffer time at the airport.

Optional Add-On: A Night in Budapest (Before or After Gyula)

If your schedule includes an overnight in Budapest, cap the day with an hour on the Danube to see Buda Castle, the Parliament, and Chain Bridge illuminated. These short cruises pair well with dinner—and are easy to slot between trains and flights.

• Budapest Highlights Sightseeing Cruise

  

  One-hour evening cruise with a welcome drink and audio guide—an easy, photogenic overview of the UNESCO-listed Danube panorama.

  
  
  
• Budapest Centre Food Tour with 10+ Tastings, Wine & Street Food

  

  Explore classic and contemporary Hungarian bites—perfect context before you dive into Békés County’s sausage and paprika traditions.

Getting around Budapest (if needed): Use trams and metro, or a hop-on hop-off pass if you’re short on time between trains.

For all trains and buses within Europe, compare times and prices on Omio: trains and buses. For flights to or within Europe, search Omio flights.

Why this 2-day Gyula plan works: You’ll touch the county’s greatest hits—castle, palace, composer’s house—without rush, with long soaks built in and authentic food at every turn. It’s a gentle, story-filled weekend that still feels distinctly Hungarian.