Uncovering of massive VAT fraud
The tax authority (NAV) has dismantled a criminal organization in Kecskemét specializing in multi-billion VAT fraud. Eight people were arrested in connection with the case.
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Kecskemét
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City
ℹ️Practical info — Kecskemét
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Listen to the carillon (bells) playing folk songs at the ornate City Hall on Kossuth Square.
- The city is very flat and bike-friendly, making bicycle rentals a great way to get around.
- Admire the Cifra Palota, a masterpiece of Art Nouveau architecture covered in colorful Zsolnay tiles.
- Weekday parking in the historic center requires a paid ticket, so use the designated zones carefully.
🍽 Food
🍽
Kecskeméti Barackpálinka
The famous local apricot brandy. Try it in local cellars or authentic pubs around the center.
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Alföldi Gulyás
A hearty traditional goulash soup of the Great Plain, best enjoyed at a rustic Csárda on the outskirts.
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Lángos
Deep-fried flatbread with garlic, sour cream, and cheese. Find the best ones freshly made at the local market.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
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Kecskeméti Piac (Market)
The main farmers' market where locals buy fresh fruit, honey, and paprika directly from producers.
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Malom Központ
A modern shopping mall integrated into a former mill right in the city center.
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Benkó Zoltán Szabadidőközpont
A huge leisure park with an artificial lake and a small hill, well-suited for walking and relaxing.
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Kecskeméti Arborétum
A peaceful botanical garden on the edge of the city, good for nature walks.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
2
New director at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Kecskemét
Christian Dickert has taken over the management of the Mercedes-Benz plant in Kecskemét. He succeeds Jens Bühler in this position.
Kecskemét, often called the 'famous city,' is situated in the exact heart of the Great Hungarian Plain and is a masterpiece of Hungarian Art Nouveau architecture. Its main square is adorned with spectacular buildings like the Cifra Palota (Fancy Palace) and the Town Hall, both featuring spirited Zsolnay ceramic decorations. As the birthplace of world-renowned composer and music educator Zoltán Kodály, the city is a global center for music pedagogy, hosting the prestigious Kodály Institute. Kecskemét is equally famous for its agriculture, particularly its apricots, which are used to produce the 'Kecskeméti Barackpálinka,' a protected Hungarian spirit (Hungaricum). The city's cultural life is further enriched by the Kecskemét Animation Film Studio, one of the most significant animation houses in Europe. With its diverse range of museums, historical churches of various denominations, and bustling local markets, Kecskemét provides a unique blend of urban elegance and traditional rural charm. The nearby Kiskunság National Park also provides excellent opportunities for exploring the unique flora and fauna of the Hungarian steppe. Kecskemét further strengthened its Mercedes-Benz automotive cluster in 2024-2025, preparing production of the new model generation including the CLA EV. Klaudia Szemereyné Pataki (Fidesz) remained mayor.
- Location: Bács-Kiskun, Hungary
- Top sights: Kecskemét Town Hall · Cifra Palace (Cifrapalota) · Katona József Theatre
- Nearby: Kiskunfélegyháza (24 km)
- Population: ~112.071
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 1 | 6 | 12 | 17 | 21 | 24 | 23 | 18 | 12 | 6 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 37 | 42 | 39 | 36 | 63 | 74 | 65 | 59 | 56 | 50 | 42 | 43 |
Geography
Facts
- Famous for its Art Nouveau architecture, especially the Cifra Palota.
- Birthplace of Zoltán Kodály, world-famous composer and educator.
- Known for 'barackpálinka' (apricot brandy), a protected Hungaricum.
- The Town Hall was built in 1893-1897 by Ödön Lechner and Gyula Pártos.
- The Kecskemét Animation Film Studio is one of the largest in Europe.
- Located exactly in the middle of the Great Hungarian Plain.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Kecskemét (23)
Frequently asked questions
What is the Cifra Palace?
A magnificent Art Nouveau building with colorful ceramic tiles, which now houses an art gallery.
What is the typical drink in Kecskemét?
Kecskemét is famous for its apricot brandy (barackpálinka), made from fruits grown in the area.
Is there a carillon there?
Yes, the City Hall in the main square has a carillon that plays well-known Hungarian tunes several times a day.
Who was Zoltán Kodály?
A world-famous composer and music educator born in Kecskemét. The city houses an institute named after him.
How far is Kecskemét from Budapest?
It is located about 90 km southeast of Budapest and can be reached in about an hour via the M5 motorway or by train.
Kecskemét: where is it located?
Kecskemét is located in Bács-Kiskun, Hungary.
Kecskemét: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kecskemét Town Hall, Cifra Palace (Cifrapalota), Katona József Theatre.
Kecskemét: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Kecskemét: why is it worth visiting?
Kecskemét, often called the 'famous city,' is situated in the exact heart of the Great Hungarian Plain and is a masterpiece of Hungarian Art Nouveau architecture.
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Nearby cities
Baja
City on the Danube, famous for its fish soup and the annual fish soup festival.
Kiskunfélegyháza
City in the Great Plain with impressive Art Nouveau architecture.
Kalocsa
One of the oldest cities in Hungary, famous for paprika and folk art.
Kiskunmajsa
Small town in the Great Plain, known for its thermal bath.
Hajós
City in the plains, famous for its unique wine cellar village.
Gemenc Forest
Central Europe's largest contiguous floodplain forest, famous for its narrow-gauge railway and red deer population.
🗺️
Helvécia
Helvécia is a Hungarian settlement in Kecskemét District County, with approximately 5.070 inhabitants.
Nagykőrös
Historic city in the plains, famous for agriculture and Arany János.
Lajosmizse
Lajosmizse is known for its hospitality and traditional Hungarian csárdas (inns).
Kerekegyháza
Kerekegyháza is a Hungarian settlement in Kecskemét District County, with approximately 6.396 inhabitants.
Izsák
Izsák is a Hungarian settlement in Kiskőrös District County, with approximately 5.511 inhabitants.
Tiszakécske
Tiszakécske is a Hungarian settlement in Tiszakécske District County, with approximately 11.654 inhabitants.
Cegléd
City in the plains, known for its thermal bath and connection to Lajos Kossuth.
Szabadszállás
Szabadszállás is a Hungarian settlement in Kunszentmiklós District County, with approximately 5.853 inhabitants.
Cserkeszőlő
A popular spa resort on the Great Hungarian Plain, home to 82 °C geothermal medicinal water.
History & landmarks
Nature
Kiskunság National Park
A national park protecting the unique Puszta landscape between the Danube and Tisza rivers.
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Lake Kolon
An important marsh lake in the Kiskunság National Park.
Danube-Tisza Canal
An unfinished canal project to connect the two largest rivers.
Zagyva River
A significant tributary of the Tisza, which flows in at Szolnok.
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Lake Csaj
An extensive pond system in the Pusztaszer Nature Reserve.
More places
Kecskemét Great Church
The largest late Baroque church in the Great Plain, dedicated to Saint Nicholas.
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Kecskemét Zoo
A cozy zoo with a special focus on native wildlife and rescue programs.
Mercedes-Benz Plant Kecskemét
One of Europe's most modern car plants, producing premium compact automobiles.
Bugac Puszta
Part of the Kiskunság National Park, famous for its equestrian traditions.
Csongrad Old Town
A historic ensemble of thatched-roof fisherman cottages on the Tisza banks.
Tiszafoldvar Agricultural Processing Center
This industrial facility specializes in processing locally grown grain varieties.
Szolnok Chemical Plant
This industrial area produces basic chemical substances and specialty paints.