Came for goulash, left with a memory

I arrived in Szeged early in the morning, while the city still smelled of freshly baked muffins and warm bread. The sky was clear and the air slightly fresh - an ideal day for exploring. The first stop was, of course, the city center.

I made my way slowly towards the Dóm, the magnificent Cathedral of Babylon, as many call it because of its huge dome and distinctive architecture. The bells rang out as I climbed the steps of Dóm tér, and the feeling of standing in front of something so monumental was powerful. Although I didn't get to go inside the cathedral due to my short stay, I walked around it, admiring the details of the facade and the imposing towers rising towards the sky.

After that I headed towards the Tisza River. The waterfront promenade was quiet, with some cyclists and people drinking coffee in the gardens. I sat down in a small cafe overlooking the river and ordered an espresso. Silence, gently flowing water and the smell of spring - it was a moment to remember.

For lunch - a gastronomic challenge. I visited a local restaurant where they recommended the famous Szeged stew - of course, I couldn't miss it. The stew was creamy, rich and perfectly seasoned, with chunks of meat that melted in the mouth. In addition, homemade bread and cold lemonade. A real feast for the palate.

After lunch, I walked to the Ferenc Móra Museum, which is right next to the banks of the Tisza. Although I had limited time, I visited several exhibitions - I was particularly interested in the archaeological exhibits and old photographs of the city before the great floods that almost destroyed it at the end of the 19th century. That's when I found out how much Szeged is actually a city that has been rebuilt from the ashes, which gives it an even deeper historical weight.

Along the way, I stopped at small souvenir shops, where I picked up a postcard and a small magnet – a custom I cultivate in every city I visit.

At the end of the day, another walk through the center, through Kárász Street, the main pedestrian zone full of shops, ice cream and street musicians. I bought a lavender honey ice cream (something new for me) and sat on a bench in the shade, soaking up the last rays of the sun.

I returned home the same day, but with a head full of impressions. Szeged surprised me - not because of the spectacular attractions, but because of the atmosphere, authentic food, rich history and quiet moments that the city offers to anyone who sincerely explores it.

One day was enough to make me want to go back.