Makó can be explored through a range of themes: a guided tour of the city’s history and architecture, a museum with an exhibition on onion cultivation, and activities along the banks of the Maros. When choosing accommodation in Makó, it helps to decide what you want to focus on during your trip. The town centre and the riverbank offer different starting points for sightseeing; the riverbank is easily reached from the centre by car or bicycle.

Discover architecture on a guided tour

The Makovecz Tour is a guided city walk in the centre of Makó. Alongside the city’s history, it introduces buildings and public spaces designed by Kossuth Prize-winning architect Imre Makovecz and his students. The tour can be taken on foot, by bicycle or by horse-drawn carriage. If you would like to include it in your travel plans, check availability and the specific arrangements in advance.

The Hagymatikum is also regarded in Hungary as an important work of organic architecture. Its distinctive interior and roof structure are described as a work of art. Architecture in Makó therefore encompasses both the buildings and public spaces featured on the tour and this distinctive architectural design.

Museum, memorial sites and culture

In the town centre, the József Attila Museum has been collecting and presenting the history and memorabilia of Makó and its surroundings since 1950. The museum includes Hagymásház, with a permanent exhibition on onion cultivation. It adds a specific theme to the broader history of the town and region—a theme that also appears in the name of the International Onion Festival.

Another chapter in the town’s history is told at the Bishop’s Residence and Chapel: Bishop László Köszeghy had the buildings visible today constructed in 1826. The Espersit House, a Neoclassical residence built in 1898, displays contemporary manuscripts, books, photographs and furnishings. It also provides information about the poetic career of Attila József. Check current public access before visiting. A visitor centre established in 2020 in a building belonging to the synagogue explains the history of Makó’s Jewish community; here too, it is advisable to check current access in advance.

The Onion House is Makó’s cultural centre and also includes a theatre. If you would like to combine your visit with a performance, check the venue’s current programme. Another point of interest for visitors interested in cultural and technological history is a centre run by the Maros-Bank Vintage Vehicle Enthusiasts Sports Association. It opened in March 2024 and displays vintage motorcycles belonging to the association’s members, as well as an exhibition about József Galamb. The exhibits may change.

Onion culture: permanent exhibition or festival

The onion theme appears in two different forms: as a permanent exhibition at Hagymásház and as an annual festival. Makó’s International Onion Festival is a three-day event held on the second weekend of September each year since 1991. If the festival is the reason for your trip, check the current event dates before finalising your stay. This helps distinguish the permanent exhibition from the date of a specific event.

Exploring the banks of the Maros

Tourist attractions along the Maros in Makó include the Lombkorona-sétány, the attractions at Maros Kalandpart and a hiking trail towards Apátfalva. This selection includes both named attractions and a trail whose destination is indicated by its name; no walking time is specified. The riverbank is easily reached from the centre of Makó by car or bicycle. Check the current operating conditions of the facilities before your visit.

For your plans, you can organise the themes by purpose: the guided tour combines the town’s history with Makovecz’s architecture, the museum and Hagymásház focus on collections and onion cultivation, and the named attractions and hiking trail are the main features along the Maros. If a particular event period matters, compare it with the current festival dates; for the tour and buildings with limited or unconfirmed access, check the relevant visitor arrangements.

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