Kecskemét lies just 90kms south of the capital, Budapest, and is the capital of the Bács-Kiskun County. It sits of the edge of the Puszta, the Great Southern Plain, and is a major hub for public transport and industry. Kecskemét sits among sandy hills exactly halfway between the two great rivers, Danube and Tisza. With a population of around 110,000, the city is one of the larger places in the area and is resplendent with ornate architecture and interesting museums. The population swells in the summer months as the tourists flock to visit the city. Many use it as a base for exploring the nearby Puszta, while others move on to look for a place in the countryside.

With Daimler announcing its intention to open a new factory to manufacture parts for its luxury cars, meaning an 800 million euro investment in the city, interest in this area has exploded. The investment will create 2500 new jobs and will be an enormous boost to the local economy.

Historically, Kecskemét is one of the more interesting towns in Hungary. Situated on a major trading route the town soon flourished and grew from a small market town to a major trading post. The centrepiece of the town is the century old town hall, in the main square, which is a wonderful example of Art Nouveau architecture and whose bell tower chimes are a lasting memory for those who visit the city. The building boasts an enamelled ceramic roof and an elegant banquet hall. Nearby sits the old Franciscan monastery, which is the oldest building in the city and now houses the Zoltán Kodály Pedagogical Institute of Music. The Cifra palota (Ornamented Palace), is a dazzlingly unique piece of architecture built in 1902 and its glorious whitewashed façade is highlighted by pink decorations and a multicoloured roof. This really is a sight that should not be missed. It currently hosts the Kecskemét Gallery. Also in the main square is the Roman Catholic Church, the tallest building of the Great Hungarian Plain. At 73 metres tall, the current façade is in the baroque style and took 32 years to build. The main square is closed to traffic, so you can enjoy this spectacle of historical architecture without the polluting fumes of modern-day traffic.

The main bus and train station is located just 10 minutes from the city centre and has regular connections to Budapest and the surrounding towns.