Visiting Debrecen: what are the best things to see and do in this charming Hungarian city?
Hungary‘s second-largest city, Debrecen is known as the capital of the Great Hungarian Plain! It’s also known as Calvinist Rome, thanks to the city’s strong links with this Christian movement. A visit to Debrecen is guaranteed to show you a different side of Hungary. Far from Budapest, the city certainly has fewer English speakers, but that doesn’t stop the inhabitants from being very welcoming and smiling. The city’s historical and cultural heritage is well worth a visit, even if the fighting of the Second World War did not spare it. But Debrecen’s richness lies above all in its typically Hungarian charm, as well as in the natural and picturesque wonders that surround the city.
If you’re wondering what to do in Debrecen during your stay? Here’s the answer with these 7 must-see things to do in Debrecen!
1. Great Reformed Church of Debrecen
Photo credit: Flickr – Istvan
The Great Church of Debrecen is a symbol of Protestantism in Hungary, as well as being the country’s largest Protestant church. Built in the early 19th century in a neoclassical style, visiting Debrecen without stopping in front of its most iconic monument is impossible! Visitors can also climb to the top of the West Tower for a sublime view of the city.
2. Hortobágy National Park
Photo credit: Debrecen.hu
To visit the Hortobágyi National Park, Debrecen is undoubtedly the perfect starting point. The park is famous for its rich cultural heritage. Visitors can discover how agriculture evolved in Hungary, while learning about the traditional way of life of the Great Hungarian Plain!
In addition to the cultural aspect, the park boasts a unique biodiversity. Visiting Hungary’s largest national park gives you the chance to discover the country’s flora and fauna, as well as – perhaps – catching a glimpse of some semi-wild Przewalski’s horses!
3. Place Kossuth
Photo credit: Debrecen.hu
It’s impossible to visit Debrecen without stopping off at its main square! Kossuth Square is the heart of the city. Many festivals and events take place in Kossuth throughout the year, such as the Flower Parade: a long week of festivities in August. In winter, Kossuth is home to the Christmas market, where the typical Christmas tree takes pride of place!
4. Musée Déri
Photo credit: Wikipedia – tilet
The Musée Déri is housed in a magnificent neo-Baroque building, as much to be admired as the fabulous collections it houses! It was designed to preserve and share the cultural heritage of the region and the world. For example, the Museum houses an astonishing collection of art from the 17th to the 19th centuries.
5. Sainte-Anne Cathedral
Photo credit: Wikimedia – Indafotó
What a surprise to see this huge Catholic cathedral still standing in the heart of Calvinist Rome. The Catholic faith may have disappeared from Debrecen, but the cathedral still stands. Instead of welcoming the faithful, it houses an exhibition on the history of religion in Debrecen.
6. Also in Debrecen
Photo credit: Facebook – Grand Hotel Aranybika Debrecen
If you’re still wondering what to do in Debrecen, here are more monuments and attractions to discover:
- Statue of Lajos Kossuth: a statue of one of the key players in the Hungarian revolution of 1848 against Austrian rule! Lajos Kossuth was instrumental in the movement’s initial success.
- Kerekestelep baths: this spa/pool lets visitors relax after a long day in town.
- Csokonai Theatre: a magnificent cultural building in the center of the city.
- The White Rose of the Revolution: a work by Hungarian sculptor Miklós Melocco to commemorate the 1956 Revolution against Soviet rule.
- Reformed College: opened 450 years ago, it was the scene of major events in Hungarian history, such as the Declaration of Independence in 1849.
- Grand Hôtel Aranybika: a four-star hotel with stunning architecture!
- The Little Reformed Church: built in the 17th century, but since damaged by fire, the church has been rebuilt. It can be visited from June to September.
7. Things to do in the Debrecen area
Photo credit: oszk
-
Visiting Debrecen will allow you to discover many wonders. But it would be a shame to confine yourself to the city and not explore the surrounding natural wonders, such as:
- Lake Vekeri: 13km from Debrecen lies this charming lake, very popular with the locals. In summer, you can go boating or horse-riding on the shore.
- The 9-hole bridge: located in the Hortobágy National Park and 168 meters long, it is the longest of its kind in Hungary and Europe
.
How do I get to Debrecen?
To get to Debrecen, you can fly. You’ll find a cheap flight on the website of our partner Ulysses. It takes between 30 and 45 minutes to get to the historic center from Debrecen International Airport. Taking a bus from Budapest is also a good way to get to Debrecen. Allow two or three hours for the journey from the capital.
Where to stay in Debrecen?
If you choose to visit Debrecen, we recommend you stay in the city center to be as close as possible to the city’s attractions and historic monuments. You can find a cheap hotel in Debrecen by searching on this hotel comparator.
Now you know what to do in Debrecen during your stay!
Map of hotels and accommodation – Debrecen,hu