The 7 things to do in Debrecen

Visit Debrecen: what are the best things to do and see in this charming Hungarian city?

Second largest city Hungary , Debrecen is known to be the capital of the great Hungarian plain! It is also known as Calvinist Rome, thanks to the strong links of the city with this Christian current. Visit Debrecen ensures you discover another face of Hungary. The city is located in Budapest and has less English speakers, but it does not prevent people from being very welcoming and smiling. The historic and cultural heritage of the city is certainly worth a look, even if the battles of the Second World War have not spared it. But the richness of Debrecen lies above all in its typical Hungarian charm, as well as in the natural or picturesque wonders that surround the city.

If you ask yourself to do Debrecen during your stay? Here is the answer with these 7 essential things to visit in Debrecen!

1. Great Reformed Church of Debrecen

The Great Debrecen Church is a symbol of Protestantism in Hungary, in addition to being the most important Protestant church in the country. Built in the early 19th century in a neoclassical style, visiting Debrecen without stopping in front of its most iconic monument is impossible! Visitors also have the opportunity to climb to the top of the West Tower to have a sublime view of the city.

2. Hortobágy National Park

To visit the Hortobágyi National Park, Debrecen is undoubtedly the perfect starting point. This park is famous for its rich cultural heritage. Visitors can thus discover how agriculture has evolved in Hungary, while appreciating the traditional way of living the great Hungarian plain!

In addition to the cultural aspect, the park has a unique biodiversity. Visiting the largest national park in Hungary offers you the opportunity to discover the fauna and flora of the country, as well as – perhaps – to see some horses from Przewalski semi-savages!

3. Place Kossuth

Unable to visit Debrecen without stopping on its main square! Kossuth Square represents the heart of the city. Many festivals or events take place in Kossuth throughout the year, such as the Parade des Fleurs: a long week of festivities that takes place in August. In winter, it necessarily welcomes the Christmas market where the big typical fir sits!

4. Iron Museum

The Déri Museum is located in a magnificent neo-baroque-style building, admiring as much 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 welcomes a surprising collection of art from the 17th to the 19th century.

5. Sainte-Anne Cathedral

What a surprise to see this immense Catholic cathedral remain in the heart of Calvinist Rome. If the Catholic faith disappeared in Debrecen, the cathedral still stands there. In the absence of welcoming faithful, it houses an exhibition on the history of religion in Debrecen.

6. See also in Debrecen

If you still wonder what to do in Debrecen, here are more monuments and attractions to discover:

• Statue of Lajos Kossuth: a statue of one of the main actors of the Hungarian revolution of 1848 against the Austrian power! Lajos Kossuth allowed the initial success of the movement.
• Bains de Kerekestelep : this spa/piscine allows visitors to relax after a long day in the city.
• Csokonai Theatre: a magnificent cultural building in the center of the city.
• The White Rose of the Revolution: work of Hungarian sculptor Miklós Melocco to remember the 1956 Revolution against Soviet power.
• Reformed College: Opened 450 years ago, it was the scene of major events in Hungarian history, such as the Declaration of Independence of 1849.
• Grand Hotel Aranybika: a four-star hotel with amazing architecture!
• The Little Reformed Church: built in the 17th century, but damaged since a fire, the church has been rebuilt since. It is possible to visit it from June to September.

7. Things to do in the vicinity of Debrecen

Visit Debrecen will allow you to discover many wonders. But it would be a shame to be confined only to the city and not to explore the surrounding natural wonders like:* Lake Vekeri: 13km from Debrecen is this charming lake, very popular with the locals. In the summer you can make a boat or a horse ride on the shore.

• The 9-hole bridge: located in Hortobágy National Park and 168 metres long, it is the longest of its kind in Hungary and Europe.

How to get to Debrecen?

To go to Debrecen, you can use the plane. You will find a cheap flight on our partner's website Ulysses . Take between 30 and 45 minutes to the historic centre from Debrecen International Airport. Take a bus from Budapest is also a good option to go to Debrecen. Take two or three hours from the capital.

Where to stay in Debrecen?

If you choose to visit Debrecen, we recommend you house in the city centre to be close to the city’s historic attractions and monuments. You can find a cheap hotel in Debrecen by looking for this Compare hotels .

Now you know what to do in Debrecen during your stay!