Hungary! A landlocked territory in Central Europe has evolved into a modern and cosmopolitan country. As the capital of Hungary, Budapest holds a central place but again Debrecen is the second largest city in Hungary possessing dynamic artwork and cultural accumulation. If you find yourself in Debrecen and are on the hunt for places to visit there then you are at the right place. We'll guide you on how to explore Debrecen meticulously so that you don’t miss a single spot.

Historical Recap of Debrecen

Debrecen's name is believed to have originated from the Turkish meaning “live” or “move”. Debrecen was first given rights in the 13th century. During the Hungarian Revolution of 1840, the revolutionary government moved its headquarters from Budapest to Debrecen and declared it the capital of Hungary. The city’s growth and prosperity were halted during World War II after the demolishment of half of its infrastructure and was rebuilt after the war.

Routes to Debrecen

Debrecen is 230 km (143 miles) from Budapest and has 2 hours 30 minutes travel time through the M3 & M35 Motorway from Budapest. And, Ferihegy train station from Budapest has 3 hours travel time straight to Debrecen. Also, several airlines such as Lufthansa, Wizz Air & Smartwings Hungary from an international airport situated 6 km outside the city provide air travel services to European cities.

Activities You Can Do in Debrecen - Places You Can Visit

Walk the length of Piac Utca

Walk the length of Piac Utca to see historical buildings lining the streets influenced by the secessionist architectural movement at the beginning of the 20th century. There is a courthouse on the right which was constructed in 1912 displaying stained window glass portraying seven chieftains who founded Hungary. Further along, there is a beautiful pink frontage of the first savings bank and an aesthetic infrastructure of Hotel Aranybika rebuilt in 1915.

Debrecen is centered on a gorgeous main square called Kossuth Square. It is mainly for Pedestrians except for a tram line. Lajos Kossuth led the Hungarian Revolution in the 1840s and this eye-catching square was named after him. This square is an enjoyable place to wander joyfully.

Visit the Great Church

The striking bright yellow neoclassical exterior with identical clock towers of the Great Church is a site to admire. The Great Church and Kossuth Square mark true symbols of Debrecen. Since the construction of the Great Church in 1824 it also holds as a symbol of the Protestant Church. The four-and-a-half-tonne Rákóczi Bell centered in the Church was built from Austrian cannonballs in 1642.

Worth visiting Debrecen’s Reform Churches

Two very distinct reform churches are Reformatus Kistemplom on Kossuth Square also known as the truncated church (a unique church) and Arpad Ter about 2 km outside the city which looks like it is made up of Lego.

Acquire Local History at Deri Museum

The Deri Museum is situated behind the Great Church, the collection of the museum was bestowed by Frigyes Deri to the Hungary Government on a condition to build a museum in Debrecen. There is another branch of Deri Museum at Peterfia Street dedicated to Ferenc Medgyessy, a Hungarian sculptor.

Roam Around Other Tourist Attractions

A captivating St Annes Cathedral is located at the west of the center. Moreover, there is a delightful display of lover's locks beautifying a door at Kulcsos-fal. Csokanai Theatre built in 1965 inspired by Moorish architecture is worth a visit. Wander through Kalvin square and towards the rear of the Great Church there are Lycium Tree, a representation of reformation in Hungary. On one side of Kalvin Square, Debrecen Reformed College is worth a view due to its mesmerizing murals and exclusive designs.

Refreshing Big Forest

The big forest is locally known as Nagyerdei Park. It is easily accessible by Tram 1 from the center or train station. This fascinating park contains a large area with delightful sights. Such as Aquaticum Mediterranean pleasure baths, Debrecen Zoo, Nagyredei Park containing the most modern football stadium in the country, 100-year-old Debrecen University, and Agora Science Museum featuring a planetarium.

Short Trips from Debrecen

Hadjuszoboszio is renowned for its thermal waters and is 25 km away comprising a complex of pools and water parks. Nyiregyhaza is famous for its fine pedestrianized center and Sosto area. Furthermore, Mariapocs, a small village is famous for its Byzantine catholic church. The church is extremely beautiful and worth a visit.

The Best Time to Visit Debrecen

The best time to visit Debrecen is during the Flower carnival which happens around 20th August. This event requires pre-booking and scheduling. This event is worth visiting as the city comes to life during that event.

Debrecen contains a good variety of hotels, split between the city center and around Big Forest & they are reasonably priced.

Debrecen has evolved into an epicenter of knowledge and revolution in Hungary. The advances in the field of education, economy, and cultural innovations attract more and more tourists, investors, and a huge number of students making it a flourishing European City.