With around 200,000 inhabitants, Debrecen is the second largest city in Hungary and is located in the very east of the country. The city is the cultural center of the Hungarian Plain, where the Puszta with the famous Hortobagy National Park is also located. Debrecen has played a very important role in Hungary’s religious and cultural history. Today the city is a lively university city with a vibrant cultural scene, sights and a beautiful park.

Getting to Debrecen

By plane: Debrecen International Airport is right on the outskirts of the city and is only a few kilometers from the city center. The small, modern airport offers direct flights to many European cities. From the airport you can quickly reach the city center by taxi or public bus.

By train: Debrecen is well connected to Budapest by train, with frequent connections. The journey from Budapest’s Nyugati or Keleti train stations takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. Debrecen Central Station is a few hundred meters south of the center.

By car: If you prefer to drive, you can quickly reach Debrecen from Budapest via the M3 and M35 motorways. The journey takes about 2-2.5 hours, depending on traffic. There are parking spaces in Debrecen and at most tourist attractions.

Things to do in Debrecen

Great Reformed Church (Nagytemplom): The very well-known Great Reformed Church is the symbol of Debrecen and the largest Protestant church in Hungary. With its twin towers and spacious interior, the church is a must-see. Climb the towers to enjoy panoramic views of the city and explore the interior. Debrecen’s most important building.

Deri Museum: This museum in the city center is one of the most important museums in all of Hungary. It houses a diverse collection of artifacts including artwork, ethnographic and natural history exhibits. The highlight of the museum is the “Munkacsy Trilogy,” a series of paintings by the famous Hungarian painter Mihály von Munkácsy.

Nagyerdei Park: Debrecen’s “Great Forest” is a huge city park 2-3 km north of the city. The park features hiking trails, lakes, the Nagyerdei Stadium and the Aquaticum thermal bath.

Aquaticum: Located in Nagyerdei Park, the spa complex is a popular attraction for locals and visitors alike. Featuring thermal pools (indoor and outdoor), a sauna world and a water park with slides and wave pools.

Debrecen Zoo and Amusement Park: Also located in Nagyerdei Park, this zoo and amusement park is a popular spot for families. The zoo is home to animals from around the world, while the amusement park offers rides and attractions year-round.

Kossuth Square: Kossuth Square in central Debrecen is a lively square surrounded by historic buildings, including the City Hall and the Great Reformed Church described above. The square is often the site of festivals and markets. It’s a great place to people watch, have a coffee or browse the nearby shops.

MODEM Center: This contemporary art gallery is one of the largest in Hungary and showcases the works of Hungarian and international artists. In the center almost at Kossuth Square.

Eating and drinking: Debrecen has some good restaurants serving local cuisine. I recommend trying local specialties such as Debreceni kolbász (a type of sausage) and Hungarian goulash. Lots of modern cafes in the center.

Day trips to Hortobagy National Park: Just a short drive from Debrecen, Horthovagy National Park offers the opportunity to experience the unique landscape and wildlife of the Hungarian Plain. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its vast grasslands, traditional pastoral culture and many species of birds (bird watching). About 40 km west of Debrecen.

Romania: Debrecen is only a few kilometers from the border with Romania. If you have a car, you can drive across the border.

Shopping in Debrecen: The city center has a wide range of shops, from international brands to local boutiques. The Forum Debrecen shopping center is a popular place for shopping and eating. The market in the large market hall in the center is also more than worth seeing.

Debrecen sausage: In southern Germany and Austria, the city of Debrecen is known primarily for its Debrecen sausages. However, these are more common here and less common in the city of Debrecen. In Hungary, Debrecen is associated with completely different, less spicy, types of sausage.