Debrecen, the centre of the Northern Great Plain region and the seat of Hajdú-Bihar county, is the second largest city in Hungary.
What to see & do
Once an economical and religious centre of Northern Hungary, today Debrecen strives to capture your attention by its remaining 19th century charm. The city itself was/is the fount of Hungarian Calvinism, so do not miss the ‘Nagytemplom’ (Protestant Great Church), a lavish neoclassical building with pronounced calvinist severity inside in contrast. Then take a walk along Piac utca (Market street – once the site of the largest livestock market of Hungary) and steal a glimpse of the ‘Aranybika’ Hotel, the emblematic downtown monument designed by Alfréd Hajós, the first Hungarian olympic champion. The Déri Museum offers a great ethnographic exhibition (including Egyptian artifacts), or alternatively you can admire Mihály Munkácsy’s (the greatest Hungarian painter of the 19th century) ‘Ecce Homo’ Christ-trilogy in the art-collection. Move on to the city’s green quarter, the ‘Nagyerdő’ (City Park), and visit the University campus for some student fun or the nearby thermal baths for muscle relaxation.
Outings and excursions
The rural Hortobágy National Park, the reputed Hajdúszoboszoló Thermal Bath, rightly praised all over Europe, or the City of Nyíregyháza (the hub of the Greek Catholic branch of the Church, 113 km) are well within ‘firing range’ and easily accessed. The Nyíregyháza Zoo is a particularly family-friendly institution, small children invariably adore it and want to return for more.
Why go there
Due to its past glory and its present, dynamic and influental mayor,
Debrecen had a good head start and now picks up momentum as it moves into the 21st century (cf. the new tram line constructed using EU support). Given its size and student population, the city sustains nightlife, not forgetting the appreciable alternative art, movie and music scene. High level sport (swimming, handball, athletics) and quality cultural events are also frequent. Debrecen offers a variety of in-town programs and a number of destinations close by to visit.
For families
Here are a few hand-picked highlights: Children invariably adore the pompous annual Flower Carnival. The Aquaticum thermal and wellness hotel with its nighttime swimmingpool parties is also well liked. Another great favourite is the ice disco organised on the local Ice Stadium. Chalk drawing sessions are popular, too. The Botanical Gardens in Bánk are also attractive. Also the aqua zumba dance show, Toldi computer animation show, Vojtina puppet theatre, Campus Festival.
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