Best things to do in Debrecen, Hungary

Hungary is a wonderful country, full of lovely people and amazing places waiting to be crossed off your bucket list. Although most choose to visit Budapest, a detour to Hungary’s second largest city is an absolute must, especially once you are going to see the following top 10 things to do in Debrecen.

Great Church (Nagytemplom)

Great Church Debrecen

The symbol of Debrecen, The Great Church, is located right in the city square. This is a vibrant place where you can find shops and restaurants, as well as a wonderful Christmas market during the winter holidays. If you are not afraid of heights, make your way to the top of the Church and admire Debrecen in all its splendour.

Hortobagy National Park

Stork Hortobagy Debrecen

Although located outside of Debrecen, for nature lovers Hortobagy National Park is an adventure in itself. You can go onto the wagon ride which is filled with narratives about the culture, traditions, and animal breeds. There is a small museum as well as a fairly large open air market nearby. You should take the guided tour, it’s well worth it. Be prepared: the wagon ride takes up to 1 hour and a quarter.

Debrecen Zoo

Nature Debrecen

This is a relatively small zoo which can be visited within a couple of hours. It has a really good layout and it’s right in the middle of the forest. The entrance fee is really friendly, unlike other European cities, although the standards are just as good.

Statue of Lajos Kossuth

Statue Debrecen

The statue is located in Debrecen’s main square, in front of the Great Church. Lajos Kossuth was a Hungarian lawyer, journalist, politician and Governor-President of the Kingdom of Hungary during the revolution of 1848–49.

MODEM Centre for Modern and Contemporary Arts

Forum Conteporary Art Museum Debrecen

If you love modern and contemporary arts, the MODEM centre is definitely for you. This is the time to discover marvellous works of art from Central and Eastern European artists. The beauty of the centre is that it has ever-changing exhibitions, thus you will never see the same thing twice!

Agora Science Centre

Agora Science Centre Debrecen

The Centre for Science and Technology is aimed at families with children. Visitors can learn many things about the modern achievements of science in an interactive and playful way. It features magic, optical illusions and all sorts of fun things for kids.

Deri Museum

Deri Museum Debrecen

This is really wonderful to visit if you find yourself in Debrecen. Although the museum is quite small, there has been quite a lot of effort put into making it interesting and more appealing to the general public. You will find many great attractions, paintings of Mihály Munkácsy (famed Hungarian – French-born painter) being amongst them. You will love the Egyptian and Japanese exhibitions too.

Aquaticum Spa

Aquaticum Spa Debrecen

After walking around and exploring the mighty, historical Debrecen, nothing says “relax” better than going to a thermal spa! After a whole remodelling and remaking in 2014, the complex looks really modern and inviting. You should go for the sauna and the therapeutic massages.

Debrecen University

University Debrecen

The University of Debrecen is one of the best universities in the country, being renowned for its high-class medical school. Although not specifically open to the public, you can go around and have a wander around. It is the oldest continuously operating institution of higher education in Hungary (since 1538). There are almost 4000 international students attending the University of Debrecen.

Forum Mall

Mall Debrecen

This is for your inner shopaholic. You will find all the brands you need to keep you occupied, whilst you can also chill in some of the coffee shops scattered all around the mall.

Don’t just stick with my top ten things to do in Debrecen! Go off the beaten path and explore this wonderful city. Have you already been to Debrecen? That’s great because I want to know all about your experience. Leave a comment below and tell me what you loved most about Debrecen!

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Cory from You Could Travel entering Senso-ji in Tokyo, Japan

Cory Varga – Cory is a published travel writer and award-winning photographer. She travels full time with her husband and is passionate about creating in-depth travel guides. Cory published her first book on Japanese customs and manners because she’s obsessed with everything Japan. She has visited hundreds of destinations and has lived in 7 different countries. Cory is multilingual and an alumna from The University of Manchester.

Comments

2 responses to “Best things to do in Debrecen, Hungary”

  1. Nice post! My favorite place for hanging out at night in Debrecen is called “Roncs”, located in front of Forum, in the city center. It´s a very special place, very difficult to classify. They have a small scenary where they organize concerts very often. Rock, pop, punk, funk… different groups come to play here.

    For me, the best place to drink, eat and have fun with your friends at night.

  2. I’m Hungarian so Hungary is so close to my heart, and it feels sooo good to read about how you liked this city seriously it warms my heart.:)

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