Debrecen
Eastern Europe and the Balkans · Hungary
Did you know?
- The Flower Carnival is held in August.
- The nickname 'Calvinist Rome' reflects the city's Protestant identity.
- The Déri Museum holds Munkácsy's Christ trilogy.
See also
Mátészalka
Hungary47.95°N 22.32°E
Nyíregyháza
Hungary47.95°N 21.72°E · 116 m
Overview
Debrecen pairs the Great Church with a strong Protestant heritage. Its university atmosphere adds a lively side to a visit to the Great Hungarian Plain.
Languages: Hungarian
Why go?
Debrecen, the second largest city in Hungary, is the historic capital of the Great Hungarian Plain and a center of Hungarian Protestantism. Known as 'The Calvinist Rome', it boasts the iconic Great Church and a lively university atmosphere.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
Debrecen is served by Debrecen International Airport (DEB) with limited flights, and is a major railway hub with frequent trains from Budapest and other cities. The main bus station offers connections to regional towns, though it lacks modern amenities.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
The city centre is walkable, but tram #1 is the most convenient way to reach the Nagyerdő park and the university. Buses and trolleys supplement the network. Taxis are available but negotiate the fare beforehand.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
Summer (June-August) is the peak season with the Flower Carnival in August and warm weather perfect for the Aquaticum thermal bath. Winters are cold but the city has indoor attractions like the Déri Museum.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Accommodation ranges from budget-friendly hostels like the Reformed College and Dorcas Center camping (from 2000 Ft/person) to mid-range pensions and hotels near the Great Church. The Nagyerdő area offers hotels close to the park and thermal bath.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Eat and drink
Debrecen offers a variety of dining from traditional Hungarian cuisine at Csokonai Étterem and Flaska Vendéglő to Indian at Kashmir and vegetarian at Govinda. For drinks, head to the pubs near the old fish market or Calico Jack Pub. The Halköz shopping center has a salad bar and cafes.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Top sights include the Great Church (Nagytemplom), Déri Museum with Munkácsy's Christ trilogy, and the Nagyerdő city park with its zoo, amusement park, and the Aquaticum thermal bath. The Csokonai Theatre offers performances. Day trips to Hortobágy National Park are a must.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Safety
Debrecen is generally safe, but be cautious with valuables in crowded areas and avoid the bus station at night as it is run-down. The city is well-lit in the centre.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connectivity
As of Sept 2021, Debrecen has 5G from Telecom, and 4G from DiGi, Telenor and Vodafone. WiFi is widely available in public places.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Budget
A daily backpacker budget might be around 10,000-15,000 Ft including a dorm bed, two meals, and one attraction. Street food and supermarket meals can reduce costs.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day trips
Popular day trips include Hortobágy National Park (UNESCO), the thermal bath city of Hajdúszoboszló, and the historic town of Eger. Oradea in Romania is also a short trip away.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
From Debrecen, you can continue to Eger, Miskolc, or cross into Romania to Oradea. The route to Budapest takes about 2.5 hours by train.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- eat
Blaháné Étterem
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Byblos Gyros
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Aldi discount store
2nd unit: Ozmán utca 1
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Amusement Park
Not as large or impressive as the park in Budapest, but nevertheless boasts to be the largest such park this side of the Tisza. There are 15 rides including a fantasy castle, Ferris wheel, and a children's railroad.
Recorded price: Ft 200 plus Ft 300-400 per ride
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Aquaticum Termal bath
With hot spring water, pools, and slides, it is obligatory to visit. It is open all year, and is the major resort of the town. It features a water park, public pool, bath house, hotel, and restaurants.
Recorded price: Two-hour tickets Ft 5400, sauna Ft 3000
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Auchan hypermarket
Delivery , photo developing. Around two dozens shops, restaurants, service units: Elektro Outlet, Jysk, Post Office (M-Sa 09:00-19:00, Su 09:00-13:00 and 13:30-18:00).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Botanical garden
Recorded price: Ft 750
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
CBA supermarket
Other units Kossuth u. 15. tel:+36 52 532-987; Derék út 68/B; Ribizli Street. 34., tel: +36 52 411771.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Emergency
General emergency number: 112.
Language
Hungarian is the official language. English is spoken in tourist areas and at the university, but less so in rural areas.
Money
Hungarian Forint (Ft) is the currency. ATMs are widely available, but avoid EuroNet ATMs at the airport due to poor exchange rates.