15 Things To See And Do In Debrecen

The second largest city in Hungary, Debrecen stands in the Northern Great Plain – earning it the nickname Capital of the Great Plain. With just 200,000 inhabitants it’s a relatively small city yet still rewards visitors with an array of attractions. Discover the best of Debrecen with these awesome things to see and do.

1. The Reformed Great Church

Church

Designed by Mihály Pechy and opened in 1822, Hungary’s largest Protestant church is both an architectural masterpiece and an iconic national symbol: it was within its walls that, in 1849, Lajos Kossuth presented the Hungarian Declaration of Independence. Today the church is open to visitors, who can explore its beautiful interior, see the Rákóczi Bell and climb to the top of the western tower for panoramic views over Debrecen.

2. Hortobágy National Park

Park

Debrecen’s proximity to this UNESCO listed National Park is a gift for those hoping to see one of Hungary’s most stunning natural areas. Miles and miles of flat grassland provide a home for an interesting range of flora, fauna and wildlife while Lake Tisza, which lies within the park, can be explored thanks to a boardwalk and guided tours.

3. Nagyerdei Park

Park

A peaceful haven of green space found just 10 minutes from downtown Debrecen, the city’s park is a great place to get a taste of more natural surroundings without needing to travel too far at all. Woodland, landscaped paths, outdoor artworks and cycling paths await.

4. Debrecen University and Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden, University

One of Hungary’s top universities can be found in Debrecen and its grounds are open for exploration by visitors, with fountains, statues and beautiful campus buildings to see. The University also boasts a botanic garden with a wide variety of plants, including tropical flora and fauna housed in a greenhouse.

The White Rose of the Revolution

Created by award winning Hungarian sculptor Miklós Melocco, this marble sculpture of a white rose was built to remember the 1956 Revolution against Soviet rule. The revolution was brutally crushed causing many to lose their lives and their freedom: this sculpture is in their honor.

The White Rose of the Revolution, Egyetem tér 1, Debrecen, Hungary

Kossuth Tér

Debrecen’s principle square is the site for a number of festivals and events throughout the year, from hosting the Flower Parade (a week long festival in August, with flower shows, performances and more) to being the site of the city’s main Christmas tree. It also boasts a number of architecturally interesting sites: for example, the art-nouveau Hotel Aranybika can be found here.

Kossuth Tér, Debrecen, Hungary

The Mist Theatre

Taking outdoor cinema to a whole new level, film clips are shown on a screen of mist at this unique theatre in Debrecen’s Nagyerdei Park. Especially enjoyable on warm summer evenings, the attraction is open from spring to fall and shows laser light shows as well as short movies.

Mist Theatre, Ady Endre út 1., Debrecen, Hungary

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