The Hungarian second largest city of Debrecen is located just under 200 kilometres from the capital city of Budapest. Referred to as "Capital of the Great Hungarian Plain", Debrecen has an international airport, can be reached by train and can be accessed by road from Budapest in around two hours. The city is considered to be beautiful, offering places of interest for a wide variety of tastes.
What to do in Debrecen
Debrecen has a wide range of attractions which will be of interest to the visitor. Architecture, museums, gardens, water attractions and historical sites are all represented in abundance. There are a wide selection of venues which may be of interest to solo visitors, groups and families. Transportation within the city is provided by tram lines, which run north to south, with trolley-bus and buses operating from east to west to provide a comprehensive service. Many of the places of interest within the city are easily accessed on foot, being only a few hundred meters apart. For those requiring car rental Debrecen is served by the leading international auto providers. Below are highlighted some of the attractions offered within and around the city.
Debrecan attractions
Kossuth Square is home to The Great Reformed Church a 19th century Protestant church. The Deri Museum provides a large and eclectic collection which can take around half-a-day to enjoy fully.St. Anna’s Cathedral is the premier Catholic church in the city and contains a replica of the famous Turin Shroud.
Spas and baths
Aquaticum Mediterranean Pleasure Baths provide a year round opportunity to enjoy the thermal waters due to being enclosed. Beyond providing Spa and wellness services, there are water slides and a wave pool that will appeal to children of all ages. Kerekestelep Baths provide a more traditional, outdoor water experience. There are thermal pools (up to 43c) and a cold water pool for swimming.
Flowers and festivals
Every August, the week-long Flower Carnival takes place. The whole city is emblazoned with colourful flowers accompanied by traditional music and dancing. The University Botanical Gardens provides a display of flora from Hungary and further afield. Unveiled in 2009, The Flower Clock is a sundial with its numbers displayed by flowers.
Outside the city
For those who take advantage of car rental Debrecen there are a number of sites which will be of interest to the visitor. Hortobágyi National Park is the largest national park of Hungary. Lake Fancsika is located just outside the city and is home to the local breed of Carp. There is also a log castle and a children's play area available. Other notable sites outside the city include, Lake Vekeri, Nine-hole Bridge and the Debrecen Zoopark which is home to around 1500 animals.
