Debrecen Tourist Attractions, Landmarks, Monuments and Sightseeing

(Debrecen, Hajdu-Bihar, Hungary)

Debrecen is by no means overflowing with tourist attractions, despite being Hungary's second-biggest city, although there is plenty to see if you are here for just a few days. A large number of the main attractions and landmarks within Debrecen are to be found at the northerly end of the Piac Utca, and it is here that the Neo-classical Protestant Great Church stands.

Further leading tourist attractions are to be found within the Nagyerdei Park, where you can enjoy boating on the lake, a stroll along the various trails and plenty of brightly coloured flowers, before cooling off at the Aquaticum water park. Nagyerdei Park also features its very own zoo and theme park, where a range of family orientated fairground rides await.

Protestant Great Church (Nagytemplom)

Address: Piac Utca, Debrecen, Hungary, HU
Tel: +36 52 412 694
The Protestant Great Church dominates much of the Pica Utca and the adjacent Kossuth Tér, with its imposing, bright yellow facade and famous twin clock towers, which have become a much-loved symbol of the city. This is the largest Protestant church, not only in Debrecen, but also in the whole of Hungary, being capable of accommodating some 3,000 people. The Great Church is also home to an enormous bell named the Rákóczi. Visitors are not only able to explore the interior of the church and its numerous period attractions, but also are able to climb up one of the towers, to view the Rákóczi and enjoy spectacular vistas across the city itself.
Open hours: April to October, Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 16:00, Saturday - 09:00 to 13:00, Sunday - 12:00 to 16:00; November to March, Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 13:00, Sunday - 11:30 to 13:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children

City Park and Aquaticum (Nagyerdei Park)

Address: Fancsika, Debrecen, Hungary, HU
Tel: +36 52 514 100
Nagyerdei Park covers more than 5,400 acres / 2,185 hectares and is filled with attractions for tourists, being at its very best during the warm summer months. It is the Aquaticum water park complex that is the main attraction within Nagyerdei Park, where endless curving water slides and waterfalls provide a great way to cool down. There are a selection of swimming pools, both indoors and outside, suitable for all ages. Other attractions within Debrecen's vast Nagyerdei Park include the Vidámpark Amusement Park and its fairground rides, the animals at Állatkert Zoo, the Mujégpálya ice-skating rink, and the DVSC Stadium, where local football teams regularly compete. The Kossuth Lajos University stands along the Egyetem Tér and is just west of Nagyerdei Park, where it is amongst the biggest universities within this part of Hungary.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free, charge for some attractions

Reformed College (Református Kollégium)

Address: Kálvin Tér, Debrecen, Hungary, HU
Tel: +36 52 414 744
Directly north of the Protestant Great Church and still within central Debrecen you will encounter the Reformed College, which was constructed around 200 years ago, in 1816, although this actual site has been used by schools and colleges since the Middle Ages. The lower floor contains many interesting exhibits related to religious art and includes a chalice made in the 17th century, crafted from nothing more than a coconut. The history of the school is actually explained, along with the various strict rules imposed upon the students, such as the school's motto of 'Early to bed - early to rise'. Upstairs is a large library containing in excess of 600,000 books, along with a small white oratory (chapel), used for private worship.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 09:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 09:00 to 13:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children, extra charge for guided tours

Timárház

Address: Nagy Gál István Utca 6, Debrecen, Hungary, HU
Tel: +36 52 321 260
Outside of central Debrecen, the Timárház is a popular folk-craft attraction, where local Hungarian woodworkers, carvers, embroiders and basket makers can all be observed at work. Various workshops take place throughout the day, and all of the handicrafts produced here can be purchased from the gift shop. Close by and along the Vágóhid Utca, the lively flea market may also be of interest and features market traders not only from Hungary, but also from Poland, Romania and the Ukraine.
Open hours: Tuesday to Friday - 10:00 to 17:00, Saturday - 10:00 to 14:00
Admission: free

Puszta Forest (Erdospuszta)

Address: Fancsika Utca 93a, Debrecen, Hungary, HU
Located just a short distance south-east of Debrecen city centre, the Puszta Forest is a protected green area, filled with pine trees, heavily wooded areas of acacias, walking trails, picnic spots and similar attractions. The very heart of the Puszta Forest is known as the 'Bánk' and is where you will find a rather impressive arboretum, filled with specimens of trees from all over the world. Close to Bánk is the Vekeri Lake, where boats are available for hire.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free