Debrecen Travel Guide 2026: Top Attractions, Local Food & Travel Tips | Trip.com

Debrecen
Great Forest Park
Aquaticum Mediterrán Élményfürdő
Debrecen Zoo and Amusement Park
Nagyerdei Stadium
Debrecen

About Debrecen

5℃

Local currency

HUF

Recommended stays in Debrecen

Discover the most popular places to stay in Debrecen, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers

View more
Hotel Lycium Debrecen - Handwritten Collection in Debrecen

Hotel Lycium Debrecen - Handwritten Collection

9.6/109 Reviews

IExploreWorld: The hotel itself is very new and open to the public in 2025. The lobby is spacious and bright, although the room area is not large, but the facilities and bedding are very comfortable. Breakfast is mainly pure Western food, with a complete variety to meet the needs of Western tastes. The slight disadvantage is that the facade of the hotel is not very conspicuous, the main entrance is small, it is not easy to find; in addition, the parking lot requires an extra charge. However, the overall experience is still quite good.

Hunyadi János utca 1, 3

From VND 2,791,736

Hotel Divinus in Debrecen

Hotel Divinus

8.7/1045 Reviews

Guest User: When I arrived at the hotel, I saw five stars. It used to be four stars. It should be considered the best hotel in Debrecen. I booked a big bed room, about RMB per day, and stayed near Christmas. The hotel lobby was decorated with Christmas trees. There were also warm fireplaces, beds in the room, cabinets and other furniture were all solid wood retro style. There is a refrigerator, safe, mini bar, laundry bag, shoe pull, shoe polish, bedside table and a Bible. The hotel staff is warm and polite, the reception can speak English, there is a billiard room on the first floor, a mother and baby room, a bar, breakfast is simple and exquisite, there is a guest elevator that needs a room card, but is not equipped with toothbrush and toothpaste. The hotel is close to Debrecen University, with a large forest park in the middle, open, with many tall ancient trees, lakes, wild ducks, and beautiful weather!

Nagyerdei krt. 1

From VND 3,675,786

Mercure Debrecen in Debrecen

Mercure Debrecen

9.3/1050 Reviews

Guest User: This hotel is fantastic, I'll definitely be back. Overall, it's a huge thumbs up! My only suggestion would be to add a laundry room. It's a bit inconvenient to do laundry, especially for business travelers.

Bajcsy-Zsilinszky u. 11

From VND 2,939,078

Avand Apartments Debrecen in Debrecen

Avand Apartments Debrecen

8.5/1066 Reviews

Guest User: 服務一般，其他都還好

Antall József u. 1

From VND 2,182,983

Ibis Styles Debrecen Airport in Debrecen

Ibis Styles Debrecen Airport

9.4/1018 Reviews

Anonymous User: Facilities: Nothing outside, deserted at night Cleanliness: Clean, tidy, and comfortable Environment: Just one building Service: Okay, check the bed before entering the room. The potato pancakes for breakfast are good. 10 minutes from the factory area, 30 minutes from the city center. Parking is charged.

Repuloteri UT 5A

From VND 1,903,809

Hilton Garden Inn Debrecen City Center in Debrecen

Hilton Garden Inn Debrecen City Center

9.1/1055 Reviews

VineetJ2004: Nice hotel in the center of Debrecen. Room was good and clean. Breakfast had limited options but were delicious. Recommended.

Darabos u. 3-7

From VND 2,438,892

Centrum Hotel in Debrecen

Centrum Hotel

9.3/1034 Reviews

Guest User: This time I went to Debrecen for six days and stayed at this hotel for four days. The hotel service did not have to be very warm, the breakfast was rich, the location was convenient, just next to the cathedral, the room was spacious and clean, there were no slippers and toothbrushes, and the parents who stayed in remembered to prepare slippers and toothbrushes. The hotel bath towels are changed once in three days and additional charges are required.

Kálvin tér 4

From VND 2,551,337

Parizs Garden Apartments in Debrecen

Parizs Garden Apartments

8.8/101 Review

Guest User: 조식 맛있음. 방 컨디션 최상.

24 Hunyadi utca

From VND 2,718,066

Must-try food in Debrecen

Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Debrecen dishes and foodie spots.

View more

Western cuisine

Bars/bistros

Coffee shop

Recent events and experiences in Debrecen

View more
La Biennale di Venezia event in Debrecen

From VND 1,692,308

Venice

May 9-Nov 22

La Biennale di Venezia

Budapest | Sarah Brightman 2026《A Winter Symphony》Tour event in Debrecen

Budapest

Nov 21

Budapest | Sarah Brightman 2026《A Winter Symphony》Tour

Vienna | Thirty Seconds To Mars 2027《A Beautiful Lie vs. This Is War》European Tour event in Debrecen

Vienna

Apr 14, 2027

Vienna | Thirty Seconds To Mars 2027《A Beautiful Lie vs. This Is War》European Tour

Krakow | Thirty Seconds To Mars 2027《A Beautiful Lie vs. This Is War》European Tour event in Debrecen

Krakow

Apr 15, 2027

Krakow | Thirty Seconds To Mars 2027《A Beautiful Lie vs. This Is War》European Tour

Vienna | Pitbull<I'm Back>Tour event in Debrecen

Vienna

Nov 18

Vienna | Pitbull<I'm Back>Tour

Lodz | Don Toliver - NITROUS Tour event in Debrecen

Lodz

Nov 3

Lodz | Don Toliver - NITROUS Tour

Vienna | Samra & Capital Bra 2027<BERLIN LEBT 3>Tour event in Debrecen

Vienna

Apr 8, 2027-Apr 9, 2027

Vienna | Samra & Capital Bra 2027<BERLIN LEBT 3>Tour

Traveller photos and experiences

View more
Debrecen’s Dazzling Greek Catholic Cathedral: A Must-See Blend of History & Insta-Worthy Architecture 💒✨ — traveler post in Debrecen

Debrecen’s Dazzling Greek Catholic Cathedral: A Must-See Blend of History & Insta-Worthy Architecture 💒✨

Get ready for a jaw-dropping trip through Debrecen’s spiritual heart! The Greek Catholic Cathedral of the Protection of the Theotokos—aka Attila Square Greek Catholic Church—is an absolute must if you’re even a little into history, culture, or wow-worthy city snaps. And trust me, its look is next-level 🤩. Why You’ll Love This Spot: Location: Attila tér 5, 4029 Debrecen, Hungary—super close to the city center, so no FOMO needed! Vibe Check: Neo-Byzantine style with Romanesque touches, all decked out in rich red brick, crisp white accents, and concrete trims. The left-side tall bell tower and the impressive central dome seriously make this church #unique . Fun Fact: Its floor plan is Greek-cross shaped—peek from above and you’ll see the wow-factor symmetry! A Little Drama & History · Born From Community & Royal Support: Back in the day, local Greek Catholics were part of the Hajdúdorog parish. After Emperor Franz Joseph I visited with good vibes, they opened a chapel in 1900. Fast forward—thanks to a flurry of donations and hype, architect János Bobula crafted the stunning standalone church, finished in 1910. · Interior Glow-Up: Unlike most Eastern Catholic churches, this one skips the usual wall-like iconostasis. Instead, feast your eyes on the detailed inlaid altar, a pulpit loaded with mosaics, groovy 1950s secco murals, and rainbow-hued stained-glass windows. Legit art gallery vibes! · Level Up! In 2015, Pope Francis made Debrecen the main seat of the new Hajdúdorog Metropolis, upgrading this beauty to full Cathedral status. · Modern TLC: The cathedral just wrapped up a massive renovation in 2023—think sparkling new interiors, a fresh roof, restored façade, and upgraded liturgical spaces. She’s officially back and better than ever! 🎉 All You Need to Know For Your Visit · Opening Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM. Heads up: It’s closed to the public for walk-in sightseeing on weekends, but you can catch it during official services. · Tickets: Absolutely FREE, though donations help keep those gorgeous frescos glowing. · Accessibility: Wheelchair entrance and dedicated parking = everyone’s welcome. Pro Visitor Tips: · Dress Code: Modesty is a must! Shoulders and knees covered, please—don’t get caught out by the churchy dress police. · Snaps: Pics are cool outside service times! But do the art a favor and leave that flash OFF. #RespectTheFrescoes · How To Get There: Hop on a local tram or bus—just ask for Attila tér and you’ll be dropped steps from the cathedral. Travelers, culture-lovers, and architecture fans—this Debrecen icon is totally worth adding to your trip! Whether you’re after spiritual moments, legendary design, or the perfect backdrop for your IG feed, Attila Square’s Greek Catholic Cathedral absolutely delivers. ✨⛪ #church #churches #churchlover #churchgoals #churcharchitecture #churchesofeurope #churchhistory #cathedral #hungary #hungarytravel

Vitek 88Vitek 88
Hungary’s Hortobágy Nine-Hole Bridge Steppe Sunset Ridesunsetplaces — traveler post in Debrecen

Hungary’s Hortobágy Nine-Hole Bridge Steppe Sunset Ridesunsetplaces

#sunsetplaces Hortobágy National Park (Puszta, 1h40 from Budapest by car, or train to Balmazújváros then bus) — the Nine-Hole Bridge (Kilenc-lyukú híd) is 5 km from the visitor centre, free to view from the road pull-off, 24/7. I booked a sunset csikós ride (€18, cash at the Hortobágy stud farm, 5 p.m. departure, 90 min) in September (sunset 6:50). Rode out on a gray mare with three other riders, the guide in a blue embroidered vest cracking a 5m whip. At 6:10 we halted on the steppe 300m from the bridge: the plain went copper, the bridge's arches cut nine slices of sky, and a herd of racka sheep drifted past in silhouette. A flask of pálinka would've been traditional, I had tea. Mistake: taking the 11 a.m. ride — no glow, just heat haze. Another: driving to the bridge and not riding — the steppe is flat 20 km; you need the horse to feel the scale. Rule: don't approach the racka rams (horns curve down, they charge); no off-path driving (protected soil); tip the csikós separately (€2–3). Opinion: Hortobágy's sunset is performed — the rider, the whip-crack, the nine arches — it's not wild, it's choreographed by 200 years of herders, and that makes it more Hungarian than wild ever could be. Discussion: when the sunset is part of a show, do you still call it nature?

nnui88nnui88
Exceptional Birding Experience in Hortobágy — traveler post in Debrecen

Exceptional Birding Experience in Hortobágy

The pre-trip communication and preparations were excellent, setting the tone for a fantastic day of birding in Hortobágy National Park. Sandor, my guide, knew all the seasonal and weather-based "hot spots" and planned an efficient route through the park, thanks to his extensive local knowledge of the terrain and navigation. His deep understanding of birds, animal behavior, the local environment, and the park's history made the experience truly memorable. Absolutely 5 stars!

_TI***7g_TI***7g
Rediscover the relaxation of travel in Debrecen! — traveler post in Debrecen

Rediscover the relaxation of travel in Debrecen!

The meaning of travel goes far beyond checking off popular attractions; it lies in immersing yourself in the daily rhythm of a city. Although Debrecen is Hungary's second-largest city, it is not as crowded and noisy as Budapest—smaller in scale and with fewer people. Because of this, it retains a rare sense of calm. Strolling along the main street, the Great Reformed Church on the square, scattered sculptures, and two- to three-hundred-year-old buildings on both sides together paint a rich European historical atmosphere that rivals the capital. Here, there are no rushing crowds of tourists, only leisurely steps and natural breaths, making every pause a relaxed and profound urban experience.

Prof. Kelton FayProf. Kelton Fay
Hungary's second largest city is such a delightful surprise! Home to a nearly 500-year-old legendary university — traveler post in Debrecen

Hungary's second largest city is such a delightful surprise! Home to a nearly 500-year-old legendary university

Finally checked in at Debrecen, Hungary's second largest city 🥳 The moment I stepped into the University of Debrecen, I was immediately captivated by the century-old academic atmosphere 📸 This university was founded in 1538 🎓 That’s almost 500 years of history—truly rich in heritage 🌟 As Hungary’s largest and oldest top-tier university, walking around campus you can really feel the scholarly vibe 📚 Its medical school is truly renowned 👍 The first university medical school in Central Europe, with diplomas recognized by the WHO 📄 Graduates can also take medical licensing exams in the EU and the US, making the degree extremely valuable ✨ The campus is highly international 🌍 Among nearly 30,000 students, 7,600 come from over 130 countries 🌏 With more than 80 fully English-taught programs, it’s a dream for international students 💓 The campus library holds over 6 million volumes 📖 It’s the second largest library in Hungary, a truly satisfying place to explore 😌 It even has the country’s first university eSports division—both retro and trendy, super cool 🎮 The connection with China is also very strong ❤️ The Confucius Institute was established in 2019, and in 2024 it joined the Belt and Road University Alliance 🤝 You can really feel a warm sense of closeness here, so heartwarming~ Have you been charmed by this century-old Central European university? Let’s chat in the comments~

_Bill_26_Bill_26
Michelin star + curly-haired pig + walls full of liquor = IKON — traveler post in Debrecen

Michelin star + curly-haired pig + walls full of liquor = IKON

A friend recommended a local restaurant in Debrecen that serves curly-haired pork. Upon arrival, I discovered it had just been included in the 2025 Michelin Guide—instantly increasing my anticipation for dinner. The restaurant wasn't large, but it was very cozy. The waiter quickly seated me, and I ordered the signature curly-haired pork set meal. While waiting, I looked around; two walls were lined with bottles of various brands, arranged in a pleasing, eclectic way. I don't know much about wine, but I was captivated by the immersive atmosphere. The curly-haired pork arrived quickly. To be honest, it wasn't as amazing as I'd imagined—my friend said it was the best in Hungary, but tastes can be subjective. However, it definitely didn't disappoint. The meat was firm, the flavor authentic, and I felt quite satisfied afterward. The most surprising thing was the price. Slightly higher than the average restaurant, but far from being "Michelin-starred outrageously expensive," it offered excellent value. If you want to experience authentic Hungarian flavors but don't want anything too formal, this place is worth a visit.

ShadowDancer11deShadowDancer11de
Hungary's second-largest city hides a university founded in 1538! — traveler post in Debrecen

Hungary's second-largest city hides a university founded in 1538!

Today, I had the chance to visit the University of Debrecen in Hungary, the largest and oldest top university in the country. Established in 1538, it ranks 563rd in the QS World University Rankings for 2026, with 13 faculties covering all disciplines including engineering, agriculture, medicine, business, humanities, and sciences. Medicine is the university's brightest highlight. As the first university medical school in Central Europe, its diploma is recognized by the World Health Organization, and graduates can qualify as physicians in the EU and the United States. Currently, the university has nearly 30,000 students, including 7,600 from over 130 countries, offering more than 80 programs taught entirely in English, reflecting a high degree of internationalization. The university boasts rich resources, with a library collection of over 6 million items, making it the second-largest library in Hungary. It also hosts the nation's first university esports division. The university maintains close cooperation with China, establishing a Confucius Institute in 2019 and joining the "Belt and Road" University Alliance in 2024. Here, you gain not only a first-class education but also a passport to the world.

VoittoLepp?l?VoittoLepp?l?
🏛️ Debrecen: History, Culture & Local Charm — traveler post in Debrecen

🏛️ Debrecen: History, Culture & Local Charm

Debrecen, Hungary’s second-largest city, is full of history and character. I visited the Great Reformed Church, strolled along Piac Street, and explored Déri Museum for art and local history. The city combines vibrant urban life with rich heritage. Tips for travelers: · Visit the Great Reformed Church for its impressive architecture. · Walk Piac Street for shops, cafés, and lively streets. · Explore Déri Museum to discover regional art and history. Debrecen is perfect for history lovers, culture enthusiasts, and city explorers. #Debrecen #HungaryTravel #GreatReformedChurch #PiacStreet #DériMuseum #HistoricCity #TravelGuide

Simii017Simii017
🏰 Debrecen, Hungary: A City of History and Academics — traveler post in Debrecen

🏰 Debrecen, Hungary: A City of History and Academics

#AdventureMoment 🏰 Debrecen, Hungary: A City of History and Academics Debrecen, located in eastern Hungary, is the country's second largest city and a center of education and scholarship. It boasts numerous attractions, including Debrecen Cathedral, the University of Debrecen, and the Hungarian Agricultural Museum. Main Attractions ⛪ Debrecen Cathedral (Great Church): Debrecen Cathedral is a beautiful Gothic church, the center of Hungarian Protestantism. It offers a glimpse into Hungarian history and religious heritage. 🎓 University of Debrecen: The University of Debrecen is one of the oldest universities in Hungary and is recognized as a center of European education. Explore the university campus and surrounding museums to learn about the history of education and scholarship. 🏛️ Hungarian Agricultural Museum: The Hungarian Agricultural Museum is a great place to learn about Hungarian agricultural history and techniques. 🌳 Nagyerdei Park: Nagyerdei Park is Debrecen's signature park. With its lake and walking paths, it's a great place to enjoy nature and relax. Travel Tips 🧳 What to Pack: Bring comfortable shoes and sunscreen. Explore the park and explore the university campus for a relaxing trip. 🚶♂️ Transportation: Debrecen is easily explored on foot. Major attractions are within walking distance. 📸 Photography: Photos taken at Debrecen Cathedral and Nagyerdei Park make for wonderful memories. Conclusion: Debrecen is a center of Hungary's history and education, and the cathedral and university offer a rich cultural experience.

미스터량미스터량
Debrecen, the city center is nice — traveler post in Debrecen

Debrecen, the city center is nice

Debrecen is Hungary's second-largest city, the regional centre of the Northern Great Plain region. It's home to the University of Debrecen, the largest university in Hungary. The main sites in the city center are the City Downtown, Reformed Great Church, (Nagytemplom), Déri Museum, Csokonai theatre and a few churches. The beautiful fountains are refreshing in the summer heat. It was nice walking around again and taking photos. #travel #citywalk #city #museums

Red_bearRed_bear

Debrecen FAQ

What currency is used in Debrecen?

The standard currency in Debrecen is HUF

How do I exchange currency in Debrecen?

Current exchange rate approx.: VND ≈0.01HUF (actual exchange rates depend on the bank). Currency exchange tips:
1. Exchange currency at your local bank before departure, as rates are usually better than at the destination.
2. You can also withdraw cash from local ATMs.
3. Avoid exchanging currency at airports or hotels, as they offer the worst rates.