Cheap flights to Debrecen from GBP16*

To say that Debrecen is worth a visit would be quite an understatement. Quintessentially Hungarian, the country’s second largest city and its surroundings are steeped in culture and history. Catch an equestrian show at Hortobágy National Park, performed by local herdsmen (csikós), Hungary’s answer to cowboys. Walk among mementos of the city’s religious importance as the “Hungarian Geneva” and marvel at the 250-year-old Lycium tree that grew out of a single branch and has quite a story. Legend says that a Catholic priest shoved into the ground in a heated debate with a Protestant reverend, saying the latter’s faith would only grow into something if it turned into a tree. Looking for a colourful summer break? Take a flight to Debrecen and see the city in full bloom during the annual Flower Carnival, one of Hungary’s most spectacular festivals.

 

The capital of the Great Plain

The epicentre of the Northern Great Plain region, Debrecen is as Hungarian as it gets. It has served as the capital of Hungary not once but twice during the past two centuries and is widely celebrated as a treasury of Hungarian folklore. Dubbed the ‘Calvinist Rome’ for a reason, the city embraced the Protestant Reformation early on and still cherishes its heritage as the centre of the Hungarian Reformation movement. Home to one of the most prestigious universities in the country, the city’s old walls are bustling with youthful spirit and energy. Nature lovers will go wild for Debrecen thanks to its close proximity to UNESCO-listed Hortobágy National Park (Hortobágyi Nemzeti Park) and a sizeable city park, aptly named Great Forest (Nagyerdei park).

 

Explore the Calvinist Rome

Make the Reformed Great Church your first stop en route to discovering Debrecen’s incredibly rich cultural legacy. Opened in 1822, the country’s most prominent Protestant church is both a gem of Classicist architecture and a piece of living history. During the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, legendary statesman Lajos Kossuth proclaimed the Hungarian Declaration of Independence within its very walls. Visit his chair, the church’s most precious memorabilia, climb the western tower for the 4-ton Rákóczi Bell, originally made of Austrian cannonballs, and enjoy the swoon-worthy panoramic view of the city from the steel bridge behind the tympanum. Art lovers should head right to the Neo-Baroque building of Déri Museum right behind the Great Church to muse over the breathtaking paintings of Mihály Munkácsy, one of the most famous Hungarian painters of all time. Don’t miss Debrecen’s Centre of Modern and Contemporary Art (MODEM), Hungary’s second-largest contemporary art gallery after Ludwig Museum, with its extraordinary private collection of 20th-century Hungarian and international art. In the mood for something even more spectacular? Visit the week-long Flower Parade in August and get lost in the myriad of concerts, dance performances and ginormous floral compositions gracing the streets of the city.

 

Go for the Debrecen sausage

For Hungary’s most beloved dishes, made from locally-sourced produce, go to Csokonai Restaurant in downtown Debrecen, opposite Csokonai Theatre. Try the city’s namesake Debrecen sausage, served with mustard and horseradish, at the upscale Ikon Restaurant & Lounge on the main square. Browse the city’s widest selection of Belgian beers and taste the mouth-watering spicy beef cheek or beef tenderloin, served with rose pepper, on the intimate patio of Royal Belgian Beer Café and Restaurant. Then wash it down with Hungarians’ no 1. poison of choice, pálinka. Stop at Maszek for an inimitable bistro-dining experience and unmissable cocktails specialities, or feast on Debrecen-style stuffed cabbage at a real local tavern (csárda), Flaska.

 

Casual shopping, serious wine-tasting

Pick up some locally grown fruit and vegetables at the Csapó Street market, located in the heart of the city. If you're up for more serious shopping, move on to Debrecen Plaza Shopping and Entertainment Centre. With almost sixty stores, the mall offers everything from clothing through cosmetics to electronics. Done with retail therapy? Check what’s new at the multiplex movie theatre, try your luck in the casino, or stop for lunch or a cup of coffee in one of the cosy restaurants or cafés in the area. Fancy souvenir hunting? The city centre is peppered with small shops packed with hand-crafted and artisan goods, books, jewellery and cosmetics. Wind down after a long day of exploring the city at DiVino Debrecen, and sample the best in Hungarian winemaking.

 

Meet the csikós of the Great Plain

Often referred to as the doorstep of the Great Hungarian Plain, Debrecen is a stone’s throw away from the puszta, Europe’s largest continuous natural grassland that spans half of Hungary. Spend at least a day in the heart of the Great Plain at Hortobágyi National Park, a World Heritage site, commemorating the incredibly rich cultural and natural heritage of the country’s major equestrian region. Travel back in time to learn the best in folk-craft at the pottery, cheese-making, weaver and carver workshops in Tímárház. For more greenery, take a long walk under the hundred-year-old trees of Debrecen’s city park, Great Forest Park, or admire tropical flora and fauna in Debrecen University’s botanical garden. Soak your tired limbs in the healing waters of Hajdúszoboszló, the spa city of the Great Plain, and spend a day in its massive bathing complex with open-air pools, a water park and many wellness facilities.

 

Debrecen weather

Neighbouring Romania in the north-east of Hungary, Debrecen’s climate is continental with a good dose of winter cold and summer heat. To escape both, schedule your Debrecen trip for late spring, early summer or September. Throw in a sweater for good measure, though.

 

Debrecen airport

Debrecen International Airport is situated 5 kilometres from the city centre and easily accessible via public transportation. Hop on bus Airport1 or Airport2, both operated by DKV, to reach Debrecen’s main station. Alternatively, car rental and taxi services are also available.

FAQs for booking flights to Debrecen

How to get cheap flights to to Debrecen?

Use FareFinder to compare fares and discover the cheapest Debrecen flights for the next 6 months, helping you to plan ahead and save. Frequent flyers can save even more by joining the Wizz Discount Club, which gives you and your companions access to an instant €10.00 discount on fares from €19.99 and further discounts on checked-in baggage purchased online.

When is the best time to visit Debrecen?

Debrecen has a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. The summer months from June to August are the best time to visit, with many outdoor events and festivals to enjoy, including the famous Flower Carnival. This lively event sees the city come alive and is quite popular so book in advance. For those who prefer more manageable temperatures and fewer people, late spring and early summer are also a great time to visit. Prices for hotels are reasonable, especially in the city centre and in the Big Forest area.

How to get from Debrecen Airport to Debrecen Railway Station? 

From Debrecen Airport, you can easily reach Debrecen Railway Station by several convenient ways. The airport lies just 5 km away from the city centre and is accessible from the city by public transportation. You might take the Airport 1 or Airport 2 buses that DKV operates directly to the main station. Alternatively, you might rent a car or take a taxi. The best option is to use bus 4430, and the estimated time of arrival is 8 minutes. For a slightly more budget-friendly option, you can take the same bus via Debrecen, Mikepércsi út Erőmű, which takes approximately 15 minutes. If you prefer a faster route, then a taxi will get you to the destination in 7 minutes. The direct bus services run every 15 minutes, making it easy to catch a ride to the station.

How do I offset the carbon emissions of a Debrecen flight?

As part of our commitment to reduce carbon emissions, we've launched a carbon offsetting scheme. Input the details of your Debrecen flight into our travel footprint calculator to calculate your carbon emissions. You can choose to offset your emissions by making a payment supporting two verified carbon-reducing projects. You will receive a certificate in return, recognising the offset emissions.