Debrecen is the second largest city in Hungary after Budapest and is the center of Hajdú-Bihar County in eastern Hungary. It is one of Hungary’s cultural, economical and tourist centers, and although it is quite a modern and developed city,...more
Debrecen is the second largest city in Hungary after Budapest and is the center of Hajdú-Bihar County in eastern Hungary. It is one of Hungary’s cultural, economical and tourist centers, and although it is quite a modern and developed city, it has managed to keep its small town feel. Despite being the second largest city in Hungary, Debrecen by no means has as many tourist attractions as one might think. However, having said that, the few attractions that are available are definitely worthy of a visit. Many of the main landmarks, sites and attractions in Debrecen can be found to the north end of the Piac Utca. This area is also home to the popular Protestant Great Church, which is a symbol of the city and is the largest Protestant church in Hungary. Muslim tourists should be able to locate some Halal-friendly facilities, like Halal food and prayer facilities in Debrecen.
Debrecen is home to Nagyerdei Park, which is one of Debrecen’s leading tourist attractions. The park covers over 5,400 acres and is a great place for those looking to participate in some outdoor activities. Activities that can be enjoyed include; taking a boat out on the lake and discovering the many trails and colourful flowers in the park. Packed with tourist attractions, the Aquaticum water park, found within Nagyerdei Park, draws in visitors from all around the world. The water park offers water slides, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, waterfalls and several other activities perfect for all ages. Also found within the vast Nagyerdei Park is the Vidámpark Amusement Park, Állatkert Zoo, the Mujégpálya ice-skating rink, and the DVSC Stadium. Vidámpark Amusement Park offers plenty of fairground rides and activities that will keep the entire family entertained. Nagyerdei Park should be on every tourist’s itinerary.
Located just outside Debrecen’s city centre, is a protected green area called the Puszta Forest. This forest has walking trails, picnic spots and areas full of pine trees, as well as an area with trees from all over the world and a lake called; Vekeri Lake, on which visitors can ride a boat.
To learn a little more about the culture and heritage of the area, tourists must pay a visit to Timárház. This is a popular folk-craft area where visitors can observe local Hungarian carvers, embroiders, woodworkers, and basket makers hard at work. There are also numerous workshops held here and a gift shop where handicrafts can be purchased. Another great place to observe the locals, as well as traders from Ukraine, Poland and Romania, and to by some unique goods, is the flea market that is located along the Vágóhid Utca.
Other attractions in Debrecen worthy of a visit include; Déri Museum, the Reformed College, Building of Old City Hall, the Flower Clock and the many churches.
Located in Debrecen, in the Hajdú-Bihar County, is Debrecen International Airport. This international airport is located approximately 8 kilometres from the center of Debrecen and can be reached easily by airport shuttle and taxi. Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport; in Budapest, is located approximately 237 kilometres away.
There are no known Halal restaurants in Debrecen. The Ali Baba restaurant is said to serve Halal food, however this has not been confirmed. There are however, a few Halal food shops and groceries in the area. Kelleti fuszer es elemiszer bolt, Madni kft, Durra Supermarket and Gyros City are all known to provide Halal meats and other food items, ideal for those who have the facilities to prepare their own meals. Muslim visitors can also dine at local seafood or vegetarian restaurants after making sure the dishes served do not consist of any non-Halal item. They should be aware that restaurants in Debrecen do serve alcohol.
There is one known prayer facility in Debrecen that serves its Muslim community and is frequented by Muslim tourists. Visitors can also head here for Jumu’ah prayers on Fridays. Maghrib and Isha are prayed in congregation at the Theoretical Building of the University of Debrecen, and Jumu’ah is at Auguzsta (Campus 2), opposite Ali Baba restaurant. More information can be obtained from the receptionist in the building. Another option would be for Muslim visitors to offer their prayers in the privacy of their hotel room or to simply enquire with locals for a private area in the vicinity that can be used when traveling outdoors.