28 Nov 2016
Hungary's 2nd largest city, Debrecen, reached from the UK with direct flights from London Luton with Wizzair, has just been given the accolade of one of the best value destinations 2017 by Lonely Planet[i] in their 'best in travel' series.
Lonely Planet say: “What really sets Debrecen apart is its location on the edge of Hungary's puszta (eastern plains). The haunt of Hungarian cowboys and home to Hortobágy National Park, the region still dominates romantic visions of traditional Hungary.”
Located in the east of Hungary and around two hours by car from Budapest, Debrecen is a university town offering a multitude of sights and attractions. The city was Hungary's capital twice and its old centre dates back century's. It showcases a variety of architectural styles including the Classicist Reformed Big Church, the Art Nouveau Hotel Aranybika and the Baroque and Louis style St. Anne's Cathedral.
The city is home to world class museums such as the Déri Museum, with one of the main attractions being the awe-inspiring “Ecce Homo” painted by Mihály Munkácsy, and MODEM Centre of Modern & Contemporary Art, which has Hungary's second largest contemporary art gallery.
Other sights include the Big Forest - Nagyerdei Park Forest - Hungary's first conservation area, the Agora Science Centre and the Old Biblioteca of Debrecen's Reformed College, one of the most magnificent libraries in the world. Further afield is the UNESCO listed Hortobágy National Park, famous for its 'Hungarian cowboys', and unlimited grasslands with many indigenous animals such as the racka sheep and grey cattle.
Debrecen also has nearly 200 years of spa and balneotheraphy tradition with many hot springs in and around the region. Holidaymakers can enjoy spa treatments and leisure activities in the large spa complex in the Big Forest, which includes thermal baths, an indoor aqua park, plus a wellness centre and sauna world.
The city has many traditional festivals throughout the year including the popular week-long Flower Festival in August, which celebrated 50 years in 2016, the Hortobágy Equestrian Days in July, Debrecen Mangalica Pork Days in April and Herdsmen's Festivities – National Cowboys Meet and Contest in May.
There is a variety of accommodation to choose from including the Régi Posta Restaurant and Inn occupies one of Debrecen's oldest buildings with each room having its own customised furniture. Prices start from €58 per room per night based on two sharing a double room, including breakfast. For more information visit www.regiposta.hu
Or the three star Centrum Hotel, 50 metres from the Great Reformed Church is from €56 per room per night based on two sharing a double room, including breakfast. For more information visit http://www.centrumhotel.hu
For those looking for a five star option the Hotel Divinus, located at the entrance to the Big Forest and within in easy reach of the centre by tram taking less than 10 minutes. Prices start from €147 per room per night based on two people sharing a double room, including breakfast. For more information visit www.hoteldivinus.hu
Wizzair flies to Debrecen daily from Luton from around £66 return in January 2017. Book at www.wizzair.com.
For more information on Debrecen visit www.gotodebrecen.com and on Hungary UK www.gotohungary.com
