Debrecen offers great possibilities of leisure, excursions and entertainment. The Nagyerdő (Great Forest) area is one of Hungary’s and also Europe’s first protected forests. The building complex of the University of Debrecen is also located here. The French park in front of the main building is unique in the town. Walking in the Nagyerdő it’s worth visiting the Zoo or paddling for a while on the boating lake then perhaps visiting a football match. You can also cool down in the Aquaticum Mediterranean Water Amusement Park.

Sportlife in Debrecen is buzzing, with the football team - Debreceni VSC - winning the third championship in a row. Loki - as the locals like to call their team - played a Champions League qualification match against Manchester United in 2005. Various national and international sporting events and shows are being organized every year in the new and modern Főnix Hall, for example the World Youth Championships in Athletics was organized here last year.

 

The largest event in the summer is the Flower Carnival. In every August Debrecen bursts into flower on the festive day of Saint Stephen, the founder of the Hungarian state. At Debrecen's Flower Carnival - a unique event in Europe - compositions made of approx. 150-180 thousand spears of flowers and natural materials illustrating scenes or works of Hungarian everyday life, history or arts process across the city. Flower cars are accompanied by Hungarian and foreign dance ensembles, music bands and art groups who entertain the audience.

The Flower Carnival is preceded by several cultural events during the Carnival Week: concerts, theatre plays and dance performances that offer entertainment and leisure to visitors. In the evening of August 20 traditionally fireworks and a big street party closes the Flower Carnival of Debrecen.

The Hortobágy National Park is about 40km west of Debrecen, in the Great Plain.. The Hortobágy is Hungary's largest protected area, and the biggest grassland that remained in Central Europe. Its emblematic sight is the Nine-holed Bridge, and this is the place for traditional sweep wells. A visit to the best parts of the park requires a guide, and travel must be done by horse, carriage or on foot.

The never-ending fields are a sight to behold.

Not to forget gastronomy, here you can indulge in culinary masterpieces, since Hungarians love flavorful foods. There are several traditional Hungarian restaurants with a cosy atmosphere. There are also a handful of English and Irish pubs, like the Play pub and Calico Jack’s Pub.

Upon request we can make a list for you of the most interesting and exciting ongoing events in Debrecen.