Hungary's second largest city is Debrecen yet this place remains quiet and unknown for the backpacker. It's Hungarian through and through though. A lot of tourists to Hungary tend to skip Debrecen, but here's a few pointers as to why this is a great city to visit and why you should head there!
What is there to do in Debrecen?
This is a top 5.
1. Head to the top of the Yellow Church
The amazing yellow church is also called the Nagytemplom and is easily the most memorable part of your trip to Debrecen. It lies in the city centre in front of the main square and is bold and obvious. Debrecen isn't so commercial yet and though shopping malls are arriving with designer brands, the good news is the city is still old fashioned. Head to the top of the Nagytemplom for a cracking view of the city of Debrecen. While the Nagytemplom is the big church, just down the road lies a small church, known as "the little church".
2. Watch Loki Play Football!
Loki are the local team in Debrecen and they have won the Hungarian League 6 times in the last 10 years so they are a good team to watch. The stadium might be hard to find but a trip there is worth it. The local fans are proud and they make some noise! Hungary were twice the runner up team in World Cup Finals.
3. Party with the local girls in Debrecen
You can get to meet the local Debrecen girls and guys over a beer. It is a friendly place to drink a beer and well recommended. Especially at night and on a summer's evening. Bakelit beer cafe is decent as are the bars near the main square in Debrecen.
4. Head to the Theatre
Debrecen loves theatre and the splendid Csokonai Theatre has played host to performers such as Riverdance, the Noemi Linzenbold Show and the Sound of Music in recent years. It is a truly great place to enjoy theatre, dance or indeed music.
The famous poet from Hungary grew up in Debrecen and his statue sits in the main square here - the theatre is also named after him.
5. Go to the University by tram
Debrecen boasts a decent university and this also goes hand in hand with a good student population and night life. The University itself, is "just a university" but it's free to walk around and nearby there is a superb park which makes for a good walk, with stalls and restaurants all selling decent Hungarian snacks and drinks. As I said, get a tram out to it - the tram network in Debrecen is good. In fact, you'll enjoy it.
One More for a Bonus Point/Also Ran:
There's a nice museum called the Deri Museum in the city centre which you can do in a bout an hour. Worth seeing if you want to learn more about the history.
How do you get to Debrecen in Hungary?
Most of the tourists will be visiting from Budapest by train or bus. But another option is coming in from Romania as you are close to the border.
Head to Budapest and then on to Debrecen and you have seen a good mix of Hungarian city life.
Where can you stay in Debrecen?
Hostels and hotels are all near the city centre or do as I did and stay with a local family.
Some odd facts about the city of Debrecen:
- It was once manned by the Romanian army after World War 1
- This city, Debrecen as one point in history was the capital of Hungary
Food and drink in Debrecen:
A definite meal to try is the famous Paprika Chicken and for a snack the cheese and chocolate bars of Turo Rudi are nice.
Why did I go to Debrecen?
It's a real tourist gem which is unknown so worth seeing. My ex-girlfriend took me there so I got a local experience but head on your own and you will love it!
What is there to do in Debrecen?
This is a top 5.
1. Head to the top of the Yellow Church
The amazing yellow church is also called the Nagytemplom and is easily the most memorable part of your trip to Debrecen. It lies in the city centre in front of the main square and is bold and obvious. Debrecen isn't so commercial yet and though shopping malls are arriving with designer brands, the good news is the city is still old fashioned. Head to the top of the Nagytemplom for a cracking view of the city of Debrecen. While the Nagytemplom is the big church, just down the road lies a small church, known as "the little church".
2. Watch Loki Play Football!
Loki are the local team in Debrecen and they have won the Hungarian League 6 times in the last 10 years so they are a good team to watch. The stadium might be hard to find but a trip there is worth it. The local fans are proud and they make some noise! Hungary were twice the runner up team in World Cup Finals.
3. Party with the local girls in Debrecen
You can get to meet the local Debrecen girls and guys over a beer. It is a friendly place to drink a beer and well recommended. Especially at night and on a summer's evening. Bakelit beer cafe is decent as are the bars near the main square in Debrecen.
4. Head to the Theatre
Debrecen loves theatre and the splendid Csokonai Theatre has played host to performers such as Riverdance, the Noemi Linzenbold Show and the Sound of Music in recent years. It is a truly great place to enjoy theatre, dance or indeed music.
The famous poet from Hungary grew up in Debrecen and his statue sits in the main square here - the theatre is also named after him.
5. Go to the University by tram
Debrecen boasts a decent university and this also goes hand in hand with a good student population and night life. The University itself, is "just a university" but it's free to walk around and nearby there is a superb park which makes for a good walk, with stalls and restaurants all selling decent Hungarian snacks and drinks. As I said, get a tram out to it - the tram network in Debrecen is good. In fact, you'll enjoy it.
One More for a Bonus Point/Also Ran:
There's a nice museum called the Deri Museum in the city centre which you can do in a bout an hour. Worth seeing if you want to learn more about the history.
How do you get to Debrecen in Hungary?
Most of the tourists will be visiting from Budapest by train or bus. But another option is coming in from Romania as you are close to the border.
Head to Budapest and then on to Debrecen and you have seen a good mix of Hungarian city life.
Where can you stay in Debrecen?
Hostels and hotels are all near the city centre or do as I did and stay with a local family.
Some odd facts about the city of Debrecen:
- It was once manned by the Romanian army after World War 1
- This city, Debrecen as one point in history was the capital of Hungary
Food and drink in Debrecen:
A definite meal to try is the famous Paprika Chicken and for a snack the cheese and chocolate bars of Turo Rudi are nice.
Why did I go to Debrecen?
It's a real tourist gem which is unknown so worth seeing. My ex-girlfriend took me there so I got a local experience but head on your own and you will love it!
About the Author:
For more stories like Sights in Debrecen Hungary check out the superb travel website from Noemi Linzenbold for interesting travel stories and advice.
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