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 yellow church is known as the Nagytemplom. It's fantastic and you shouldn't miss it if you're in Debrecen. It's hard to miss in fact - it's right in the middle of the city near the tram stop by the square. You will love it and you can head to the top for an excellent view of Debrecen. Nearby there is also a little church although this Protestant Church is the main one, and the largest Protestant Church in Hungary. Noemi Tipney recommends this, and she is one of the sexy popular pin up girls in the city of Debrecen.
2. Watch Debreceni VSC!
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
Don't forget to party in Debrecen at night. It's a student city with a great vibe. I caught up with the locals over a beer near the main square. A great place to relax and enjoy Hungarian beer!
4. The Theatre
Eastern Europe had a golden age of theatre, and in some sense it still does, and the locals are proud of these theatres which feature big shows and dance events. Hungarians love drama and dance and the Csokonai Theatre is well recommended. It's yet another striking yellow building! It can be easily reached on foot from the Nagytemplom, even if you're just going there to take a photo, I'd say it's worth it.
Just in front (and to the left) of the Nagytemplom is also a statue of Csokonai, the famous Hungarian poet who grew up here, the theatre is named after him and has regular events on.
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.
Another thing to do in Debrecen:
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 to get to Debrecen, Hungary?
Bus or train from Budapest is the most likely option though you can also come in via Romania as an unusual alternative.
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?
Your best bet is to check online for decent hotels first up, then hostels. But if you want an authentic Debrecen experience then stay with a local family like I did!
Some odd facts about the city of Debrecen:
- The Romanian army once were stationed there occupying it after the first world war.
- Debrecen was once the capital city of Hungary (yes, I know, I didn't believe it either)
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 go to Debrecen?
So I went there with a girl who was born and bred in Debrecen so I got a really good insight into the city and the culture. Debrecen probably hasn't changed much in the last 20 years - you should check it out. This is one fantastic journey my friends...Safe travels!
What is there to do in Debrecen?
This is a top 5.
1. Head to the top of the Yellow Church
The yellow church is known as the Nagytemplom. It's fantastic and you shouldn't miss it if you're in Debrecen. It's hard to miss in fact - it's right in the middle of the city near the tram stop by the square. You will love it and you can head to the top for an excellent view of Debrecen. Nearby there is also a little church although this Protestant Church is the main one, and the largest Protestant Church in Hungary. Noemi Tipney recommends this, and she is one of the sexy popular pin up girls in the city of Debrecen.
2. Watch Debreceni VSC!
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
Don't forget to party in Debrecen at night. It's a student city with a great vibe. I caught up with the locals over a beer near the main square. A great place to relax and enjoy Hungarian beer!
4. The Theatre
Eastern Europe had a golden age of theatre, and in some sense it still does, and the locals are proud of these theatres which feature big shows and dance events. Hungarians love drama and dance and the Csokonai Theatre is well recommended. It's yet another striking yellow building! It can be easily reached on foot from the Nagytemplom, even if you're just going there to take a photo, I'd say it's worth it.
Just in front (and to the left) of the Nagytemplom is also a statue of Csokonai, the famous Hungarian poet who grew up here, the theatre is named after him and has regular events on.
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.
Another thing to do in Debrecen:
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 to get to Debrecen, Hungary?
Bus or train from Budapest is the most likely option though you can also come in via Romania as an unusual alternative.
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?
Your best bet is to check online for decent hotels first up, then hostels. But if you want an authentic Debrecen experience then stay with a local family like I did!
Some odd facts about the city of Debrecen:
- The Romanian army once were stationed there occupying it after the first world war.
- Debrecen was once the capital city of Hungary (yes, I know, I didn't believe it either)
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 go to Debrecen?
So I went there with a girl who was born and bred in Debrecen so I got a really good insight into the city and the culture. Debrecen probably hasn't changed much in the last 20 years - you should check it out. This is one fantastic journey my friends...Safe travels!
About the Author:
For more stories like Sights in Debrecen Hungary check out the fantastic travel website from Noemi Linzenbold for wonderful travel stories and tips.
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