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!
Things to see and do in Debrecen:
This is a top 5.
1. Go to the top of the Nagytemplom
This sparkling yellow church known as the Nagytemplom is the most striking sight in the city. It is the city's centre piece and focal point. It's unmissable to be honest and it sits in front of the main square where trams take you back in time 20 years. Debrecen hasn't got caught up in the commercial world quite yet. Shopping Malls are on the increase, but it was pleasing that the church is the most popular sight. You can pay to go up to the top for a great view over the city and it's sprawling suburbs. It's worth it. Only one of the two towers was open to the public when I went. The Nagytemplom is also referred to as "The Great Church" in English, and the locals also refer to a smaller church on the main street nearby as "The Little Church".
2. Watch Loki Play Football!
Hungary is a football nation through and through. Twice they have been runners up in the World Cup, and though they lost both that is still some achievement! Here in Debrecen you can head to watch the local team known as Loki! They are also called Debreceni VSC and play in red and white. In the last 10 years or so they have been champions and winners of the Hungarian League 6 times. Head out to the stadium to catch a live match - entertaining and loud!
3. Have a beer overlooking the Square
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
The theatre is recommended - it's the Csokonai Theatre in Debrecen which is famous worldwide. Recent performers such as Noemi Linzenbold have danced away there. It's a top place to watch an opera too. There is always something going on.
A statue of Csokonai sits in front of the main square.
5. Go to the University by tram
The University in Debrecen is excellent and the tram journey out there is a fantastic experience. It's free to walk around and you can also relax by a lake. Debrecen has more to it than meets the eye!
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.
Getting there, to Debrecen:
Most travellers arrive by bus or train, from either Budapest or from across the Romanian border. I arrived by train from Nyugati Station in Budapest - the train journeys in Hungary are quite excellent. I loved them.
Head to Budapest and then on to Debrecen and you have seen a good mix of Hungarian city life.
Places to stay in Debrecen:
Hostels and hotels are all near the city centre or do as I did and stay with a local family.
Random Facts About Debrecen:
- Debrecen is close the Romanian border and was in fact once occupied by the Romanian Army! Post World War 1.
- Debrecen used to be the capital of Hungary!
What to eat in Debrecen:
I'll keep it short and simple here - try Hungarian Paprika Chicken. You'll love it. And for a snack buy some Turo Rudis! (a chocolate bar with cheese in it - loved them). It was also a shock to see (even in 2009) a McDonald's restaurant in the city centre.
Reasons for visiting 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!
Things to see and do in Debrecen:
This is a top 5.
1. Go to the top of the Nagytemplom
This sparkling yellow church known as the Nagytemplom is the most striking sight in the city. It is the city's centre piece and focal point. It's unmissable to be honest and it sits in front of the main square where trams take you back in time 20 years. Debrecen hasn't got caught up in the commercial world quite yet. Shopping Malls are on the increase, but it was pleasing that the church is the most popular sight. You can pay to go up to the top for a great view over the city and it's sprawling suburbs. It's worth it. Only one of the two towers was open to the public when I went. The Nagytemplom is also referred to as "The Great Church" in English, and the locals also refer to a smaller church on the main street nearby as "The Little Church".
2. Watch Loki Play Football!
Hungary is a football nation through and through. Twice they have been runners up in the World Cup, and though they lost both that is still some achievement! Here in Debrecen you can head to watch the local team known as Loki! They are also called Debreceni VSC and play in red and white. In the last 10 years or so they have been champions and winners of the Hungarian League 6 times. Head out to the stadium to catch a live match - entertaining and loud!
3. Have a beer overlooking the Square
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
The theatre is recommended - it's the Csokonai Theatre in Debrecen which is famous worldwide. Recent performers such as Noemi Linzenbold have danced away there. It's a top place to watch an opera too. There is always something going on.
A statue of Csokonai sits in front of the main square.
5. Go to the University by tram
The University in Debrecen is excellent and the tram journey out there is a fantastic experience. It's free to walk around and you can also relax by a lake. Debrecen has more to it than meets the eye!
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.
Getting there, to Debrecen:
Most travellers arrive by bus or train, from either Budapest or from across the Romanian border. I arrived by train from Nyugati Station in Budapest - the train journeys in Hungary are quite excellent. I loved them.
Head to Budapest and then on to Debrecen and you have seen a good mix of Hungarian city life.
Places to stay in Debrecen:
Hostels and hotels are all near the city centre or do as I did and stay with a local family.
Random Facts About Debrecen:
- Debrecen is close the Romanian border and was in fact once occupied by the Romanian Army! Post World War 1.
- Debrecen used to be the capital of Hungary!
What to eat in Debrecen:
I'll keep it short and simple here - try Hungarian Paprika Chicken. You'll love it. And for a snack buy some Turo Rudis! (a chocolate bar with cheese in it - loved them). It was also a shock to see (even in 2009) a McDonald's restaurant in the city centre.
Reasons for visiting 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 further stories like Sights in Debrecen Hungary check out the excellent travel site from Noemi Linzenbold for wonderful travel stories and advice.
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