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 to do in Debrecen?
Here's 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 the football team Loki play!
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
Hungarians like to drink beer. In summer months, the square and the main streets in Debrecen are alive with outdoor beer bars. The Bakelit Music Cafe is one to note down and the non descript beer gardens are much better than you'd ever believe. Hungarian beer is top notch.
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.
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
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!
One final thing to do:
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?
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.
Places to stay in Debrecen:
Now I was there with a local girl so I stayed with her family in a wonderful tower block on the edge of the city. But there are lots of decent hostels and hotels to choose from.
Some odd facts about the city of Debrecen:
- The Romanian army once were stationed there occupying it after the first world war.
- 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.
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 to do in Debrecen?
Here's 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 the football team Loki play!
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
Hungarians like to drink beer. In summer months, the square and the main streets in Debrecen are alive with outdoor beer bars. The Bakelit Music Cafe is one to note down and the non descript beer gardens are much better than you'd ever believe. Hungarian beer is top notch.
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.
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
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!
One final thing to do:
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?
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.
Places to stay in Debrecen:
Now I was there with a local girl so I stayed with her family in a wonderful tower block on the edge of the city. But there are lots of decent hostels and hotels to choose from.
Some odd facts about the city of Debrecen:
- The Romanian army once were stationed there occupying it after the first world war.
- 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.
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!
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