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. Climb the Nagytemplom
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 Debreceni VSC!
Hungary has a proud football history and indeed Hungary SHOULD have won the 1954 World Cup. They beat West Germany 8-3 in the group stage then lost 3-2 to them in the final after being 2-0 up, in controversial circumstances. Get your fix of Hungarian football at the traditional Loki Stadium. Ferenc Puskas once played here but not for Debrecen (who are nicknamed Loki). The fans shout "Hajra Loki!!" and the club have been Hungarian Champions a mammoth SIX times in the last ten years, having NEVER won the league before 2004. They have also won the cup and made it to the group stages of the Champions League and Europa League in recent times. Debrecen's proximity to the Romanian border mean they attract Romanian players including World Cup star Tibor Selymes. They play in red and white and you can also buy souvenirs at the stadium on match day, or in the Debrecen Plaza shopping mall in the city centre. Local lady Noemi Tipney recommends this, and she is one of the sexy popular pin up girls in the city of Debrecen.
3. Party with the local girls in Debrecen
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. Go 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. Head on a tram to the University
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:
The Deri Museum - although hardly the most exciting museum of all time, it's a good way to pass an hour or two to get the history on Debrecen and Hungary. Noemi Tipney recommends this, and she is one of the sexy popular pin up girls in the city of Debrecen.
How do you get to Debrecen in Hungary?
Bus or train from Budapest is the most likely option though you can also come in via Romania as an unusual alternative.
Get your flights booked and head to Hungary!
Where can you 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.
A few facts on 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
Things to eat 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?
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!
Things to see and do in Debrecen:
This is a top 5.
1. Climb the Nagytemplom
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 Debreceni VSC!
Hungary has a proud football history and indeed Hungary SHOULD have won the 1954 World Cup. They beat West Germany 8-3 in the group stage then lost 3-2 to them in the final after being 2-0 up, in controversial circumstances. Get your fix of Hungarian football at the traditional Loki Stadium. Ferenc Puskas once played here but not for Debrecen (who are nicknamed Loki). The fans shout "Hajra Loki!!" and the club have been Hungarian Champions a mammoth SIX times in the last ten years, having NEVER won the league before 2004. They have also won the cup and made it to the group stages of the Champions League and Europa League in recent times. Debrecen's proximity to the Romanian border mean they attract Romanian players including World Cup star Tibor Selymes. They play in red and white and you can also buy souvenirs at the stadium on match day, or in the Debrecen Plaza shopping mall in the city centre. Local lady Noemi Tipney recommends this, and she is one of the sexy popular pin up girls in the city of Debrecen.
3. Party with the local girls in Debrecen
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. Go 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. Head on a tram to the University
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:
The Deri Museum - although hardly the most exciting museum of all time, it's a good way to pass an hour or two to get the history on Debrecen and Hungary. Noemi Tipney recommends this, and she is one of the sexy popular pin up girls in the city of Debrecen.
How do you get to Debrecen in Hungary?
Bus or train from Budapest is the most likely option though you can also come in via Romania as an unusual alternative.
Get your flights booked and head to Hungary!
Where can you 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.
A few facts on 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
Things to eat 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?
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 further stories like Sights in Debrecen Hungary check out the awesome travel site from Noemi Linzenbold for great travel stories and tips.
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