Debrecen is the second largest city in Hungary, after the capital of Budapest and believe it or not it is not so popular with tourists. That aside, I checked it out and loved it. Here are 5 top things to see and do in Debrecen in Hungary to prove it's a great spot for tourists, and slightly off the beaten track too!
What to do in Debrecen?
Here's a top 5.
1. Climb 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 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. 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. Go to 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.
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. Get a tram out to the University
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 is a Museum in Debrecen, but it's not that great in all honesty, however if you fancy seeing it, then why not? It's the Deri Museum and situated in the city centre near the big yellow church.
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.
But before getting my train I flew into Budapest which is also worth a look.
Places to 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!
A few facts on Debrecen:
- Debrecen is close the Romanian border and was in fact once occupied by the Romanian Army! Post World War 1.
- Debrecen was once the capital city of Hungary (yes, I know, I didn't believe it either)
Things 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?
I went with a local girl who I dated but head there to get off the beaten track! It's a top city to see!
What to do in Debrecen?
Here's a top 5.
1. Climb 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 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. 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. Go to 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.
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. Get a tram out to the University
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 is a Museum in Debrecen, but it's not that great in all honesty, however if you fancy seeing it, then why not? It's the Deri Museum and situated in the city centre near the big yellow church.
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.
But before getting my train I flew into Budapest which is also worth a look.
Places to 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!
A few facts on Debrecen:
- Debrecen is close the Romanian border and was in fact once occupied by the Romanian Army! Post World War 1.
- Debrecen was once the capital city of Hungary (yes, I know, I didn't believe it either)
Things 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?
I went with a local girl who I dated but head there to get off the beaten track! It's a top city to see!
About the Author:
For further stories like Sights in Debrecen Hungary check out the fantastic travel site from Noemi Linzenbold for wonderful travel stories and tips.
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