Debrecen is Hungary's second biggest city but you wouldn't quite know it - it's hardly colossal, nor is it instantly mind blowing. It's shy and peaceful and Hungarian to the core. Most tourists that visit Hungary do Budapest and Balaton and give a by ball to charming Debrecen. But it's worth a trip. Head to this city just 100 miles short of the Romania border. Read my tips on what to do in Debrecen!
Things to see and 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 the football team Loki play!
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. Drink with the locals near 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. 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.
A statue of Csokonai sits in front of the main square.
5. Get a tram out to the University
To get away from the city centre, head to the University on the outskirts. Get a tram out there and take in the wonderful architecture while relaxing by the lake.
Another thing to do in Debrecen:
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?
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.
Get your flights booked and head to Hungary!
Where to stay in Debrecen:
Hostels and hotels are all near the city centre or do as I did and stay with a local family.
A few facts on Debrecen:
- It was once manned by the Romanian army after 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:
The Hungarian Paprika Chicken is outstanding and the cream chocolate cheese bars called Turo Rudis are very unusual and local.
Reasons for visiting 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!
Things to see and 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 the football team Loki play!
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. Drink with the locals near 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. 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.
A statue of Csokonai sits in front of the main square.
5. Get a tram out to the University
To get away from the city centre, head to the University on the outskirts. Get a tram out there and take in the wonderful architecture while relaxing by the lake.
Another thing to do in Debrecen:
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?
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.
Get your flights booked and head to Hungary!
Where to stay in Debrecen:
Hostels and hotels are all near the city centre or do as I did and stay with a local family.
A few facts on Debrecen:
- It was once manned by the Romanian army after 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:
The Hungarian Paprika Chicken is outstanding and the cream chocolate cheese bars called Turo Rudis are very unusual and local.
Reasons for visiting 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 more stories like Sights in Debrecen Hungary check out the fantastic travel site from Noemi Linzenbold for amazing travel stories and tips.
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