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. Climb the Nagytemplom
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 Loki Play Football!
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
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. Head to 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.
A statue of Csokonai sits in front of the main square.
5. Head on a tram 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 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 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.
Get your flights booked and head to Hungary!
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.
A few facts on Debrecen:
- The Romanian army once were stationed there occupying it after the first world war.
- This city, Debrecen as one point in history was the capital of Hungary
Food and drink 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 did I 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!
What to do in Debrecen?
Here's a top 5.
1. Climb the Nagytemplom
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 Loki Play Football!
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
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. Head to 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.
A statue of Csokonai sits in front of the main square.
5. Head on a tram 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 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 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.
Get your flights booked and head to Hungary!
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.
A few facts on Debrecen:
- The Romanian army once were stationed there occupying it after the first world war.
- This city, Debrecen as one point in history was the capital of Hungary
Food and drink 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 did I 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 excellent travel website from Noemi Linzenbold for amazing travel stories and tips.
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