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:
Here's a top 5.
1. Go to the top of 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 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.
3. Drink with the locals near 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
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.
A statue of Csokonai sits in front of the main square.
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.
Another thing to do in Debrecen:
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 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!
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:
- 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)
What 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?
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!
Things to see and do in Debrecen:
Here's a top 5.
1. Go to the top of 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 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.
3. Drink with the locals near 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
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.
A statue of Csokonai sits in front of the main square.
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.
Another thing to do in Debrecen:
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 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!
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:
- 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)
What 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?
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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