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?
This is a 5 best of.
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.
2. Watch Debreceni VSC!
Loki are the local team in Debrecen and they have won the Hungarian League 6 times in the last 10 years so they are a good team to watch. The stadium might be hard to find but a trip there is worth it. The local fans are proud and they make some noise! Hungary were twice the runner up team in World Cup Finals.
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. Head 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.
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. Go to the University by tram
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:
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.
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.
Head to Budapest and then on to Debrecen and you have seen a good mix of Hungarian city life.
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.
Random Facts About Debrecen:
- The Romanian army once were stationed there occupying it after the first world war.
- Debrecen used to be the capital of Hungary!
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.
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!
What to do in Debrecen?
This is a 5 best of.
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.
2. Watch Debreceni VSC!
Loki are the local team in Debrecen and they have won the Hungarian League 6 times in the last 10 years so they are a good team to watch. The stadium might be hard to find but a trip there is worth it. The local fans are proud and they make some noise! Hungary were twice the runner up team in World Cup Finals.
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. Head 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.
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. Go to the University by tram
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:
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.
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.
Head to Budapest and then on to Debrecen and you have seen a good mix of Hungarian city life.
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.
Random Facts About Debrecen:
- The Romanian army once were stationed there occupying it after the first world war.
- Debrecen used to be the capital of Hungary!
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.
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 excellent travel site from Noemi Linzenbold for great travel stories and tips.