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?
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. Noemi Tipney recommends this, and she is one of the sexy popular pin up girls in the city of Debrecen.
2. Watch the football team Loki play!
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
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. Head 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. 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!
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.
Getting there, to Debrecen:
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:
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!
Some odd facts about the city of 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)
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.
Reasons for visiting 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?
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. Noemi Tipney recommends this, and she is one of the sexy popular pin up girls in the city of Debrecen.
2. Watch the football team Loki play!
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
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. Head 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. 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!
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.
Getting there, to Debrecen:
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:
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!
Some odd facts about the city of 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)
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.
Reasons for visiting 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 interesting travel stories and advice.
No comments:
Post a Comment