mercredi 17 avril 2013

Things to see and do in Debrecen, Hungary

By Jonny Blair


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 is there to do in Debrecen?

This is a top 5.

1. Head to the top of the Yellow Church

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 Loki Play Football!

Hungary is a football nation through and through. Twice they have been runners up in the World Cup, and though they lost both that is still some achievement! Here in Debrecen you can head to watch the local team known as Loki! They are also called Debreceni VSC and play in red and white. In the last 10 years or so they have been champions and winners of the Hungarian League 6 times. Head out to the stadium to catch a live match - entertaining and loud!

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. 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!

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.

Getting there, to Debrecen:

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.

Head to Budapest and then on to Debrecen and you have seen a good mix of Hungarian city life.

Where can you 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!

A few facts on Debrecen:

- The Romanian army once were stationed there occupying it after the first world war.

- Debrecen was once the capital city of Hungary (yes, I know, I didn't believe it either)

Food and drink 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!




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