Debrecen

Debrecen is Hungary's second largest city after Budapest (updated Jan 2019).  It is the regional center of the Northern Great Plain region and the seat of Hajdú-Bihar county. It was the largest Hungarian city in the 18th century and it is one of the Hungarian people's most important cultural centres. Debrecen was also the capital city of Hungary during the revolution in 1848–1849. During the revolution, the dethronement of the Habsburg dynasty was declared in the Reformed Great Church. The city also served as the capital of Hungary by the end of the World War II in 1944–1945. It is home of the University of Debrecen. Tourist Information 

A wide range of leisure activities in Debrecen for hot summer days or in case of cold weather! You definitely won’t bore, because even children and grandfathers can find the most exciting things to do. Sightseeing, event calendar, cultural programmes and sports events.

Travelling to Debrecen by plane is already available from more and more countries. The airport is located directly on the outskirts so you can get to the city center in a few minutes cheap by taking a taxi. You also can reach the downtown quickly if you get on a bus or train.

Budapest may be Hungary’s nightlife capital, but Debrecen is not far behind, with plenty of charming bars and pubs in which to grab beer. So to make things a little easier I've rounded up the city’s best beer places.

STAY Beer Bar, Rózsa ut.

Open: Mon-Thu 12-23, Fri-Sat 12-2, Sun Closed

The STAY beer bar is located in downtown Debrecen at the corner of Rózsa utca. They offer craft Hungarian beers, some Czech micros and other foreign craft beers. With the opening of STAY, the Beer Revolution also arrived in Debrecen, announcing and introducing the pearls of Hungarian small-scale or craft beer production. They have 8 types of drafts you can choose from and nearly 40 kinds of bottled beer. The palette is wide as it is found in pils, camp, wheat, IPA, APA, semi-brown, brown, stout and fruity beer. It reminds me of Mikkeller's smaller Copenhagen brasserie.

Belga Étterem és Söröző, Piac utca 29.

Open: Sun-Thu 10.00-24:00, Fri-Sat 10:00-02:00

This restaurant is centrally located, on direct tram route 1 or 2 from station. With the 19th centuries atmosphere (the whole place desperately needs some refreshing?) but its really a wonderful place and has out seating in good weather that overlook's the lovely square and passing trams. Standard Belgian selection on offer across all five taps & no Hungarian craft beer available! Quality is good, waiters are friendly, but too expensive 20+ Euro for a main dish is not a fair price in Hungary IMO

Butiq, 4029 Csapó utca 24

Open: Mon-Thurs 10:00-23:00 Fri-Sat 10:00-03:00 Sun 11:00-22:00

Butiq is an unusual bistro, cafe, club and a real community place. The rustic-industrial environment inspired by the fashion world, packed food, specialty Hungarian craft beers (They may not have much but it’s better than most places in town), huge whiskey and rum selection, fine Hungarian wines and cocktails, loose environment, cool people, indoor courtyard and covered terrace. Music (DJ's) on at the weekends, from 8am onwards, deep house, new disco and house-music. Food is also available to order alongside the drinks menu, from pizzas and burgers to “deb dogs” made using Debreceni sausage (spiced with paprika). Nice spot to chill and hang out.

RONCSBÁR, 27 Csapó utca, Debrecen, 4024.

Open: Mon-Tue:11:00-00:00 Wed-Thu:11:00-02:00 Fri-Sat: 11:00-04:00 Closed Sun

Hungary is known for its iconic ruin bars and Debrecen’s own ruin pub is right up there with the best of them. A pub grub-style food menu offers snacks and larger meals at friendly prices and daily specials, the space is popular with anyone looking to grab a bite and relax in unique, cosy surroundings and grab a few craft beers. By night, live music performances and an even livelier atmosphere transform the bar into a vibrant place to enjoy a night out.

Neon City & Garden, 7 Kassai út.

Open: Mon-Thurs 11:30am -12pm Fri-11:30am-2am Say-4pm-2am

Neon City & Garden is a ruin pub that is a real international meeting point where locals, international students or visitors from out of town or abroad can mingle and feel right at home. Foosball tables, large screens on which to watch the match of the day, a chilled out terrace…everything here is geared towards fun, which makes it a popular spot for students, visitors, and pretty much everyone.

Mini Bar, Simonffy u. 7

Open: Mon-Sat 12-12 Closed Sun

A small urban chic coffee bar that becomes a gin/cocktail bar later, they do have a fridege with a few craft bottled beers in that in this beer desert is well worth seeking out! It's a real friendly place to hang out and drink some good beers

Valhalla Söröző, Sarló u. 2, Debrecen, 4028 Hungary

Open: Mon-Sat 2pm-2am Sun - 6pm-1am

The place itself is a good atmosphere and spacious, with lots of cosy rooms, little courtyards and BBQ. The bartenders are nice, there's darts. The prices are pretty good.

Bakelit Music Cafe, 21 Kossuth utca.

Open; Mon-Thurs 11am-1am Fri-Sat 11am-4am Sun Closed

Opposite the Csokonai Theatre, thirsty patrons can enjoy a drink at this casual bar while looking out onto the building’s beautiful architecture. Wine, beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks can all be found on the menu, and thanks to the welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere the pub has become a popular meeting place for locals – the occasional live music performances are also a big draw!

Calico Jack Pub, 15 Bem tér.

Open Mon-Sat 11.30am - 1am Sun-Closed

Decorated like a pirate ship, this quirky pub is both a great place to enjoy a meal (they are known for their gargantuan portions) and for casual drinks in the evening. As well as classic refreshments including local beers and wines, there’s also an extensive pálinka (Hungarian fruit brandy) menu allowing guests to try one of the country’s national drinks.