Eger

I just spent a weekend in Eger. I have been to the city several times, but now I thought it was about time to share some Eger insights with the rest of you, just in case anyone want to visit the city for a day trip or maybe for a wellness weekend or as a wine excursion!

I know this is a Budapest blog, but in case someone might be interested and consider a visit to Eger, keep on reading!

The city of Eger has a bit less than 60,000 inhabitants. If you look for a city packed with sights and attractions, you do not need to visit Eger. The most important sights can be seen within 2-3 hours and then you will even have time for a coffee break. Still there are some reasons why you might want to visit Eger, not only for 2-3 hours, but maybe for 2-3 days. Here you will find the reasons:

SPA and wellness

Eger has great hotels with nice SPA and wellness areas. In these hotels you can enjoy different treatments, fitness rooms, swimming pools, jacuzzi’s and great food. If you are in for relaxation I would therefore pick a hotel with great food and wellness. I have not visited too many hotels in Eger myself, but Hotel Eger & Park is a great option in that case. The hotel has one part with 3 stars and one with 4 stars. Both areas are nice and the food in the restaurant (both breakfast, lunch and dinner) is great! The hotel is central, so once you leave the hotel you can walk in the center within 4-5 minutes.

If you visit Eger you should also visit Egerszalok. There you can find one of the most thermal baths in Hungary, also known for its Salt Hill. Egerszalok is only 8km from Eger, so if you find no other way to get there, grab a taxi.

Egerszalok

Wine tasting

Eger is one of the most famous wine regions in Hungary and the famous Egri Bikaver (Bull’s blood) origins in Eger. However Eger does not only produce red wines, but also white and rose, so there will be plenty of wine waiting for you as you visit Eger. A popular area to visit is “Szépasszonyvőlgy.” Translated it means “The valley of the beautiful woman.” In this valley you can visit lots of wine cellars and drink wine for days in and out. The valley has some restaurants and hotels as well, so if you are in for a 100% wine holiday, you could for example consider Hotel Ködmön, a four star hotel with a little, but nice wellness, and once you leave the hotel you are ready to enjoy the wines of the valley! We lived there during our stay recently and we were mostly satisfied. If you like to walk on foot you can easily reach the city center from the hotel (20-25 minute walk).

Shopping and attractions

Eger has one big shopping mall, Agria Park. In this mall you can find quite a lot of fashion stores, a cinema and a large parking lot where you can leave your car. This if for sure the number one option for shopping in Eger. If you want to see the most famous “sights” of Eger you better visit the basilica of Eger (very close to Agria Park), the Dobó square and of course the castle of Eger. The castle once protected the city against the Turkish intruders and the legend says that the ladies of Eger threw warm Goulash soup at the intruders to keep them away. Eger has a minaret from the 17th century which was raised by the Muslims. This is the northernmost Turkish minaret in Europe. From the top of the minaret you can enjoy a nice view.

How to get to Eger?

It takes about 1 ½ hour to get to Eger with car from Budapest (150km). To get to Eger just get on the M3 highway (it starts behind the Heroes Square) and follow the signs until you get to Eger. You can also travel to Eger with train or with bus.

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