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Whilst Hungary’s capital city, Budapest, rightfully basks in the spotlight for its impressive Parliament building, unique thermal baths and fun ruin bars, there is so much more to this rich country. Just a short ride northeast of Budapest and you’ll find yourself in a magical, romantic, Baroque city called Eger.
Eger is a city defined by winding cobblestone streets, world-renowned red wines and its medieval castles. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or an additional stop after the beautiful capital, here is your guide to this beautiful city.
Eger is a local favourite for short getaways but it remains fairly untouched by foreign tourists. This makes it perfect as there’s tourism infrastructure like hotels and sights but prices remain reasonable. Here’s a quick look into how much one night in Eger is likely to cost you:
| Travel Style | Accommodation | Food & Drink | Sightseeing & Leisure | Total Per Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget |
5,500 - 11,000
HUF
(€15 - €30) |
3,500 - 6,000 HUF
(€10 - €17) |
1,800 - 3,000 HUF
(€5 - €8) |
10,800 - 20,000 HUF
(€30 - €55) |
| Mid-Range |
11,000 - 30,000 HUF
(€30 - €85) |
6,000 - 16,000 HUF
(€17 - €45) |
3,000 - 5,500 HUF
(€8 - €15) |
20,000 - 51,500 HUF
(€55 - €145) |
| Luxury |
30,000 - 60,000+ HUF
(€85 - €170+) |
16,000 - 25,000+ HUF
(€45 - €70+) |
5,500 - 12,500+ HUF
(€15 - €35+) |
71,500 - 97,500+ HUF
(€145 - €275+) |
1 – Book Transport Direct: Avoid third-party transit apps and book your train from Budapest to Eger via the official Hungarian Railway Portal (MÁV) or download the official MÁV app. A direct train from Budapest-Keleti station to Eger station takes only two hours and costs around 2500 HUF (£6 / €7).
For Apple: Download the MÁV App on the iOS App Store
For Android: Download the MÁV App on the Google Play Store
For Web: MÁV Online Ticketing System
2 – Stay Overnight: It’s common for Eger to be a quick day trip from Budapest but staying for at least one night is so worth it. You can enjoy the illuminated cobblestone streets and squares after dark without many people, and head over to the wine caves for an evening of wine-tasting without a blurry journey back to the capital.
3 – Carry Cash: Whilst most hotels and restaurants will take card, some of the historic, family-run wine caves outside of the city centre or small shops are cash-only so be sure to have some Hungarian Forint with you.
If you have time for an overnight stay, incredible or if you’re only visiting for the day, also incredible. Either way, Eger is absolutely worth exploring. It can be done in one day, two or as many as you like.
Whether you arrived the night before or in the morning, start by heading over to Dobó Square – the main pedestrian square of the city with the impressive Church of Anthony of Padua. Head into a local cafe for a pastry and a drink before moving on up to Eger Castle to enjoy an impressive view over the city and learn about how the Hungarians held the fort against Ottoman siege.
As you make your way back into the city, stop by the 40-meter tall Eger Minaret – the northernmost Ottoman architectural relic left in Europe. For a small cash fee, you can climb the 97 steps to a small platform at the top for more views over the city before seeking out a local Hungarian restaurant for some lunch.
Warning: Skip the climb if you suffer from a fear of heights, claustrophobia or lack mobility. The spiral stairs are dark, tight and the platform at the top is narrow. It’s also impossible for two people to pass so you and the people you’re with have a time limit.
Make your way over to the outstanding Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Apostle and admire it’s grand structure. If you haven’t experienced the thermal baths in Budapest or simply fancy some more then you can opt to relax at the Eger Thermal Bath in the middle of the city park.
The main event, Szépasszony-völgy (The Valley of the Beautiful Women). Just a 20 minute walk from the city, the horseshoe valley is home to over 150 wine cellars dug directly out of volcanic rock walls. Enjoy a stroll around the authentic area, a few wine tastings and try some more local Hungarian dishes. Finish your night off with a stroll though the calmly lit city at night.
Note: Depending on if you’re here for a day or staying overnight, will determine how early you need to head over to the wine cellars but I would recommend giving yourself at least 2-4 hours here.
When I visited Eger, I was lucky enough to have 3 nights here. As we arrived late, it meant I had one full day of exploring, exactly as I’ve laid out above, and one extra day.
Hungary isn’t necessarily known for its nature but as a nature enthusiast, I took the opportunity to head to the nearby Bükki National Park and explore what it had to offer.
The main entrance to the park for those coming from Eger is Szilvásvárad. An easy, affordable and direct local 1-hour bus will take you to Bükki National Park and back again and they run almost every hour.
More good news, entry to the park is entirely free. One more reason I love nature!
If you’re coming in from Szilvásvárad then you’ll likely head onto the Szalajka Valley and Fátyol Waterfall trail. It’s a relaxing walk for an enjoyable, calm, stress-free time in nature.
For the those with children or limited mobility, you can ride the Szilvásvárad Forest Railway for a small fee which will take you into the heart of the forest.
Do NOT miss Istállós-kői Cave, it’s a little further and has an incline but it’s so incredibly worth it.
I was extremely lucky, or Eger truly is just an incredible place, in that everything I did or saw was spectacular. This means I can just recommend the exact place I stayed, the wine experience I did and some wonderful restaurants:
We had an apartment for our time in Eger, called HelloWine Apartman, Eger. The place was absolutely gorgeous, in a great location, well-priced and the host was incredible.
Korzó Étterem – located right next to the main attractions of Eger, this restaurant is traditional and cozy.
Rohlicsek Lángos – located inside a local produce market, this stall has queues of locals, try the traditional Lángos with sour cream and cheese.
We booked a 6-wine tasting session at Bolyki Pincészet a Szépasszonyvölgyben (Cellar 40). It was wonderful, the host was extremely knowledgeable about the wines and which fit our preferences and his English was excellent.
Eger is an insanely gorgeous little city which offers you beautiful architecture, wonderful food, a relaxing time and a unique wine scene. For me, I got to visit Eger as part of a birthday trip so it was extra special but regardless, it’s wonderful and I would go back again!
If you enjoyed this post, check out my related posts and book that trip now!
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