Eger boasts 175 superb historic monuments. Among the most notable are a castle, a basilica and the Istvan Dobo Museum (a former bishop's palace with a Gothic arcade). You will also fine a minaret, a remnant from Turkish times. Be sure to see the baroque wrought-iron gates of the 16th-century County Hall. Other attractions include Turkish baths, the Eger State Winery (the town is known for Eger Bull's Blood, a distinctive deep-red wine) and a Franciscan monastery. We enjoyed an overnight stay in Eger. Include a stop for wine tasting in the dozens of hillside cellars in the Valley of the Beautiful Women (A Szepasszonyok Volgye), which is walking distance from the center of the city.
On the way from Budapest to Eger by car, turn off at Hatvan and drive 25 mi/40 km north to
Holloko—a charming village nestled in the Cserhat hills that preserves the traditional crafts and architecture of the Paloc people, a group of northern Hungarians whose language and culture are distinct from the rest of the nation. The whole village is a UNESCO monument.
Eger is 80 mi/130 km northeast of Budapest.