The Baroque Splendor of Eger

A thoroughly enjoyable stop between Budapest and Tokaj is baroque Eger, a university town punctuated by grand churches and a ruined ridgetop castle. It requires a slight detour from the highway, but those who visit will be rewarded with winding cobbled streets lined with wine shops and boutiques, small squares full of outdoor café tables, and a grand central plaza surrounded by colorful baroque splendor. After you have seen the immense Eger basilica, the lavishly decorated Minorite Church of St. Anthony of Padua and the panoramic views from the castle, have lunch at Macok Bisztró just 
below the castle gate (Tinódi Sebestyén tér 4, Tel. [36] 36-516-180). I had a superb confit of duck leg with kohlrabi cream paired with a Hangács Bikavér, a big but refined example 
of the famous local “Bull’s Blood” wine.