Eger: The Jewel of Northern Hungary

• HelloSzia
  [see-ah]
• GoodbyeViszontlátásra
  [vee-sont-la-tash-ra]
• YesIgen
  [ee-gen]
• NoNem
  [nem]
• Please/You're welcomeKérem
  [key-rem]
• Thank youKöszönöm
  [kerr-sir-nurm]
• Excuse me/SorryElnézést
  [ell-nay-zay-sht]
• How are you?Hogy vagy?
  [hoj vadj]
• Fine. And you?Jól vagyok. És te?
  [yole vadj-ock. ays teh]
• Do you speak English?Beszélsz angolul?
  [bes-ayl-s ang-oh-lool]
• I don't understandNem értem
  [nem air-tem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSzeretnék látni az étlapot, kérem
  [ser-ett-neck laht-nee oz ate-law-pot, key-rem]
• I don't eat meatNem eszem húst
  [nem es-em hoost]
• Cheers!Egészségedre!
  [egg-ay-shay-ged-reh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseFizetnék, kérem
  [fee-zeht-neck, key-rem]

• Help!Segítség!
  [she-geet-shayg]
• Go away!Menj el!
  [meyn yell]
• Call the Police!Hívja a rendőrséget!
  [hee-vyah ah ren-dur-say-get]
• Call a doctor!Hívjon orvost!
  [hee-vyon or-vosht]
• I'm lostElvesztem
  [el-vess-tem]
• I'm illBeteg vagyok
  [beh-teg vadj-ock]

• I'd like to buy...Szeretnék vásárolni...
  [ser-ett-neck vah-shah-rohl-nee]
• I'm just lookingCsak nézelődöm
  [chack nay-zeh-loh-dome]
• How much is it?Mennyibe kerül?
  [men-nyee-beh keh-rool]
• That's too expensiveTúl drága
  [tool dra-gah]
• Can you lower the price?Le tudnád engedni az árat?
  [leh tud-nahd eng-ed-nee oz ah-rat]

• What time is it?Mennyi az idő?
  [men-nyee oz ee-deh]
• It's one o'clockEgy óra van
  [edge o-ra von]
• Half past (10)Fél (tíz)kor
  [fale (tease)kor]
• MorningReggel
  [rehg-gel]
• AfternoonDélután
  [day-loo-tahn]
• EveningEste
  [esh-teh]
• YesterdayTegnap
  [teg-nap]
• TodayMa
  [mah]
• TomorrowHolnap
  [hol-nap]
• 1Egy
  [edge]
• 2Kettő
  [ket-to]
• 3Három
  [ha-rom]
• 4Négy
  [nayg]
• 5Öt
  [ut]
• 6Hat
  [hot]
• 7Hét
  [hayt]
• 8Nyolc
  [nyolts]
• 9Kilenc
  [ke-lents]
• 10Tíz
  [tease]

• Where's a/the...?Hol van a...
  [hol von ah]
• What's the address?Mi a cím?
  [mee ah cheem]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Megmutatnád (a térképen)?
  [meg-moot-at-nahd ah tare-kapehn]
• When's the next (bus)?Mikor jön a következő (busz)?
  [mee-kor yern ah keh-vet-keh-zoh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Egy jegyet kérek (....-ra)
  [edge yedge-yet key-rek (ra)]

Eger, located in northern Hungary, was established in the 10th century by St. Stephen, the first King of Hungary. The town quickly became a center for religion, culture, and politics in the region. It was initially known for its bishopric, which played a significant role in the spread of Christianity throughout Hungary.

The Castle of Eger, originally built in the 13th century, stands as a symbol of Hungarian resilience and defiance. It was constructed to protect the town from Mongol invasions. Over the centuries, the castle was expanded and fortified, becoming a crucial military stronghold in Hungary.

One of the most notable events in Eger's history is the Siege of 1552. During this battle, 2,000 Hungarian defenders, led by István Dobó, successfully repelled an invading Ottoman army of 40,000 soldiers. This victory became a legendary tale of bravery and is celebrated in Hungarian folklore and literature.

Despite the victory in 1552, Eger eventually fell to the Ottomans in 1596. The town remained under Ottoman control for nearly a century, significantly influencing its architecture and culture. Many structures from this period, such as the minaret, still stand today, providing a glimpse into Eger's diverse historical tapestry.

The 18th century marked a period of reconstruction and cultural flourishing for Eger. After the Ottoman withdrawal, the city was rebuilt and many Baroque-style buildings were constructed. This era saw the establishment of educational institutions, including the renowned Líceum, which became a center for scientific and literary activity.

Eger is renowned for its wine, particularly the red blend known as Egri Bikavér or 'Bull's Blood'. The town's winemaking tradition dates back to the Middle Ages and has become an integral part of its cultural identity. The unique terroir of the Eger wine region produces wines celebrated for their rich flavor and complexity.

In the 20th and 21st centuries, Eger has continued to grow while preserving its rich historical heritage. The city is now a popular tourist destination, known for its thermal baths, historic buildings, and vibrant cultural scene. Eger's blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty makes it a unique and captivating place to visit.

Eger is located in northern Hungary, approximately 140 kilometers from Budapest. The nearest major airport is Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. From Budapest, you can take a direct train from Keleti Railway Station to Eger, which takes around 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive via the M3 motorway, which takes about 1.5 hours. Bus services also operate from Budapest's Népliget bus terminal to Eger.

Eger is a compact city, making it easy to explore on foot. Local buses can take you to various parts of the city and surrounding areas. Taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. For those looking to explore the countryside, renting a car is a convenient option. Bicycles can also be rented for a more leisurely exploration of the town and its surroundings.

The official currency in Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful in Eger, so withdrawing cash is not an issue.

Eger is generally a safe city for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid poorly lit and unfamiliar areas at night, and always keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but staying vigilant is always a good practice.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which covers police, ambulance, and fire services. Eger has a local police station and several medical facilities, including hospitals and pharmacies. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably but modestly. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially in religious sites. Cover your head when entering churches. Public Transport: Do respect fellow passengers and offer your seat to elderly or disabled passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake, and a slight bow of the head can show extra respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and wines. Don't refuse food or drink offered by locals, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Eger like a local, visit the Szépasszonyvölgy (Valley of the Beautiful Women) for wine tasting. Engage with locals in the markets and try traditional Hungarian dishes. Don't miss the Eger Castle, which offers a glimpse into the city's historical significance. For a unique experience, visit the Turkish Baths and take a stroll along the cobbled streets of the old town.