Bold moves

Whether by plane, train or e-tractor, cities and nations are rising to the challenge of getting the world from A to B.
Calling the tune

This summer, our Monocle 24 radio station is broadcasting interviews with key thought leaders from across the globe. Here we revisit 10 of the most insightful so far, from political leaders to newspaper editors, humanitarians to architects.
Good spot

Even in a suppressed economy, opportunity is everywhere. We meet the residents of Nicosia who are forging their own path and highlight cities on the up.
On the right track?

Where’s my parcel? How far have I run? Where have I been? The desire to track and trace everything is booming. But have we become slaves to these apps and devices – and do they really deliver on their promises?
Word up

There’s a newfound appetite for reliable news and positive storytelling. We meet the people aiming to feed it.
Culture Briefing

As this unusual summer turns to autumn it seems that the most striking cultural offerings around reflect the times. From a spooky take on the civil rights-era US to alien hunters, dystopian societies, catastrophe and, yes, Japanese electropop, our pick of what’s good for the eyes, ears and mind has a thrilling, otherworldly feel. Get ready for a stroll along the road less travelled.
Going for gold

The International Olympic Committee’s HQ is on top of the podium when it comes to office design.
Give us a wave

Eladio Dieste made brick beautiful. Now the Uruguayan’s curved aesthetic is proving to be more relevant than ever.
Table for two

Boffi De Padova is known for its smart group of design-led Italian furniture brands. An eye for tactility and artisan craft has drawn the company into a new collaboration with Japanese firm Time & Style.
The Monocle shop

We’re here to kit you out with a versatile collection of clothes and accessories whatever the weather. Choose a polo for sunny days, a jacket for balmy evenings or a button-down for work – these pieces can be mixed and matched, and dressed up or down.
Plate expectations

We make for the shoreline of the Baltic in Stockholm, where Tommy Myllymäki opened Aira earlier this year. In a berth in a boathouse-style structure, this restaurant serves haute cuisine without starchy service or New Nordic strictures. This isn’t a spot for a forgettable lunch; it’s a fresh take on destination dining.
Food and Drink Briefing

Food-focused finds from Hong Kong to Vienna, and three companies providing meals on wheels.
My Last Meal: Jim Muir

The veteran British correspondent in the Middle East settles into a favourite Beirut haunt to discuss covering Lebanon’s civil war, opening an office in Tehran and how Twitter changed journalism – as well as his enduring appetite for the region’s food.
Sole focus

Hit the ground running this autumn in style-savvy trainers that are fit for the city.
On a roll

Denim production once defined US textile manufacturing but a focus on quantity over quality nearly snuffed it out. Now Vidalia Mills is bucking the fast-fashion trend. We meet the founders of the first denim mill to open in the country this century.
Fashion Briefing

From Japan to Spain, we uncover fashion’s top moments and discover why bricks and mortar done well will always bring in the crowds.
Good to go

On the move? Whether you’re getting into your stride on foot or hitting the town on two wheels, now is the time to travel in style – and the residents of Munich are leading the way.
Small wonder

Looking for an escape that feels a world away from the usual islands and crowded beaches? The autonomous Åland Islands between Finland and Sweden have great food, peerless shops and long days of sunshine.
Travel briefing

We focus on a selection of the planet’s finest new hotels and drop in on the shop that sells everything you’ll need to capture the moment once you get to them.
Room for all

The Danish capital’s latest hotel venture pays homage to its past life as the city’s central post office. It gets our stamp of approval.
Good sport

As the world gets moving again, it’s time for us to pick up the pace. Here’s our selection of the sports and fitness attire to help you shift into a higher gear – and look good while you’re at it.

Tokaj and surroundings / Eastern Hungary

A taste of the action

Wine tastings naturally dominate any visitor’s agenda in Tokaj but cultural and outdoor options abound. And when you’ve finished with the action there’s still time to hoist a glass.

1. World Heritage Cellars

Into the deep

Close to the town of Sarospatak – and its Rakoczi Castle with a medieval keep – is the tiny Swabian village of Hercegkut, where a multi-level cellar system is dug into the ground to depths of up to 40 metres. Hailing from the Black Forest, the Swabians played a major role in developing local viticulture as they cultivated grapes and matured wine in barrels placed in the caves of Gomboshegy and Koporos. Today you can admire the hillside cellars designed with distinctive triangular entrances.

2. Hotel R40

At ease

The R40 guesthouse is a peaceful spot in which to rest an overtaxed palate and recharge one’s batteries. Situated in the heart of Mad, a few steps from its wineries, the delightful whitewashed building with elegant olive-green trim hosts public spaces with traditional ceramic masonry heaters. Unwind beneath the pergola in the garden or kick back in one of the parlour’s armchairs. The 200-year-old property offers three apartments and one guest-room decorated with parquet floors and retro radios.
r40.hu

3. Boldogko castle

Fantasy fortress

This stronghold atop a hill above the village of Boldogkovaralja could be straight out of the pages of a Tolkien tome. The medieval construction appears to cleave through the landscape and its slender design is enhanced by a narrow wooden walkway on the south side that leads to a lookout post. Inside, toy soldiers depict the 13th-century Battle of Muhi, the principal engagement between the Mongol empire and Kingdom of Hungary – on this occasion the Mongols won.
boldogkovara.hu

4. Bicycle tour

Fantastic journey

To cycle through 70km of rolling hills, start in Sarospatak and head past wine-making villages such as Mad and Tallya. Lunch at Sarga Borhaz or push on to Anyukam Mondta. On the way back, rejuvenate at Andrassy Rezidencia’s hotel spa.
sargaborhaz.hu; anyukammondta.hu; andrassyrezidencia.hu

5. Zemplen Mountains

Height of adventure

The Zemplen Mountains, which extend to the border of Slovakia, afford some extremely scenic vistas. Join the Zemplen stretch of the National Blue Trail, a west-to-east walking route that runs the length of northern Hungary, and you’ll come across sights such as the medieval Castle Fuzer. Near Sarospatak, one of the area’s most popular natural wonders actually owes its origins to man: once a mine, the small quarry lake on Megyer Hill attracts climbers, mountain bikers and hikers eager to admire its 100-metre-high walls and take a photo as a memento of their visit. The Zemplen Adventure Park also has a bobsleigh track and offers zipline climbing during summertime, while ice skating and skiing take centre stage in the winter.

Editor’s Letter

The opener

Cosy corner

Bold moves

Calling the tune

Good spot

On the right track?

Word up

Culture Briefing

Going for gold

Give us a wave

Table for two

The Monocle shop

Plate expectations

Food and Drink Briefing

My Last Meal: Jim Muir

Sole focus

On a roll

Fashion Briefing

Good to go

Small wonder

Travel briefing

Room for all

Good sport

Bosphorous blues

Affairs Briefing

Business Briefing

Design Briefing

Southern comfort

Hungary for more?

Laying down routes

City of culture and charm

Look north

Better lake than never

Don’t miss the south

Go with the flow

Mountain escape

Glass half full

A taste of the action

Our top trips and treats

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