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.

Szentendre, Zebegeny and beyond / The Danube Bend

Go with the flow

This sinuous stretch of the Danube above Budapest (and just half an hour’s drive away) offers gentle views and forests where visitors can hike, swim and canoe – or explore its towns by ferry or on foot. The locals call it Dunakanyar.

1. Szentendre

An artistic retreat

For more than a century, Szentendre has been a magnet for artists with quaint cobblestone streets, squares and a riverside promenade that feels at times as Italian as Hungarian. It’s an escape from frenetic Budapest and a gateway to the Bend. For the visually minded, there is the Art Mill, a one-time sawmill reworked into a contemporary arts venue, while the Mank Gallery shows new pieces from local and international names every month, and hosts an artists’ colony, dating from the 1970s, made up of 12 concrete bungalows and a serene sculpture garden.

2. Natura Hill, Zebegeny

Views and relaxation

The patio of this hotel in the hills above Zebegeny is perfect for admiring the winding river with a meal. The restaurant sacrifices the usual heft and homeliness of the area’s offerings for a tasting menu of dishes ranging from smoked sturgeon to lamb wellington. The winelist doesn’t disappoint; go for an easy-drinking kadarka from Posta Borhaz. Ingredients are sourced from nearby farmers’ markets and the on-site vegetable garden. The property has a wood stove and Finnish sauna too.
naturahill.hu

3. Krisztina Szente, Szentendre

For standout ceramics

Master potter Krisztina Szente creates wonderful ceramics that add contemporary touches to old Carpathian Basin motifs. Cake pans, jugs and more are fired at 1,250C with a glaze made from local red clay. They are dishwasher, oven and microwave-safe.
szentekrisztina.hu

4. Eats on the Bend, Szentendre

To refuel after a day’s hike

Potkulcs off the town’s main square serves generous portions of chicken schnitzel or marhaporkolt (beef and onion stew). For a pick-me-up espresso, try nearby café La Mocca. Across the river, enjoy a hearty plate of pork tenderloin with potatoes at Piknik Manufaktura. Head south to Mihalyi Patisserie for gateaux in the Austro-Hungarian tradition.
Potkulcs Bisztro, Szentendre Szentendre, Fo ter 11: La Mocca, Szentendre, Dumtsa Jeno u. 13: Piknik Manufaktura Nagymaros, Hunyadi stny. 2, 2626: Vac, Koztarsasag ut 21, 2600

Dunakanyar directory:

Visegrad Citadel: From its stony perch, this medieval castle provides visitors with peerless views of the Danube Bend and beyond. After, head to the riverside Solomon Tower.
Esztergom Basilica: The site of this colossal neoclassical church is linked to the first king of Hungary. Its highlight is the Italian renaissance-influenced red-and-white marble chapel.
Hotel Silvanus: This 1970s-era hotel has enviable views. Settle in on the terrace for a sundowner under the red-and-orange striped awning and admire the poolside scene.
Kiralyreti Railway: This narrow-gauge line heads north to the Borzsony Mountains, once the hunting grounds of the aristocracy. Now there are hiking trails to quiet lakes.
Cabin Life: The Bend is the place to find cosy stays – think country lodges and rustic cabins. Newer and older versions are available, suitable to all tastes.
volgyhaz.hu

Spring into action

Szigetkoz is an island set in the Danube and home to natural springs. If you can’t visit for yourself you could just try the sparkling water from the Szigetkoz brand – look for the stork logo and sharp graphics.

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

Want more stories like these in your inbox?