Hungary Today: A new adventure
Hungary is a country at a crossroads, a blend of historic charms and modern pleasures, established craftsmanship and inventive creativity, international influence and national pride. Budapest is the country’s beating heart, Lake Balaton its beautiful playground, yet beyond such hotspots lies a wealth of unspoilt destinations, from the volcanic vineyards of Northern Hungary to the earthy beauty of Southern Transdanubia. Yet however you navigate this varied nation, warm welcomes and compelling stories are guaranteed.
Hungary Today is a new hardback coffee-table nation book, produced by Monocle in partnership with Visit Hungary. Atmospheric bespoke photography, thoughtful interviews and on-the-ground essays combine to form a vivid picture of all aspects of contemporary Hungary, from culture and fashion to architecture and hospitality.
I: See the bigger picture
Culture
CREATIVE INFLUENCE: Hungary has delivered heavyweights in every artistic field, from theatre, music and film to literature, design and photography. Not only has their influence helped to shape the wider world, but it’s also meant that the country’s cultural offerings are especially sharp. From the Hungarian State Opera House to the Modem Centre for Modern and Contemporary Arts, they are sure to inspire, inform and excite.
II. Take the plunge
Wellness
HEALING WATERS: Home to more than 1,000 thermal springs, Hungary takes rest and relaxation seriously. Wellness is not a new concept here, it is a practice: habitual, unpretentious and civic. Whether in elegant Ottoman or Habsburg bathhouses, communal outdoor pools or lovely Lake Heviz, opportunities for recuperation, ritual healing and simple social interaction are abundant. The country’s mineral-rich waters work wonders for mind, body and soul.
III. Taste success
Hospitality
CULINARY EXCELLENCE: Countries with a hearty gastronomic tradition such as Hungary hardly ever struggle to entice guests – the trick for ambitious restaurateurs lies in finding the perfect balance between respecting tradition and adding a contemporary flair. At Budapest’s Onyx, for example, the kitchen is shaped by a collective of 30 people, including food scientists, creative directors and sommeliers. “Our tradition is innovation,” says Onyx owner, Anna Niszkacs.
IV. Walk through history
Heritage
PROUD ROOTS: In a world shaped by homogenisation, Hungary stands as a compelling counterpoint. This landlocked Central European country, nestled between East and West, has long punched above its weight in both heritage and innovation. And while Budapest’s Parliament Building and grand thermal spas might attract the tourists, it is Hungary’s national customs and ingrained cultural heritage that leave an enduring impression.
V. Discover new vistas
Journeys
SPACE TO EXPLORE: Hungary has long been sold to international visitors as a two-act play: Budapest’s art nouveau grandeur and Lake Balaton’s summer revelry. It is a compelling narrative but one that leaves the rest of the country awaiting discovery. For the curious traveller willing to step off the well-trodden path, Hungary offers a landscape of limestone caves, close-knit communities and established vineyards, such as the celebrated Tokaj wine region.
VI. Find the local colour
Downtowns
URBAN CHARM: Character, colour and rich history: there are many reasons to recommend Hungary’s old towns. Take Szentendre, for example. Many creative types have settled there, drawn to the city’s pretty downtown area. The streets are narrow, cobbled and winding, many with trailing vines, festoon lights and small doorways to private gardens or hidden cafes. “It’s different from other villages and towns,” says retailer Zoltan Varkonyi. “Artists love it here.”
VII. Purchase with purpose
Retail
QUALITY PRODUCTS: Craft is king in Hungary. Age-old traditions such as leather-working, tailoring and embroidery are the bedrock of a country unafraid of hard work. From such rich history, new ideas flourish. Contemporary retailers such as Budapest’s Pauza are building communities around the production and curation of high-quality items. For shoppers, that means personal experiences – and stylish products – that will stay with you forever.
Find out more at visithungary.com.
