Budapest: Where Hungary’s glorious past meets its imaginative future

Travel

A treasure trove of contrasts, Hungary’s rich history stands out distinctly from, yet seamlessly blends with its cultural modernity.

ByEmmanuel Kwakye

Published October 25, 2023

Whether you’re an enthusiast of timeless traditions or eager to stride through the country’s cosmopolitan streets, Hungary has something for everyone. Its varied flavors ensure it lives up to its name as the “Spice of Europe.”

Nowhere is this more evident than in the capital, Budapest, where classic and contemporary experiences collide, creating an opportunity for the intrepid traveler to immerse themselves in the country’s wide and eclectic offering of old and new.

#1 Food and Drink

As you journey through Budapest indulging your appetite for exploration, it’s important you do the same for your taste buds. Fortunately, Budapest’s wide range of traditional and modern dishes provide the perfect ingredients for a delicious gastronomic adventure.

Food of the past…

You might start your morning with the Hungarian sweet buns lekváros butka, or spend your lunchtime savoring the bright-tasting Palóc soup. Whatever your food of choice, you must end one of your evenings by dining on goulash. This hearty stew, comprised of tender beef, paprika, and root vegetables, represents Hungary’s traditional culinary excellence.

You can elevate this classic dish by washing it down with palinka. This historic fruit brandy is appreciated for its potency and flavor, accompanying Hungarian meals for time immemorial.

Food of the future…

Seven of the nine Michelin star restaurants in Hungary are located in Budapest, with many of them adding a fresh twist on traditional recipes. Enhanced by fabulous wine pairings, these high-end restaurants often serve the famed Tokaji Aszu dessert wines to complement authentic Hungarian desserts, creating a peerless tasting experience for food enthusiasts.

Following dinner, it would be remiss not to visit one of Budapest’s rooftop bars. These unique watering holes, set atop some of the city’s most iconic buildings, blend historic charm with a vibrant, artsy atmosphere and breathtaking views.

#2 Architecture 

Architecture dominates Budapest’s skyline in the most complementary way possible. In fact, before you can even revel in a building’s interior design, you’ll often need to revel in its facade. Delicately crafted over generations, Hungary boasts several architectural styles from different historical periods.

Architecture of the past…

Buda Castle turns heads with its striking Gothic and Baroque architecture; while the Hungarian Parliament is one of the most photographed buildings in the country, with its Renaissance Revival-style dome. Yet, perhaps one of the greatest encapsulations of classic architecture is the Vigado Concert Hall.

­­Located in Budapest, this classic venue hosts orchestral performances and classical music concerts. Its 19th-century architecture and acoustics offer an unmissable auditory experience.

Architecture of the future…

The House of Music is unrivaled when it comes to effortful innovation. Designed by renowned Japanese architect, Sou Fujimoto, the punctured roof allows the structure to stand in Budapest’s City Park in a discreet yet bold way; and its svelte pillars and smooth glass windows enable it to meld easily with the nature around it.

#3 Music

The songs of a nation reveal the soul of a nation. For Hungary, music has been a cushion of comfort, a bridge for connection and a soundtrack to societal change through the centuries.

Music of the past…

Hungary has a rich classical music history, with composers such as Franz Liszt leaving an indelible score on the musical landscape. To this day, you can still attend a classical concert in historic venues like the State Opera House, immersing yourself in a showcase of traditional Hungarian music.

Moving from classical to folk music, the Táncház dance movement in the 1970s revived Hungarian folk dance (and by extension folk music). As a result, it’s become accessible to future generations, with many classes available and an annual National Táncház Festival and Fair.

Music of the future…

Held on Budapest’s Óbuda Island, the Sziget Festival is one of the largest festivals in Europe, welcoming over 400,000 music lovers each year. A celebration of contemporary music and culture, it features international acts from various genres, as well as offering a glimpse into Hungary’s vibrant music scene. The festival is a reflection of Budapest’s openness to a vast range of music genres, and the people and cultures that follow them.

#4. Wellness

Whether your goal is relaxation, cleansing or self-care, Hungary wants you to soak in its famous baths as well as its sights.

Purification of the past…

Hungary’s thermal baths have been renowned for their therapeutic properties for hundreds of years. Centuries-old havens of wellness, the baths are immersed in history and architecture that showcase Hungary’s rich heritage. Spas like Széchenyi Baths are iconic examples of neo-Baroque architecture that transports visitors back to a bygone era.

Visit and you can soak in a variety of thermal pools, each with a different temperature and mineral composition, providing a classic relaxation experience.

Selfcare of the future…

Those seeking a state-of-the-art wellness experience may be tempted to take a dip in Rudas or Veli bej baths.

Rudas Baths in Budapest captures a complementary combination of traditional and contemporary wellness. While the essence of the bathhouse maintains its historic Ottoman design, its recent modernization added rooftop thermal pools boasting awe-inspiring views of the city skyline.

The Veli Bej stands as one of Budapest’s oldest Turkish baths. Dubbed by many as the “old, new bath”, it has undergone major refurbishment in recent years and today houses sleek and advanced Finnish and infrared saunas, steam chambers, a Kneipp walk pool and more.

#5 Beyond Budapest 

Although Hungary is one country, its provinces and towns can feel like they belong to completely different eras.

An old town…

Szentendre is a picturesque town outside the capital that exudes an old-world charm. It arrests your attention with its cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and artisan shops. This classic Hungarian town takes you back in time, and while it’s only a short train ride away from Budapest, it carries you to a completely different era with its historic monuments and traditions.

The town’s quaint spirit has attracted several artists in recent years – meaning tourists get to enjoy a wide range of authentic art galleries.

An enigmatic city…

Pécs, known as the borderless city, is Hungary’s fifth largest city and a hub for cultural events and modern cafés, fizzing with a youthful energy that’s indicative of Hungary’s developing urban landscape.

Much of the city’s creative essence is concentrated in the Zsolnay Quarter – its cultural nucleus. Home to a multitude of exhibitions and porcelain production, this Hungaricum (a unique Hungarian attraction) is a perfect destination for those eager to explore the nation’s heritage.

Hungary’s dual identity as a keeper of tradition and a hub of contemporary culture makes it a one-of-one destination. Whether you prefer the classic or the modern, Hungary invites you to explore both and create unforgettable memories. In Hungary, you don’t have to choose, you can have it all.

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