When in ...
Hungary
Budapest & beyond
By Anisha Shah
Central Europe is fast emerging from its post-Communism
recovery. Nowhere is the legacy of militant rule more
visible than Hungary. Playing catch up on decades of
independence that blessed some of its neighbouring
countries much earlier, Hungary is clawing at modernity.
A visit to the capital, Budapest, exposes a gritty exuberance, which belies eons of history, heritage and honour.
But shedding it’s past doesn’t mean erasing it. On the
contrary, the younger generations are finding their voice
and unafraid of using the past to make a statement.
The bitter regime of Soviet rule until the early 90s has
served to fuel a steely determination to survive. New
businesses, shopping and architecture are springing up
in Budapest at a rapid pace, as the country is grasping
the future with glee. Bohemian bars, cool cafes and
trailblazing boutiques add appeal to the cultural mix.
Hungarians have a deep-rooted pride of place and the
country’s wealth of history, cuisine and pervading energy
encourage visitors to revel in the same.
While most visitors head to Budapest, I propose a twopronged approach. The capital of culture is one of the
most beautiful in Central Europe, offering endless delights
in different districts. End any trip with a few days deep in
the frozen he