Hungarian Culture

Hungary is famous for its folk music and its classical music, as well as for its beautiful artwork, incredible pottery, and rich literary heritage. Hungarian culture is all about hospitality, with delectable foods ranging from traditional dishes that range from simple Goulash (gulyás stew) to lovely desserts such as Dobos cake and rétes, which is much like fruit filled strudel.

The Hungarian language is as variable as is the cuisine. With 44 letters in the alphabet, and two variations of the language, there are plenty of Hungarian words to savor.

Part ofHungarian culture revolves around thermally heated water. From the very beginning, spa culture has been part of Hungary’s history. With Turkish, Greek, Roman, and northern country architecture and natural thermal springs found in close proximity to about 80% of the nation’s territory, the bathhouses and spas in Hungary are legendary. When you visit Óbuda, you can even see what remains of old Roman bath complexes, and the Rudas Bathing complex was built by the Ottomans in 1550. These are only a few examples of Hungary’s wealth of geothermal water; of the more than 1,500 thermal springs Hungary boasts, approximately half are used for bathing. There are around 450 public baths in the country, and at many of them, you will find modern spa facilities.

Hungarian culture is not all about bathing in hot, tranquil water and eating delicious foods that tend to be on the heavy side. The cities of Hungary are vibrant. During the day, visitors enjoy viewing ancient ruins and historic sites that still serve functional purposes within society, and the many artisans welcome onlookers, who are fascinated by the beautiful textiles, ceramics, and carvings made from the simplest of materials. For those who love music and dancing, the cultural life is unique, with many folk dances still enjoying popularity and music ranging from the ultra-modern to the ancient ringing through the streets, particularly after the sun sets for the evening.

For all the progress that has been made, people in Hungary still enjoy a relaxing and often pastoral way of life. At the end of the twentieth century, for example, more than half of all Hungarian people continued to grow at least a portion of their own food, and many of those were found to sell some of their crops to supplement their families’ incomes.

The best way to enjoy a holiday in Hungary is to learn to speak Hungarian. If you are planning a trip to this beautiful, mountainous country, then knowing How to speak Hungarian will help you get the most of your vacation. You can learn Hungarian by listening to podcasts which don’t just teach you to speak Hungarian, but which will also give you a glimpse into the culture and way of life. Don’t worry if you learn only some key words and phrases at first. Many people in Hungary speak English as a second language, so making your way around is simple. Best of all, locals are kind and welcoming, ensuring you will enjoy one of the most interesting international vacations of a lifetime.