What do foreigners really think of Hungary?
They think we have amazing food, they think we have beautiful women, and they think our politics are kind of bonkers. We have asked five people of different nationalities what are the first things they associate with Hungary. Here is what the world really thinks about this small country in Central Europe.
Ralph (52) – UK
“Prior to coming to Hungary in 2017, my impressions were as follows: A poorer ex-communist European country with no real export produce. It is pretty insignificant on the political spectrum. There are no real tourism opportunities since Hungary is landlocked. On the other hand, it is a cheap destination to visit, with a reputation of being the Paris of the East for its great nightlife. After my visit, my perception somewhat changed. Hungarians are humble and honest people. There are great tourism areas and good investment opportunities. It is a safe country to visit with amazing architecture and delicious wine. I would definitely consider relocating to Hungary in the future.”
Fabrice (40) – France
“The first four things that come to my mind when I hear the word ‘Hungary’ are: Orbán, Danube, goulash, and freedom of speech. Orbán is an extreme right leader who is giving a hard time to the EU. He did not respect either asylum or the rights of refugees hence he constructed a fence on the country’s border with Serbia. We also heard some stories of a Hungarian radio channel that was shut down because it was probably owned by the opposition party. The Hungarian language is crazy difficult, one of my exes tried to teach me a couple of phrases, with not much success.”
Read more: Multicultural love stories about dating a Hungarian
Yulia (25) – Russia
“Being half Hungarian, I would visit Hungary often as a child. The images I associate with Hungary are the trees in my grandmother’s fruit garden, little me playing with snails after summer showers, and my visits to Budapest Zoo and the amusement park. Hungary for me was the little marzipan figures my grandma would surprise me with at the pastry shop. It also means the foods my Hungarian mother missed the most in Russia: the sausage, Turo Rudi, the Hungarian stew and tarhonya. As I grew up, today I associate Hungary with a country that did not have much luck in history and currently acts as a “rebel” politically. If I can picture Hungary as a person, I would picture it as a very proud, stubborn, large man.”
Kamran (31) – Iran
“On the positive side, I would say the view of the parliament building at night as you stroll across Margaret Bridge. Budapest itself is a wonderful city – vibrant and exciting. Hungarian women are known for their beauty all over Europe. I also remember sausages and beer, and a cake called Esterhazy if I’m not mistaken. On the negative side, I think of the total blindness of the people living there when it comes to politics as well as a prevalent pessimism and negativity. Whenever I visited Hungary, I did not see anyone smiling on the street. I do not why though, maybe it is cultural.”
Oliver (38) – Canada
“When I hear the word ‘Hungary’ I think about the word ‘opportunity’ because I feel this country is an uncut gem with the potential to be a world-class contender for tourism, Olympics etc. It is currently overshadowed by politics but Hungary has the location, weather and people to do everything. The country has an ideal climate, English is widely spoken in Budapest, and the cooperation TAX is low. It is a place I would most certainly invest in. Besides, Hungary has great festivals like Sziget.”
Read more: What do Hungarian expats miss the most about home?
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3 Comments
We think your politics is great!
It’s only the leftist media that paints it as ”bonkers” We love Hungary, even more because of your politics!!
I think that the food is truly awful, the women no more beautiful than elsewhere (but almost invariably end up a lot fatter) and the politics are bordering on the 3rd Reich. The architecture in Budapest is all fake (nothing very old, just made to look old), even the chain bridge was made in England (it was assembled kit form in Budapest) and most Hungarians are downright miserable – not a communication misunderstanding, I speak Hungarian. The weather is nice in the late Spring, during the Summer and the first part of Autumn but the air pollution (diesel particulates) from so many diesel cars and buses in Budapest are liable to cause one serious lung issues. Finally, Hungarian drivers have got to be the worst drivers on the planet, impatient, tailgating and frequently using their mobile phones (not hands free) while driving. My view is shared by many.
What a good mix of comments. Just 1 thought. My mother once told me as a teen “never trust anyone who smiles all the time. Life just doesn’t deserve that.” I never knew what she meant really. But as an adult in my late 30s I worked at a training center in Nova Scotia Canada, where people have a rep for being ‘backstabbers’. There was a young contract worker at our place for a year who smiled all the time…when bosses or men were around. As for us women who all had classrooms or offices along the same hallway that her office was located, she would look right thru us if we passed. And if we tried to give her something that a boss or other staff person had entrusted us with, she would never reach out for the item. And never a smile. Basically, all that smiling just meant that she was someone not to trust. Life is often difficult, but there are people who go out of their way to make it more so as a personal vendetta. Take Hazbeen & Mega liar & any of their supporters. Like that women in the African consume dressed in such an inappropriate way for a function at a Royal venue then was offended when a kind elderly woman tried to engage her in conversation and learn about her. So if Hungarians don’t smile, be glad.