What to see and do

Spa day

BUDAPEST’S spas are legendary, with waters touching 40c. The best is the Szechenyi Thermal Spa in a huge palace-like complex in Varosliget Park.

Arrive before the crowds to make a day — or at least half a day — of it. There are places to eat and sun loungers in the courtyard. Entry costs £15 and includes locker access.

Entry to an inner ‘beer spa’ where unlimited beer can be drunk while in hot tubs — if that is your thing — is £26 for 45 minutes. szechenyispabaths.com

Visit a ‘ruin bar’

THE Jewish quarter fell into decline under communism (Soviet troops withdrew in 1991). Now, the crumbling edifices have become a warren of ‘ruin bars’ around Kazinczy Street.

They’re incredibly busy at weekends. Go during the day for a beer (£3), wine (£2) or shot of palinka fruit brandy (£1.80). Head for Szimpla Kert to be in the heart of the action. offbeatbudapest.com

Have a cocktail

ONE of the coolest spots for a cocktail is the TOPRUM SkyBar, on the top-floor of Hotel RUM, where a rum, mango, pineapple and lime punch sets you back £5.65. hotelrumbudapest.com

Picnic by the Danube

PICK UP ingredients from the Great Market Hall, or in one of the supermarkets that dot the city centre, and head for the river.

Some gather by the lowest point of the suspension cables of Liberty Bridge to enjoy sandwiches (and the great views). Afterwards, walk along the waterfront.

Pinball wizard

ENJOY the delights of the Budapest Pinball Museum — where the history of Hungarian pinball is explained ( flippermuzeum.hu) — and pop in to dozens of others, including the Liszt Ferenc Memorial Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts.

A 24-hour Budapest Card, which covers museum entry and public transport, is £19. budapestcard.org

Ride the old Metro

IF YOU don’t want a Budapest Card, a 24- hour public transport pass is £4.30.

The M1 Metro is the oldest on mainland Europe, with tiny trains and narrow carriages. Tickets are available at stations.

See the synagogue

THE Dohany Street Synagogue is the largest in Europe, seating 3,000 people. There is a moving weeping willow-shaped memorial to the Jews who died in Budapest during World War II.

Excellent tours are included in the £10 entry fee, with cash going towards maintaining the building.