There’s no denying that when it comes to European city breaks, we’re spoilt for choice. If you’re after rich heritage, therapeutic thermal baths, luxury hotels and a plethora of cultural attractions that cater perfectly to the discerning tastes of mature adventurers, however, look no further than Budapest.

The Best Things to Do in Budapest

Keep in mind that Monday – rather than Sunday – tends to be the day when certain attractions like galleries and museums are closed.

1. Soak in a Thermal Spa

We’re pretty sure it’s illegal to visit Budapest and not spend time wallowing in at least one of its many mineral-rich thermal springs. Having occupied a neo-Baroque mansion in City Park since the early 20th century, the Széchenyi Baths is the biggest 'medicinal' spa complex in Europe and idyllic at any time of year – it’s where the locals head, and boasts 18 pools of varying temperatures, both indoor and outdoor, as well as saunas and spas.

We also highly recommend checking out Rudas in Buda which, dating back to 1571, is one of Budapest's four 16th-Century Turkish baths complete with decorative elements like Ottoman domes and an octagonal pool, while elsewhere the Gellért Thermal Baths are an interiors lover’s dream with exquisitely tiled indoor and outdoor thermal pools, mosaic-covered arches and majestic carved columns.

2. Visit The Cat Museum

Missing your kitty back home? Budapest’s famed Cat Museum is home to plenty of furry felines, and features murals, interactive installations and art based on beloved cats. You can even test your knowledge of the species on a tablet, and if you get a high enough score, you can choose a souvenir from the gift shop.

3. Feel The Music

They say one of the best ways to discover a country is through its music, so you won’t want to miss out on a trip to the stunningly designed House of Music Hungary. A permanent exhibition that focuses on both Hungary’s musical heritage and international influences, take in everything from choral music and folk music to the works of Liszt and Haydn, Hendrix, Clapton and many more. If you’re visiting in the summer, keep an eye out for its impressive roster of free concerts that span everything from classical to more modern-day music.

4. Explore The City’s Neo-Gothic Parliament Building

Perhaps the city’s biggest landmark, this imposing building houses the Holy Crown (used to crown the country’s monarchs since the 12th century), as well as other royal jewels, and is a fascinating place for a wander, with English-language guided tours. Be sure to make time to visit the nearby Shoes on the Danube, one of the city’s most emotive memorials that honours the victims of the Holocaust who were marched to the riverbank on a dark winter’s day before being shot to their death.

5. See The City From a Bird’s Eye View

For the more daring traveller, taking to the skies with a trip on Balloonfly is one of the most exciting things to do in the city. While not for the faint-hearted, the balloon is attached to the ground with a thick cable, and it carries up to 30 people to a height of 150m. Trust us, it’s more than worth it for the incredible views.

6. Peruse its Many Museums

With over sixty museums in the city, culture buffs are spoiled for choice in Budapest. Highlights include The Museum of Fine Arts in Heroes Square near City Park, the Hungarian National Gallery in the castle district, which features works by Cézanne, Renoir, Pissarro and Hungary’s Csörgő, and the House of Terror which, once the headquarters of the secret police, opened in 2002 to educate about the atrocities of the fascist and communist regimes.

The Best Places to Eat in Budapest

1. Prime

A lavish steakhouse in downtown Budapest specialising in juicy cuts of premium Angus and Wagyu beef and Hungarian wines, Prime is a must for meat lovers. While erring on the pricier side, you get what you pay for, and these premium imported cuts are more than worth the price tag. Arrive early and nurse a cocktail at the bar while you wait for your table.

2. Great Market Hall

Fancy trying several Hungarian delicacies in one fell swoop? Make a beeline for Great Market Hall near the Liberty Bridge. Catering to both locals and tourists alike without losing its authentic appeal, dig into everything from goulash, meats, cheeses and pickled vegetables, while upstairs you’ll find a whole host of small eateries where you can sample a variety of staples for very little money.

3. Borkonyha

Celebrating a big anniversary or special occasion? You need to book a table at Borkonyha.

Translating to wine kitchen, choose from a set menu or a la carte, with highlights including the likes of lettuce soup with scallops or quail with pearl barley and cranberries. Open evenings only during the week.

4. Stand25 Bisztró

Brainchild of Hungarian celebrity chefs Szulló Szabina and Tamás Széll, Stand25 is all about perfectly executed Hungarian food that you won’t forget in a hurry. Be sure to order the goulash with hints of chopped celery, layered potatoes, and túrógombóc - cottage cheese dumplings served for dessert with foamed sour cream and cherry preserves.

Where to stay in Budapest

1. Corinthia

Perhaps the most luxurious hotel in Budapest, the Corinthia needs no introduction. A sight for sore eyes with plenty of creamy marble, a centrepiece staircase and truly stunning pool surrounded by Corinthian columns and topped with a stained-glass ceiling, it’s also home to an array of great restaurants including Caviar and Bull which, as you might have already guessed, is all about great steak and caviar.

2. Matild Palace

A five-star hotel housed inside a UNESCO-listed palace, Matild Palace transports guests back to the undulated glamour of yesteryear with modern-day amenities to boot. Its superb location near Elizabeth Bridge gives easy access to the main tourist areas, while inside guests are treated to a lovely spa, 24hr gym and Michelin-star restaurant Spago by Wolfgang Puck.

3. Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest

Taking pride of place in the centre of the city, you’ll be hard pushed to find a better located hotel than the Kempinski. With its modern façade and world-class facilities, it offers plenty of spaces to relax after a busy day sightseeing including a fantastic spa with steam baths and a Finnish sauna as well as a decent gym and pool with jet stream and whirlpool tub functions.

The Best Time to Visit Budapest

Avoiding school holidays, head to Budapest between March to May and September to October and you won’t be disappointed. Not only is the weather clement enough to spend your time outdoors, but the crowds are much fewer than the peak summer months, with city life still spilling out into restaurant terraces and parks.