Budapest: Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Hungary’s illustrious capital is divided into two sections by the River Danube. The Buda, east of the river and (you’ve guessed it) the Pest, which is west of the river. Start your journey on the Buda side on Castle Hill. Visit St Mathias Church and then savour the views from Fishermen's Bastion. Afterwards explore the rest of the hill, walking around the grounds of the Royal Palace, before going into one of the museums it encompasses. Finish the day off in one of the bars/eateries around Liszt Square.

Day 2: Get your souvenir and relic hunting done today. The city's main shopping street is the perfect place and also a pleasant place to stroll along if you're not in the market for some new togs. It ends at the Great Market Hall which is a perfect spot for lunch. Walk back towards the centre of the city along the Danube, enjoying views of Gellert Hill, the Royal Palace and Mathias Church. Do something different in the evening by going for a dip in one of the city's baths. Then end the night in one of the numerous nightspots dotted around.

Day 3: Discover the other side of the river, the Pest side. Take the free tour of Parliament at 10pm. Afterwards visit St Stephen's Basilica and you can grab a bite around Bajcsy-Zsilinszky. After lunch take a leisurely stroll up Andrassy Avenue passing by the State Opera House, among other buildings before ending up in Heroes Square, the city's grandest square. Also on Andrassy Avenue, Morrison's Music Bar is one of the city's most popular after dark haunts and worth a visit.

Day 4: Spend some time relaxing at your leisure in this historic city or retrace some of your favourite footsteps before heading home.