Things to do in Budapest: A city lover's guide

Stroll around Andrassy ut which is full of museums, exhibition halls and architectural wonders like the Hungarian Opera House, the liszt Ferenc Music Academy and Ballet Institute.

The Heroes’ square is one of the most visited sights of the Hungarian capital. It is situated in front of the City Park, at the end of the Andrássy Avenue, one of the most important streets of Budapest, a World Heritage site. At the two sides the representative buildings of the Museum of Fine Arts and the Art Gallery are both worth a visit. They showcase high standard temporary exhibitions, such as Van Gogh, Rembrandt and the collections of Spanish and French paintings.

One of the most impressing buildings in Budapest.

Spend a day at Varhegy (Castle Hill), a UNESCO Heritage Site where cobblestone streets lead you to preserved gothic houses, the Matthias Church and the Royal Palace.

Vaci utca is lined with shops and eateries located in buildings sporting architectural elements from the 19th century.

West End City Center is Central Europe's largest mall and has luxury retailers as well as international high street brands

Visit the lively Ecseri Piac flea market in the outskirts of the city to get a real flavor of this place and its people

Budapest is called the Spa City because of the innumerable natural thermal springs that have numerous medical benefits. I visited Rudas which allows you to enjoy the spa and a bumping party with a DJ at the same time.

Guided tours of the Parliament are available when the National Assembly is not in session. The tour takes about 45 minutes, and is well worth the price, as it covers the main entrance stairs and hall, one of the lobbies, the old House of Lords and the Hungarian Crown Jewels.