I’m thinking of starting a series of “top 5” lists, documenting great things to see and do in various different places. So, here goes, starting with the lovely city of Budapest, Hungary.

1. Eat Goulash

Hungarian food is generally very hearty with lots of stews and dumplings – proper comfort food. Be sure to try out a traditional Hungarian goulash, which will warm you up inside and out. (If not, have a schnitzel….. they’re everywhere there – huge schnitzels!)

2. Go to a Hungarian Bath

Going to a hungarian bath is quite a bizarre experience. Over here in the UK, we don’t have them – we simply have swimming pools that are for, well, swimming. You can count on seeing all kinds of people at a Hungarian bath, from families and youngsters to wrinkly old women enjoying the jet sprays a bit too much. Check out the Gellert baths, supposedly the best in Budapest with a huge number of pool rooms at varying temperatures. Also, if you’re brave, take a sweaty trip to the sauna which is 120 degrees (If you manage to stay in there longer than two minutes, you’re a better person than me!)

3. Underground Clubs

I did a post on Hungarian drum and bass a while ago, and whilst I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, the underground clubs are a great way to explore Budapest at its rawest. Many of them are invisible from the outside – just a door heading straight of the street, but once inside you can definitely count on having a great experience (mainly because of the huge array of, shall we say, the older generation crazily bopping along to modern music).

4. Go for a stroll

Budapest isn’t huge, and if it’s a nice day you should get out and about and explore the city by foot. There is so much beautiful architecture to admire and you’ll be sure to stumble upon something of interest. As a starting point, check out St. Stephen’s Basilica, a stunning building with a great view from the dome.

5. Sziget Festival

Now, I know this isn’t strictly in Budapest, but it has to be mentioned. If you happen to be in or around Budapest in August when the annual Sziget festival is on, then I would definitely recommend that you go. There are great food and drink stalls selling a variety of dishes for you to try, and a huge number of stages featuring different musical acts of varying genres (there will definitely be something you like and know). During the day there is a laid back atmosphere, but I should mention that at night it can get pretty rowdy by the main stage.