By: Millie Tougher

If I'm being honest, before visiting Budapest, I was, for reasons unclear to everyone including myself, under the impression that Budapest was the capital of Bulgaria. In case there are any geographically challenged readers like myself reading this: Budapest is actually the capital of Hungary and one of the most interesting cities I have visited.

The city is unique in that it is divided by the river Danube with Buda on one side of the river and Pest on the other and it is almost like getting two cities for the price of one. We stayed there for five days and never ran out of things to see or do in this exciting city.

Buda Castle which is unsurprisingly on the Buda side of the river, is a must-see for first-time visitors to Budapest. Originally completed in 1265 this castle bears the marks of the city’s sad history and has been rebuilt several times since then with the final reconstruction completed in 1966 after its destruction in the Siege of Budapest during WWII. Although it is a steep climb, the views at the top are well worth it. If you think the castle is amazing during the day, then you need to take one of the nighttime boat trips that run along the Danube every evening.

Seeing the city’s sights like the castle and the parliament lit up while you float along the river is a truly magical experience. It also makes for some excellent Instagram pics, as proved by the hordes of tourists jostling for the best position on the boat's edge.

Another great way to spend an evening in Budapest is in one of the many ruin bars which are mostly found in the historic Jewish quarter of the city. These bars, as their name suggests were created out of derelict buildings and courtyards in the early 2000’s and are decorated with a mismatch of second-hand items, graffiti and fairy lights. This was one of my favourite things and is definitely the coolest bar I’ve ever been in.

Another quintessential Budapest experience that you have to try is going for a dip in one of the city's many thermal baths. Hungary is home to over 1000 thermal springs and these provide the mineral-rich water for Budapest’s magnificent bathhouses. They are perfect for unwinding after the whirlwind of a city break, and you will leave feeling perfectly refreshed.

If seeing the sights of the city tired you out, then fear not, because despite its name you will never be hungry in Hungary. One of my favourite things I tried was a street food called Langos which is essentially fried bread and is traditionally topped with sour cream and cheese but is now topped with everything from Nutella to pizza toppings and is well worth a try. Finally, for dessert, treat yourself to a kürtőskalács or chimney cake which is a hollow cone-shaped cake rolled in sugar which is then caramelised. They are absolutely delicious on their own but many of the shops fill them with ice cream leaving your taste buds tingling.

So, if you have never been to Budapest consider this your sign to add it to your long list of places to visit.