Bath: like many Eastern European capitals, Budapest is big on public baths and spas, some of which follow the Russian mould while others have a more Turkish flavour such as Rudas in Buda.

Almost all of the various baths around the city – and there are many – also feature saunas, steam rooms and massage tables. This is an activity that can last more than half a day; and the open-air baths are even open in the depths of winter, with the water kept at cosy temperatures.

Eating out: even if you’re not a fan of spicy paprika and goulash, Budapest offers a wealth of dining options from sushi to Mongolian barbecue. For a truly memorable evening find a restaurant beside the Danube with views over the water and down to some of the city’s spectacular bridges. Such places can be pricey but remain reasonable by Western European standards.

Wine-tasting: Hungarian wines are perhaps not as celebrated as those from some of the other European viticulture powerhouses such as France, Italy and Spain, but still the country can hold its own, especially when it comes to dessert wine. For a chance to try out reds and whites, head to the likes of Gundel 1894 Food and Wine Cellar on Allatkerti road in Pest. You will have to pay for each taste but there are happy hours and the prices remain very reasonable.