Recently refurbished they are the biggest baths in Budapest – if you sit on the right hand of the plane coming into Budapest’s Ferihegy airport on a clear day you can easily spot the dumb-bell shaped outline of the outside pools. There is the sports pool in the middle which is the only pool where a swimming hat is mandatory. Then there is the large semi-circular hot pool whose temperature is raised even higher in winter….

Recently refurbished and currently the talk of the city, the Rudas [rude-ash] baths are the perfect cure to the night before. Built by the turks who were temporary residents in the 16th century they have to be one of the few historical sights in the world that won’t leave anyone wondering what they are supposed to get out of the experience. The main bathing hall has 5 baths, the octagonal central one being lit directly by pin holes of coloured light from the dome above…

Even if you don’t want to risk life and limb on the frozen lake beneath the shadow of the replica Transylvanian castle near Hero’s Square, the spectacle of close to a thousand people in the middle of winter hurtling around the rink should be enough….

Not actually in Budapest but as it’s only 12 miles north and makes a great day out we thought we’d include it.
The town’s characteristic Mediterranean architecture originates from settling Serb refugees who later abandoned the town after floods hit which were in turn responsible for preserving much of it’s original appearance….

The unusually named Yellow Zebra Bikes will hire you a bright yellow bike with all accessories for 3000ft a day (£6) but returns are before 7pm. The bikes are easy-rider style with the essentials for budapest roads: chunky tires, big comfy springy seat and relaxed riding position….

They’re cheap, safe, reasonably frequent, never get stuck in traffic jams, and despite some being more than 40 years old are still as reliable as ever. A bit like old London buses there’s a certain romance about them so go on give them a go. If you do get on one going the wrong way, sure enough, they’ll be another one along in a bit to take you back again where you started from….

For the young and young at heart is what is billed as Europe’s largest open air music festival. Spread over 8 days and hosting 100′s of live acts including a respectable roster of big names, many from the UK and US as well as plenty of local talent, there’s something to suit almost everyone’s taste. In between you’ll find plenty to entertain with a huge selection of activities from ab sailing and rock climbing to assault courses and our favorite just to watch, the team tomato event held in a 5-a-side sized inflatable pitch filled with tomatoes….