Budapest

THE FOOTBALL

With five clubs in the top division (the most popular and most decorated sixth one, Ferencvaros, have been demoted following financial irregularities), it’s easy for any passing masochist to catch a couple of cheap and poorly attended fixtures each weekend.

The most established of the teams, Ujpest, lost 4-0 at home to Vaduz of Liechtenstein in the 2006 UEFA Cup, which speaks volumes for the standard on offer.

With the legendary Ferenc Puskas having died in November 2006, memories of 1953 can be evoked at the themed 6-3 bar, IX on Lonyay utca 62.

THE CITY

Panoramically divided by the Danube, the Hungarian capital Budapest is a popular (stag) weekenders’ getaway, thanks to its cheap and frenetic nightlife, budget air links and gorgeous womenfolk.

The recent tourist boom is nothing new. The Habsburg metropolis has been attracting tourists with its authentic Turkish baths and stately architecture since the Grand Tour between the wars.

Western visitors in the post-war Communist era arrived curious to see whatever happened to the Magical Magyars who beat England 6-3 at Wembley in 1953.

Don't miss
Treat your hangover to a picturesque outdoor soak at the Szechenyi Baths in the City Park.

Travel tips
Take a whistle-stop tour of the city on the number 2 tram for the price of just a single ticket. The ride, on a tramcar dating from 1967, takes 23 minutes to complete.