THE MUSEUM VISIT...

Budapest is one of those cities that wears its history on its face -- the different regimes have all left their architectural stamp on the place. But for an in-depth look at the social effects of Hungary's history you could do worse than to spend a day at the House of Terror museum, the former Nazi and Soviet HQ.

THE STREET FOOD MARKET...

While  Budapest is hardly short of high-end restaurants -- the Nobu is worth a visit -- half the fun of the city is in the grubby bits, from the ruin bars to the plethora of street food. Down Kazinczy utca from the infamous Szimpla Kert is Karavan, where options include vegan food, lots of fried cheese, and nitro ice-creams, as well as the usual burgers and what-not.

THE VEGETARIAN FALLBACK...

Hungary isn't the easiest country in which to avoid meat, but thanks to the Hummusbar chain -- which has 13 branches around Budapest -- you're never far from a cheap meal option. There's meat on the menu, but the falafel, aubergine, and hummus plates all come highly recommended, as does the fresh lemonade. The bread's not great, but that's no bad thing...

around Budapest

HUNGARIAN GRAND PRIX

Budapest was the most pleasant surprise of my early F1 travels -- it's a beautiful city, with an awful lot to do and explore, and it's relatively cheap by European standards. In the summer months it can be sweltering, meaning the old Turkish baths offer much needed respite, while every night has the potential for a party in one of the city's many ruin bars. Then there's the clubs, Sziget Festival...