The capital of Hungary and primary focal point of Central Europe is awash with sites that inspire awe and enchant the imagination. A veritable UNESCO World Heritage City, Budapest is a time warp, with compositional references to the Bronze and Iron Ages, Celtic Diaspora, Roman Empire, Huns, Tartars, Mongols, Ottoman and Hapsburg Empires. Clearly, the city has seen it all and as a result, illustrious, glorious Budapest is a marvel to behold.

The “Pearl of the Danube” and “Capital of Freedom” has enough historical milestones to compete with the likes of London, Paris, Prague and Rome. For a bona fide Budapest experience, set aside a minimum of three days. A cursory walk around the city, with the Danube as a wonderful compass point, takes you past most major city landmarks, though public transportation is superb.

Where do you start in a city like Budapest? World Heritage Buda Castle on Castle Hill is a wonderful choice, with a history that dates back as far as 1247. The castle is one of the most awesome hunks of architectural eye candy in a city chock-a-block with them. Fabulous auxiliary and interior wings, far too copious to name, include the Great Ballroom, St. Sigismund Chapel, Hapsburg Room and Budapest History Museum.

To declare Andrássy Avenue one of the most important streets in Europe is no mere hyperbole. The link between Elizabeth Square and the extravagant City Park sports one neo-Renaissance palace after another, with sites that include the State Opera House, House of Terror Museum - a fierce rebuke of the Nazi and Communist occupations over the last century — Franz Liszt Academy of Music, Museum of Fine Arts and Palace of Art. These fine Andrássy Avenue draws deserve a visit.

With a novel construction in 1015 and several subsequent restorations, Matthias Church is a gem. The cathedral features astonishing glimpses into Budapest's stormy past, with panoramic vistas of the city courtesy of the nearby neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque Halászbástya terrace.

Budapest's City Park merits more than a brief allusion. At over 300 acres, the broad public space is full of curious highlights, from Vajdahunyad Castle to the Széchenyi Medicinal Bath, to Heroes' Square.

Few capitals in Europe can rival the regal stage Budapest provides classical performers. The State Opera House is a grand hall for ballet and opera, while the Palace of Arts provides wonderful recitals in the Béla Bartók National Concert Hall.

Every August the Sziget Festival draws top heavy metal, alternative and rock acts from around the world to Budapest, typically with over 300,000 fans in attendance.

Hungary's strides as a New World wine power come to the fore every September, amid the idyllic backdrop of the Castle District, at the Budapest International Wine and Champagne Festival.

The paramount celebration in the country takes place in the capital every March and April, with the Budapest Spring Festival. The bash is a mishmash of world class jazz, film, classical music and theatre.

• Winter (November to March) -1-11°C

• Spring (April to May) 7-22°C

• Summer (June to August) 14-27°C

• Fall (September to October) 8-22°C