With a world-class orchestra, thermal baths and the aromas of spice and coffee, Budapest is a stimulant for all the senses.

There are many reasons to travel to exotic Budapest with its fusion of eastern and western cultures and its grand old-world city divided in two by the mighty Danube. For me, a visit to this alluring city is an opportunity for a sumptuous experience, in which all five senses are stimulated and satisfied. It is replete with rich musical possibilities to appeal to the sense of hearing, and people have been coming to this area since before Roman for the luxury of immersion in the famous thermal baths. Taste and smell are excited by the spice-laden food and the aromatic coffee, and the sense of sight is thrilled by near and far views of this ancient metropolis with its remarkable architecture and the great Danube flowing through its heart.

Music first. There are numerous orchestras to be found in Budapest, such as the Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra, the Budapest Philharmonic and the Hungarian Symphony Orchestra Budapest, but, in my view, the chance to attend a performance by the exceptional Budapest Festival Orchestra should be a top priority for any...