Budapest is the only capital sitting on over a hundred thermal springs, and it built palaces over them. The Széchenyi's canary-yellow courtyard pools steam gloriously in winter, chess players soaking mid-game; the Gellért is the art nouveau jewel, all turquoise tiles and stained glass. Do one of each, go on a weekday morning to dodge the crowds, and thaw out afterwards with chimney cake and mulled wine.
Featured in Ten spa and hot-spring escapes to switch off together · Romantic