Hungary

Budapest might be Europe's most dramatic capital. The Danube splits it into hilly Buda and flatland Pest, and the riverfront between them, parliament, palace, chain bridge, all floodlit at night, is the kind of view that makes you cancel your next plan and just stay put. The city's thermal springs have been soaking visitors since Roman times, and an afternoon at the Széchenyi or Gellért baths, steam rising off outdoor pools in winter, is essential Budapest. So are the ruin bars, wine cellars pouring Tokaj, and coffee houses with more chandeliers than some palaces. Beyond the capital: Lake Balaton's vineyards and summer villas, Eger's castle and cellars, horsemen performing on the great plain. Hungary delivers grandeur at half the price of its western neighbours.