Alternative view of Budapest

Q: I have offered my wife a week's trip to Europe (June/July) with her sister and they have decided on Budapest . They are investigating the usual tourist attractions, but I am looking for the “unusual” or the “hidden gems” so to speak. - Craig Moyes

A: The best way to find out about out-of-the-way places is to talk to other travellers when you are there. To get you started and to mingle with more adventurous tourists, here are four interesting things to do:

1. Visit the House of Terror Museum to get an insight into Hungary's turbulent recent history. Featuring the grim decades of Nazi and Communist repression, this museum is housed in the former headquarters for the secret police of both the Nazi and Communist governments, an address that filled the heart of the average Hungarian with dread for the best part of 50 years. You can find the museum at Andrassy út 60 (www.terrorhaza.hu)

2. Rather than negotiate your own way through the pub scene (avoid strip clubs at all costs), then join an organised pub crawl. These are widely advertised and will take you to a minimum of four pubs for two beers in each. By the end of that you will be shouting "Egeszsegedre!" which is Hungarian for cheers.

3. Skip the advertised tours to very-touristy cafes and restaurants and try out one for yourself. One of the best is Gerbeaud, a landmark cafe with lavish interiors. There you will see the piano that was intended for use on board the Titanic. Find it at V Vorosmarty ter 7 (www.gerbeaud.hu)

4. See Budapest from a rented Segway. A three-hour sightseeing tour by Segway will keep you in touch with the locals and allow you access where vehicles cannot go. Make sure the Segway is full insured. (citysegwaytours.com)