The report published at the end of the year was compiled with the help of journalists living in different parts of the world.

Apart from Budapest, only three European destinations made it to the top of the rankings: Cyclades in Greece, Kosovo and the Yorkshire region of the United Kingdom.

It cites the city’s unique architectural styles and thermal baths, as well as tourist attractions such as Chain Bridge, the House of Hungarian Music and the National Athletic Centre.

Last year, Budapest was also among Time magazine’s list of recommended destinations.

Also, the UN World Tourism Organization selected the Tokaj region as priority settlement.

Gergely Karácsony, the Mayor of the Hungarian capital, said that Budapest was "unshakable in its Hungarianness," but is also European.

"Some cities are forever, like Rome, and some cities always rise again, like Budapest," he added. And it seems that foreign travellers also share this sentiment.

Renowned for its architecture, Hungarian capital the is home to everything from art nouveau and neoclassical to gothic and baroque, with the Blue Danube connecting it all like a ribbon, writes Condé Nast, which continues:

"And then there are the mineral-rich thermal baths, featuring ornate design flourishes. The city also buzzes with creativity, which spills over into the vibrant nightlife; the ruin bars district is a tangible example of crafting opportunity from the ashes of adversity following the brutality of Communist rule."

"New builds such as the spectacular House of Music Hungary and the National Athletics Centre (the central stadium for 2023’s World Athletics Championships) are testament to a city with optimism for its next 150 years.

Photo by Krénn Imre Photography