Budapest
*safety: Locals told me the area around Blaha Lujiza Ter is not the safest. As a group of guys we never had an issue but you might want to keep this in mind when booking. Generally Budapest is very safe though.
Restaurants
Riso
A MUST! One of the best Restaurants I have ever been to. Great location, nice and quiet, delicious food and friendly staff. Tipp: get their deserts , they are great (especially everything with rice, hence Riso). For Budapest rather expensive but for around 25-35 euros you can get starters, a main, desert and drinks and it is definitly worth it.
Bestia
Very cool place. They also have seating outside. I recommend the spare ribs or the parm chicken. Also rather expensive but definitly worth it.
Dyonisos Taverna
The inside is beautifully decorated and I would recommend sitting inside. For starters definitely get the small fried fishes, they were excellent. Their wine is great too. The main dishes are well-made yet not anything special.
Cafés, Bars & Nightlife
Szimpla
Very touristy but I recommend going if you have not been yet. Very cool vibe and perfect for some drinks.
Zsiráf
Great outdoor bar for the evening. The plants and lights give it a really cool atmosphere. There is music as well and the place is really lively. Great to start a night out.
Mika Tivadar Kert
Entrenched between buildings is Mika. A great outdoor bar with a really cool and alternative vibe. Beers are really cheep and the atmosphere is buzzing.
Instant-Fogas Complex
The most famous club in Budapest. Not necessarily a must but if you look for the club where all the tourists and a good chunk of the students are, Instant is your choice. They have many rooms for all the different music genres from latino, rock to club hymns. Always a safe bet to have a good night out. It's free too.
Ötkert
Ötkert has a cool vibe with the open air dancefloor. In case it rains they cover it. A bit more relaxed than Instant. Great for dancing.
Activities
Get a buggy and cruise around Sziget-Island
Go to the roundabout a the beginning of the island and rent a buggy. Check out the different rental stations and get the vehicle you want. Some might be more expensive than others. However most of them are cheap. Drive around the island and have fun.
Go to a thermal Spa
The map shows three Spas. Spa 1 is Rudas baths which is the only one I have visited but there is no reason to switch since it is great. The Inside is very beautiful with the main hall having colored tiles in the ceiling. On the roof you will find a 360 degree pool (pictured) and there are many saunas and steam rooms and even a salt room. Get the ticket with full access (about 25 euros) to enjoy the full experience. Also make sure to check the website beforehand as at certain times it is only men or only women (most of the time both though). Some nights they have also opened until very late. The other spas are more famous however, yet also more touristy.
Stroll around Budapest Parc
Just walk around the city park and explore a bit. There are also places to eat or drink inside.
Watch a waterpolo game
Check the schedule if there is any game going on. We watched a game of Budapesti VSC. Their pool is a bit hidden (Budapest, SzÅ‘nyi út 2, 1142 Hungary) and there is not really a lot of information (especially none in English). The game is free to watch and it is definitly a great experience as waterpolo is very big in Hungary.
Go into the Labyrinth of Buda Castle
It is always fun going into the labyrinth. There is a small entry fee and you get a laterna to explore the dark labyrinth where they held Dracula.
Eat kürtÅ‘skalács
Traditional cake which is really famous. There are different places where you can get it. You can often choose from different coatings, like cinnamon and sometimes even ice cream.
Spots
The fishing bastion
Great hangout spot for the later afternoon. You will have a nice view over the city. There are often many tourists here. If you fancy a more quite spot walk a bit more into the town and there is the Pavilon spot.
Top of the Citadella
The walk to the citadella may take you around 20-30 minutes and you may sweat a bit. But it is well worth it as at the top you get the best view over Budapest. Especially great at sunset. And sometimes there are also places to get a strawberry beer or some Langos open.
On top of Buda Castle
The walk through Buda Castle is very nice and at the end you also have a great view over the city. Like all the spots they are the most beautiful around sunset.
Pavilon
Just a quick walk from fishing bastion the Pavilon offers a view of what is behind the hill of Buda. Very nice place to hang out and chill.