Budapest

Bijal Nagrashna

VP at TripLingo, Foodie and adventurer; Can't sit still

Central Kavehaz

Enjoy a nice breakfast and coffee served on a silver platter. This place is frequented by actors, poets and writers.

Castle District

Walk across the Chain bridge and up the steps for a breathtaking view of the Pest side, including the Parliament.

Kőleves

In the Jewish district. Great Hungarian food with Jewish influence.

Andrassy

The Champs Elysees of Budapest. Lined with shops, restaurants and embassies.

Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music Budapest

Walk to the building to hear music coming out of the windows while you enjoy a drink in the pedestrian only street which is lined with restaurants and cafes.

Szépművészeti Múzeum

Art museum in the middle of Heroes Square.

Klassz Étterem és Borbolt

Modern take on Hungarian food. Try the Mangalitsa (Hungarian pig).

Doblo

Enjoy pre-theatre drinks. Has great selection of Hungarian wines and palinka (Hungarian spirit). You can even do a quick tasting and maybe run into a famous Hungarian actor.

Magyar Állami Operaház

Enjoy an opera from $4. Floor seats range from $50 to $75. Beautiful building.

Instant

Great meet-up place for a drink. "Ruin" pub in an abandoned building away from tourists. Each room has a unique theme and art instillation.

Holdudvar

Restaurant on Margit Island turns into an outdoor/indoor club lit by orange lanterns.

Rudas Baths

Great way to relax at the end of the night. Open until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays. Many thermal baths to choose from, and they range from different minerals and temperatures. Includes sauna, towels and private cabana.

I would stay at: Gerloczy Rooms deLux

Immaculately decorated rooms attached to an amazing cafe.