Budapest is nicknamed the “Pearl of the Danube,” it is an elegant and refined city; the imposing river runs through it separating Buda, on the hill, from Pest, lying on the left bank.
We decided to spend 3 days in the Hungarian capital (if you want to see our entire trip to Hungary click here). Unexpectedly, we found Budapest a suitable destination for a trip with children.
Below you will find our tips for visiting Budapest with children.
▶ You might also be interested in Check list essential medicines in your suitcase.
Where to sleep
We stayed at Christoph’s Central Apartment (1056 Budapest, Molnár utca 22. I/4) and recommend it both for the apartment itself as it is very spacious, with 2 rooms, a nice equipped kitchen, washing machine, and everything you need for small children, and for the location, a short walk from the Central Market and Vaci Utca, the shopping street, close to a metro stop and, if like us you arrive by car, with the possibility of parking under the door (for a fee). Book here.
What to see in Budapest together with children
Walk on the banks of the Danube and Chain Bridge
Take some time to take a walk on the Danube bank (if you wish, you can get to see the Shoes in Remembrance of the Jews killed during World War II. It is a truly touching memorial made on the east bank of the river). The Chain Bridge was the first to connect Buda and Pest in 1849. It was bombed in World War II therefore it was rebuilt. We were able to admire it from the shore without being able to cross it because it was closed for restoration.
Budapest Castle Hill – Buda Castle
There are 3 ways to get up Buda Hill, on foot, by shuttle or by funicular. Our daughter voted for the latter so of course we had no choice but to accommodate her! The ticket cost is about 5 euros per adult, free for children under 3 years old.
Once you get to the top, you will find so many things to do, always taking into account the age of your children..you can devote from a few hours to a full day, visiting the palace museums, Matthias Church, the Underground Labyrinth at Budavar… We, having the girls still very small, limited ourselves to walking around and admiring the fantastic view from Fishermen’s Bastion over the Danube and Pest, with its majestic Parliament.
Budapest Parliament and St. Stephen’s Cathedral
The Budapest Parliament is the third largest parliament in the world. If your babies are old enough to handle the 45-minute guided tour, you may want to buy tickets online in advance so as to avoid the very long lines.
Unthinkable to enter with a stroller because of the multiple steps, better to equip yourself with a baby carrier/belt if your baby is small. At the end of the visit, you can take a look at St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Budapest Central Market
The Central Market is an imposing structure in neo-Gothic style. Many Hungarian specialties are for sale, and upstairs you can have something to eat. Prices are fairly honest. Check the opening hours on the website.
Just across the street from the Market begins Vaci Utca, which is the shopping street. It is good for walking around for an hour or so and buying a few souvenirs to take home.
Jewish Quarter
You can devote a couple of hours to visiting the Jewish Quarter by wandering aimlessly through its streets and admiring the different styles of facades. To see street art, look for Akacfa Utca.
We also enjoyed the Gozsdu-udvar, one of the most famous passages in the city, which runs through six courtyards and is overlooked by many cafes, bars, and stores.
Caution: remember that the Jewish quarter on Saturdays is practically all closed for Shabbat.
More things to do with kids in Budapest
Children’s Train which, in about forty minutes, runs through the heights above the city and consists of an 11-kilometer train line in which the staff is all children, controllers, ticket-takers, with the exception of maintenance workers.
The little train runs year-round and tickets can only be bought on the spot and in cash (about 2 euros for children and 4 euros for adults). The train’s departure station is Huvosvolgy (streetcar 56).
Varosliget Municipal Park, which houses the Budapest Zoo, Luna Park,a pond and in winter an ice skating rink. It remains close to the monumental Heroes’ Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Margaret Island, where there is also an Aqua Park and thermal baths.
If your children are old enough to appreciate it, you might indulge in a bath at Budapest’s oldest baths, the Szechenyi Baths. Babies are also allowed to enter, but they do not have to be in diapers.
Boat trip: gives you a chance to have a different view of the city also can be a good idea if maybe it is cold or raining. Same with hop-on hop-off buses that stop near the main attractions and have audio guides. Also good if your children are tired of walking.
Interested in an organized tour in Budapest? Click on the banners 👇👇👇
Budapest Pass and Transportation Card
If you plan to visit several attractions, it pays to buy the Budapest Pass, it is a card that allows free use of public transportation and always free entry to some of the most popular attractions.
Daily public transport cards, on the other hand, include subway, streetcars, trolleybuses; up to 6 years old, children ride for free. Tickets can be purchased at vending machines with a credit card.
Where to eat in Budapest with children
☛ Among the restaurants where to eat in Budapest with children we recommend Vakvarju Etterem. Recommended for the food and because it has a great play corner (best to indicate when booking that you have children so they will reserve the table near there). Good prices, a main course is around 10/15 euros, Goulasch around 5 euros.
Address – 1061 Budapest, Paulay Ede u. 7. – Asztalfoglalás: + 36 1 268 08 88.
☛ Dionysos Taverna: Greek restaurant near the Central Market. It may be that it reminded us of our trip to Santorini, but we really liked it and recommend it. The fish is very fresh, we had souvlaki and very tender salmon skewers.
Address – Budapest, Belgrád rkp. 16, 1056 Hungary
What to see around budapest
1. Duna-Ipoly Nemzeti Park and Ansa of Danube
2. Lake Balaton
If you would be interested in an organized tour from Budapest to the spectacular Danube Bend or to Lake Balaton, you might take a look here 👇👇👇
How long to stay and conclusions
In our opinion, Budapest can be safely toured with children because it is a clean and safe city full of attractions that can satisfy the whole family. Depending on the age of your children, you can expect to stay from 2 to 3 days to a week.
Interested in buying a travel guide? Click on the link!
Lonely Travel guide
