We recently discovered Budapest for the first time. The vibrant capital of Hungary offers a treasure trove of family-friendly activities that will delight children and adults alike. Budapest combines rich cultural heritage with fun-filled adventures, from its historic castles and interactive museums to its scenic parks and thermal baths.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended holiday, this enchanting city has something for everyone. Join us as we explore the top things to do in Budapest with kids, ensuring your family experiences unforgettable moments in this beautiful European gem.
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Top Things To Do In Budapest With Kids
What Should We Do In Budapest With Kids?
Although there is a hop on hop off bus, we decided to set a plan and walk. We covered 6 glorious miles, wandered historic streets, explored bustling shopping areas. Enjoying the odd glass of wine along the way, as we sat in street cafes and people watched.
I have compiled a list of wonderful things to see and do in Budapest. Places of interest or just quirky little things that made me smile, such as spectacular doors and people watching.
What To Do In Budapest On The Buda Side of the Danube
1. Ride The Funicular Up To Buda Castle
The walk to the Castle is STEEP, but it is worth the climb for the breathtaking views over Budapest. We decided to take the Funicular to the top. Firstly, because it was a hot day, but also for novelty value and just look at those views. You can’t visit Budapest and not ride the Funicular? The Funicular connects the banks of the River Danube to the Buda Castle and has been in service since 1870. It was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1987.
We queued for no more than 10 minutes the queue moved pretty quickly and the ride to the top lasted a couple of minutes.
2. Visit Buda Castle
Buda Castles sit high on the hills of the Buda side of the river. The first fort was constructed in the 13th century and, over the years and under the instruction of successive Kings, evolved into a magnificent Gothic-style palace. However, the Ottoman invasion in1686 ravaged the entire Gothic and Renaissance complex, and fighting and fire destroyed the palace.
The Palace complex was rebuilt and completed by Franz Joseph in 1904; alas, the Castle was again substantially damaged in World War II. Further renovations were finally finished in 1980. The Buda Castle District is also home to the Hungarian National Gallery, the Budapest History Museum, the National Széchényi Library, and a cafe with spectacular views over the Danube.
3. Visit The Fishermans Bastion
The Fisherman’s Bastion was built from 1895 to 1902 to celebrate the Millennium of the Hungarian state. It consists of 7 turrets, representing the 7 Hungarian tribes who formed a blood brotherhood and swore allegiance to become one nation: Hungary. The seven tribes are…
- Nyék
- Magyar
- Kürtgyarmat
- Tarján
- Jeno
- Kér
- Keszi
4. Walk Across The Chain Bridge (Széchenyi LánchÃd)
The chain bridge offers spectacular views of the Danube and is a landmark in its own right. All the way along the bridge, people were trying their best to get uninterrupted selfies. But we loved the view; it’s worth taking your time to check out the city from this vantage point.
Construction began in 1842 by Count István Széchenyi to make travel between Pest and Buda easier. Thus, London’s Hammersmith Bridge engineer William Tierney Clark was hired to design and build the Chain Bridge.
The bridge was completed and had its first foot passengers in 1849, as the Hungarian Army of Independence retreated away from the Austrian troops. But the bridge was destroyed during a German siege in 1945, and reconstruction to again bring it to its former glory was completed in 1949.
5. Cross The Liberty Bridge
Liberty Bridge connects Vámház Square and Szent Gellért Square and was opened on 4th October 1896. During the opening, Franz Joseph pressed a button which hammered the last silver rivet into the bridge. These rivets were engraved with the king’s monogram.
Today the bridge is closed to traffic so safe to walk over, and it really is a work of art, the perfect place to grab a selfie and check out the view back over Budapest
Located On The Pest Side Of The River
6. Visit The Shoes Of The Danube
Created by Sculptors Gyula Pauer and Can Togay. This moving memorial consisting of 60 pairs of shoes, represents the Jewish Men, Women and Children rounded up in the winter of 1944. Mums, dads, sons and daughters who were brutally stripped and forced to face a firing squad and murdered.
Initially I had mixed feelings about visiting and it does make you shed a tear. However it’s also so important to remember. There is beauty and eeriness surrounding the memorial, I am glad we went along to pay our respects.
7. Next Admire The Gothic Architecture Of Parliament House
The Parliament building is steps away from the shoe memorial. This colossal Neo-Gothic structure, finished in 1902, took 1000 workers 13 years to complete.
Here you can take a tour of the parliament as long as the national assembly is not in session. The tour will allow you to see the main hall, several lobbies, and the Crown Jewels. However, it is also worth visiting to admire the architecture, which is truly stunning. And don’t forget to check it out at night. I would recommend viewing from the Buda side of the river, and the lights reflecting on the water are truly breathtaking.
8. Visit The Shopping District In Budapest
And if you love shopping, you can’t visit Budapest and miss out on the main shopping district. Together with many favourite high street brands, you will also find boutique and individual stores, including souvenir shops. Plus, if, like me, you like to collect Christmas baubles on your travels, the Christmas shop is just incredible.
9. The Famous Central Market In Budapest
The Central Market Hall is a short walk from the shopping district. Here you will find 2 floors. The ground floor being a food market selling spices, meats, sausages, fruit and veg in every colour you could imagine.
Additionally the first floor packed full of textiles and homewares. Together with a street food area, packed full of Hungarian delights, although you must time your visit right. We visited at lunch time and the market was packed with hardly room to walk.
10. Visit Szimpla Kert Bar In Budapest
Szimpla Kert is one of the best bustling bars in Budapest. It’s a labyrinth of quirky rooms which each funky and unique which is created and decorated purely from recycled materials! It holds a farmers market on a Sunday and serves food and cocktails.
You can find this extraordinary bar in the cultural Kazinczy street, however, be warned you won’t know where to look first it’s the most wonderfully crazy bar we have ever visited.
11. Karavan Food Court
Just around the corner from Szimpla Kert is the Karavan street food and food court. This is the best place to grab some traditional Langos or a Chimey cake! You can find it in the centre of town, 1075 Budapest, Kazinczy utca 18. This is about a 15-20 minute walk from the banks of the Danube, where ships dock; however, it’s so worth taking time to find it.
12. Gozsdu Udvar Courtyard
Whilst on a Budapest street food tour, we happened upon Gozsdu Udvar. Gozsdu Courtyard is located in downtown Budapest. It has a combination of entertainment places, restaurants and bars within its walls. It’s a buzzing, vibrant place that’s quirky and totally unique!
Gozsdu Courtyard also has an adventurous past. During World War Il the Gozsdu Courtyard was a part of the Budapest ghetto! And has since been declared to be part of UNESCO world heritage.
13. To Get A Great View Of The River And Ride The Budapest Ferris Wheel
Although Ferris wheels are not everybody’s idea of fun, this is a great way to get a birds eye view of Budapest. Particularly on a bright sunny day.
14. Visit St Stephen’s Basilica
Approach via Szent István ter for the most stunning approach to the Basilica. And trust me, it really is worth planning this as it took my breath away. The Basilica is the largest church in Budapest; the planning and construction took a whopping 54 years. And involving three chief architects, and the collapse of the entire dome nearly two decades into the project.
Although there is no charge to get into the church. There is a small fee of suggesting 500 huff per person to go to the observation deck and see the bell tower which houses Hungarys biggest bell.
15. Look For Statues In Budapest
Budapest has statues everywhere. A statue trail is a great idea for entertaining kids and teens, with the promise of a new statue around every corner of the city.
Fat Policeman on Szent István ter
Check out the Fat Policeman on Szent István ter, he stands overlooking St Stephens Basilica. And is said to bring you luck in love if you rub his belly.
The Statue of Attila József
Also check out the statue of Attila József a Hungarian poet who is said to be one of the most prominent figures in Hungarian literature. As such his poems are taught in every Hungarian school.
16. Take A Budapest City Bike Tour
You can hire Mol Bubi bikes at many locations across the city. You simply pre-register and pay a registration fee, then book a ticket for however long you would like access to a city bike.
The bikes can be collected and returned from any station with an active pin code.
The Local Currency In Budapest
The currency is Hungarian Forint, we read so many horror stories about the locals being unhelpful when it came to paying. Thus resulting in us having a panic and finding an atm to ensure we had plenty of Forints.
This was not the case; we were offered the option to pay cash or card almost everywhere we shopped and dined. We found the locals to be friendly and helpful. We were advised to use Exclusive Change, they have atm’s and change booths all over the city. You will roughly get 480 Forints to the pound, depending on exchange rates.
The Weather In Budapest?
| Temp | Jan | Feb | March | April | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| °C | -1 | 1 | 6 | 10 | 16 | 19 | 21 | 20 | 17 | 11 | 4 | 1 |
| °F | 30 | 34 | 43 | 50 | 61 | 66 | 70 | 68 | 63 | 52 | 39 | 34 |
Budapest is a pretty unpredictable part of the world, weather-wise. We have visited Budapest in March and June and expected the weather to be on the cooler side. March was so warm, with far higher temperatures than predicted.
June again was much hotter. Whilst this is indeed wonderful to be blessed with such weather, it leaves you with the what-to-pack dilemma. Air on the side of caution and pack for all eventualities. Have options to layer up and a waterproof just in case.
Make the Most of 24 Hours in Budapest With or Without Kids
Budapest may be packed with incredible sights, historic landmarks and unforgettable experiences, but even with just 24 hours you can still see so much of what makes this city special. From stunning views across the Danube to beautiful architecture, relaxing thermal baths and delicious Hungarian food, a day in Budapest can be the perfect introduction to this vibrant European capital.
After visiting Budapest several times, we know that even a short visit can leave a lasting impression. With a little planning, it is easy to experience the highlights while still enjoying the atmosphere that makes the city so memorable.
If you only have one day in Budapest, focus on the sights that interest you most, allow time to wander, and soak up the charm of this beautiful city. Chances are, like us, one visit will not be enough, and you will soon be planning your return.
