Things to Do in Budapest With Kids

Looking for things to do in Budapest with kids? We spent a full week here and still did not run out of ideas. The mix is what makes it work: thermal baths, a real circus, a funicular up to the castle, wide-open Margaret Island, and enough grand architecture to keep the grown-ups happy too. Here is what we would not skip. For the rest of the trip, see our Budapest with kids guide, plus where to eat in Budapest with kids and our full Budapest family itinerary.

Fun Things to Do in Budapest With Kids

Ride a funicular to the top of Buda Hill

View of the Danube from inside a funicular.

Located at Clark Ádám tér on the Buda side of Chain Bridge, the funicular is an efficient and scenic way to get to the top of Buda Hill.  There are so many things to see at the top of the hill, including Buda Castle, Houdini Museum and Fisherman’s Bastion to name a few.  So why not get there on a unique and fun means of transportation?

Viona entering the funicular car.

The ride from bottom to top takes only a couple of minutes.  It actually seems even shorter than that.  I couldn’t believe how little time I had to snap a few pictures.  Trust me, it goes quick!  The view during the ride is so incredible, I really wish it lasted longer.  The fact that this doubles as sightseeing and transportation, I would consider this one of the best things to do in Budapest.

Two funicular cars making their ascent.

The funicular was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.  For additional information, hours of operation and ticket cost, please visit the Budapest transportation website below.

Funicular station at the top of the hill.

https://bkk.hu/en/travel-information/public-transport/funicular/
Budapest, Clark Ádám tér, 1013 Hungary

Visit the Central Market Hall (“Nagyvásárcsarnok” in Hungarian)

Exterior of the Central Market Hall.

The Central Market Hall, or Great Market Hall, continues to be one of the most popular tourist attractions in Budapest.  Built in 1897, both the exterior and interior of the Building are aesthetically pleasing.  Inside are two floors of vendors/purveyors.  The bottom floor consists mostly of produce, butchers, spices and souvenirs while the upper floor has a “food court” or vendors selling prepared food and stalls selling local crafts and more souvenirs.  This is a great spot to try some Hungarian street foods, such as Langos!  For food recommendations, visit our Budapest Eats page.

Interior of the Central Market Hall.www.piaconline.hu
Budapest, Vámház krt. 1-3, 1093 Hungary

Take in the views from the Citadella

Statue at the Citadella.

Located at the top of Gellert Hill, the Citadella is a fortress built in 1851 by a commander of the Austrian Empire.  Once at the top, you will be rewarded with sweeping views of the city, the Danube river and possibly it’s eight bridges on a clear day.

View of the eastside of Budapest from the Citadella.You have an option to hike to the Citadella from the bottom of Gellért Hill.  However, we decided to hit the easy button and take the bus.  Of course you could also grab a taxi.  The public transportation system and app are so easy to navigate that we never felt the need for a taxi in Budapest.  Head over to our Budapest Tips and Essentials page for more info on that app!

Dad, Kaida and Viona taking a break on the steps of the Citadella.

If you do decide to make a hike of it or if it’s just a hot summer, there is a small outdoor bar at the top where we were able to buy water and soda.  Alcohol was also available for purchase, just saying…

Dad, Kaida and Viona posing for a pic with the view from the Citadella.

Matthias Church

Matthias Church at the top of Buda hill.

Located at the top of Buda Hill (or Castle Hill) is Matthias Church in all of its gothic glory.  The architecture found throughout Budapest has been possibly my favorite of anywhere in Europe but this church may hold the top spot.

Viona in front of Matthias Church.

Maybe it’s the clean light colored stone juxtaposed with the intricate detailing of the gothic architecture.  Or maybe it’s the exquisite detail of the tile roof.  I’m pretty sure it’s the whole package that makes this church a magnificent piece of art.  The current building was constructed in the second half of the 14th century and has seen two Kings crowned within its walls.

Colorful tile roof of Matthias Church.

The church is equally as stunning at night, so make sure to see it both during day and night if you have the opportunity.  I am sad to say that the church was closed both days that we were at the top of the hill so we did not get to see the interior.  Since Budapest is one of our favorite cities in all of Europe, we will be back soon and will certainly make an effort to see the interior.

Matthias Church at night.www.matyas-templom.hu
Budapest, Szentháromság tér 2, 1014 Hungary

Visit the Houdini Museum!

Dad, Kaida and Viona in front of the House of Houdini museum.

Whether you are into magic or not, Houdini is one of the most famous magicians known around the world and throughout history.  If you are in Budapest and looking for a more unusual thing to see, this is a great option.  It is near by many other attractions and does not take a lot of time.  I would say you will spend less than an hour here, including the magic show you get to watch at the end.

Viona and Dad in a Houdini prop safe.

Harry Houdini was born in Hungary, making this a great place to display so many of his personal effects.  You will have the opportunity to appreciate his handcuffs, personal letters and more.  There are also several props from the “Houdini” movie staring Adrian Brody on display.

An exhibit inside the House of Houdini.

At the end of the museum tour you will get to enjoy a magic show in the saloon!  So it is no Vegas act but it is entertaining, especially for the kids.  I can’t tell you how many times Viona’s jaw dropped in disbelief, it was priceless.  This is definitely one of the best things to do in Budapest with young kids.

Viona participating in the free magic show at the House of Houdini.

You can purchase tickets at the door, but it is possible they could sell out.  Purchasing them online through their website below is a safer bet.

www.thehouseofhoudini.com
Budapest, Dísz tér 11, 1014 Hungary

Fisherman’s Bastion

Walking through the crowds at the Fisherman's Bastion.

The look out towers of Fisherman’s Bastion is absolutely not to be missed on your visit to this incredible city.  Open year round, day and night, there is no excuse not to see it.  Built in the early 1900’s to serve as a lookout tower, they succeeded in offering some of the best views in Budapest.  Now that the Danube riverfront in Budapest is part of the UNESCO world Heritage, more and more tourists are catching on to how incredible this city really is.

The Budapest Parliament Building and Danube River as seen from the Fisherman's Bastion.

The views from all over Fisherman’s Bastion are postcard worthy, and directly across the river is the breathtaking parliament building.  There is also a cafe so you can enjoy these views while having a bite to eat.  We made reservations here during their National Holiday and watched an incredible firework show over the river, which you can read more about further down this page.

Viona posing with the view from the Fisherman's Bastion.

I think it is worth two visits to Fisherman’s Bastion so you can enjoy the views both during the day and at night, as each are equally stunning.  Of course you can also plan to hang around and enjoy sunset to see the best of both worlds.  Looking out over the river is East facing so you won’t get the most prime sunset views but the sky may turn a pretty color if you are lucky!

The Budapest Parliament building at night.https://fishermansbastion.com/
Budapest, Szentháromság tér, 1014 Hungary

Dohány Street Synagogue

Exterior of the Dohany Street synagogue.Dohány Street Synagogue is the second largest synagogue in the world.  Inaugurated in 1859, the building is stunning with warm hues and brickwork around the exterior.  The interior is equally as breathtaking.

Interior of Dohany Street synagogue.During World War II, most of the Jewish population living in Hungary were killed.  In the synagogue garden’s is this beautiful weeping willow memorial with metal leaves inscribed with the names of some of those that were lost.  It is one of the more thoughtfully curated war memorials we have seen around the world.  We have also spotted it in a movie or two since our visit.

Jewish World War Two memorial at the Dohany street synagogue comprised of a beautiful metal weeping willow tree with names of the deceased for each leaf.

You do not have to be Jewish to appreciate the beauty and craft that went into this peaceful place.  I encourage anyone to stop in, and don’t forget to visit the garden to pay respects to those that were lost in the war.

Exterior of Dohany Street synagogue.www.dohany-zsinagoga.hu
Budapest, Dohány u. 2, 1074 Hungary

Heroes’ Square

Family photo at the Heroes Square.

There are three main squares in Budapest, Heroes Square being one of them.  The Millennium Memorial in the center of Heroes Square was created to commemorate the 1000th anniversary of the Hungarians conquest of the Carpathian Basin in 896.  Archangel Gabriel sits atop the highest pillar surrounded by the seven Chieftains of the Magyars.

Viona runnig around Heroes Square.

The Museum of Fine Arts and the Palace of Arts can be found here, on either side of the Millennium Memorial.  Walk a behind the Palace of Arts to see the Time wheel; a giant hourglass weighing 60 tons with sand that takes a full year to fall.  Every New Year’s Eve the sands run out and the wheel is turned 180 degrees for the following year.

Viona posing in front of statues of Hungarian warriors on horseback at the Heroes Square. Budapest, Hősök tere, 1146 Hungary

Vajdahunyad Castle

Lake in front of Vajdahunyad Castle.Vajdahunyad, a fantastical castle perched on the lake that runs behind Heroes Square is also worth exploring.  We did not go inside and I don’t know that the interior of the castle is open to the public, but the grounds are a beautiful place to walk through.

Our family in front of a cathedral door at Vajdahunyad Castle.

You can rent paddle boats in the lake if you and the family are looking for a little more exercising on this adventure.  Or just watch the ducks…

Viona watching ducks in a pond.www.mezogazdasagimuzeum.hu
Budapest, Vajdahunyad stny., 1146 Hungary

Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Exterior of Szechenyi bath house in Budapest.

Visiting a thermal bath in Budapest is among the more popular things to do.  However, we were traveling with a one year old at the time and the thermal baths do not allow young children with diapers to use the facilities.  So we decided to skip it this visit.  The Széchenyi Thermal Bath is located in the park behind Heroes Square and is one of the two most popular bath houses.  I believe the Gellért Thermal Bath is the most popular and is quite picturesque.  If you decide to visit a thermal bath then I would recommend looking into either of these.

Mural on the inside of Szechenyi bath house.www.szechenyifurdo.hu
Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 9-11, 1146 Hungary

Take a sunset cruise on the Danube!

Sunset on the Danube River.

These cruises are super popular for tourists.  While we often enjoy doing less touristy activities, some things cannot be avoided to enjoy certain views.  For example, seeing the Hungarian Parliament building at night from the river is an exceptional view.  It was a perspective that I wanted to capture, so we did the cruise.  While everyone else on the boat seemed to enjoy their experience, poor Dawson got stuck with Kaida who at the time was one year old and decided to cry the entire hour and a half journey!  It was one of his less pleasant travel experiences.

Budapest parliament building at night.

These cruises often sell out for the sunset time slot so make sure to reserve your tickets ahead of time.

Ride a Tram on an UNESCO Recognized Route

Tram running along the Danube.

Tram # 2 that runs along the Danube past several UNESCO sites has been noted by National Geographic as one of the most scenic trolly rides in the world!  If you already have a transportation pass then the ride is free, otherwise it is very inexpensive and completely worth your time in doing.

Viona waiting to catch the #2 tram.

We hoped on at the Jászai Mari tér tram stop.  Make sure to sit on the river side of the tram for the best views.  You will snake past the neo-gothic parliament building and along the Danube river with views of Buda Castle and Chain Bridge.  After you pass parliament and just after the tram reaches the river, keep your eyes out for the WWII memorial honoring all of the Jews that were killed during the war, made up of many shoes lining the riverbank.

Whizzing by the Budapest Parliament building on the tram.

For more information on the public transit system in Budapest, check out our Tips & Essentials page.

Watch the Sunrise Over the Danube!

Viona watching the sunrise over the Danube.

If on your first morning in Budapest you wake to find your children playing on the kitchen floor at 3:30am because of the time change/jet lag, don’t loose your shit because you are desperate for more sleep after 24 hours of travel.  Instead, head out for a sunrise stroll and enjoy the incredible views over the Danube. And the real kicker was this was on a holiday weekend, which meant nothing, not a single cafe, Starbucks or convenience store was open before 8 am.  So enjoying a nice espresso and a donut while the day began was not in the cards.  But an early nap was!

Viona walking across Liberty Bridge decorated with many Hungarian flags.

There is something special about feeling like you have the whole city to yourself at the wee hours of the morning.  Despite the fact that I was dreadfully tired, it ended up being one of my favorite memories of our trip.

Viona admiring the view of the Danube on Liberty Bridge.

The photos from our sunrise journey were taken on Liberty Bridge.

Plan Your Visit During Hungary National Day

A crowd gathered for an air show over the Danube River.

So it wasn’t until I booked our trip that I realized it coincided with Hungary National Day.  What luck!  So I went to work researching what events happen and what not to miss.  The air show over the Danube and in front of Parliament building was on our itinerary since we enjoy aviation so much and knew it would be fun for the kids.  We also saw some helicopters do some seriously crazy moves we had never seen before.

A military helicopter doing stunts in front of the parliament building.

I also discovered that there would be a big firework show along the Danube that night.  Instead of fighting the crowds in a city I am unfamiliar with I decided to look for a restaurant you could book that has a view.  Turns out Fishermans Bastion serves a dinner for the holiday and you cannot get a better view of the Danube.  So months in advance I booked us a table and it was worth every penny.

Viona and Kaida waiting for dinner.

The dinner surroundings were elegant.  The food was not exceptional, but also not bad.  But I would pay over and over again to watch this incredible 45 minute firework show along one of the most scenic riverfronts in the world.  They did not hold out and we were super impressed by how much money Hungary likely spent on this show.  Just one launch point of fireworks would have been impressive but the had 5 separate launch points down the river bursting in perfect unison along with fireworks on the bridge.  Well done Hungary!

Fireworks display over the Danube.

If you are considering traveling in August, see if you can time your travels to enjoy this incredible holiday and festivities.

Fireworks display over the Danube.https://nationaltoday.com/hungary-national-day/

Ride a Full Size Train Operated by Children!

Viona peeking over a bench on a train.

The Children’s Railway is located in the Buda Hills and is ran completely by 10-14 year olds (with the exception of a couple adults that supervise for safety).  The Buda Hills are popular among the locals when they want to enjoy some greenery and hike or mountain bike.  The Train is an easier way to see the area and fun to watch the kids operate a full size train.  They take their jobs seriously too, I don’t think I ever saw any of them crack a smile.

Viona helping Kaida walk at the train station.

We purchased our tickets on the platform and waited for the train.  I will warn you, this does eat some time out of your day.  If you are short on time, this probably should be skipped.  About an hour into the journey we decided to hop off and walk to the nearest real train to head back into the city.  The kids had a lot of fun though.

Dad holding a smiling Kaida aboard a train.www.dohany-zsinagoga.hu
Budapest, Dohány u. 2, 1074 Hungary

St. Stephen’s Basilica

Exterior of St. Stephen's Basilica.St. Stephen’s Basilica is one of the most important religious buildings in Hungary.  Unfortunately during our visit they were preparing for and hosting a special event so we could not go inside.  But I read that if you do plan on seeing the interior, your knees and shoulders must be covered.  Apparently it is also possible to climb up to the base of the dome for some great vantage points from the rather flat Pest side of the city.  If you have a love for music, they also have organ concerts so check out the schedule on their website to see if one aligns with your trip dates!

https://www.bazilika.biz/hu/
Budapest, Szent István tér 1, 1051 Hungary

Walk Along the Danube on the Pest side at Sunset

Viona doing a silly pose next to the Danube at sunset.

It’s free and surely one of the best things to do in Budapest!  In case I haven’t beat this dead horse enough (typing that, I am realizing how distasteful that saying really is…) the Danube riverfront: walk it, tram it, boat it, just do it!  But seriously, every evening that we walked the Pest side of the river at sunset, it was like, is this real life?  It was always so breathtaking.  Maybe we should move here Dawson!

Boats traversing the Danube River at sunset.

Still beautiful….

Viona peering across the Danube at sunset.

And again…

The Fisherman's Bastion across the Danube River at sunset.

Have Afternoon Tea at New York Palace Café

Inside of the New York Palace Cafe.

Dining at the New York Palace Café is more of an activity than just eating.  The exquisite detailing of the interior is an homage to the cafe culture that Budapest strongly embraces.  Whether you are grabbing a full meal or afternoon dessert, it will surely make for a photographic experience.  You can read more about it on our Budapest Eats page.

Viona enjoying a milkshake and pastries at the New York Palace Cafe.

www.newyorkcafebudapest.com
Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 9-11, 1073 Hungary

See & Do Gallery

One of the girls at the railing watching the sunrise over the Danube from Liberty Bridge
The Hungarian Parliament and the Danube seen from Fisherman's Bastion
Our family in the Heroes Square, Budapest, Hungary.
Dad and one of the girls inside a Houdini prop safe at the House of Houdini in Budapest
The striped brick and Moorish arches of a synagogue in the old Jewish quarter of Budapest
A military helicopter banking over the Hungarian Parliament during the National Day air show
One of the girls helping the magician on stage at the House of Houdini in Budapest
The tiled roof and carved spire of Matthias Church on Castle Hill in Budapest
Dad holding the youngest aboard an open sided train carriage in Budapest
The terrace of Fisherman's Bastion with the statue of Saint Stephen on horseback
The Hungarian Parliament glowing gold across the dark Danube at night
One of the girls watching the ducks on a pond in a Budapest park
Dad and the girls taking a break on the steps of the Citadella in Budapest
The Hungarian Parliament seen from a passing tram in Budapest
One of the girls running up the grand staircase of the New York Cafe in Budapest
A yellow tram running along the Danube embankment with Buda Castle across the water
Vajdahunyad Castle across the boating lake in the City Park in Budapest
The girls sitting together on an orange bench against a stone wall in Budapest
Vintage Harry Houdini posters and a display case inside the House of Houdini in Budapest
The colorful tile roof of Matthias Church in Budapest
The striped brick towers and rose window of the Dohany Street Synagogue in Budapest
One of the girls watching the sunrise over the Danube from the railing of Liberty Bridge
The colored Zsolnay tile roof and brick facade of the Central Market Hall in Budapest
Crowds along the Danube watching the National Day air show in front of the Hungarian Parliament
One of the girls waiting to catch the number 2 tram in Budapest
One of the girls stepping into an old wooden funicular car in Budapest
One of the girls beside the metal weeping willow memorial in the Dohany Street Synagogue gardens
Looking along a red narrow gauge train as it curves through the forest in the Buda Hills
The rose window and Hebrew inscription on the facade of the Dohany Street Synagogue
National Day fireworks bursting over the Danube and the lit up city of Budapest
The family under the entrance sign of the House of Houdini in Budapest
Matthias Church and its diamond patterned tile roof seen from the square on Castle Hill
Shoppers among the stalls of the Central Market Hall in Budapest seen from above
Matthias Church floodlit at night with its patterned tile roof glowing
Two funicular carriages passing on the track up Castle Hill in Budapest
A display case of Harry Houdini memorabilia at the House of Houdini in Budapest
View of the Danube from a funicular.
The painted arches and gilded galleries inside the Dohany Street Synagogue in Budapest
The girls at a table with a white turret of Fisherman's Bastion rising behind them
The family in front of the carved cathedral door at Vajdahunyad Castle in Budapest
The Millennium Monument column and bronze chieftains at Heroes Square in Budapest
A family selfie on a lookout above the Danube in Budapest
The Hungarian Parliament floodlit gold above the Danube at night
The dome and bell towers of St Stephen's Basilica in Budapest
The east side of Budapest and the Danube seen from the Citadella on Gellert Hill
Buda Castle at sunset above the Danube with a river cruise boat passing
The red bench seats inside an open sided train carriage in Budapest
Gilded lamps and a Star of David medallion inside the Dohany Street Synagogue
One of the girls in the audience at the House of Houdini magic show in Budapest
A helicopter flying past the Hungarian Parliament during the National Day air show
One of the girls walking across Liberty Bridge in Budapest beneath the Hungarian flag
One of the girls standing alone under a vast floodlit stone arch in Budapest at night
One of the girls posing with the view over the Danube from Fisherman's Bastion
One of the girls sitting on a bollard in front of Matthias Church in Budapest
Wooden pews and stained glass windows inside a Budapest synagogue
National Day fireworks over the Danube with the Hungarian Parliament lit gold below
Old wooden funicular carriages inside the funicular station in Budapest
Dad and the girls on a red bench inside an open sided train carriage
One of the girls in front of the bronze Hungarian chieftains at the base of the Heroes Square column
The exterior of the Szechenyi bath house in Budapest
One of the girls striking a silly pose beside the Danube at sunset with Buda Castle behind her
The Liberty Statue holding a palm frond above the Citadella on Gellert Hill
One of the girls with a tall milkshake and pastries at the New York Cafe in Budapest
Dad and the girls posing with the view from the Citadella in Budapest
The mosaic dome inside the Szechenyi bath house in Budapest
National Day fireworks over the Danube with Budapest lit up below
The girls on the platform of a small Budapest train station
One of the girls peering across the Danube at sunset in Budapest
The gilded columns, chandeliers and velvet booths of the New York Cafe in Budapest
The Buda skyline at sunset with Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion above the Danube
The Hungarian Parliament lit up above the Danube at blue hour
The painted ceiling and chandeliers of the New York Cafe in Budapest
Buda Castle above the Danube at sunset with river boats moored below
The Danube and the Hungarian Parliament seen from the Buda side on a hazy afternoon
Valerie, Dawson, Viona and Kaida of Little Eyes Big World on a safari truck in Kenya

Build your kids
a free Trip Kit

Heading to Budapest? Before you go, build your kids their own free Trip Kit: a printable explorer passport, a countdown to takeoff and a scavenger hunt matched to their ages. It’s the exact kit our girls travel with!

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