A playground with a giant hot-air balloon, a fairytale castle full of turrets and a tram ride past the city’s grandest buildings. Budapest is one big adventure for kids! And the best part? There’s just as much for you to discover as a parent. The Hungarian capital is packed with impressive palaces, stunning viewpoints and historic streets, yet it’s also brilliant for young travellers.
On our city trip, we quickly found out how easy Budapest is to explore with kids. The playgrounds are some of the best we’ve ever seen, lots of activities are completely free and there’s always somewhere to let off steam between the sights. From cycling on Margaret Island to sliding down Gellért Hill and riding a historic train, these are our 12 favourite things to do in Budapest with kids, with practical tips for your trip.
→ Where to stay in Budapest? Discover the best neighbourhoods!
Why is Budapest great with kids?
Budapest makes a fantastic city break with kids, because you can easily combine impressive sights with brilliant family activities. The Hungarian capital is famous for its palaces, historic buildings and thermal baths, but it has loads to offer young travellers too. And we don’t just mean the usual zoo or children’s museum.
What really won us over were the amazing playgrounds you find all over the city. Admire the fairytale Fisherman’s Bastion in the morning, then let the kids run wild in a playground with castle towers. Or hop on a historic tram along the Danube, rent a family bike on leafy Margaret Island and end the day with a freshly baked chimney cake.
On top of that, many of these activities are completely free, so Budapest works for families on a smaller budget too. You don’t have to choose between a city trip for yourself and a holiday full of fun for the kids!
Practical tips for Budapest with kids
How many days do you need in Budapest?
With kids, we’d plan at least three to four days. The sights are spread out over both banks of the Danube, and with young children you don’t want to be on the move all day. Plan one day for Castle Hill and the playgrounds in Buda, for example, one for City Park and one for Margaret Island. With four days, you’ll also have time for a swim or a trip into the hills outside the centre.
How does public transport work in Budapest?
The metro, trams and buses take you to almost every sight. You can buy tickets from the purple BKK machines at metro stations and larger tram stops, and simply pay by card. Even easier is the official BudapestGO app, where you can plan routes and buy digital tickets. Paper single tickets need to be validated before your metro ride or when you board a tram or bus, while digital tickets are scanned at the metro entrance or on board. Using public transport a lot? Then a 24- or 72-hour pass is handy, as it gives you unlimited travel without buying a new ticket every time.
Children under 14 travel for free on Budapest’s public transport under certain conditions, so bring an ID that shows their age just in case. Also keep in mind that special attractions, like the funicular up to Castle Hill, aren’t covered by regular public transport tickets.
Where to stay in Budapest with kids
For families, the Pest side of the city makes a handy base, especially around the centre and close to the metro lines. You’ll find plenty of restaurants, supermarkets and good connections to the main sights. And with a pushchair, flat Pest is often a lot easier to explore than hilly Buda.
Here are four great hotels for Budapest with kids:
#1 Bo33 Hotel Family & Suites: this hotel is all about a comfortable stay with kids. Think spacious family rooms and suites, a kids’ play area and a rooftop terrace with wellness. A great choice if you like coming back after a day of sightseeing to a hotel where the little ones have been thought of too.
#2 Silver Crown Hotel & Residence: travelling with young kids? Then an apartment with its own kitchen can be a lifesaver. Silver Crown has spacious, modern apartments with separate bedrooms, and it’s within walking distance of many sights in central Pest.
#3 Three Corners Hotel Anna: a charming hotel with family rooms, a generous breakfast and a quiet inner garden. Its location in the Józsefváros district is ideal for exploring, as you’re close to the centre and well connected by public transport.
#4 Danubius Hotel Helia: what could be better than diving into a pool after a day of exploring Budapest? This hotel has several indoor pools and sits right on the Danube, close to Margaret Island. You’re a bit further from the historic centre, but you get extra space and relaxation in return.
Is Budapest expensive with kids?
Many of the best things to do cost nothing at all. Think of the huge playground in City Park, the green roof of the Museum of Ethnography, the playgrounds on Margaret Island and the views from Castle Hill. So you can easily fill your days without spending much on tickets. You do pay separately for things like Palatinus Baths, the Children’s Railway and the Castle Hill Funicular.
Things to do in Budapest with kids: our 12 favourites
#1 City Park (Városliget): the best playground in Budapest
If you only visit one playground in Budapest, make it the one in City Park! We’ve seen our fair share of special playgrounds on our travels, but this one is right up there with our favourites. In the middle of the huge park lies a giant playground with a real showstopper: an enormous hot-air balloon made of climbing nets. Kids can scramble to the top, whizz down long slides and bounce around on trampolines, swings and all kinds of climbing frames. And the best part? It’s completely free!
There’s plenty to discover outside the playground too. Walk over to the fairytale Vajdahunyad Castle, which looks like it jumped straight out of a children’s book. On the edge of the park stands the striking Museum of Ethnography, with two huge curved wings topped by green roofs that you can simply walk over. We enjoyed that just as much as the kids! As you climb higher between the lawns and paths, you get a great view over the park and the city.
You can easily spend half a day in Városliget. The park is right next to Heroes’ Square and easy to reach from the centre on the historic M1 metro line.
#2 Castle Hill: palaces and fairytale views
Castle Hill is one of the most beautiful places in Budapest and a winner with kids too. High above the Danube lies a historic quarter full of palaces, cobbled lanes and stunning viewpoints. Its most famous landmark is Fisherman’s Bastion, with its white turrets, staircases and arches. It looks just like a fairytale castle! From the terraces, you look out over the Danube and the impressive Hungarian Parliament on the other side.
Then walk on to the enormous Royal Palace towering over the river, passing charming squares, historic buildings and more viewpoints along the way. You don’t have to go inside anywhere, as simply wandering around Castle Hill is worth it. And for kids, the stairs, turrets and peepholes of Fisherman’s Bastion are far more fun than a traditional museum visit.
Handy tip: you don’t have to walk all the way up the steep hill. There are free lifts in several places that take you up a good part of the way, which is ideal with young kids or a pushchair. You can also ride the historic funicular, but more about that further down.
#3 Margaret Island: a green playground in the middle of the Danube
In the middle of the Danube lies a long, green island where you can escape the city for a while. Margaret Island is almost entirely car-free, which makes it a wonderful place to walk, cycle and play with kids. At around 2.5 kilometres long, you can easily spend a few hours here without seeing the same spot twice.
One of the most fun ways to explore the island is on a family bike. In several places, you can rent those funny four-wheeled bikes that fit the whole family. Along the way, you’ll pass lawns, flower gardens, fountains and several playgrounds. Make sure to stop at the large musical fountain at the southern end. In the warmer months, the jets of water dance to music, with shows at set times.
There’s also a small petting farm on the island, but we found it pretty underwhelming and wouldn’t go out of our way for it. The playgrounds, the greenery and the cycling are what make Margaret Island worth a visit.
The island is easy to reach via Margaret Bridge at the southern end. From the centre, take tram 4 or 6 and get off at Margitsziget / Margit híd. On warm days, you can combine your visit with Palatinus Baths, which is on the island too.
#4 Palatinus Baths: swimming with kids in Budapest
Budapest is famous for its thermal baths, but did you know that many of the famous ones aren’t open to young children? Luckily, there’s a great alternative! In the middle of Margaret Island lies Palatinus Baths, a large swimming complex where families with little ones are welcome too. A perfect break from sightseeing for an afternoon of splashing about.
The complex has several indoor and outdoor pools, children’s pools, water slides and big lawns to lounge on. Especially in summer, it’s a favourite with Hungarian families. While the kids play in the water, you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and green surroundings. Some of the pools are heated, so Palatinus is an option for a swim outside the summer months too.
Do keep in mind that not all outdoor pools and slides are open all year round. For the full water fun, summer is the best season, so check which facilities are open before you go. You reach the baths via Margaret Island, which makes it easy to combine with a walk or bike ride across the island.
#5 Gellért Hill: sliding all the way down
A playground where you can literally slide down a hill? You’ll find it on Gellért Hill! This green hill on the Buda side of the Danube is best known for its views over Budapest, but for families, its unusual playground is just as good a reason to head up here.
The playground is built into the slope and makes clever use of the height difference. Several long slides run down the hill, with steps and paths to climb back up. There are other play structures too and plenty of space to run around. It’s a completely different experience from a flat city playground, and that’s exactly what makes it so much fun.
You’ll find the playground on the southern side of Gellért Hill, near the Gellért area. You do have to walk uphill a bit to get there. That’s less handy with a pushchair, but the combination of play and the leafy hillside park makes the climb worth it. Still got energy left? Keep walking up for a great view over the Danube and the city.
#6 More of the best playgrounds in Budapest
What got us most excited about Budapest might just be how many great playgrounds are scattered around the city. You never have to search long for a place where kids can climb, swing or slide. And some playgrounds are so special that they’re a reason to visit a neighbourhood all by themselves!
One of our favourites is the Rumini playground, inspired by the popular Hungarian children’s books about Rumini the mouse. Here, kids play between wooden ships, towers, bridges and climbing frames. The Szaffi playground near Castle Hill is a fun stop during sightseeing too. With its playful design and climbing frames, it’s a nice place for a break from all those historic buildings.
In Tabán, the green park at the foot of Castle Hill, you’ll find a playground with big family swings that you can swing on together. How fun is that? Olimpia Park, close to the Danube on the Pest side, also has a great playground with plenty of climbing and play equipment. A handy stop if you’re walking near Parliament.
What we also loved were the facilities at the playgrounds. Everywhere we went, we found clean, free toilets, often with low toilets for kids and little steps at the sinks. With a toddler who’s just been potty trained, that’s a lifesaver! There are drinking fountains too, so you can easily refill your water bottle. It’s little things like these that make a city trip with young kids so much easier.
Our tip: don’t plan these playgrounds as separate outings, but combine them with the sights nearby. That way, a day of sightseeing is a lot more fun for young kids too!
#7 Tram 2: sightseeing along the Danube for the price of a tram ticket
One of the best ways to explore Budapest is by tram! Tram 2 especially is a winner, as it runs along the Danube past some of the city’s most beautiful sights. You sit back while the river, the bridges and the grand buildings glide past your window. All for the price of a regular tram ticket!
Tram 2 runs along the Pest side of the Danube, with great views of Castle Hill, the Royal Palace and the Chain Bridge. It also passes the impressive Hungarian Parliament, one of the most famous buildings in Budapest. The stretch between Parliament and the Great Market Hall is especially pretty. With kids, it’s a great way to see a lot of the city without walking all day.
Want to see the city from the other side? Take tram 19 or 41, which run along the Danube on the Buda side. From here, you look out at the façade of Parliament, which might be even more impressive from across the river. We found these tram rides a really fun and affordable way to explore Budapest.
#8 Great Market Hall: tasting Hungarian treats
A huge market hall full of stalls, Hungarian specialities and the smell of freshly cooked food: the Great Market Hall in Budapest is a fun place to wander around with kids. The 19th-century building itself is gorgeous too, with its tall iron structure, patterned roof tiles and big windows.
On the ground floor, you’ll mainly find stalls selling fruit, vegetables, cured meats, spices and other local products. Everywhere you look, there are bags and jars of Hungarian paprika, one of the best-known ingredients in Hungarian cooking. Upstairs, there are souvenir shops and food stalls where you can try typical Hungarian dishes. It’s a fun way to introduce kids to new flavours.
Try lángos, for example, a Hungarian speciality of deep-fried flatbread. It’s traditionally topped with sour cream, grated cheese and sometimes garlic. Think of it as a savoury, fluffy doughnut, and it makes a delicious lunch or snack. Do keep in mind that the market hall is pretty touristy, so the food stalls can be pricier than elsewhere in the city.
You’ll find the Great Market Hall at the end of the famous Váci utca shopping street, close to Liberty Bridge. It’s easy to combine with a walk along the Danube or a ride on tram 2.
#9 Kürtőskalács: tasting Hungarian chimney cake
A trip to Budapest isn’t complete without trying kürtőskalács! This traditional chimney cake is one of the tastiest Hungarian sweets and always a hit with kids. You’ll see them being freshly baked all over the city, often right in front of you.
The dough is wrapped in long strips around a wooden or metal roller and baked while it slowly turns over the heat. The sugar on the outside turns into a crunchy, caramelised crust, while the inside stays soft and fluffy. Afterwards, it’s often rolled in cinnamon sugar, coconut or ground nuts. The name ‘chimney cake’ comes from its hollow, cylindrical shape, which sometimes still steams as it comes off the roller.
The best way to eat one? Share a big chimney cake and keep pulling off pieces together. You’ll find kürtőskalács at small bakeries, market stalls and touristy spots in the centre. Our tip: pick a stall where they’re baked fresh, because they’re at their best when they’re still warm!
#10 The historic M1 metro line: a ride beneath Budapest
Did you know Budapest has one of the oldest metro lines in the world? The historic M1 line opened back in 1896, making it the first underground railway on the European continent. And the best part is that you can still ride it today! The little yellow carriages and charming stations make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. For the fans: we think it has a bit of a Wes Anderson vibe.
The M1 runs beneath the grand Andrássy út, one of Budapest’s most famous boulevards. Along the way, it stops at historic stations with tiled walls, wooden details and old-fashioned name signs. The platforms are just below street level, so a short flight of stairs often takes you straight down to the train.
Good news: you don’t need a special ticket for this historic metro. The M1 is simply part of Budapest’s public transport, so a regular BKK ticket or day pass will do. Take it from the centre to Hősök tere, Heroes’ Square, for example. From there, you walk straight into City Park, with its amazing playground, Vajdahunyad Castle and the Museum of Ethnography.
#11 Budavári Sikló: up Castle Hill by funicular
At the foot of Castle Hill, close to the famous Chain Bridge, a little historic train climbs steeply up the hill. The Budavári Sikló is a funicular from 1870 and one of Budapest’s best-known ways to get around. The wooden carriages with their stepped compartments look wonderfully old-fashioned. Just watching them slowly glide up and down is fun!
The ride starts at Clark Ádám tér, on the Buda side of the Chain Bridge, and ends at the top near the Royal Palace, climbing about 50 metres along the way. It only takes a few minutes, but you get a great view of the Danube, the Chain Bridge and the buildings across the river. For kids, the steep climb in the tiny carriage is the real adventure.
There’s a hefty price tag for such a short ride, though. The Budavári Sikló is a tourist attraction and isn’t covered by regular public transport tickets. You can buy tickets at the station, but expect queues on busy days. Want to save money? Then walk up Castle Hill or use the free lifts. They’re just as practical with young kids, even if you miss out on the special train ride.
#12 Children’s Railway: a train run by kids
A train ride where children check the tickets, work the signals and help out at the stations? In the Buda Hills, it really exists! The Children’s Railway, or Gyermekvasút in Hungarian, is one of Budapest’s most unusual attractions. The line winds through the green hills west of the centre and is largely run by children, under the supervision of adult railway staff of course.
The idea goes back to 1948, when the railway was built as part of a youth programme. Today, schoolchildren aged roughly 10 to 14 still work on it. They wear official uniforms, sell and check tickets and help when the trains depart. Only driving the locomotive and other safety tasks stay in adult hands. It’s brilliant to see how seriously these young railway workers take their job!
The route is about 11 kilometres long and runs through the forests of the Buda Hills. You can hop off along the way for a walk or to visit a viewpoint. A fun combination is the chairlift at Zugliget, which adds an extra adventure to your day. The train ride itself takes about 40 to 50 minutes, but feel free to plan half a day if you want to explore the area too.
The Children’s Railway is outside the centre, so it takes a bit of travelling to get there. One way to reach it is the cogwheel railway from Városmajor towards Széchenyi-hegy. Check the timetable before you go, as the trains don’t run equally often every day. The Children’s Railway also has its own tickets and isn’t covered by the regular public transport day pass.
