Budapest · Hungary · Things to do
5 things to do in Budapest with kids
The five best things to do in Budapest with kids are seeing Parliament on the Danube, crossing the Chain Bridge at night, soaking in a thermal bath, climbing Fisherman's Bastion and riding the old yellow trams. The sights are close to the river and each other, so a family can cover them in two to three days, and the baths work in any weather.
What to do, in order
- 1
See Parliament on the Danube
The Hungarian Parliament is a huge neo-Gothic building on the Pest bank, with a long riverfront, spires and a central dome. The best view is from across the water, on the Buda side or from Fisherman's Bastion, especially at dusk when it lights up. You can go inside on a guided tour, which includes the staircase and the Holy Crown of Hungary, but tickets are timed and sell out, so book ahead. Children usually enjoy the view and the river boats more than the tour.
- 2
Cross the Chain Bridge at night
The Széchenyi Chain Bridge, opened in 1849, links Buda and Pest, and guarded by stone lions at each end. At night it is outlined in lights, and the walk across gives views of the castle and Parliament. It is a flat, short walk of a few minutes, and cars are separated from the pavements. On the Buda side, a funicular climbs to the castle district, which children often find fun. Go after dark, and wrap up in winter.
- 3
Soak in a thermal bath
Budapest sits on hot springs, and its thermal baths are part of everyday life. Széchenyi, in the City Park, has large outdoor pools where steam rises in winter, and it is the easiest for families. Check the age rules for the hotter thermal pools, as some have minimum ages, and bring swimsuits, flip-flops and a towel, or rent them. Go on a weekday morning to avoid queues. A bath is a good activity on a cold or rainy day.
- 4
Climb Fisherman's Bastion
Fisherman's Bastion is a terrace of white stone towers and arches on Castle Hill, built in the late nineteenth century in a fairy-tale style. It stands next to the Matthias Church, with its patterned tiled roof, and gives one of the best views over the Danube and Parliament. The steps are easy for most children. Go early or near sunset to avoid tour groups. Combine it with the castle district and the funicular, and stop for a hot chocolate.
- 5
Ride the old yellow trams
Budapest's yellow trams are part of the public transport network, so a ride costs the same as any other trip. Tram 2 runs along the Pest bank of the Danube, with views of the river, Parliament and the castle across the water, and is one of the most scenic public transport routes in Europe. Children like the old-fashioned feel. Take it in the evening when the bridges and buildings are lit, and hold on, since the carriages can be crowded.
Plan it
- Best time
- April to June and September to October for mild weather. Summer is hot, and December brings Christmas markets, with the thermal baths at their best in winter.
- How long
- Two to three days covers these five, with a day on the baths and a day on the castle and river.
- Getting around
- Trams, buses and the metro cover the city, and the centre is walkable. The oldest metro line, the yellow M1, is a short, easy ride with children.
Good to know
- Pick a bath with outdoor pools in cold weather for the steam, and indoor ones in summer.
- Validate public transport tickets before riding, since inspectors check.
- Carry some local currency for small cafes and markets.
Frequently asked
Is Budapest good for kids? +
Yes. Thermal baths, trams, castle hills, river boats and parks keep children busy, and the city is compact and good value. Cobbles and stairs can be hard with strollers, so a carrier helps.
Can kids go to the thermal baths in Budapest? +
Yes at most of them, including Széchenyi, though rules vary. Some deeper or hotter pools set a minimum age, so check the baths' policy before you go and bring swimsuits.
How do you see Parliament in Budapest? +
From the outside, for free, from the riverbank or the Buda side. To go inside you need a guided tour with a timed ticket, which sells out, so book online ahead.
What is the best time to visit Budapest? +
April to June and September to October for pleasant weather. December is cold but has Christmas markets, and the thermal baths are at their best in winter, when the steam rises over the pools.