Budapest serves up two cities for the price of one, meaning there’s loads for families to see and do.
Pest on the east bank has the lion’s share of the sights, but there’s plenty of family fun to be had in Buda and Óbuda on the west bank too, including breathing in the fresh air of the green Buda Hills.
From watching shark feeding at the city’s aquarium to a ferry trip on the Danube, here are our favorite family-friendly activities to keep the little ones happy in Budapest.
Is Budapest good for kids?
While Budapest’s architecture and history will keep adults enthralled, the city also offers many engaging activities for children. The good news is that Budapest’s famous thermal waters provide fun for the whole family, coupled with plenty of kid-friendly parks, museums, and attractions.
Budapest has a very good, reliable, and well-connected public transport system, so there’s no need to rent a car or take a taxi, even with young kids. Trams, buses, and metro trains can take you absolutely everywhere – you can get from downtown to the top of Budapest in about 20 minutes, fuss-free. The system requires tickets to be purchased and validated onboard for each ride.
Where is best in Budapest for kids
Budapest is made up of calmer, quieter Buda on the west bank of the Danube and lively, buzzing Pest on the east bank. The inner city is fairly compact, hence there isn’t one specific neighborhood that stands out for families when looking for accommodations.
Many local families live on the Buda side, but staying here will put you further from the key sights and present fewer lodging options. We recommend the Pest side to be within walking distance of top attractions, making travel convenient. Avoid inner District 7 when booking a place to stay, as this is Budapest’s party district that often overflows with noisy tourists and bachelor parties during summer.
Best things to do in Budapest with kids
The cornerstone of a successful family trip is finding activities that keep kids entertained without wearing them out. Here are our top recommendations for families in Budapest.
The Children’s Railway transports kids to the hills
One of Budapest’s unique attractions, the Children’s Railway chugs past some of the most popular spots in the Buda Hills, offering a perfect kiddie-sized adventure. The railway is almost entirely staffed by school children ages 10 to 14, with a bit of adult supervision, allowing kids to truly experience the joy of travel.
This is the world’s longest railway of its kind, and the railway’s pint-sized staff wear adorable uniforms while filling various roles, from signalmen to ticket controllers; only the engineers are adults.
Margaret Island packs in a lot of family fun
On warm days, Margaret Island is a fantastic place to spend an afternoon. Stretching for 2.5km (1.6 miles), the island is a green oasis with centuries-old trees and medieval ruins, plus a lovely Japanese garden with a lake, turtles, goldfish, and a waterfall.
You can rent a four-seater bicycle for the family, as cars are banned here, and the main road is free of traffic aside from an island bus and meandering bikes. Don’t miss the south end where a musical fountain entertains at the top of every hour from spring to winter.
Budapest Zoo has more than just animal appeal
The 150-year-old zoo in Budapest is hard to miss. From the moment you walk through the ornate art nouveau entrance, the experience is filled with family fun.
Inside, you can introduce the kids to hundreds of animal species as well as the wonderful botanical garden. Be sure to visit the unique Elephant House and the Palm House designed by Gustave Eiffel. Areas within the zoo allow visitors to walk with some of the gentler animals, complete with a petting zoo for kids who are eager to engage with the animals.
The Tropicarium brings the deep sea to Budapest
The Tropicarium is a massive aquarium and zoological center located within a shopping mall, showcasing sea life from all over the world alongside exotic birds, reptiles, and tropical fish.
The main attraction is a 12-meter underwater tunnel through a shark tank where divers feed the sharks in front of visitors. Tropical rain is released every 15 minutes over the alligators, and adventurous kids can gently pet the rays in the ray tank.
A boat trip on the Danube turns sightseeing into an adventure
Getting out onto the Danube provides a novel vantage point for sightseeing and a fun ride for kids. Public passenger ferries run regularly and offer a casual way to explore the city.
These are the best thermal baths for families
A visit to a thermal bathhouse is a key part of the Budapest experience. The best options for young visitors are outdoor swimming lidos, which are perfect for a hot day.
Budapest offers numerous recreational opportunities for families, making it an exceptional destination for those traveling with kids. From engaging play areas to interactive museums, this city has something for everyone.
