Budapest: Things to do with Kids in Winter
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Waking up to this view everyday was pure magic
Our first winter trip to Europe led us to the enchanting city of Budapest, Hungary. Contrary to popular belief, visiting Europe in the colder months, especially with kids, can be a delightful experience. Lesser crowds mean a more relaxed vacation, and Budapest in winter is a wonderland of activities that cater to both adults and children.
Christmas Market in St. Basilica: One of our first stops was the Christmas Market at St. Stephen's Basilica. This vibrant market is a feast for the senses with its array of local crafts, businesses, and an abundance of food. The highlight for us was the Christmas light show, which turned the Basilica into a gingerbread house, creating a magical atmosphere that captivated both adults and kids.
Szechenyi Bathhouse: The highlight of our Budapest trip was visiting the Szechenyi Bathhouse. Bathing in natural hot springs outdoors while surrounded by cold weather was extraordinary (read more here). The bathhouse wasn't crowded, allowing us to enjoy the warm waters, and it also offers a sauna for older kids and adults. For families with younger children in warmer months, Palatinus Baths on Margaret Island is a great alternative, with over a dozen pools of various temperatures and fun features like slides and a wave pool. Buy tickets here.
Szechenyi Bathhouse
Csodak Palotaja - Budapest Science Museum: I unfortunately got sick on my third day in Budapest and was bedridden the whole day. My husband quickly researched and found this wonderful museum to take Eli - and they had a blast! This interactive science museum has exhibits that are hands-on, making learning both fun and engaging. It's a great indoor option for those particularly chilly days.
Zoo Cafe: The Zoo Cafe offers a unique experience where you can encounter animals like chameleons, birds, cats, rabbits, and turtles. It's a cozy spot for animal-loving families and a great break from the usual sightseeing. Make sure to make a reservation on their website as the spots filled up pretty quickly!
Budapest Funicular and Sightseeing: Taking the Budapest funicular up to visit the Buda Castle was both convenient and exciting for the kids. We were lucky to stay in a hotel with a view of Fisherman's Bastion and the Parliament, making sightseeing a breeze. Walking around these historic structures, especially on New Year's Eve, was like stepping into a fairy tale.
Inside the funicular
Visit the World’s Most Beautiful McDonald’s: It’s true. Located in a railway station, the McDonald’s is expansive with two floors, arched ceilings, and intricate moldings. It also has a beautiful and delicious McCafe located upstairs. It most definitely crowded when we were there, but lines moved quickly and the staff took your orders while you were waiting in line. Even if you’re not a fast-food enthusiast, we highly recommend visiting here if you’re in Budapest for a quick bite!
World’s Most Beautiful McDonald’s
Minipolisz: We visited this wonderful indoor play space on our second day in Budapest. The space is quite large with most adorable little sections for kids to engage in imaginary play. Eli particularly enjoyed the firehouse and the animal hospital section where he got to pretend to be a firefighter and veterinarian! Admissions were quite reasonable and it was a good 1-2 hours spent on a chilly day.
Bottom Line
Budapest in winter is a dream destination for families seeking a blend of cultural exploration and fun activities. From soaking in thermal baths to Christmas Markets, the city offers a unique experience that caters to all ages, making it an ideal winter getaway with kids.