Day 53 – Budapest with Kids: Our Best Tips for a Fun Family Adventure

Hungarian Parliament Building

Budapest was our second stop after a long break in Romania (where we tackled the thrilling task of registering our car — fun times!). So, when we finally hit the road again, we were beyond excited to dive into some proper sightseeing and tourism and explore a city many guidebooks talk about. And let us tell you… Budapest is a must!

Of course, traveling with kids can be unpredictable, so I did a little prep ahead and crossed my fingers to see how our 5-year-old twins would handle a few full-on touristy days. Spoiler alert: they loved it — and we did too. Here’s how we made the most of our Budapest adventure:

🟣 1. Heroes' Square:

This grand square is surrounded by impressive monuments, galleries and museums, but let’s be honest — our kids couldn’t care less about statues and galleries. What they did love? The wide, open space that became their ultimate “Floor is Lava” arena. While they hopped around avoiding imaginary lava, we snapped some beautiful photos (win-win!).

🏰 2. Vajdahunyad Castle – A Real-Life Fairytale

Just a short walk from Heroes’ Square is Vajdahunyad Castle — and it looks like it jumped straight out of a storybook. We walked through the magical archway and into peaceful gardens where we did a little Treasure Hunt. This time, our kids found two coins hidden by a door — you’d think they found gold!

Parent tip: Bring a few small surprises (Toys, lollies, coins, stickers, etc) to hide along the way — instant motivation for little adventurers.

⛰️ 3. Buda Castle & Fisherman’s Bastion – Hike, Play, Explore

Instead of taking the touristy funicular, we hiked up to the Fisherman’s Bastion — and we’re so glad we did. The path was gentle, scenic, and (best part) halfway up there’s an amazing playground with picnic tables. Perfect for a snack break and a run around.

At the top, the views are incredible, and while we soaked them in, the kids were busy inspecting all the locks placed on the railings. It felt like a little mystery for them to solve.

A short stroll later, we reached Buda Castle, where the views kept getting better. The kids loved the space to run, the water fountains and gigantic eagle statue, and we loved the photo ops.

Parent tip: Bring a few 1-2 cent coins for the water fountains. Our kids have done so many wishes that our house back home must be filled with all kinds of pets and toys :D

🗿 4. The Mini Statues Hunt – Big Fun in Small Packages

One of the coolest things about Budapest? It’s home to a collection of tiny, hidden mini statues scattered throughout the city — from tiny scuba diver to sneaky little mice.

We turned this into a scavenger hunt I told them they are around and they should find 5 of them during our trip and it kept our twins so engaged while walking around. You can find info online with statue locations, or just let it be a surprise each time!

Parent tip: Make it a game — if you find all 5, there is an ice cream (or something else) price!

⛴️ 5. Danube River Cruise – The Ultimate Chill Time

After all the walking and exploring, the river cruise was exactly what we needed. Boats are always a hit with our kids, and the slow pace gave us time to relax, snack, and enjoy panoramic views of both sides of the city — from the water!

💡 Bonus Tip: Set Expectations Early

Before we head out sightseeing, we always have a quick “family meeting.” We explain where we’re going, set a few basic rules (like respecting historical places and other tourists, holding hands in crowded places and listening to mum and dad), we use colouring pages of the places we will visit and get the kids excited about what they will see and find. Check our collection HERE

Additional Info for Visiting Budapest with Kids:

1. The location of the playground on the way to Fisherman’s Bastion can be found HERE

   
   

2. Our coloring pages can be found HERE

   
   

3. About Me: I’m Gabby, mom to 5-year-old twins (a boy and a girl), and in 2025 we’re traveling the world most of the time in our motorhome, Sunlight. Follow our family adventures on social media—links below!

   
   

Happy travels from our family to yours! 💛