Now, we're not saying that there is anything wrong with a two-week stint on a beach in Portugal or France (trust us, we love it), however, if you are looking for a slightly different destination for a family trip - we have your answer.
Budapest is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, rich in culture, architecture and so much more.
It is an amazing spot for a romantic getaway or girly weekend, but it also has so much to offer as a fabulous family destination.
1. Budapest Zoo
The Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden is one of the oldest in the world with its almost 150 years of history. The zoo was reconstructed between 2003 and 2007 and can now almost be seen in its original glory, but with new, modern renovations such as larger animal enclosures.
Inside the wonderful zoo you can feed giraffes, watch tigers up-close and rest on a bench watching the orangutans and other amazing primates. A walk-through butterfly enclosure allows you and your kids to come face-to-face with some of the world's most beautiful insects. The zoo is small enough to take in in just one day, but big enough to tire ut the little ones.
2. The Children's Railway
The Children's Railway was built after World War II, and was originally named the Pioneer's Railway. It is run by children under the supervision of adult railway workers, where the kids do various types of jobs, from selling tickets to traffic management.
The Children's Railway connects the most beautiful excursion spots of the Buda Hills and is a truly unique attraction of Budapest.
3. The Szechenyi Thermal Baths
Szechenyi Bath is the biggest and most popular of all the thermal baths in Budapest, and is one of the biggest natural hot spring spa baths in Europe too. Szechenyi Bath is 104 years old, and throughout its century old history, about a 100 million bathers have enjoyed the warm medicinal waters and the fun pools.
Soak in the spring waters day and night, summer or winter, and book a massage in advance to enhance the effectiveness of the waters’ healing powers - while your kiddos enjoy the whirlpools and the labyrinth of the palace hiding 18 pools.
4. Miniversum
Miniversum is a gigantic, beautifully detailed and decorated model layout featuring many sights and landmarks from Budapest and Hungary – and a bit of Austria and Germany – scaled to 1:100 of original size. Interactive screens show original photos of the sights on the layout, so guests can compare what the museum have done in miniature.
You can control the ongoing traffic here and there, and bring to life all sorts of actions, motion, sound and light effects. The museum pays a special attention to their smallest guests, who are welcome at the Miniversum playhouse with various creative activities corresponding to their age, whilst older visitors can recover from the astonishing experiences of the exhibition in the café.
5. Budapest Puppet Theatre
Budapest Puppet Theatre is one of the largest puppet theatres in Europe. The main purpose of the puppet performances for families is to demonstrate the diversity of puppetry, and the fact that a puppet theatre does not indicate an age group but, rather, a genre.
The city’s puppet theatre presents shows designed for children at 10am or 10.30am, and 2.30pm or 3pm - and performances don’t require fluency in Hungarian.
6. Capital Circus of Budapest
The Capital Circus of Budapest is situated in the City Park, Pest’s green lung and is home to clowns, acrobatics and animals will keep the kids enthralled! Performance times vary so it’s best to check the website or call ahead.
This is something you and the kids cannot afford to miss.
