As we left Budapest behind, we decided to squeeze in one last adventure a visit to Aquaworld Resort Budapest, one of Europe’s largest indoor water parks. It was a bit of a treat for all of us after days of exploring the city, and it turned out to be the perfect way to say farewell to Hungary.

The girls were in their element the moment we arrived, Georgia had no idea so was expecting a castle or something. With over 11 giant water slides, a wave pool, and even a lazy river, there was something for everyone. Georgia couldn’t get enough of it squealing with delight. Dotty, on the other hand, was fascinated by the kids’ splash area and spent ages happily toddling through the fountains and on the small slides.

What really stood out about Aquaworld was how family friendly it was. There were plenty of shallow areas for younger children and cosy thermal pools where we could all unwind. The architecture, with its huge domed roof and tropical vibes, made us feel like we’d stepped into a mini paradise which was perfect for recharging before the next leg of our journey.

Once everyone was happily exhausted and thoroughly wrinkled from the water, we loaded up the car and set off for Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia. The drive was peaceful, with rolling hills and forests giving us a taste of what’s to come in this beautiful country.

However, our arrival didn’t quite go as smoothly as we’d hoped. When we reached our accommodation, we discovered that the place hadn’t been cleaned. With two tired kids in tow, it was frustrating to face an unexpected delay. After some back-and-forth, the issue was eventually resolved, and we finally got settled in. It was a bit of a rocky start, but at least it gave us a chance to regroup and plan our adventures for the next day.

Banská Štiavnica is a historic gem nestled in the Štiavnica Mountains, and from what we’ve read, it’s steeped in history and charm. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s known for its centuries-old mining heritage, cobbled streets, and breathtaking views. We’re staying in a little apartment right in the heart of town, and I can already tell it’s going to be a place we’ll remember fondly.

Despite the minor hiccup, it’s been another day full of contrasts and adventure, and reminds us that some days don’t go as planned but you shouldn’t let it bother you, especially when it’s out of your control.

Learn more about Aquaworld Resort Budapest!

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Budapest winter charm

Budapest in winter is pretty cold it seem, but today was the day the cold really made itself known. Was it worth braving the freezing temperatures? Absolutely.

Our day began on Castle Hill, one of Budapest’s most iconic and historic sites. This hilltop retreat, crowned by the Buda Palace, offered a stunning backdrop of the fog covered Danube and cityscape. We wandered through its cobblestone streets, taking in the grand architecture and imagining life in centuries past, loads of construction to rebuild historic buildings is ongoing and must be costing a fortune.

As the frosty air started to bite, we were saved by a local favourite chimney cakes (kürtőskalács). Ali grabbed a couple of these sweet, doughy treats, freshly roasted over open flames and coated in cinnamon sugar. Warm, soft, and absolutely delicious, they gave us the boost we needed to carry on despite the cold.

After exploring Castle Hill, our adventure continued as we dived into Budapest’s fantastic public transport system. A quick bus ride took us through the city streets, followed by a journey aboard a tram, both of which were simple to catch brought us closer to the frosted hills, where the real magic of the day awaited.

The Cogwheel Railway A Journey Through Time

Next, we hopped on the Cogwheel Railway, a charming vintage train designed to climb the steep slopes of the Buda Hills. This railway dates back to the late 19th century and has retained much of its original charm. As we chugged up the hill, the snowy scenery unfolded around us. Frosted trees lined the track, and fine snowflakes began to fall, creating a true winter wonderland.

For the kids, the Cogwheel was a bit scary but exciting at the same time, loud clunking and juddering with white trees outside made it a strange magical adventure. And at the top, the highlight of our day was waiting.

At the summit of the Cogwheel Railway, we boarded the Children’s Railway, a truly unique experience that has captivated visitors since the 1940s. Operated almost entirely by children (under adult supervision), this railway is a fascinating blend of history and charm.

The train took us deep into the snow-covered Buda Hills. As snowflakes drifted lazily through the air and the trees stood cloaked in frost, the scenery felt like something out of a fairy tale.

The young conductors and ticket collectors dressed in full uniform added to the charm. Their enthusiasm and professionalism brought a sense of nostalgia and joy to the journey and the children stood and salute at every station which added to the charm, the Children’s Railway is an absolute must-do in Budapest.

This was by far the coldest day of our travels, with temperatures biting deep and frost clinging to everything in sight. But the warmth of chimney cakes to the enchantment of the Children’s Railway, every moment made braving the chill worthwhile.

I think it’s safe to say that Budapest in winter offers a unique charm you won’t find anywhere else. Wrap up warm, embrace the frost, and experience the magic of its historic hills and its railway adventures.

Have you experienced the charm of Budapest in winter? Share your favourite memories in the comments below!

Learn more about Budapest winter charm!

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Budapest welcomed us with its mix of charm, hands-on excitement, and festive cheer. While winter travel has its quieter moments, one highlight stole the show and made our first day unforgettable.

We started the day with a visit to Margaret Island, catching the 155 bus to this peaceful retreat in the middle of the Danube. With most attractions closed for the winter, it was quieter than we’d hoped, but the frosty ruins and sculptures offered a glimpse of its potential. It wasn’t hard to imagine how vibrant and lively the island must be in summer, with its open cafés, fountains, and colourful gardens. Even in the off-season, it was a serene place for a stroll.

The true highlight of our day and a must-see if you’re travelling to Budapest with kids was the Children’s Interactive Museum. After hopping on the H2 train, we spent hours immersed in hands-on fun that thrilled both the kids and us as parents.

This museum is a playground for curiosity and creativity. From pulling levers and experimenting with physics to building structures and exploring science through interactive exhibits, every corner of the museum was packed with excitement. The kids were completely absorbed, laughing and learning in equal measure.

It’s rare to find a place where everyone can explore, play, and engage so deeply, and we can confidently say this was the highlight of our day and possibly the entire trip so far because of how much joy it brought everyone, If you visit Budapest, put this museum at the top of your list. You won’t regret it.

In the evening, we returned to Budapest’s old town, where the city’s festive New Year spirit was in full swing. Twinkling lights lined the streets, and the warm glow of celebrations filled the air. The charm of Budapest at this time of year is undeniable, and we loved soaking it all in as a family (totally different experience to other parts of Hungary which are a bit run down)

After a day of exploring, we found a cosy Chinese restaurant to enjoy a great meal. It was the perfect end to a busy day, with familiar flavours and a warm atmosphere to wind down. By 7:30 PM, the kids were happily tired, and it was time to head back for a well-earned rest.

Our first day in Budapest had its ups and downs, it was freezing cold but the Children’s Interactive Museum was the clear standout. Whether you’re travelling with toddler or, school aged kids, this museum delivers a perfect blend of fun and education. It’s an must see for families visiting the city imo.

This is just the start of our Budapest adventure. Stay tuned as we uncover more of this city’s magic, one experience at a time! Oh and I would say that the public transport system here is pretty impressive, on time frequent and cheap so make the most of it, imo the family day pass is best value at 10 quid for unlimited day travel for the family.

Want more family travel tips, honest reviews, and destination highlights? Follow our journey and let Budapest inspire your next adventure!

The post Budapest: Exploring, Playing, and Soaking Up the New Year appeared first on Tantrumming Trailblazers.

On our journey to Budapest, we took a slight detour that turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip so far the incredible Tapolca Caves. Nestled in the picturesque town of Tapolca, just 15 kilometres north of Lake Balaton, these unique underground caves offer an unforgettable experience. Gliding silently through the crystal-clear waters on a small boat, surrounded by limestone formations millions of years old, felt like stepping into another world.

A Natural Wonder

• The caves are located in the heart of Tapolca, a charming town in western Hungary. This makes it an easy day trip if you’re exploring the Lake Balaton region or heading to Budapest.

• The cave system stretches over 3 kilometres underground, with a portion of it open to visitors for boat rides and exploration. The water reaches depths of around 2-4 metres, but it’s so crystal clear you can see all the way to the bottom.

• The caves were discovered in 1903 during the construction of a well. Their formation dates back millions of years, created by the region’s thermal waters eroding the limestone bedrock.

• It’s one of the few cave systems in the world where you can row a boat through the underground passages! The gentle, 20 minute ride is both serene and awe-inspiring.

• The cave maintains a constant temperature of 20°C, making it a perfect escape regardless of the weather outside.

A fun day out for families, couples, or solo travellers, the experience of navigating the narrow, winding passages is both relaxing and thrilling. Above ground, the town of Tapolca itself is worth exploring, with its quaint streets, historic square, and the serene Malom Lake, which is perfect for a post-cave stroll.

Honestly the Tapolca Caves are a worthwhile stop on your Hungarian itinerary should you be nearby.

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Hungary feels a little different from what I expected. There’s a rugged charm to it, but it’s more run-down in parts than I imagined. It has the air of how I’d picture the UK in the 1960s – a mix of fascinating history and lots of concrete, with a lingering Soviet-era influence in some places.

On our first day, we visited Festetics Palace by Lake Hévíz. The palace itself is truly beautiful and well-maintained. While not all rooms are open to the public, the ones you can explore are impeccably clean, thoughtfully presented, and include English translations, which was a nice touch.

The library was a standout moment – a stunning two-tiered space that felt like something out of an ancient university or monastery. It’s the kind of place you’d want to spend hours soaking in the atmosphere.

That said, not everything lived up to the grandeur of the palace. The bird enclosures left a lot to be desired, and the greenhouse could definitely use some love.

In the evening, we ventured out to Lake Hévíz, and it was absolutely stunning. The calm waters, bathed in the soft evening light, were a sight to behold. But goodness, it was freezing! We bundled up as best we could and braved the cold, which added a bit of adventure to the experience. Instead of ice skating, which we skipped this time due to the bitter chill, we had fun playing in a nearby play area, which made for a lovely end to the evening.

On our way back, we even spotted a couple of old Ladas, which gave us a good chuckle – we haven’t seen those in about 20 years!

All in all, it’s been a decent couple of days here. While some aspects fell short of my expectations, the charm and history of the place made it worthwhile and Georgia enjoyed it. Anyhow, now, it’s on to Budapest, which I suspect will offer a stark and fascinating contrast.

Looking forward to seeing how the city shapes up!

Learn more about Hungary Travel Experience!

Learn more about Hungary Travel Experience!

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