
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.
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