All the best 36 things to do in Budapest with teenagers

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There are so many things to do with teenagers in Budapest. Budapest is the capital of Hungary and is located on either side of the Danube River.

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The Danube embankments, the Grand Boulevard and the Buda Castle District, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the most beautiful parts of Budapest.

In times gone by, it was two cities, Buda and Pest. Today, the Hungarian Capital has something for everyone to enjoy. Here are some top suggestions for cool things to do in Budapest with teenagers from teenagers.

Know before you go! Our top Budapest travel tips

Travelling to Budapest can be such an enriching experience for the whole family. There are so many things to do in Budapest; having the best place to stay in the city and explore is extremely important.

Here we’ve got some information to get you planning your family vacation to Budapest to make it completely hassle-free.

Where to stay in Budapest with teenagers

You’ll never be short of options for your accommodation in Budapest. You will find a range of hotels, apartments and hostels in the Hungarian Capital. You will be sure to be able to find something to fit singles, couples, families and groups on every budget.

If you’re not keen on any of our picks below or have specific needs with teens in Budapest, we recommend using Trip.com and Agoda to find the best prices in Budapest.

Budget: Pal’s Hostel is located in the very centre of downtown. It’s located very near the Chain Bridge and the intersection of all three metro lines. You will find private rooms fitting families of 4 with ensuites available. Pal’s was awarded 10th Best Large Hostel Worldwide 2018

Mid-priced: Grand Jules is a boat hotel on the Danube Riverbank. Each cabin has a shower, TV, telephone, heating and air conditioning. Some also feature views of the Parliament Building. Public transport options are easily reached within 200 meters. 

Luxury: Family-friendly apartments have a large flat-screen TV, spacious seating, a dining area and a modern bathroom. Facilities include a buffet breakfast, spa and fitness facilities free of charge, a bar with live piano music and an underground garage. Stay at the NH Collection Budapest City Center

Budapest apartment alternative for your stay

If you prefer a home away from home-style accommodation in Budapest when you travel with teenagers, then an apartment is the best choice for you on your family vacation in Budapest.

There are so many options for singles, families, and budget-friendly options. Check out VRBO to find the perfect apartment in Budapest for teenagers on your Budapest trip with family.

How to get to Budapest, Hungary

The Hungarian capital combines the best of the old world and the new world. Budapest is most famous for its dramatic 19th-century architectural wonders alongside the Danube River and is one of the best family destinations in Europe.

  • Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, formerly known as Budapest Ferihegy International Airport, services Budapest, Hungary’s capital city. The airport is located 16 kilometres (9.9 mi) southeast of the centre of Budapest. You can book your flights to Budapest with Kiwi Flights.
  • Book your airport transfer with Holiday Taxis.
  • If your flights have a long stopover, or you want to relax before your trip you should consider getting a lounge pass with a Priority Pass. Priority Pass has access to airport lounges all over the world. Search now for your lounge pass
  • International trains arrive daily from all over Europe. Budapest Keleti railway station is the main international and inter-city railway terminal in Budapest. You can check train ticket prices to and from Budapest here.
  • You can easily get by bus to Budapest with Eurolines, FlixBus, Infobus, and Regiojet depending on the country of departure. The main arrival point in Budapest (Nepliget Bus Station), is located outside the city centre but well served by the city’s efficient metro system. Book your bus tickets with Flixbus
  • Budapest is easily accessed by car, with highways from all around Europe leading to the Hungarian capital. You can book a hire car at any major airport in Europe.

How to get around Budapest with teens

Budapest is easily travelled via public transport with over 200 buses, 32 trams, 15 trolleys and 4 metro lines. You can use the Budapest Hop-on, hop-off bus to see the sights of the city

a teenage girl in Budapest
Budapest teenage attractions are all around the city

The Budapest Card features free public transport within the city, which is a great way to save money when you are vacationing with teens on your European vacation with family.

Weather in Budapest

Summer sees warm to hot days with plenty of hours of sunlight in Budapest. June sees an average temperature of 19 ºC, with an average minimum of 14 ºC and a maximum of 24 ºC. July and August each see an average temperature of 21 ºC. Winter can be brutal in Budapest.

Budapest for international visitors

International travel to Hungary requires a bit more thought. You will need travel insurance in Budapest. Medical care is not cheap and if you want good quality care it will cost you a fortune if you don’t have travel insurance.

The official currency of Hungary is the Forint. If you use your bank account from home, you will be stung with high transaction fees, while your mobile phone calls will all be charged at an international rate. These are just some of the things you need to think about.

  • For International travellers, travel insurance is a must get a quote through Insurance Masters and don’t go home with a huge bill for medical expenses.
  • Do you need a visa to visit Budapest? The country of Hungary may require you to have a visa or an ETA (Electronic travel authorization) to enter the country. You can check and buy these documents at iVisa.
  • Load a Revolut Travel Money card with USD dollars for your visit and save on transaction fees
  • Make phone calls with an international sim card that you can buy before leaving home or buy a voucher for a virtual e-sim for your mobile phone.
  • A 4G pocket Wi-Fi modem is essential for accessing the internet. You can rent a pocket modem that you can pick up at the airport or your hotel, alternatively buy a pocket modem that you can use on all future trips with your phone, tablet or computer.

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Here are all the very best things to do in Budapest for teens

There are so many amazing things to do in Budapest for teenagers. Your family vacation in Budapest can include so many different Budapest family activities that you will be returning over and over again to this amazing city for more family travel adventures.

Take a Segway tour in Budapest for young adults.

We’ve taken Segway tours in other locations in Europe, but our Segway tour to Gellert Hill in Budapest was a fantastic family travel experience.

Shrouded in trees, we reached Gellert Hill by driving our Segway on a bridge with amazing views across the Danube and then uphill through tree-lined residential streets.

Segway in Budapest
Things to do in Budapest

We were so happy not to have had to walk that hill! At the top, we could wander the Citadella, view statues and even take a break to try our hands at shooting a bow and arrow! Your teenagers in Budapest will love the Segway; it has to be one of the most fun things to do in Budapest with kids.

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Visit the Circus in Budapest with older kids

The Budapest National Circus is not your toddler-type of experience. While families travelling with younger kids would enjoy it as well, the Budapest National Circus is truly aimed at all ages, not unlike the performances of Cirque du Soleil.

circus in Budapest
What to see in Budapest includes the circus

The circus has a permanent structure in Budapest City Park at the end of Andrassy Ut. Filled with flying acrobats and swinging trapeze specialists, the circus made it on my teen’s list of favourite activities in Budapest.

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Sights to see in Budapest – Szechenyi Baths

Budapest has many thermal baths, but we narrowed it down to the Szechenyi Baths in Budapest City Park. Our teens spent most of their time in the mid-temperature pool, avoiding the hottest and lap pools.

Thermal Bath teenager fun in Budapest
The baths are a Budapest to do activity.

This pool had a circular whirlpool and many jets, which everyone enjoyed. This was an experience like no other we’ve had as a top Budapest kid attraction.

Good to know: Budapest’s thermal baths, including Széchenyi, now have a minimum age of 14 to enter the pools. Most teenagers will clear that easily, but plan around it if you’re travelling with younger siblings too.

What to do in Budapest – Visit a Ruin Bar

Ruin Bars are a unique experience in Budapest, and your teen will love to visit. We don’t recommend visiting at night when they operate as very busy drinking scenes. Instead, check them out during the day. We visited the ruined pub, Szimpla Kert, located on Kazinczy U.

The inside is so eclectic that our teens spent at least an hour looking at all the unique and colourful items inside, including a full-sized car made of cardboard (which was driven at one time!)

Ruin Bar in Budapest
Exploring the colourful interior of Szimpla Kert with our teenager

Visit the Szimpla Kert Farmers Market

Szimpla Kert farmers market is on Sundays. Grab some breakfast and explore. The market displays many local farmers with all items ranging from sausage to soup to vegetables. Upstairs, Szimpla Kert holds a buffet breakfast made with items from the market.

The food was delicious, and it was such a unique breakfast place. Visiting the Szimpla market is one of the most unique things to do with kids of any age in Budapest.

Things for teenagers to do in Budapest – Light Art Museum

Budapest is home to various art museums, but one that should not be missed is the Light Art Museum. The light art museum is a relatively new addition to the city, and it is already one of the most popular tourist attractions.

The museum is dedicated to showcasing a variety of light-based artwork, and it is also interactive, so visitors can experience the artwork uniquely.

The museum is a colourful, interactive space with optical illusions and light-based art pieces. Get your entry tickets today.

Visit Fisherman’s Bastion

If your teens are like ours, they will definitely want to add to their Instagram feed while on vacation. Visiting the Fisherman Bastion is one of the top things to do in Budapest with teenagers. It is the best place in Budapest for teens to get Instagram pics and selfies of incredible architecture, along with one of the best views of Budapest’s Parliament building. If you time things right, they’ll also be able to climb to the top of the tower at Matthias Church!

Walk along the Chain Bridge

Ok, so a visit to Chain Bridge may not make it on everyone’s list, and most may not think of it as one of the top Budapest activities with kids, but our teens loved it. The bridge is large and dynamic but has a walking path on each side. At night, it is lit in white lights reflecting on the Danube below.

Chain Bridge Budapest
Chain Bridge is a Budapest famous place

There was also a video of some kind being made on our last night with a gentleman doing acrobatics on the bridge’s exterior. If you’re visiting, it’s worth checking out.

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Budapest activities – Take a River Cruise

We try to take a boat cruise wherever we visit in Europe, and Budapest was no different. That said, our three teens ranked this as one of their favourite activities in Budapest.

a boat cruising along the danube River in Budapest
The best way to see the city is from the river.

We chose a cruise that was departing at dusk. We could view the Chain Bridge, the Hungarian Parliament building, and Castle Hill, all lit up as it got dark. The views from our Budapest boat cruise were worth the price.

Madame Tussauds

Madame Tussauds is a wax museum with locations all over the globe and now in Budapest as well. The museum features lifelike wax figures of celebrities, historical figures, and more. Visitors can take pictures with their favourite celebrities. Madame Tussauds is worth a visit if you’re in Budapest.

Things to do in Budapest with teenage girls – High Tea

High Tea started as a British tradition, involving savoury sandwiches, cakes, pastries, and tea.

If you’re looking to experience high tea in Budapest, some of the best venues are.

Visit Central Market in Budapest

The Central Market Hall is a historic building designed by Gutov Eiffel of the Eiffel Tower fame.

gothis design central market in budapest with teenagers
Popular places in Budapest include the Market.

The three-floor Gothic-designed market is full of stalls selling meat, cheeses, pickles, spices (make sure you take home some paprika), souvenirs, a food court and more.

The Marketplace is a great place for a stroll, taking in the sounds and smells of the city. Just be careful when buying anything. There have been reports of tourists being ripped off in the food court of the Great Market Hall.

Cat Museum – quirky things to do in Budapest

The city is home to many offbeat museums, including the Cat Museum. Discover Cat Museum Budapest’s interactive cat art exhibit. Enjoy works by local and international artists with a free drink.

Explore “Cats in the World” downstairs, featuring cat-themed art. Head to the Jungle Room upstairs for short films and a cat quiz. Score high for a gift shop souvenir.

Things to do for teenagers in Budapest – hop on, hop off bus

The Budapest hop-on-hop-off bus is one of the best ways to get around to all the sights and all of Budapest’s top attractions.

2 red tourist buses parked in Budapest
Bus tours make family holidays in Budapest easy

The hop-on hop-off Budapest bus has over two stops across land and water. It is easier than navigating public transport and is designed to stop where tourists want to go. Some of the major Budapest tourist attraction stops for visitors include

  • The Citadel
  • St Stephans Basilica
  • Budapest History Museum
  • Hungarian State Opera House
  • The Great Synagogue
  • Parliament
  • Heroes Square
  • Hungarian National Gallery
  • The Jewish Museum

The Budapest hop-on hop-off bus should be considered for a day to see all the sights Budapest offers, especially if you are short on time when travelling with your teens.

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Things to do with families in Budapest – find Street Art

Street art is found worldwide but is especially prevalent in major cities. Cities are home to a wealth of street art, from graffiti on building walls to pieces painted on lanes and bridges.

Street art is a popular free thing in Budapest and attracts tourists and teenagers alike. Keep an eye out for sculptures around the city too.

Some of the best Street Art in Budapest are The Door Painting at Kazinczy Utca 12, The Beef Encounter in District VII and the Golden Calf at Német Utca in District VIII. Maybe take a street art tour in Budapest.

Night-Time Dark History and Vampire Walking Tour in Buda Castle District

This is the type of tour that teenagers will love, with a bit of history, horror and suspense.

spooky night at Buda Castle
Budapest activities for teens include ghost tours.

Spend 2-hours exploring the exterior of the Buda castle district by night and listen to gruesome historical facts and the bloody side of Hungarian history. Book a place on this tour today.

Nightmare in Budapest Interactive Horror Experience.

If your teens like horror movies, this could be for them. It’s half escape game, half horror theatre, where you need to find your way through multiple chambers and labyrinths and encounter various creatures along the way. Book your fright night experience in Budapest.

The House of Terror Museum

This attraction is better suited to older teenagers, as it deals with themes of death and torture. The House of Terror Museum is located in Budapest, Hungary and is dedicated to the memory of the victims of fascist and communist regimes in Hungary during the 20th century.

Situated in the former headquarters of the fascist Arrow Cross Party and the Communist secret police, it serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed by these groups.

The museum features exhibits on the history of the fascist and communist regimes in Hungary, including information on the persecution of political opponents, the Holocaust, and the repression of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. You will find this museum both educational and confronting.

Before you plan around this one: the museum has had periods of temporary closure recently, so check the official House of Terror website for current opening status before booking tickets.

Ikono Budapest

Ikono Budapest is an immersive art experience that invites teens and families to explore colour and creativity through a series of interactive installations.

The exhibit encourages visitors to touch, play and explore their surroundings, making it a good activity for families with children. The installations are designed to be photographed and shared, so bring a charged phone.

It’s worth a visit if you’re after something a bit different in Budapest.

Fun things to do in Budapest with teenagers -Caving

One of the more unique Budapest family holiday activities. Visitors to the Pálvölgyi Caves can see dripstone, stalactites, stalagmites, caverns lined with crystal deposits and more.

A guide will lead your journey through the vast cave system as you climb over rocks and navigate pathways through the cave system. Book your caving experience today.

Family holidays in Budapest – Indoor go-karting

If you need an indoor activity in Budapest, indoor go-karting is a good option for groups of friends or family members looking to add a little friendly competition to their day.

a teenager in Bangkok driving a go car
Teenage things to do in Budapest

With its fast speeds and sharp turns, indoor go-karting will get your heart racing. You have a few options in Budapest, including G1 Asia Gokart Center and Flashcart.

Stand-up paddleboarding in Budapest

If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy the water on your holiday in Budapest, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) might be just the thing. SUP involves standing on a large, surfboard-like paddleboard and using a long paddle to move through the water.

In Budapest, there are several options, including a Sunset Tour and a Sunrise in Budapest tour.

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MonsteRoller e-Scooter tour

The Small Group Electric Scooter Tour of Budapest lets your family cruise easily through the streets, discovering landmarks and quieter corners along the way.

Led by a guide, this is a family-friendly way to see Budapest from a different angle. Book your tickets now.

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The Citadella on Gellért Hill

The Citadella reopened to the public in March 2026 after years of renovation, and it’s now one of the best free things to do in Budapest with teens. What used to be a closed-off fortress with a single entrance is now an open hilltop park with observation terraces, exhibition spaces and around 20,000 square metres of newly landscaped green space.

It’s the same hill you’ll reach if you do the Segway tour mentioned earlier, and it has some of the best views over the Danube and Parliament in the whole city, plus the Liberty Statue standing on the eastern wall. Entry to the park itself is free, which makes it an easy add to a day that already includes the baths or a river cruise.

House of Music Hungary

Designed by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, House of Music Hungary sits in City Park near Vajdahunyad Castle and is worth a stop if your teens are into music. The building itself is striking, with a roof punched through by over a hundred circular openings and glass walls that blend into the surrounding trees.

From May 2026 through February 2027, the venue is running an exhibition on Freddie Mercury’s personal story, which is a good excuse to visit even if your family isn’t usually a museum crowd. Check the House of Music website for current exhibitions before you go, since programming changes throughout the year.

Heroes Square

Heroes Square, or Hősök Tere in Hungarian, is a major public square in Budapest, Hungary. It is at the end of Andrássy Avenue and is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.

The square features statues of important historical figures, including kings and leaders of Hungary, as well as the Seven Chieftains of the Magyars, who are considered the founders of the Hungarian nation.

You will often find Budapest festivals taking place in Heroes Square

In the centre of the square stands the Millennium Memorial, a monument commemorating the 1,000th anniversary of the arrival of the Magyars in Hungary. The square is a popular tourist destination and is often used as a location for cultural events and festivals.

Canoeing in Budapest for families

Canoeing is a fun, adventurous way to get out on the Danube River. It’s a good way to see wildlife, learn about history and admire the architecture along the riverbank. Get on the water in Budapest with this experience.

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Teenage holiday activities in Budapest – 3D Art Gallery

Budapest 3D Art Gallery has three-dimensional artwork you can pose with for some fun photos.

The museum has a rotating collection of immersive art. Make sure you have plenty of battery for photos and selfies. Get your entry tickets today.

Fun things to do in Budapest for teens – Pinball Museum

You won’t find any PlayStation or Xbox games here, just good old-fashioned pinball. The Pinball Museum in Budapest has over 130 machines you can play all day with your entry ticket.

The Budapest Pinball Museum is in a central location close to Margaret Island and Budapest-Nyugati Railway Terminal. Your entry ticket allows you to come and go all day long.

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The most Instagrammable places in Budapest

With Instagram and social media playing a big part in the lives of teenagers, here are some good spots for photos in Budapest.

We recommend visiting The Fisherman’s Bastion, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Shoes on the Danube and Little Princess Statue for good Instagram shots in Budapest.

What to see in Budapest with teenagers? Art and sculptures

Alternatively, book yourself an Instagram tour with a guide who will take you to all the hotspots in the city. Check prices on the best Instagram tour in Budapest.

Budapest photoshoot & sightseeing for teens

Family travel memories are worth capturing; our teenagers will soon be leaving home, so a photoshoot is a good way to remember a Budapest trip with family.

Get photographed at the iconic sights of Budapest and learn about the city through the eye of a local guide. Book your family travel photoshoot today.

When we visited, a popular singer climbed to the top of the Chain Bridge, and our teens regularly tried to figure out how he made it to the top.

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Axe Throwing in Budapest for Young Adults

Axe Throwing is a growing activity around the world. Budapest is home to Balta Dobálás. No experience is required, and participants learn how to throw an axe at a target from expert coaches in a safe environment.

Targets are painted onto soft wooden boards that line the walls. Axe Throwing is one of the more unusual things to do in Budapest, and good for a bit of family competition.

Bike Riding in Budapest for Families

Budapest bike riding is a popular family activity when travelling with teenagers. Bike riding allows you to experience your location in town or the surrounding areas. Bike tours are the best way to go if you want an up-close and personal city experience.

Bike tours are one of the top things to do in Budapest

You will have a guide to point out the important attractions or a map to follow. Alternatively, you can find locations that hire bikes and let you explore independently. Book your family travel Budapest bike tour today

Budapest Escape Rooms

For those new to escape rooms, here’s a quick run down. An escape room, also known as an escape game, is a physical adventure game in which players solve puzzles and riddles using clues, hints, and strategies to complete the objectives.

Escape rooms may consist of a single room or multiple rooms, with a time limit to unveil the secret plot hidden within. If your teen likes this stuff, it’s one of the top things to do in Budapest with teenagers.

You will find some of the best Budapest Escape rooms located at:

  • Escape Room Budapest Address: Budapest, Zichy Jenő u. 39, 1066 Hungary
  • Locked Room Budapest Address: Budapest, Székely Mihály u. 4, 1061 Hungary
  • E-Exit Escape game Budapest: Budapest Nyar u. 27, 1072 Hungary

Cinemas in Budapest

The cinema is a good one to have up your sleeve for a rainy day in Budapest. Today, you will find around 120 screens showing the latest films from around the world. Some will be in native languages, subtitled and dubbed for all people.

You will find multiplex, Imax and 4dx cinemas in Budapest. The following abbreviations are commonly used in movie schedules, which will help you find a Budapest cinema showing a movie that suits you.

  • mb/dub – dubbed
  • orig – original language without subtitles
  • angol – English
  • f/fel – with (Hungarian) subtitles
  • ensub – English subtitles

If you want to look online for film screening times, we suggest you use Pesti EST. Pesti EST (Budapest Evening): online and printed in Hungarian. The website has the option to search for English screenings

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10-pin bowling in Budapest

There’s nothing like a good bit of family competition to get everyone going. 10-pin bowling in Budapest is a great family activity for all, with bowling alleys all over the city.

10 pin bowling in Budapest
A family vacation in Budapest can involve 10-pin bowling fun

Sugar Bowling and Pub – located in the Sugar Shopping Centre Budapest, Örs vezér tere, 24, 1148 Hungary. Bowling, billiards, food and birthdays await at this family-friendly establishment. Web: sugarbowling.hu

Mammut Bowling Club – has two different locations around the city. You will find bowling and food available on-site. You can get special packages which include bowling and a buffet dinner.

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Going to the gym in Budapest with teenagers

Fitness matters to a lot of teenagers these days, and travelling doesn’t need to interrupt a workout routine.

focused teenage boy working out at the gym in Budapest Gym
Going to the gym on holiday in Budapest

In Budapest, you can go to several gyms that sell passes ranging from a day to a week and a month. Day passes start at 16 euros daily, while a week pass costs 45 euros. You can find a list of gyms in Budapest on the Trainaway Fit website

Shopping in Budapest

Teenagers love shopping, whether it be souvenir shops or shopping malls. Shopping in Budapest has a little something for everyone, from the casual shopper to serious fashionista, locals to visitors.

Speaking of fashion, in Budapest, you should head to Paloma. Once a downtown shopping centre in an arcaded courtyard in the V District, Paloma is a design emporium that brings together around 50 local brands for you to find in one place. Take back an original piece from Budapest to show off.

If you’re after a traditional Western shopping mall experience, head to Westend City Center. This is a huge mall located in the centre of Budapest with local and international brands across over 400 stores on three levels.

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Budapest’s history is unlike anywhere else we’ve visited. Because it was our first time in a former Communist country, our teens had a lot of questions about Communism and the treatment of Budapest’s Jewish population during World War II.

A short history lesson with your teens before arrival may help. A private tour guide in Budapest can bring you through the Jewish Quarter, though you don’t need to do that, as Budapest is filled with sights that tell a story on their own.

The Shoes on the Danube is a memorial to the Jewish people shot at the edge of the Danube River. Gunshot marks remain on the buildings around Parliament. The Liberty Memorial is also worth seeing.

The memorial is unusual, as it originated as a government memorial to those Hungarians lost during the Holocaust, but residents of Hungary have placed a counter-memorial in front of it.

Residents have placed candles, photos and written histories, arguing the government of Hungary must take some responsibility for the treatment of Hungarians during the Holocaust.  It’s a free thing to do in Budapest, but one of the more important sites to see.

Things to do in Budapest this weekend with teens

Being the biggest city and capital, Budapest always has something going on, from historical landmarks to cultural festivals and renowned museums.

On any given weekend in Budapest, you will find many events such as concerts, markets, festivals and sporting activities. Search the Budapest.com website for things to do this weekend.

Annual Events in Budapest for teens

Budapest has a long history, though history alone doesn’t always excite teenagers. There’s usually something on that they’ll enjoy too. Some of the annual events worth knowing about include:

Cinemira Budapest International Children’s Film Festival

  • Time: Late November
  • Specifically targeted at young audiences, this festival could be a great fit for your teens.

Budapest Christmas Market:

  • Time: Late November to late December
  • If you’re visiting during the winter holidays, the Christmas Market is worth seeing, with festive lights, traditional crafts, and seasonal treats.

Day trips from Budapest

There are some good day trips from Budapest that teens will enjoy, and worth building into your itinerary.

Memento Park

On the outskirts of the city lies Memento Park. Memento Park, or Statue Park Budapest, contains 42 statues from the Communist era of 1945 to the fall of Communism in Europe in 1989.

Most Communist statues and Budapest monuments were immediately removed from the places they had stood all around the city and are now the basis for the current collection of statues in the park. It’s one of the more interesting points of interest in Budapest with teens.

Memento park with teenagers in Budapest

On June 29, 1993, the second anniversary of the withdrawal of the Soviet troops from Hungarian territory, Memento Park opened as a public outdoor museum. It’s a good way to preserve the past for future generations, and a memorable stop for teenagers visiting Budapest. Book your entry tickets today.

Vienna Austria

Vienna is easily accessed from Budapest by train, bus and car. A train will have you in the Austrian capital in around 2 hours and 30 minutes from Budapest. Vienna’s Hapsburg history left behind grand royal buildings, great food, museums and attractions.

Some of the best things to see in Vienna include St Stephens Basilica, The Prater, The Naschmarkt and Schönbrunn Palace. You can book a train to Vienna with Omio or a private transfer tour with Viator.

Fun things to do in Budapest for young adults

Budapest offers plenty for young adults, from its 19th-century architecture to its nightlife scene.

A young adult out sightseeing

Young adults can explore iconic landmarks such as the Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, and the Hungarian Parliament Building. A trip to the city’s famous thermal baths, such as the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, is popular for young adults who want to relax.

Budapest has a strong nightlife scene, with trendy bars, clubs, and ruin pubs scattered throughout the city. Venues like the Instant-Fogas Complex and Club Heaven Budapest offer live music, DJ sets, and a chance to mingle with locals and fellow travellers.

Between the history, culture, and nightlife, Budapest is a good pick for young adults over 18 looking for an affordable Eastern European city break.

Things To Do With Kids In Budapest

If you’re travelling with younger family members too, Budapest has plenty of kid-friendly options alongside the teen activities above.

A young kid on a cruise down the Danube going past the parliment buiding
What to do with kids in Budapest

The Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden is a popular attraction with a wide range of animals and plants.

The Budapest Pinball Museum lets kids play vintage pinball machines and arcade games. The city also has several interactive museums, such as the Hungarian Railway History Park, where children can learn about the history of trains through hands-on exhibits.

For kids who need to burn off some energy, Margaret Island is a good spot for a picnic and some space to run around.

The Budapest Circus is also worth considering, with acrobatic performances that hold the attention of most ages.

What to eat in Budapest with teenagers?

Budapest is a city that specializes in hearty food, sweet treats and savoury snacks. This is everywhere, from 5-star restaurants and cafes to street vendors. Here are seven great foods in Budapest that teenagers and parents should try

Langos

It is a deep-fried doughy flatbread that’s eaten warm and topped with sour cream, garlic butter and grated cheese.

Chimney Cake

A sugary dough wrapped around cone-shaped spits, brushed with butter and roasted over charcoal.

Goulash in Budapest
Food in Budapest is hearty

Stuffed cabbage

The Hungarian specialty features cooked cabbage leaves stuffed with ground pork and beef, rice, tomatoes, and sauerkraut.

Goulash

Authentic gulyás is a thin broth made from chunks of beef cooked with onions, paprika, tomatoes, and pepper.

Drummer Cake

It’s made up of between 5 and 7 delicate sponge layers, each spread with chocolate buttercream and topped with a thick layer of caramelized sugar. The sides of the cake are usually coated in some type of ground nuts like hazelnuts, walnuts, or almonds.

Hungarian Sausage

Kolbász is the catch-all term for Hungarian sausage and many different varieties on offer are served cooked, boiled, cured or smoked.

Cold Fruit Soup

Gyümölcsleves is typically served as a cold entree or a light summer dish. The most popular version of this delicacy is meggyleves, made from sour cherries, sour cream, and a little sugar.

Street food in Budapest

Street food is popular in many parts of the world. It’s a quick and easy way to get local food without going to a full restaurant.

Some of the most well-known street foods include tacos in Mexico, Zapiekanka in Poland, Dan Dan noodles in China, and Shawarma in Middle Eastern countries.

Street food in Budapest often has its roots in the cultural history of people who have immigrated to Hungary. Some of the most popular Budapest street foods include kenyérlángos, a baked pizza, chimney cake and kolbász, a spicy sausage made with paprika. Consider doing a street food tour while on a Hungary family holiday in Budapest.

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Frequently asked questions about Budapest

When planning your family city breaks in Europe, there are some tips for family trips you need to know. Below, we have some useful tips for families travelling to Budapest.

What is the legal drinking age in Hungary?

The legal drinking age in Hungary is 18.

Is Budapest a safe city for families?

By European standards, Budapest is a safe city, with only petty theft and scams to be aware of.

Are Budapest taxis as unscrupulous as the guidebooks say?

Never, and I mean never, hail a cab from the curb. Use an official taxi app for Budapest to ensure you are not being ripped off.

Can you drink tap water in Budapest?

Tap water is perfectly safe to drink in Budapest.

What type of power points do they use in Budapest?

For Hungary, there are two associated plug types, types C and F. Plug type C is the plug that has two round pins and plug type F is the plug that has two round pins with two earth clips on the side.

How do I call the police in Budapest?

You can dial 107 in Budapest to call the police

Where to stay in Budapest with teenagers

At the top of the article, we suggested accommodations for your holiday with teens and kids in Budapest. If you are looking for a wider variety of choices for your family stay in the Hungarian Capital, please find below an interactive map from Booking.com to find your perfect stay for your vacation.

Booking.com

Travel accessories for teenagers

For teenagers, travelling can be a fun and exciting experience. However, there are a few things that they need to take into account to make the trip as comfortable and safe as possible. One of these is ensuring that they have the necessary travel accessories.

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We thank Joanne from Sunsets and Rollercoasters for contributing this article here at Wyld Family Travel. We hope this post on Budapest with teenagers inspires you to plan a family vacation in Europe with teenagers.

Travelling with young adults, teens, and tweens has just as many issues as travelling with young children. Choosing the best teenage vacation destinations, budgeting, bags and suitcases to take, travel essentials and more can be time-consuming. 

Use our Travel with Teenagers Destination Guides for inspiration on your next family vacation.

More Travel with Teenagers destination guides

For more amazing ideas on where to holiday in Hungary, click through to our Hungary Destination Page for more brilliant inspiration.

About this site

Mark, Bec, Willow & Marley

Wyld Family Travel

An Australian family from a small town in Gippsland. Mark and Bec have planned and led every trip on this site, from budget hostels to luxury hotels, with over 40 countries between them. Their girls have caught the travel bug too — Willow has studied Mandarin in Qingdao, China, and Marley has already taken her first solo trip, to Bali.

Mark and Bec of Wyld Family Travel on a beach at sunset Willow of Wyld Family Travel Marley of Wyld Family Travel
Australian-owned First-hand experience Regularly updated

More family travel inspiration for your family vacation with teens


Rebecca Wyld

bec.wyld@wyldfamilytravel.com

Content Creator/SEO Editor

Co-founder and SEO editor here at Wyld Family Travel. Bec has travelled to over 45 countries across 3 continents and is a journey with kids advocate. When Bec is not planning travel, she creates content for our family travel blog or does local community service work. You can find all of Bec’s detailed travel guides here on Wyld Family Travel and on other popular websites such as Lonely Planet.

1 thought on “All the best 36 things to do in Budapest with teenagers”

  1. I love this, and my kids would have a blast with these suggestions. We have never done an escape room, but willing to try. I like that you add normal activities like cinema and bowling as kids like that kind of stuff. But, I bet it is really cool in a different culture and country.

    Reply

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