We are in the midst of a couple of weeks of hectic visiting/travelling (don’t ever believe that expats get a truly relaxing summer holiday!), and so, until I am back in Munich to put my feet up in a short while, and can then regale you with what we have been up to (including reviews of glorious Luxury London Hotels that are truly family friendly (yes they exist!), and of stays in English cliff top light houses and beyond, I shall leave you with a couple of pre-written posts about a city that we recently visited, and which is now very firmly on our top ten list of favourites! Back soon!
Budapest is a city that’s been on my “must visit” list for a very long time. My brother and sister-in-law visited in the depths of winter a year or so ago, sending back images of ruin pubs and monolithic communist sculptures (plus incredibly beautiful cityscapes), and that was it – I was sold.
After staying with us, they caught the overnight train from Munich, which seems like such a romantic way to get there (when Mr R and I made similar journeys in our child-free days, both of us agreed that there’s nothing nicer than being rocked to sleep on never-ending tracks, and waking up in new cities/countries), but in our case adding children to the unsociable departure times mix had me reaching for the map and discovering it’s actually only a 6 hour drive from us anyway – even if you don’t stop off in other major Danube city’s such as Bratislava or Vienna overnight (which you absolutely should!)…
As is the case with all of our city adventures (and contrary to the belief of nameless individuals who I suspect have the idea that we selfishly drag unwilling Small People from place to place, without factoring in any kind of interest or enjoyment for them), we always make sure we stay in or near places that feature something completely aimed at children, so that they get a little more out of it other than all that history and culture (although I hasten to add I have yet to hear any complaints or “I’m boreds” from them anyway!)!! And this time we chose to stay slightly out-of-town at the AquaWorld Resort – not dissimilar to the AquaPalace where we stayed in Prague to find a good family travel balance.
Although the swimming complex is open to the paying public, the spa attached to the hotel is not – so that’s where you could find me soaking in Budapest’s mineral enriched waters after a heavy day pounding the streets; whilst Mr R and the Small People investigated the huge slides and pools that the Swimming dome had to offer. Incidentally, we didn’t have a chance to visit one of the historic spas that immediately spring to mind when you think of Budapest, sadly two days didn’t really allow – but it’s on our list for next time!
Budapest itself lived up to my every expectation (having lived in two teeny cities recently), with its wonderful big city vibe, stunning architecture, great food, and the all important friendly, welcoming locals.
We spent a happy hour wandering map free on our first evening, investigating the City Park (just behind Heroes’ square) which was hosting a big food festival at the time (feeling very familiar to us temporary Munchners!), admiring castles, the beautiful Hungarian Agricultural Museum, and the faded grandeur of the (currently empty) boating lake/ice-rink.
We also had a chat with a local or two, before heading into town and doing what we do best – getting hopelessly lost (aka exploring), pointing out old things and discovering new….
After an initial foray into the world of Budapest public transport (luckily I have a friend who recently relocated here, and she gave me a few pointers – buy ten tickets for around 3000 HUF at the purple machine at tram stops. You need one ticket for each tram/bus journey (children need a ticket each too!) we somehow ended up on Budapest’s “Broadway” – Nagymezo Street, and at Bordó Bisztró for dinner at what must be the perfect city summer venue.
Mr R was incredibly happy sampling a few beautiful local wines with dinner, the deprived English children enjoyed fresh and authentic fish and chips (minus the mushy peas obviously), and I was more than happy just soaking it all in, with the prospect that we had another full day ahead to enjoy…
Trish says
So glad Budapest was a hit with the family. Dougie and I want to do the second half of our river cruise so we can see Vienna and Budapest but I bet we will see them on a mini break before that happens.
When I look back at the experiences my son has had over the years, the cities he has visited, I wouldn’t change a thing – so enriching.
Emma says
Thank you Trish. I think people just need to accept that travel is a very individual thing, it’s not just about lying on a beach doing nothing! :D Glad you had a good time on your river cruise. I would highly recommend both Vienna and Budapest, both are equally glorious! :) x
Travellingforfun says
It looks super. I was there many years ago for a short time and have always meant to go back but never have. Your post just reinforces that feeling that I really should get myself in gear and do it.
Emma says
Thanks so much! :)
Helen @actuallyblog says
I’m seeing more and more about Budapest and it looks like somewhere I absolutely must go with the children. They love their beaches and ski trips, but they also love exploring new and quirky cities so very different to their own. Mine would adore the water park, AND the food!
Emma says
Thanks Helen, I am confident your two would love it as much as my two did! :) x
Michelle Twin Mum says
I had no idea it would be so beautiful. I have a couple of Hungarian friends so I think I need to arrange a visit! Mich x
Emma says
You must Mich, it’s amazing! Thank you! :) x
Sally Sellwood (@Recipejunkie27) says
Emma, it looks fantastic and I totally agree with Annie that your holidays sound amazing and incredibly child focussed in a sensible way that means you enjoy your time too. In my mind, there’s no point travelling somewhere if you’re not going to get out and have a look round. Admittedly we don’t do as many ‘cities’ as you, but we are always off and about exploring where we are, and it’s very easy to make a city based holiday fun for kids – it doesn’t take much to find the local child focussed museums or attractions etc, and everyone’s happy. Ours have enjoyed Rome, Naples and Amsterdam (the NEMO science museum is fabulous for kids if you haven’t been) as well as London with no hint of wanting to go to a beach or a pool. I’m convinced we’d just bicker if we signed up for a package deal and sat round a hotel pool for a week…
Emma says
Thanks so much Sally, I completely agree. A day or two by a pool or beach is enough for us, and then we are off investigating something. We are going to Amsterdam on Monday so I will check NEMO out for sure!
Mummy Barrow says
Oh wow Emma. Stunning. And how can ANY travel be “wrong” for children?!!! They are seeing the world. Different cultures, different foods, different experiences. It is all so exciting and so enlightening.
I am currently on my sixth trip to Barbados and I dont think in any of those trips I have spent a day lying on the beach. It’s just boring.
Keep up the good work
Emma says
Thanks so much Tanya, travel is such a rich education isn’t it? Hope you are having a fabulous time in Barbados! :) x
Bianca @itsallbee says
So jealous! Budapest has been on my list for a long time as well. Hope to visit soon. Great pictures!
http://www.itsallbee.com
Emma says
Thanks Bianca, I am sure you will love it, it’s incredible! :)
Grace says
Amazing to hear that Budapest is such a cosmopolitan and attractive city – not what I had been brought up to believe! Great that you experienced it and shared your photographs with us. x
Emma says
We should go together, I am looking for any excuse to go back! :D xx
Renee says
beautiful post with fab photos as usual!
I for one always got the impression that the little peoples’ needs and interests are always very well catered for.
Emma says
Thanks very much Renee, that’s very kind of you to say so. :)
Carolin says
I absolutely adore Budapest. It’s one of my all time favourite cities. Over the past 15 years I’ve been 7 times and I’d come back again and again. It’s a wonderful city and I love the contrast of imperial tradition and history and modern post-cold war vibe.
Emma says
Thanks so much Carolin. When I next go back, I will be tapping you up for info first! :) x
Mammasaurus says
I’m sure no one could think that about the kids Emma – they have an amazing upbringing, imagine being able to see all the sights yours have at that age! Well I for one am jealous!
Budapest has never really crossed my mind holiday wise so this is very enlightening.
Now take it easy cheesy!
Emma says
Thanks very much Annie. I think some people are convinced that unless it involves a beach or a sitting next to a swimming pool for a week, it’s not really a holiday for kids. The funny thing is, this has been the Small People’s life for the past 5 years – they have no complaints about it and, as Santorini proved last year, they loved the beach very much, but were soon asking when we were going to see something else! You would love Budapest, but we might not see you for a few weeks as there are so many photo opps! :D xx