A FAMILY ADVENTURE IN BUDAPEST THIS SUMMER

There’s something magical about Budapest in the summer. The grand architecture, the vibrant inner city streets, and an unmistakable energy that captivates anyone who visits.

Having been to Budapest twice before, our family decided to make a return trip to this incredible city, this time soaking up its warm-weather charm in summer. What made it even more exciting? We were a relatively short 3-hour drive away, staying in nearby Novi Sad, Serbia. Word to the wise, leave early in the morning so that you don’t wait longer than you have to at the border crossing between Hungary and Serbia.

This trip proved to be an adventure jam-packed with delicious food, cultural experiences, and, of course, playful swimming pool antics with our kids. If you're thinking about a family trip to Budapest, here’s how our trip unfolded—and why it was one of our best yet.

IGNOR THE GRUMPY TODDLER & SWEATY BEACH SHOES 😂

I promise this is not a reflection of our trip here.

A HOME AWAY FROM HOME

I’ll admit it, this trip was a little last-minute. Scrambling, I found the perfect compact apartment with a loft, and to my delight, it was just as described (phew!). I booked the Animal Planet by STN on www.booking.com.

From its charming design to its central location, the apartment served as the perfect base for our Budapest adventures. It even had plenty of eateries within walking distance—ideal for a family who’s kids are constantly hungry.

After finding an affordable open-air car park nearby for our vehicle, it remained untouched for the next three days. Budapest’s walkable streets, combined with its efficient public transit, meant there was no need to deal with city traffic. Plus, walking just made everything feel more immersive in this architecturally beautiful city.

BREAKFAST BLISS AT ZSEBI

BUTTER CROISSANTS & DOUBLE SHOT LATTE HIT THE SPOT

If there’s one place from the trip that’s burned into my memory, it’s Zsebi, a small hidden gem of a bakery located at Budapest, Pozsonyi út 22, 1137 Hungary.

Picture melt-in-your-mouth butter croissants, flavourful proper coffee, and a cheesecake so luxurious it practically deserves its own Michelin star.

The woman running Zsebi was as sweet as her baked goods, making us feel right at home from the moment we walked in. It was the perfect way to kickstart our busy days.

SPLASHING AROUND AT SZÉCHENYI THERMAL BATH

Visiting the iconic Széchenyi Thermal Bath was on my bucket list and it was an experience I won’t forget anytime soon. Fun fact—children aged 3–13 are only allowed to use two of the outdoor pools (and not the thermal ones), which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. While others unwound in the warmer pools, our little whirlpool enthusiasts spent two hours spinning and splashing about non-stop.

Surrounded by mix of tourists speaking different languages as well as locals, it hit me why traveling with kids is so important. Seeing their faces light up in such a lively, diverse environment reminded me that travel is the best outdoor classroom so to speak

BUCKET LIST EXPERIENCE WITH MY LITTLE BEST FRIEND!

We opted to purchase our tickets when we got there instead of online. To our relief, the lineup to enter the pools was surprisingly short, allowing us to breeze through and start our experience of one of Budapest’s iconic destnations in no time. Within just 20 minutes, we had purchased our tickets, utilized the convenient and roomy change cubicles to switch into our swimwear, and securely stored our belongings in the provided lockers. The cost of our entry was worth every penny, granting us access to a day filled with relaxation, fun, and rejuvenation in the beautiful thermal baths.

TICKET PRICE – A WORTHWHILE INVESTMENT

Whilst the baths are an unforgettable experience, entry does come at a price. The total cost of our visit to the Szechenyi Baths amounted to €220 (at the time AU$370, US$240, UK£190 )with each ticket priced at €44. It's important to note that, unfortunately, children's tickets cost the same as adult tickets.

(Sidenote for parents considering visiting with kids—check out the thermal baths’ child guidelines here before planning your trip.)

BEATING THE HEAT IN STYLE (WELL, SORTA)

Summer in Budapest comes with one caveat⁠—it gets hot. During our visit, the thermometer hovered around 38-39°C (that’s around 100°F for my American friends).

Needless to say, the heat slowed us down a bit. Shoes became an issue, with all our “mom-approved” sneakers turning into instruments of torture on our swollen feet. By day two, we caved and wore beach flip-flops around the city. Fashion disaster? Maybe. But this mom’s motto quickly changed to comfort over style when traveling with kids.

Fountains turned into our personal sanctuaries, and we weren’t above dipping our feet into the cool waters whenever we came across one. Who needs a spa when the city provides such charming (and free!) relief from the heat?

DISCOVERING ICONIC LANDMARKS

Even on previous trips, the sheer grandeur of Budapest’s landmarks never failed to amaze me. Our family made a point to visit the iconic Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and Szabadság Square. But this time, we stumbled upon something extra special—a festival inside Vajdahunyad Castle.

The atmosphere was straight out of a fairy tale. Homemade pink lemonade, vibrant food stalls, and, most memorably, my son being offered a seat on a policeman’s motorbike—it was one of those cherished travel memories that we can look back upon fondly.

FALLING IN LOVE WITH LIPÓTVÁROS

Our absolute favorite neighborhood this trip was Lipótváros, home to the Hungarian Parliament. Between its grand boulevards lined with neo-Gothic and art nouveau buildings, cozy cafés, and bustling evening bars, this area had a little something for everyone. The kids marveled at everything they saw, while us parents enjoyed watching the city’s elegant residents wander the streets with effortless flair.

FAREWELL MEZE AND A CLOSE CALL

On our last day, we decided to keep things simple with a light meze platter before the 3-hour drive back to Novi Sad. Why the rush? Well, we absolutely had to make it back in time to catch Serbia’s basketball final against Germany for the World Championship. On top of that, Novak Djokovic was playing the US Open final later in the evening for good measure.

Luck was on our side. With minimal delays at the border crossing, we arrived back in Novi Sad in record time, dashed up the stairs to our apartment, opened a bottle of chilled vino (Grašak Beli from Vinarija Mrdanin), plopped onto the couch, and turned on the TV just in time to cheer on our team.

WHY BUDAPEST IN SUMMER IS A MUST-DO FOR FAMILIES

After three visits, it’s safe to say Budapest has my heart, but this summer trip turned out to be my favorite yet.

It's a city that truly offers something for everyone—bustling markets, quiet moments of awe in front of architectural marvels, and unforgettable experiences that bring the family closer together. Despite the heat, flip-flops, and miles of walking, this trip reminded me why we love exploring as a family.

A MUST RIDE ON THE FERRIS WHEEL TO APPRECIATE THE CITY FROM ABOVER

For parents who are curious, Budapest makes a fabulous family-friendly destination even during the summer. Yes, it can get warm, but between the cool fountains, vibrant events on offer, and kid-approved landmarks (yes, they sometimes do like to admire old buildings!), you won’t regret it.

Here’s to planning your next Budapest getaway—and if you’re lucky, you might even discover your own version of Zsebi cheesecake magic.

Bon voyage!

Much love, Natalija  xoxo

Have you been to Budapest? Or is it on your bucket list? I would love to hear your comments below + follow my journey on Instagram & don’t be shy to say hello!