I have listed a few excellent experiences for kids during the lockdown in Budapest that they will love. And hopefully, events will soon start again so everyone can go out finally. As of writing this, all the shops and experiences listed below are open and available to enjoy. For more information, check their websites.
I have collected and listed the current, up to date Coronavirus rules in Budapest in force in this post. There are links to official sources of information on Covid too, and you can also find links to news sites covering the latest on Covid 19. Links to information in English to Budapest Liszt Ferenc Airport are also available.
Current rules in force in Budapest and Hungary
The government has reintroduced the state of emergency. From Tuesday midnight on November 10, for the time being, the following measures will be introduced for 30 days:
Update: 7, December 2020 - The current curfew and strict measures (below) will stay for another month, until 11, January 2021. The prime minister said that there would still be a curfew between 8 pm and 5 am. The government will decide about restrictions on Christmas Eve later this month.
There is a curfew between 8 pm and 5 am. An exemption is only possible when returning home from school and work, or in exceptional cases.
Wearing a mask is also mandatory in public areas, except during sports activities, in parks and green outdoors.
All gatherings are forbidden.
Restaurants will be closed, and only home delivery is available, factory canteens may be open.
Shops and hairdressers and other small craft providers can be open until 7 pm.
Hotels can only accommodate business guests, not tourists.
A general ban on events has taken effect.
Up to 10 people can attend family gatherings and private events.
Weddings are only possible with persons necessary for the ceremony, witnesses, parents and siblings may attend the church and civil ceremonies.
Up to 50 people can attend the funerals.
Sports matches can be held behind closed gates only.
Outdoor sports are allowed, but amateur team sports are prohibited.
Leisure facilities (fitness rooms, indoor swimming pools, museums, theatres, zoos) must be kept closed.
Higher education can only operate online, and colleges remain closed.
In high schools, there is digital education above eighth grade. Nurseries, kindergartens and primary schools will remain open to those under 14 years of age.
Hospital staff, school teachers, kindergarten teachers and nursery staff are tested weekly in a targeted rapid test.
Seniors can shop at any time, but from 9 am to 11 am Monday to Friday, and from 8 am to 10 pm on weekends they are the only ones allowed to shop.
Other Coronavirus rules in Budapest currently in force:
Public transport services have been operating on a tighter schedule since September.
Parking is free again.
Regular mask wear is mandatory when using public transport.
Throughout Hungary, masks are mandatory in shopping malls, cinemas, theatres, museums, libraries, postal and other customer services, as well as in addition to public transport, in their stops, waiting rooms and sports facilities. Non-compliance with the rules can be sanctioned, the operators can call on the person to wear a mask, but they can also ask for police help. Also, they can be inspected by public health professionals in government offices. A scarf or shawl is no longer enough, a regular mask should be worn.
The entry restriction is still in place.
The official home quarantine period will be reduced from 14 to 10 days.
The official price of the tests was maximised at HUF 19,500.
Health, social and public education events can only be held online.
Nightclubs are closed.
Official source of information on Covid in Budapest and Hungary
Explore Budapest via self-guided tours, thematic walking tours, wine-tasting tours and more. Gastro tours, bus tours, boat tours, special tours and more recommendations.
Budapest is world-famous for its baths, with good reason. This post lists almost all of them, to compare and find out which one(s) to go-to for the perfect Budapest bath experience. You can find up to date COVID-related information about the spas, too.
Buda Hills for kids: The unique playground near Budapest
Take the family out for the perfect day trip to Buda Hills, and enjoy the many great things this excursion has to offer. Start with riding the Cog-wheel Railway, then change to the Children's Railway on the top of Széchenyi-hegy. Get off at János Hill to go for a ride on the Chairlift and continue your journey to the end of the Children's Railway line at Hűvösvölgy. Kids will love the experience and will go straight to bed once at home, guaranteed.
The Cog-wheel Railway (Fogaskerekű), officially tram no. 60, dates from 1874 and is one of the oldest means of transport in Budapest. First, it was steam-powered and got electrified later. There are spectacular views to enjoy as the train climbs into the Buda hills. It begins its journey at Városmajor and reaches Széchenyi-hegy, the upper terminus in half an hour. The difference in height is 327 metres between the two termini.
Where is the Cog-wheel Railway station located?
To start your journey from the valley, you can approach Városmajor station from Széll Kálmán tér by bus 22, 22A, 155 or 222 or by tram 56, 59, 61. The upper terminus Széchenyi-hegy is less than 200 meters from the Children's Railway station of the same name.
Spectacular views of Buda Hills
For the best views, sit on the right-hand side facing away from the direction of travel. You can see Szent János Kórház, one of the oldest in the city, when arriving at the first stop. As the train climbs, the modern buildings of the Kútvölgyi Hospital, once an exclusive clinic for Communist Party members, will appear.
The line passes through the villas of Diós árok and Svábhegy, a hill whose name comes from the Swabian settlers who came to Hungary after the Ottomans had left. Construction of the railway brought summer villas soon, many of them belonging to writers and artists.
Hikers use the cog railway a lot and many residents of the area, too. It is also very popular with cyclists because they allow them to transport bicycles. Therefore, it runs throughout the year, from early morning to late evening, being operated by BKK, whose tariff is valid on the trains.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Things to do in Buda Hills near the Cog-wheel Railway
Getting to Széchenyi-hegy mountain station, you can easily reach the Children's Railway station on foot, and Normafa is also within a short walk distance. There is a hiking trail to get to the Chairlift, and there are many great cycling paths around, too.
The Children’s Railway (Gyermekvasút) begins near the last stop on the cog-wheel train line. The trains run on an eleven-kilometre narrow-gauge track built between 1948 and 1950 and make an enchanting trip through the woods for over 10 km with an average journey time of 40 minutes. It is run by children (except for driving), naturally with adult helpers for some of the tasks.
Getting to Children's Railway station
To start your journey from the valley, you can approach Hűvösvölgy station by tram 56, 56A, 59B, 61, or by bus 64, 64A, 164, 257, 264, 963, 964, 29, 57, 63, 157, 157A, 956. The upper terminus Széchenyi-hegy is less than 200 meters from the Cog-wheel Railway Station of the same name. There is limited or no parking around the Childen's Railway stations. The only exception to this is Hűvösvölgy station, which has several P+R car parks nearby.
One of the best things to do for kids in Budapest
Celebrating its 70th birthday in 2018, the Children’s Railway is always popular with newer and newer generations of children. For most kids, it’s magnificent to admire the small trains, stations, and little workers. Kids are more than impressed when a slightly older child handles their ticket. The stations of the Children's Railway are all perfect starting points for a longer or shorter trip to Buda. There are both open-sided and closed carriages in operation, and occasionally there is a steam locomotive.
The trains, stations, and ticket offices are entirely staffed by children between the ages of ten and 14. The children still wear traditional blue uniforms and red peaked caps and enthusiastically salute the trains in and out of the stations. They also make the loudspeaker announcements and pass up and down the carriages announcing stations and checking tickets. Participation is conditional on getting good marks at school and securing the permission of the headteacher. There are training courses and an exam to pass before the young guards and station masters are permitted to start working.
On platform one at Hűvösvölgy station, an interactive exhibition presents the history of the railway at the Children’s Railway Museum and Souvenir Shop.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
The world's largest child-operated railway
They used to call it the Pioneers’ Railway, after the Communist equivalent of the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides, whose Youth Camp was at Csillebérc. The railway was ceremonially opened by Ernő Gerő, hardline early Communist, former KGB agent, and, at the time, Hungarian Minister of Transport. The rail has been operated by children ever since, linking the hiking trails of Buda Hills.
Attractions in Buda Hills for kids near the Children's Railway
There are many attractions in the vicinity of Children's Railway, such as Erzsébet Lookout Tower, Normafa, Chairlift, Cogwheel, and many playgrounds.
Children's Railway Timetable
From June 13, 2020, the Children's Railway will run again after the lockdown. Check the timetable on their webpage.
3. Chairlift (Zugliget Libegő)
The Chairlift (Libegő) runs eight metres above the hillside from the valley called Zugliget to the highest peak in the city, the look-out tower on János-hegy. There is a 262-metre difference in elevation between the two termini and it takes twelve minutes to make the journey. The Chairlift is a popular means of transportation in the Buda hills, offering amazing forest views and panorama of Budapest. The two-seat, open chairs cover the 1,040-meter ropeway distance in fifteen minutes.
How to get to the Chairlift?
The valley station of the Chairlift is in Zugliget, at the terminus of bus 291. Bus 291 leaves from Nyugati Railway Station. Its mountain station is on the Hármaskút roof, which connects János Hill with Normafa. You can get to Normafa by bus 21, 21A from Széll Kálmán tér. A pleasant 30-minute forest trip from Normafa leads to the upper station of the Libegő. The Children's Railway is within a short forest walk from János Hill and Virágvölgy station.
Probably the best thing to do in Buda Hills for kids
Many of Budapest's transport vehicles have an amazing impact on children, but nothing can compete with the Chairlift. Although adults are more interested in the beautiful view, children tend not to care about that at all. For them, the experience of gliding is captivating, and some complementary activities are far more interesting, like shouting and waving to oncoming passengers. There is a chair at the lower terminus in Zugliget, where you can practice to get in and out the Chairlift before you travel. If only one child under the age of ten sits next to you, you can take a sledge on board with you in winter.
Spectacular views over Budapest from the Chairlift
The cable car starts in the forest, and then it passes over private gardens. There is an amazing view of Hármashatárhegy, the peaks of Pilis Hill, as well as Buda and Pest. When approaching the lower terminus, you can see the Zugliget Valley with houses in the green.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Reconstructing the Chairlift by 2022
The current reception buildings of the Libegő are outdated both functionally and technically, and the two-seater chairlift can no longer meet the expectations. They will renovate the Libegő with twenty-first-century technology; with a four-seater lift suitable for transporting bicycles and skis including a rain cover, and a modern lighting system. Hikers will be able to take possession of the new Chairlift in 2022.
Things to do in Buda Hills for kids near the Chairlift
There is a smaller playground at the upper terminus, and you can enjoy countless child-friendly excursions in-between János Hill and Normafa.
Chairlift timetable
The chairlift operates all year round except in strong winds and heavy rain. At the moment, because of the COVID situation, it runs only on weekends. Check the timetable on their webpage.
4. Normafa
One of the most famous excursion places in Budapest, Normafa, was named after a tree. The ancient old beech tree fell in 1927 due to a lightning strike after surviving storms for many centuries. This Svábhegy area is a popular destination for hikers, tourists, and those wishing to relax and unwind since the 17th century. Two ski jumps were established in the 1920s here: small and large ski jumps, hosting domestic championships, and international jumping competitions.
Things to do at Normafa
There are two playgrounds for children near Normafa Park: one at the upper station of the Chairlift, and another called Anna's meadow playground near Normafa Children's Railway station. There is a great cult of sports here; skiing, cross-country skiing, running, hiking, cycling, dog walking and Nordic walking attract countless people of all ages.
5. More attractions in Buda Hills for kids
The highest point in Budapest, János-hegy (527m), is near the Children's Railway stop of the same name. You can reach it on foot by the path above Béka-tó (Frog Pond), a natural clay-bedded pool that is home to frogs and dragonflies. A stepped path leads to the top of János-Hill, where you can climb the neo-Romanesque lookout tower, Erzsébet-kilátó (Elizabeth Lookout), which offers excellent views. Close to the lower station of the Chairlift, is the recently restored station building of the old Lóvasút (horse-drawn tram). There is a small local history display on its past.
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Home delivery groceries and pharmacies in Budapest
Nowudapest is supposed to be about events in Budapest, as you know. But given what's going on in the world right now, I must bring you something more relevant today. What groceries can you order for home delivery in Budapest? Are there any pharmacies offering online service in Budapest? Well, here are seven groceries and three pharmacies that take online orders. I have included direct links to their webshops. These websites are in Hungarian with no English menu (I know), so you will need to either translate it or get some help from your Hungarian friends and family.
What you can order online from Ne Pazarolj & Farm To Fork Online:
Sweets, muesli, and snacks
Farm2Fork - vegetables, fruits
Spices and teas
Cereals and legumes
Tools for use
Hygiene products
Pantry
Flours, groats, bran
Kitchen products
Seeds and sundries
Oils and kinds of vinegar
Salt, sugar
Dairy products
Bakery
[icon name="info" class="" unprefixed_class=""] There is no English menu. Your order placed by noon on Wednesday will be delivered on the following Thursday or Friday. Your order placed by noon on Sunday will be delivered the following Tuesday or Wednesday. You can find more information in the email confirming your order. Currently, you can order baked goods and dairy products by personal collection only.
[icon name="info" class="" unprefixed_class=""] There is no English menu. Orders can be received from all over Budapest and from some settlements in Pest County, which will be delivered to your home by courier service, refrigerated cars, on the day and time selected at the time of purchase.
[icon name="info" class="" unprefixed_class=""] There is no English menu. They deliver on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Where they deliver to: Budajenő, Budakalász, Budakeszi, Budapest II. kerület, Budapest III. kerület, Budapest XII. kerület, Budapest XIII. kerület, Páty, Perbál, Pilisborosjenő, Piliscsaba, Pilisjászfalu, Pilisszentiván, Pilisvörösvár, Pomáz, Solymár, Szentendre, Telki, Úny, Üröm.
Weekly Boxes: organic vegetable box; vegetable box; free-range egg box; fruit box and more
Vegetables
Fruits
Organic vegetables & fruits
Mushroom
Egg
Bread
Fresh meat
Dairy products
Honey
Jam
Pickles
Juice
[icon name="info" class="" unprefixed_class=""] There is no English menu. You can order custom boxes for each week or just shop as you go. They deliver twice a week; on Tuesday and Friday.
Nowudapest is supposed to be about events in Budapest, as you know. But given what's going on in the world right now, I must bring you something more relevant today. What food can you order for home delivery in Budapest? Well, here are sixteen restaurants from Italian to Street Food and Vegetarian offering home delivery. I have included direct links to Wolt in most of the cases so you can place an order without any fuss.
This Fresh Pastabar is a real factory where pasta is handmade under the supervision of the Italian owners. They make pasta with and without eggs by using Italian durum wheat flour, and you can also get stuffed ravioli and tortellini. They cook sauces fresh every day. Why don’t you try the fresh raw pasta so you can make your sauce at home?
Trattoria means an Italian restaurant serving simple food. Venezia is great with pizza and pasta: good pizzas come out of the wood-burning oven, and they prepare gnocchi and fried lasagne tubes and even risottos.
True Neapolitan Pizza is made exclusively in a wood-fired oven. They have strict rules on shape, texture, preparation, and fermentation. Pizzeria IGEN is a member of Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, AVPN, and this means you are in good hands when it comes to great pizza. Try desserts too!
Il Terzo Cerchio is a typical Tuscan restaurant with barbecued meat and wood-fired oven. The excellent menu is rich in meat- and fish dishes as well as pasta and desserts. There are home-made bread and Italian wine available for home delivery.
If you’re looking for sushi with a great selection of wine, then Tokio is a great choice! There are both hot and cold Japanese options, with traditional and more international offerings. Expect exciting flavours and upmarket food.
Dang Muoi has opened its first restaurant in the city after having a well-known buffet at the famous Józsefváros market. Today they own five, and the menu is rich in classic pho varieties and traditional soups. You can also order Vietnamese rice noodles, tofu, and roast beef.
There are three dishes on the home delivery menu at Buja Disznók (which translates Lush Pigs): premium quality, GIANT breaded pork cutlet, fried chicken legs, and fried duck liver. Expect huge portions (45-50 dkg) of meat.
Probably the best of the street food genre in Budapest at the moment, Happy Panda serves Chinese dishes. There are not many on the menu; a few soups, salads, multi-layered pancakes with many extras, and rou jia mo. This one is similar to a sandwich filled with pulled pork, but the meat is minced and not torn. The flavour has cumin and mildly hot peppers, among other things. Try the pancakes, made with onion and chilli sauce!
At Töltő, they make individually flavoured, handmade barbecue sausages such as wild boar and chicken. They also serve homemade bread, special sauces (fancy some Chinkiang sauce?), toppings, and craft beers. Fine dining at this restaurant meets street food.
[icon name="info" class="" unprefixed_class=""] Home delivery will start from Friday, 27 March on Wolt and Netpincér
One of the best representatives of the 'craft beer with burger' concept in Budapest also delivers to your home. Kandalló Pub serves mind-blowing burgers in extra meat or vegetarian versions plus craft beers. Try goat-cheese burger!
At Nemo Fish&Chips&Salad you can order online a wide selection of grilled- and breaded fish and other seafood. You can get fish soup and salmon pasta and even fish burger. There are certainly fish and chips and salads available on the menu.
You can request your burger with three types of vegetable patties: wheat, mushroom, and oatmeal. They do French fries too and have developed their selection of sauces. 100% Vegan
Juicy Bagel serves fruit juices and smoothies from common and astonishing ingredients, lactose-, gluten-, and sugar-free products, raw vegan cookies. And the center is the bagel. 100% Vegan
Olive Tree Hummus Original is based on the concept of bringing authentic Israeli and Ukrainian cuisine to Budapest. Hummus, falafel, vareniki dumplings are among the dishes on the menu. They offer many deals for 2-3 persons should you need to order for more people.
The first Indian restaurant in Hungary has been offering the most popular Indian and Nepalese dishes since 1994. They’ve got an enormous menu including fish and vegetarian dishes and selection of Indian bread.
Poké bowl is the national dish of Hawaii. Its name indicates a cutting technique. It is traditionally made by mixing fresh fish with colorful vegetables and fabulous sauces. Build your own with fresh salmon, tuna, or vegan options.