Dent, Bob: Budapest for Children - Our Budapest (Budapest, 1992)
1. Useful to Know - Some general information
USEFUL TO KNOW 9 “Mother and Baby” rooms Simply non-existent! If near one, try a community centre (10). With a summer emergency a nappy can be changed discreetly on a bench somewhere. In the winter it’s just bad luck. Playrooms / Playcorners Can’t be found, even in large stores, though there is one exception—IKEA at Örs vezér tér (end of no. 2 “red” metro line). But see also Tiger Playcentre (12). Pushchair problems Getting round Budapest with a buggy-type pushchair is difficult, but not impossible (prams are another matter), one of the worst problems being caused by cars parked on the pavement. This guide contains information about wheelchair access, or lack of it, to many places and this also applies to pushchairs. Outside the rush hours, public transport is negotiable with a buggy, though not with anything much larger. Cinlike London, pushchairs are allowed on the metro escalators, though watch out—they move quite fast! Take the buggy down “backwards” with you below it holding the handles up. Coming up is easier, you just go in the normal way. When waiting for a bus, stand in a position so as to be able to get on at the back. There’s usually more room there for a pushchair. People will often help you get on and off. With a buggy, fold it and carry the child if you can. Invariably a seat will be given up for you if none are free. With trams the end doors are best. The middle ones on some trams are too narrow for a pushchair. Getting round shops with a pushchair is very difficult as, by and large, the passageways between shelves are far too narrow. If it’s necessary to shop with a pushchair, mid-morning on a weekday is usually the quietest time. Pushchairs can be hired at a number of “Kölcsönző” hire-shops. One in the centre is at 46 Váci u. Wheelchair access Like most cities anywhere, Budapest is pretty poor in terms of access for children with disabilities, whether in
