Dent, Bob: Budapest for Children - Our Budapest (Budapest, 1992)
6. Parks and Open Spaces
46 PARKS AND OPEN SPACES along the gravel path running right by the edge of the river. There are benches along here and it is a good spot from which to view the passing river traffic at relatively close quarters. Halfway along the Corso there is Vigadó tér. By cutting inwards away from the river here and passing on either side of the concert hall, you can reach Vörösmarty tér, a large, completely pedestrianised square, which is full of life in the summer—portrait artists, street entertainers, etc. Definitely a place to sit and watch the world (in reality the tourists) go by, and a traffic-free area where the kids can run around while, hopefully, not scaring the pigeons too much. Even in the winter there is often something going on and traditionally in December there is a big Christmas tree in the square. On the northern side of the square is one of Budapest’s most famous cafés, the Gerbeaud. The nearby fountain with lion statues is always popular with small children who love to climb up and sit on the lions. Váci u., the city’s “posh” shopping street runs south from Vörösmarty tér. It is pedestrianised, but invariably crowded with tourists and street sellers of various sorts. Hence walking with small children or pushchairs can be difficult. Museum Garden [Múzeumkert] This is the garden surrounding the National Museum on Múzeum körút in Pest (“Kálvin tér” metro stop). A very popular resting and lunchtime place with some space for kids to run around. In the far, southeast corner (around the building to the right) there is a small playground suitable for toddlers with sand-pits,- two low parallel bars, small climbing frames, slide and seats. Open 6-21. A sign says no going on the grass, no cycling, no football, no feeding the pigeons, no dogs and no car-parking. But at least children are allowed in! There are toilets outside the railings by the southwest corner. Óbuda - Fő tér Óbuda (Old Buda), at the Buda end of Árpád Bridge, used to be full of “romantic” old houses and narrow
