Dent, Bob: Budapest for Children - Our Budapest (Budapest, 1992)

12. Here and There - A mixture of places

HERE AND THERE

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particularly good for toddlers (open spring to autumn). There is a little “big” wheel, roundabouts, etc.

Caves [Barlangok]

One of the unique attractions of Budapest is its extensive cave network under the streets and hills of Buda. Two caves are open to the public and children may well enjoy going down “into the depths”. Both involve guided tours and can be visited in street clothes. Both open Wed-Sun 9-16.

1. “Pál-völgyi” (162 Szépvölgyi út). Warm in winter, cool in summer. The iron “Hen’s Ladder” is a favourite with children.

2. “Szemlő-hegyi” (35 Pusztaszeri út). Noted for its operating-theatre-type sterile air. More geared for tourists— reception building, exhibition space, snack-bar, etc. Bus transport for both starts at the bottom of Szépvölgyi út near Kolosy tér (no. 6 bus from Nyugati tér). No. 65 goes past the Pál-völgyi cave: no. 29 to Szemlő-hegy (fourth stop).

Planetarium

In the corner of the People’s Park very near the “Népliget” metro stop (no. 3 “blue” line). Temporary exhibitions deal with physics, space research and related matters. Inside a mechanism projects the planets and their movements as seen from the earth on to a dome. The planetarium is more popularly visited for its regular laser light shows accompanied by pop or classical music. Children’s shows also take place. Details in “Pesti Műsor”. Small buffet inside.

Ferihegy Airport [Ferihegyi repülőtér]

Both terminals have terraces from which planes landing and taking off can be observed. But note—it is not like Heathrow with planes appearing every minute. There may be a long wait for some “action”. Incidentally, both terminals have doctors on call.

Parliament [Országház]

Hungary’s parliament building is even more spectacular inside than outside and a tour could be interesting for