Dent, Bob: Budapest for Children - Our Budapest (Budapest, 1992)
6. Parks and Open Spaces
44 PARKS AND OPEN SPACES Across the lake can be seen the fairy-tale-like Vajdahu- nyad Castle, a mixture of different styles and copies of different buildings found throughout Hungary. The main section houses the Agricultural Museum (8). The main playgrounds in the park are situated in the southeast corner. They are divided by wooden fences into separate sections. The one for small children and the one for toddlers have lots of swings, slides, wooden castles, sand-pits, climbing frames, etc. Seats are available. The one for older children a bit to the south has bigger slides. Across the park in the far corner is the Transport Museum (8) some distance in front of which is a traffic- rule practice area used by young cyclists. Nearby is the large Petőfi Csarnok (Hall) where every Saturday and Sunday (9-2 pm) there is a flea market. The Hall is mainly for teenagers (pop bands, etc.) but sometimes younger children’s activities are organised here. Traditionally on 1st May there is a big festival organised in the City Park. The Corso [Duna-korzó] This is the name of the upper embankment of the Danube on the Pest side, between the Elizabeth and Chain bridges. Entirely pedestrianised and with a magnificent view of the right bank, it is a perfect place for strolling, taking some air with a pram or pushchair, etc. The best start is probably at Petőfi tér, by Elizabeth Bridge. Near here, on a sunken level, are the remains of a Roman fortress, Contra-Aquincum. Adults can sit in the sun and watch as children play in and around the ruins. The northern stretch of the Corso has a number of cafés and restaurants with seating in the open in the summer. A treat could be to pop into either the Viennese Coffee House on the first floor of the Forum Hotel at the top end, or the terrace coffee shop inside the Atrium Hyatt Hotel next door (inside the latter’s atrium there are fountains, a hanging vintage airplane and intriguing glass lifts). By negotiating a way around or under the end of the Chain Bridge a walk can be continued northwards
