Taking Kids With Autism to Budapest Hungary

November 28, 2016 Margalit Sturm Francus

When visiting other countries, it is a good idea to visit that country’s capital. Budapest is Hungary’s capital and one of the largest cities in the European Union. With its stunning architecture many museums and excellent restaurants ,the city is bound to delight all families including those traveling with autism. After several trips to the scenic city here is our list of top attractions for families to explore.

Discover Hungarian History at Buda Castle and Matthias Fountain

A truly breathtaking structure, Buda Castle overlooks the city with an impressive 300-meter long stretch facing the water. Rebuilt over thirty times since the Middle Ages, this Castle has seen many transformations and reconstruction efforts. Tours of the inside are available. However, travelers can have a pleasant time exploring the grounds surrounding the castle.

Nicknamed the Trevi fountain of eastern Europe, Alajos Stróbl’s Neo-Baroque masterpiece is one of the most popular sites in the Hungarian capital. Originally commissioned by the Austrian Emperor Franz Josef, the Matthias Fountain depicts the tragic love story between the King and Helen the Fair, a peasant girl and the heroine of a folkloric ballad written in the nineteenth century. According to the story, the girl and royal met while he was hunting and fell in love. However, Helen discovered her lover’s true identity and, assuming the romance wasn’t meant to be, died of a broken heart. The fountain shows The King in the center standing in hunting attire, Helen on the side protecting her fawn, and the hunting party and hounds below.

Autism Travel Tips:

Parents need to be aware that there’s quite a bit of walking involved, especially if they book a guided tour.
For those looking for a shorter trip, we recommend exploring the grounds.

Learn about WWII at Shoes on the Danube memorial

This Memorial was created to remember the Jews killed by the fascist militiamen in the city during World War II. Their orders to the victims were simple: take off your shoes. After that, they shot them and threw their bodies in the Danube river between the cities of Buda and Pest. Mainly geared to older kids, this site provides a good way to make history come alive for children.

Autism Travel Tips:

Parents should introduce WWII to their children through books and movies. For middle school kids, we recommend Number of the Stars or The Diary of Anne Frank.

Enjoy Organ Music at St. Stephens

This Roman Catholic Basilica honors the first king of Hungary, Stephen the First. It is the third largest church in Hungary and, with its paintings and glass dome, is beautiful. Built in a neoclassical style architectural style, it has two large bells in its facade. Adventurous travelers wishing to get exceptional city views can climb 365 steps or take the elevators to the top of the dome. For a special treat, tourists can book tickets for a Sunday organ concert with well-renowned musicians

Autism Travel Tips:

The organ sound is quite loud, so this activity isn’t recommended for noise sensitive kids.

Relax at Gellert Spa

Gellért Spa is famous for its main hall with gallery and glass roof, built in Art-Nouveau style. This attraction is over 100 hundred years old and has only been closed once for repair during all of that time. The Baths complex, decorated with exquisite mosaic tiles, boasts thermal baths containing minerals like calcium and magnesium that are recommended for various conditions. The complex includes saunas, an open-air swimming pool with artificial waves, and a calmer swimming pool that kids with autism might find highly relaxing.

Autism Travel Tips:

Though most kids with autism will enjoy the pools, parents to children with smell sensitivities might wish to skip this activity.

Marvel at Margret Island Musical Fountains

This attraction is a child’s dream. Away from the bustling city of Budapest, in the middle of the Danube, Margret Island is a popular tourist destination. The island’s family attractions include Medieval ruins, a rose garden, a historic water tower, swimming pools, and an open air theater and cinema. Younger Kids will marvel at the water park, the small zoo, and the musical fountains that play popular melodies.

Autism Travel Tips:

This area is a great place to take kids with autism for a day trip.
Make sure to bring insect repellent and sunscreen.

Sample Delicacies at Central Market Hall

This massive three-floor building, which opened in 1896, is one of the gems of the city. With over three stories of produce, meats, and fish markets the Central Market is a symphony for the senses. The marketplace is an excellent spot to introduce kids to the Hungarian fare while walking around the different food stalls.

Autism Travel Tips:

If your child with autism loves chocolate, then they should try the Dobos torte.

Enjoy an Authentic Meal at Matyas Pince Restaurant

A few feet from Budapest`s Erzsebet Hid is Hungary’s most famous restaurants, Matyas Pince. Initially launched by the Dreher Breweries, the restaurant offers traditional delicacies in a bygone ambiance. Decorated in the original wood furniture, the Beer House features an authentic Romani band in the evenings. Kids will love the colors of the stained glass windows and the lively music.

Autism Travel Tips:

Hungarian dishes are quite spicy. Parents with children who don’t enjoy spicy foods should mention this to the server when ordering.
Parents to noise sensitive kids should ask for a table away from the band.

Shop on Vaci Utca Street

This location is Budapest’s pedestrian thoroughfare where locals and tourists go shopping and bar hopping. The main street, as well as the small streets intersecting it, have a plethora of Mom and Pop-type eateries that offer some of the local cuisines. The road starts at Vörösmarty Square and ends opposite the Central Market Hall at the Pest end of Liberty Bridge. Many of the shops are posh boutiques, though many souvenir stores specialize in arts and crafts from local artists. Like its European counterparts, the area is filled with performers and peddlers during the weekends.