I got an excellent run in, sky more overcast and thoroughly enjoyed seeing a bit more of the city.
After breakfast, we went to Margaret Island (back to Nyugati station, then a number 26 bus from exit C – the bus requires a separate ticket, but only for adults, not kids – it looked like you could pay on the bus, but fortunately we had some left in the carnet). This island sits between Buda and Pest in the Danube. Loads of things to do so we had a wander round first to the Japanese and Rose Gardens, before hitting the Palatinus Baths.
It was quiet – we went on Friday, but even so, it was pleasantly calm. I doubt it’s always like this. It’s a million times better than Szechenyi if you have kids. Loads of outdoor pools they can use (one lane swimming pool requires you to wear a swim hat), an awesome wave pool, pools for toddlers, young ones. The main snags we had were a) the weather had cooled down and indeed it rained a fair bit. The kids didn’t care, but it took more shine off an already fairly boring day from the perspective of the in-laws. B) you have to be 120cm tall at the shoulder to use ANY of the slides. So V was ok, but G wasn’t. G loves water slides. 😟 V was very good – she just did one slide, once, but that was a bit of a shame (although the wave machine was an unexpected bonus, so swings and roundabouts…almost literally).
Not sure the next plan – the sun has come out again so maybe we linger at the baths a bit longer, or at least on Margaret Island.
Update: so we did stay a fair bit longer given it got sunny and warm again. Highly recommend Palatinus Strand if you’re coming to Budapest with kids up to age about 14-15 ish. Much better for kids than Szechenyi.
Showers for all at hotel, then we went to a restaurant that yesterday had looked great (and gets good Google reviews) called Paprika Jacsi. It was…a bit meh. Service wasn’t exactly bad, but a bit begrudging. Dishes were a bit odd – pork medallions came with crisps swamped in sauce. My country chicken came with “dumplings” that were little strips of something a bit doughy, but not like any other dumpling, bread, suet or otherwise, that I’ve ever had. So a 5 out of 10. I fired up Google Maps to take us to Mamo Gelato for ice creams to walk home with, and of course then you walk past restaurants that look great, one with toe-tapping live jazz which was right up my alley – but of course we didn’t know about it previously, maybe it was fully booked, maybe the kids wouldn’t have liked the food and/or music…all very difficult.
Timsformational 