Read this review before you go to the Miniversum in Budapest with kids so you can be prepared! What to expect, what to bring, and what it is like to go to the Miniversum in Budapest!
We had a great time with Henry (almost 3) and Andrew (almost 1) at the Miniversum in Budapest when we went the day after New Years. It was a great escape from the cold, and we had been touring around a lot of historical monuments, so visiting the Miniversum was a great break for the kids to just be kids – look at and play with trains and toys!
Disclosure: Part of this post is sponsored content, and we received a discount or free admission to these activities. This post also contains affiliate links, which means at no additional cost to you, I may receive a small amount of commission. You will pay the same amount as anyone else would be paying for the service, but you will help us keep this website up! Lastly, even with these sponsored content and affiliate links, all opinions are of my own, and none were provided or influenced by the companies or individuals that sponsored me and my family.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Getting to the Miniversum
Getting there could not have been easier. Miniversum is in the center of the city, close to many other Budapest attractions like the Opera House and close to so many public transportation spots. It was so easy to find. We took the bus from Old City, where we were staying and got off at the Szent Istvan Basilica (another major spot), and recognized where to go right away. Plus, our lovely Airbnb host gave us a handy map of the city. Both work really well!
What to Wear and Bring to the Miniversum
Henry wore his PJs with boots that day because it was right in the middle of our trip and it was laundry day. He was definitely on the casual side. Lol Wear anything comfortable that you would wear out exploring Budapest. They have lockers and coat check to store any extra clothing you might wear outside. Backpacks are not allowed in, so you would have to put that in the lockers too.
We wore Andrew in our favorite baby carrier. For the most of the museum, it was perfect because he could face out and look at everything while we had our hands free. We let him out when we got to the play area, and it was perfect! The museum, for the most part, is stroller friendly (especially a small one like the Mountain Buggy Nano), but we didn’t see anyone with it, and we can imagine it might get in the way when it gets busy at the museum.
They do have a cafe (see below), but if your kid has particular favorite snacks, bring that also because the cafe isn’t until the end of where the exhibits are.
Getting the Tickets to the Miniversum
You can get tickets online or there at the museum. They have special family packages and tours so be sure to take advantage of the savings.
Coat and Luggage Check at the Miniversum
They have lockers for your personal belongings and coat check, so no need to worry about carrying around your jackets and extra “kid” stuff around. It was simple to use and an easy process. We got there right around when they opened and was able to get in right away, but when we left, there was a line, so get there early!
Food, Drinks, and Snacks at the Miniversum
They have a Cafe right after you go through the exhibits, right by the playroom. They have things like coffee and beer (hallelujah), panini, pretzels, crepes, cake, and other snacks.
The Exhibits at the Miniversum
Miniversum houses an interactive and detailed 1:100 scale models of Hungarian, Austrian and German landmarks. It was perfect for our trip because we went to Austria on this trip too! It was cool to see what’s to come.
There were buttons you can press to make the train move or lightings to light up. They had a ledge to walk on so younger kids can see without the adults holding them up. Such an arm saver. We were so sore by this time of our 5 countries in 14-day trip… So clever.
Henry, Andrew and both Tony and I loved seeing all the exhibits. Henry is one to usually run through exhibits at museums, but there were so many things to look at, he actually stopped to enjoy it. He pretended to find his friends from preschool on the trains, buses, cars, and buildings (he was a bit homesick at this point). He is an animal lover, so it was fun spotting all the animals too!
Play Area at the Miniversum
THANK YOU Miniversum for having this area. Henry loves trains but he loves animals above all. He was so excited to play with the little animal toys! Traveling can be tough on little kids, and this play area gave him a sense of home and fun.
If your kid is unwilling to leave this area to go back to more historical buildings that Mom and Dad want to go to, they have a gift shop at the end! We were able to convince (or bribe…) Henry to leave in exchange for getting the horses that he was playing at in the play area. So again, thank you, Miniversum.
The Takeaway
Miniversum was fun for our kids, but it was also fun for us to see the places we are visiting in microscale – particularly because we can’t see and do everything when we have so little time, and with 2 kids! We spent probably about an hour-1.5 hour here, and definitely doable in less time, or you can spend more time there if you have a train buff. The central location of this museum makes it a must-visit when you are in Budapest!
Looking for other fun things to do in Budapest? Check out our Hungary page for more inspiration and ideas!
Have you been to Miniversum in Budapest? Tell us what you thought about it!
This post is partially sponsored by the museum. However, all opinions are of my own, and none were provided or influenced by the companies or individuals that sponsored me and my family.
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