2in1 entertaining sightseeing tour with extras in Budapest
- Honestly, I wouldn’t want to organize a week only to hunt these mini sculptures down – considering the fact that, not all of them are based on cartoon characters (which is definitely funnier & more children-approved than figures from the Hungarian history book). That’s why you’ll get 3 half days itinerary, which can be attached together to have a full day(s), & another section of listing the remaining ones, which are a bit farther away from the city center.
- All photos are made by ourselves. So far, we didn’t have the chance to visit all of them, meaning that there will be some gaps where only the name, location & a brief intro will be available.
- Also be aware that unfortunately some of these sculptures gone missing.🥺 I’ll try to keep the article up-to-date but I take no guarantee if you end up not finding one.
Franz Josef in a hammock
Location: Liberty Bridge
What you can see from here: Fővám Square, the Bridge itself, Gellért Square, Gellért Hill, Liberty Statue, both quays of Pest & Buda, Elizabeth Bridge, Buda Castle, the CET
Insider info: Franz Josef – Austrian Emperor, Hungarian King – helped to insert the last silver rivet at the opening ceremony of the Bridge (which was originally named after him Franz Josef Bridge). Well, now we know why him, but why in a hammock? What I personally love about these installations, is that some of them have not only ties with past, but also with present. There is a yearly event during summer, when the bridge is given back to pedestrians, allowing people to have yoga sessions, mediations, capoeira or even permit them to lay down in a hammock.
Pst. No matter if you start the day, or you plan to walk in the afternoon, you’ll need energy for sure. Since our first stop is on the Liberty Bridge, I recommend something on Gellért or Fővám Square (breakfast/brunch in Café Brunch Budapest, lunch in either the Central market Hall of Budapest or in Vegan Love).
5-minute walk
Vuk, the small fox
Location: behind the Rudas Bath (in the bus stop)
What you can see from here: Rudas Bath, Gellért Square, Gellért Hill
Insider info: Sometimes it's hard to tell, the exact meaning of these minis, but this time it can be interpreted in 2 ways: the conflicted situation of nowadays political nature, but also it's a contradiction between the 'people' and 'animals' just like how it is in the cartoon made in 1981.
10-minute walk
"The Russians are already in the pantry!"
Location: at Várkert Bazar look for the gap at the pedestrian sidewalk
What you can see from here: perfect view over the river Danube, Parlament, Castle Garden, Chain Bridge
Insider info: This phrase "went viral" from a Hungarian black and white movie released in 1965 called "The Corporal and the Others". Unlike the rest of the mini sculptures this time the door can be actually closed and opened, making it moving, like a real door.
15-minute walk (alternatively take the funicular, or taxi, or castle bus)
Rat from ratatouille
Location: at the foot of the Elizabeth Bridge on Buda side
What you can see from here: Liberty Bridge, Gellért Hill, the Rudas Bath, perfect view over the river Danube, Elizabeth Bridge
Insider info: If you have child(ren) or just love animated movies, I think you’ll know Ratatouille. But why is the gastro rat is holding a paint spray? The answer is Bansky – a well-known, secretive street artist. He often times paint rats & also creates graffities. Like the rat mini sculpture, who has a paint spray in his hand & just painted ‘Lecsó’ (Hungarian equivalent of Ratatouille) on the wall.
10-minute walk (alternatively take tram 41)
Rabbit with checkered ears
Location: in front of the Sándor Palace, on the castle wall.
What you can see from there: Buda Castle, National Gallery, perfect view over the river Danube, the entire Pest side along with the Parliament, Gresham Palace, St Stephen Basilica, Chain Bridge
Insider info: The Rabbit with Checkered ears is a Hungarian animated cartoon from the 70s. The rabbit is standing on the castle wall watching the Chain Bridge with his telescope. On the way up here, you can walk around the Castle Garden & also take the Funicular up to the hill – which is another showstopper for kids. Sightseeing-wise this one offers one of the best panoramas over the city.
30-minute walk (alternatively take bus 16 or 16A or taxi)
Mekk Elek (goat)
Location: Széll Kálmán Square, close to the trams
What you can see from here: Széll Kálmán Square
Insider info: Mekk Elek is the main character of the Hungarian puppet film series from the 70s. The goat is holding a street sign ‘Moszkva Square’ referring back to the old name of the square, which is now Széll Kálmán Square. The meaning behind it, is that the character in the puppet series was always trying to fix things, however every time he turned out to be very incompetent. Now he’s holding a street sign with the old name.
10-minute ride on tram 4 or 6 (alternatively 20-minute walk, or take taxi)
Trabant
Location: at the foot of the Margaret Bridge on Buda side
What you can see from here: Margaret Island, Margaret Bridge, Parliament, perfect view over the river Danube
Insider info: As far as I know this is the only piece that made mostly out of limestone. The Trabant is the latest addition to the sculptures installed in April 2022 – so there are not so many articles on the web explaining the possible meaning of the installation. That’s also something that makes them so enjoyable. The artist often times leave the explanation to the imagination.
15-mintue walk (or alternatively take tram 49 or 41)
Sad tank
Location: Batthyány Square, on the wall of the promenade along the quay
What you can see from here: perfect view of the Parliament, full panorama of the river Danube, Margaret Bridge, Chain Bridge, Pest side
Insider info: Most probably it’s in connection with the ’56 war. Although the tank in general were made to destroy, this little one, is rather pointing its gun downward, symbolizing peace – instead of firing the Parliament which is just in front of it. In my opinion - this piece is the other one, which has the most epic view from.
Literally 1-minute from the tank 🙂
Rubik’s Cube
Location: Batthyány Square, on the wall of the promenade along the quay
What you can see from here: perfect view of the Parliament, full panorama of the river Danube, Margaret Bridge, Chain Bridge, Pest side
Insider info: Did you know the world-famous Rubik’s Cube is a Hungarian invention? 🙂 Made by Rubik Ernő architect, in the 70s, he wanted to showcase the 3D movement to his students. The cube is playfully rolling down on one of the rails going down to the quay.
3-minute walking
Main worm
Location: on the wall of the promenade, near Halász Street
What you can see from here: Parliament, full panorama of the river Danube, Chain Bridge, Pest side
Insider info: The worm is one of the main characters in the Hungarian cartoon the Great Ho-ho-ho fisherman from the 80s. This was the first mini sculptor in Budapest by Kolodko. The worm is sitting on a perfect location, close the Danube, to the fishes. 🙂
10-minute walk
Dogs
Location: intersection of the Batthyány & Hattyú Streets
Insider info: Apparently, there is not only one dog here, but 4 different breeds along the pavement. The sculptures introduce you to a Hungarian folk tale. We recently visited these cute dogs & can confirm, you can enjoy this ‘treasure hunt’ with 2 years old toddlers as well. 🙂 Our daughter was over to the moon and back recognizing the dogs.
On our second half-day we're gonna discover more! Let's do this 2 in 1 entertaining treasure hunt with family approved sightseeing tour in Budapest.
Frog with ushanka
Location: in front of the Parlament on the stairs of the river Danube
What can you see from here: Danube, Buda side along with Fishermen Bastion, Matthias Church, Margaret Bridge, Chain Bridge
Insider info: there was a dedicated ushanka mini sculpture in the city center but because of its Russian symbolism a politician took it & threw it into the Danube. 😳 Now the ushanka is back on the frog. You see the black humor in it?
10-min walk
Dead squirrel
Location: in the intersection of Szent István Boulevard & Falk Miksa Street
What you can see from here: Margaret Island, Margaret Bridge
Insider info: This is an homage to Maurizio Cattelan’s Bidibidobidiboo art. Fun fact: just meters away from the dead squirrel there is man-sized Columbo statue. You can catch 2 birds with 1 stone.
7-minute walk (or alternatively take tram 4 or 6)
Skála Kópé
Location: Nyugati Sqaure
What you can see from here: Nyugati Square (plus the building of Nyugati train station)
Insider info: Yet another Hungarian piece of television culture. Skála Kópé is the main character of the first Hungarian animated ad back in the 80s. I especially appreciate that little red heart on the sculpture. It makes it so adorably cute.
Pst. If you want to taste Budapest’s one of the best donuts, look for the The Box Donut. It’s located on Nyugati Square.
10-minute walk
Moonwalker
Location: Hold Street
What you can see from here: You’re dangerously close to the Parliament, which is one of the must-see landmarks in Budapest. Make sure you have a detour there.
Insider info:The moonwalker is placed in Hold (=moon) Street & have many hidden meanings. Eg. Did you know that in the construction of the first moonwalker, a Hungarian engineer also took part? Me neither. But we always learn something new. 🙂 Also, the moonwalker is placed on a moon shaped stone (which meant to forbid parking on the spot).
Pst. I know you just had donut, but I have another all-star place, called Artizán in Hold Street. Technically it’s a bakery, but over the years it grew into a bakery/café/brunch place. Ask for the Cardamom roll. Your tastebuds will be very grateful!
3-minute walk
The Frog from the Muppet show
Location: Liberty Square
What you can see from here: Liberty Square & monument. You’re still in close proximity of the Parliament. If you postponed until now, this is the time. 🙂
Insider info: Breki from the Muppet Show is sitting peacefully in front of the former Hungarian Television headquarters which broadcast the Muppet show in Hungary. The frog is watching the American Embassy.
Pst. Sorry to spoil you with foodie places, but I was working here on Liberty square, so I kinda know the good places. 🙂 For lunch/dinner I would totally recommend Iguana (Mexican) or the Bank3 (pancake) place. Children will love both!
1-minute walk
LOST - Süsü, the Dragon
15-minute walk
Balloon dog with bone
Location: Danube Promenade
What you can see: along the way, you pass Vörösmarty Square, Váci Street. At the sculpture you’ll have perfect view on Buda side including the Castle & Castle Garden, Vígadó Square, Chain Bridge
Insider info: Alleged homage to Jeff Koons’ Balloon Dog art piece. It’s located on the Promenade, which is the nicest pedestrian place along the Danube’s Pest side.
Pst. Closing this route, I recommend to have a meal in Vígvarjú restaurant. It’s part of VakVarjú, which is a phenomenally family-friendly restaurant chain in Budapest..
5-min walk
Mr Bean’s Teddy Bear
Location: Harmincad Street
What you can see: along the way, you pass by St Stephen Basilica, Elizabeth Square, Ferris Wheel
Insider info: Stylishly it’s installed on the former British Embassy building. You may have to look up this time, as the Teddy bear is actually hanging on the wall.
4-minute walk
Herzl Tivadar
Location: in front of Dohány Street Synagogue
What can you see from here: Synagogue, one of Budapest's largest hubs: Deák Ferenc Square
On the last day, I share more: 2 in 1 entertaining treasure hunt with family approved sightseeing tour in Budapest.
Diver & Key
Location: next the building of New York Café
What you can see from here: New York café
Insider info: According to the legend, the big Hungarian poets (like Endre Ady, Dezső Kosztolányi) had a discussion at their beloved New York Café to steal the key of the café & throw into the Danube river in order to avoid the café closing.
Pst. It would be a huge miss, if you were skip visiting New York Café. It has definitely a charm to it.
15-min walk
Back to future (Trabi 2.0)
Loaction: Keleti train station
What you can see from here: Keleti train station
5-min walk
Noah’s ark
Location: Bethlen Gábor square
Insider info: This sculpture is located near the University of Veterinary Medicine.
5-min walk
Garfield
Location: Dembinszky street 32
Insider info: Located near the Veterinary University, made for the 45th anniversary of the famous comic strip.
5-min walk
14-carat car
Location: Hevesi Sándor Square
Insider info: Hungarian writer Jenő Rejtő & his piece about the 14-carat car.
5-min walk
Parachute girl
Location: Szenes Hanna Park
Insider info: Hungarian Jewish girl who had to emigrate to Palestine in the 20s. During the war she joined the British army & was taught to be a paratrooper.
10-min walk
Winnie-the-Pooh
Location: Damjanich street 27.
Insider info: The statue was made for the anniversary of the birth of the famous writer Frigyes Karinthy, who was born in this house.
10-min walk
Boot of Stalin
Location: near the Museum of Ethnography
Insider info: According to the description of WeLoveBudapest article: The statue was placed on Ötvenhatosok Square, because the Stalin statue once stood here, of which only the two boots remained after it was toppled during the 1956 revolution. And the skateboard probably refers to the fact that the recently opened museum resembles a giant skating rink.
10-min walk
Drakula
Location: behind Vajdahunyad Castle
Insider info: Dracula (played by Béla Lugosi in the 1931 film) is currently reading a book in the neighborhood of Vajdahunyad Castle.
5-min walk
LOST - Urinal
Location: City park, near the lake
What you can see from here: Vajdahunyad Castle, Széchenyi Bath, Heroes Square, Hungarian House of Music
Insider info: He refers to a work by French painter & artist – Marcel Duchamp – which was “made” by the artist in 1917 for the annual exhibition of the Society of Independent Artists in New York, but was not included.
Kodály Zoltán
Location: BUD airport
Insider info: Ferenc Liszt, Hungarian musician, sits on his suitcase at the airport entrance. Not far from it, there is also an origami airplane folded from sheet music.
Meerkat
Location: Bókay János street 51.
Insider info: The 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin. It was made for the initiative of the Szurikáta Foundation for Diabetic Children the smiling meerkat is standing at the fence of the SOTE Children Hospital in Budapest. In Hungarian meerkat = SZURIKÁTA.
And the short, somewhat cuter word for injection is SZURI. Because of this similarity the foundation is also called SZURIkáta (Meerkat foundation). It indicates that the child with diabetes does not go anywhere without his bag, 🎒 including necessary tools for administering insulin & measuring blood sugar, as well as fruit juice, grape sugar, i.e. fast-absorbing carbohydrates, in case his blood sugar level is low. 🍎🍬🧃
Headphone
Location: on the stairs in front of MÜPA
What you can see from here: National Theatre
Insider info: If you lean close enough, you can even hear the music it plays. A few were selected from the compositions of artists performing at MÜPA.
Drunk Roman Legionnaire
Location: Amphitheatre in Óbuda
What you can see from here: Amphitheater in Óbuda
Insider info: The inspiration was the famous latin saying: From wine comes truth. The twin mini sculpture is located in the Amphitheater of Pula, Croatia.
Fleurist couple in Pasarét
Location: Pasarét Square
What you can see from here: Pasarét Square
Insider info: Commemorates a couple (Aranka and Béla) who ran their flower shop in Pasarét for nealry 50 years.
Ship on finger
Location: Moszkva Promenade
What you can see from here: Margaret Island
Insider info: Kolodko well-hid his strong opinion about the current Ukrainian-Russian conflict. Without going deeper in the topic, I suggest you to search for it yourself if you are interested about it more.
