Aeropark, Central Europe’s leading aviation museum next to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (Budapest Liszt Ferenc Nemzetközi Repülőtér), is revving up for another packed season. Expect car and brand meetups, large-scale night events, family days, specialty vehicle showcases, industry gatherings, summer camps, and everything flight. The museum sits by the airport in District XVIII, with easy access and a calendar that stacks weekends with public airside tours and special happenings for aviation lovers of all ages.
Airport Tours: Close-Up Access to the Action
Aeropark’s signature airport visits return with public, guided tours that go right to the heart of operations. Three-hour and two-hour formats alternate through the holidays and into 2026, pairing in-depth explanations with prime viewing spots. The schedule starts strong at year’s end and carries through winter in consistent weekend blocks, making planning straightforward for locals and travelers alike.
– December 27–28, 2025: Public 3-hour tour, Budapest
– December 30, 2025: Public 2-hour family-friendly tour, Budapest
– December 30–31, 2025: Public 3-hour tour, Budapest
– January 3, 2026: Public 3-hour tour, Budapest
– January 24–25, 2026: Public 3-hour tour, Budapest
– January 31–February 1, 2026: Public 3-hour tour, Budapest
– February 7–8, 2026: Public 3-hour tour, Budapest
– February 14–15, 2026: Public 3-hour tour, Budapest
– February 21–22, 2026: Public 3-hour tour, Budapest
These outings blend insider commentary with on-the-spot observation. Plan for brisk winter weather and bring a camera—holiday-period traffic and special liveries often spice up the ramp views. A two-hour family option on December 30 keeps it shorter for kids while still delivering the thrill of aircraft movements and ground-handling choreography.
What to Expect on Site
Aeropark’s classic lineup showcases iconic Hungarian and Soviet-era airframes, cockpit visits, and immersive exhibits that trace commercial aviation from the Malév heyday into the modern low-cost boom. Seasonal night events light up the collection for after-dark photo sessions, while brand and auto meets spill into the outdoor spaces with vintage cars and club displays. Kids get hands-on learning with curated activities and, come summer, multi-day camps that mix STEM, history, and apron-edge excitement.
Make It a Mini Break: Where to Stay Nearby
If you’re coming in early or leaving late, the closest stays cluster around District XVIII and the airport perimeter. Three familiar options keep logistics simple:
– Hotel Ferihegy: Just a quick 5-minute drive to both terminals, ideal for dawn departures, late arrivals, canceled flights, families, business travelers, and airport staff. Straightforward rooms, a no-drama base, and if you’re on a tight connection, the location saves your schedule.
– Irini Panzió: A three-star, 30-capacity guesthouse in a leafy, suburban part of Budapest. Calm, green surroundings with an easy trip into the center—good for those who want quiet but don’t want to be far from the action.
– Ráday Panzió: A friendly small inn in the 18th district, popular with transit guests and couples, even for a few hours between flights. Air-conditioned, TV-equipped, en suite rooms; breakfast and dinner available on request.
Eat, Refuel, Repeat: Local Food Picks
Around Pestszentlőrinc and Pestszentimre, you’ll find a spread of long-running favorites and airport-adjacent staples:
– Gombás Étterem: A neighborhood mainstay since 1990 in a garden setting, offering spaces from intimate tables for two to events up to 300. Five rooms plus an outdoor area make it a go-to for gatherings.
– A family-style restaurant in central Pestszentimre: Big portions, homey flavors, delivery, garden seating, and on-site parking. It’s the sort of local place where regulars know the menu by heart.
– A well-loved spot in District XVIII: The rendezvous point for friendly get-togethers, business lunches, and family occasions. Warm service, a refreshed interior, and a greatest-hits tour of Hungarian cuisine. SZÉP Card accepted.
– LEROY at the airport: More than an eatery or café, it’s become shorthand for reliable quality and variety, now catering to travel-weary passengers with swift service and comfort food before or after a flight.
– Maci Laci Gyorsétkezde: A fast-food fixture on Üllői út in the 18th district, good for quick bites before a tour or on the way home.
– A countryside-kitchen concept: Cooking that leans on simple, high-quality ingredients, homely vibes, and seasonal dishes alongside classic small-inn favorites. Kids get their own menu, and the focus is on freshness and clean execution—think Sunday lunch done right.
– Új Tündérkert Étterem, Nosztalgia Kávéház és Cukrászda: A local Pestszentlőrinc pride piece. Traditional Hungarian foundations updated for modern tastes, with flashes of Mediterranean and Eastern influence. In the spirit of slow food, the kitchen uses selected ingredients and skips thickeners, sauce mixes, and semi-prepped products. Expect to wait a touch longer and be rewarded—wrap with a classic torte or house-made pastries for a proper finale.
How to Plan Your Visit
Tours around peak season fill quickly, so book your slots early and line up meals and lodging if you’re traveling in. The Aeropark team fields calls for details and bookings, and the museum’s photo galleries make it easy to preview what’s on site. Families should aim for the shorter family-friendly tour on December 30, while avgeeks should block a full three hours for maximum runway time and technical detail. Whether you land for an afternoon or an entire weekend, the museum’s 2025–2026 calendar is built to keep you close to the roar of engines and the pulse of Budapest’s aviation scene.
