Pécs’ Zsolnay Quarter becomes a daily playground for families in 2026, mixing art, science, stories, and hands-on making into a nonstop lineup of baby theater, puppet shows, planetarium sessions, interactive science workshops, crafts, and educational fun. From toddlers to schoolkids, there’s something to spark curiosity every day at the city’s creative heart. Organizers reserve the right to change dates and programs, so it’s worth checking ahead or calling for details.
Key Dates: January to March Highlights
January 17, 2026 — Craft-and-puppet workshop. Kids explore different puppet-making techniques and craft their own characters tied to performances by Bóbita Puppet Theatre (Bóbita Bábszínház). Location: Pécs.
January 18, 2026 — Tales Sealed in Glaze. A museum education session designed for preschoolers and grades 1–2, connecting stories and craft heritage in a playful format. Location: Pécs.
January 24–25, 2026 — Magic Hour: The Icy Breath of Air. A family-friendly science show that plays with the physics of air and temperature, featuring surprising, chilly experiments. Location: Pécs.
January 31, 2026 — Craft-and-puppet workshop. Another chance for kids to build stage-ready puppets inspired by the Bóbita repertoire. Location: Pécs.
February 8, 2026 — Kerekerdő Playhouse. Folk games, storytelling, and crafts for 4–8-year-olds bring old traditions to life through play. Location: Pécs.
March 8, 2026 — Kerekerdő Playhouse. Folk games, tales, and crafty fun return for another Sunday session for ages 4–8. Location: Pécs.
More to Do in the Quarter
Through February 1, 2026 — Enchanted Forest of Lights (Fények Elvarázsolt Erdeje). Wander an illuminated wonderland as winter nights glow with artful light installations.
January 17, 2026 — Bóbita Puppet Theatre (Bóbita Bábszínház): Cini-cini muzsika. A musical puppet experience for little ones, blending rhythm, melody, and gentle visuals.
January 18, 2026 — Ceramic Painting Experience in the Zsolnay Quarter. Paint your own piece and bring home a slice of the city’s iconic ceramic tradition.
January 24 and 31, 2026 — In the Footsteps of the Zsolnays. A guided walk through the family’s former home, tracing the legacy that shaped Pécs’ art and industry.
February 7, 2026 — Tales Sealed in Glaze. Another edition of the popular museum education workshop for preschoolers and early graders.
Where to Stay: From Heritage to Hilltop Views
Adele Boutique Hotel Pécs: A 4-star escape inside a 19th-century listed building in the historic center. Rooms and apartments blend period charm with modern comforts, elevating the experience with standout design.
Cozy apartments and guest rooms: A guesthouse offering a four-person apartment plus additional rooms for an easy, comfortable base.
Bagolyvár on Havihegy: Set above the city in famously clean air, Bagolyvár charms with 19 rooms decorated with motifs from Hungarian folk art and six suite-like units styled as miniature press houses, each inspired by a celebrated Hungarian wine. Quiet surroundings, sweeping views over Pécs toward Zengő, and a traditional restaurant focused on classic Hungarian and international dishes, with a special love for old-time recipes and desserts.
Barbakán Hotel: Steps from the historic core, behind Pécs Cathedral, this 3-star spot offers two-, three-, and four-bed rooms, a conference room, and a garage — practical and central.
Hillside pension in the Mecsek: A family-run stay in a calm villa district above downtown. Forest paths start within five minutes; the city center is just as close. The zoo and Da Vinci Private Clinic are nearby, with the Mandulás recreation area and its playgrounds and fire pits a short walk away. Free guided hikes for groups.
Boutique Hotel Sopianae: A downtown hotel that contrasts a heritage facade with sleek, modern interiors, delivering personalized, high-level service in a warm, discreet atmosphere.
Büdöskúti key-cottage: Between Remete-rét and Orfű, about 800 yards off the main road along the Blue Trail (Kéktúra) and Green Cross trails, this rustic house sleeps up to 12 — perfect for nature-minded groups.
Apartment hotel in the villa district: Minutes from the World Heritage Early Christian Necropolis, the Cathedral, and Museum Street, this apartment-style stay nails location and convenience.
Former convent guesthouse: In the restored Baroque building of the Sisters of Our Lady from around 1870, now fully modern inside but atmospheric outside, right in the city center.
Central hotel near culture hubs: A quiet, green spot downtown with the Pécs Knowledge Centre and Kodály Centre just 550 yards away.
Eat and Drink: From Sweet Temptations to Craft Beer
Angyali Kísértés Chocolate Shop: Handmade chocolates, bonbons, and homestyle cakes — a sweet stop in the heart of Pécs.
Hearty local eatery: A relaxed restaurant ideal for family feasts, celebrations, match-watching, or long chats. Expect generous portions and a huge menu: fried, grilled, and stuffed meats, brassói-style skillet dishes, fish plates, oven-baked specialties, risottos, classic pastas, flatbreads, and a wide range of pizzas, plus salads, soups, and desserts. Quality time, quality food.
Traditional Hungarian kitchen downtown: Reliable quality, fair prices, and a menu to suit all tastes in a charming setting. Daily lunch menus with swift service, plus breakfast from 8 a.m. with foamy coffee, sandwiches, house pogácsa, and hand-stretched strudel. They also handle standing receptions and small events on-site or off-site.
Aranykacsa Restaurant (Aranykacsa Étterem): Local ingredients, modern techniques, and a love of wine culture in a friendly space. Wine tastings in the Vinarium, casual drinks and meals in the Tüke room, family and protocol dining in the Zsolnay room, and weddings, banquets, and birthdays in the upstairs Dakk room and garden.
Bagolyvár Restaurant: Traditional flavors and a stylish interior with a panoramic sweep of Pécs. Hungarian classics share the menu with international dishes, highlighted by vintage recipes and sweets.
Bistro at the Balkan gateway: Fresh, homestyle flavors made from great ingredients, served casually in a cozy setting with strong value — bistro as it should be.
Big Bell Restaurant (Big Bell Étterem): Now boosted by a craft show brewery and a beer garden — come for the tank-to-table pours, stay for the food.
Bohemia Beer Kitchen (Bohemia Sörkonyha): In downtown Pécs, the trio you want: Beer — Burger — BBQ.
Borostyán Quick Service Restaurant (Borostyán Gyorsétterem): On Király Street, this weekday quick-service spot keeps lunch affordable and tasty Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., ideal for regulars who want quality without the fuss.
PAULUS: A true chameleon — coffee shop in the morning, self-service eatery at noon, beer pub by evening. Plus a steady stream of events to anchor your day.
Stay in the Loop
Looking to plan ahead, add favorites to your bucket list, or get reminders? Reach out by phone or email, check dates, and lock in your picks. Programs may shift, but the Zsolnay Quarter’s family magic is a sure thing all season.
