Summer in Budapest isn’t just about sightseeing and soaking in hot springs — it’s also about giant bubbles, flaming experiments, and physics so spectacular you’ll forget you ever hated school. From July to December 2025, the Palace of Wonders (Csodák Palotája) on Matthias King Road (Mátyás Király út) 24 opens its doors daily for hands-on science shows that promise truly mind-blowing (and occasionally hair-raising) experiences. Here, you’re not just watching from the safety of your seat; you might get roped in to help create magic, mayhem, or both.
Unleashing Physics: Four Wild Shows Every Day
Every day, Monday through Sunday, four different science spectacles take audiences through the extremes of the physical world, each more dazzling than the last.
At 11:00 AM, the Bubble Show kicks off with quirky questions: what really is a bubble, why is it round, and just how big can the world’s largest bubble actually get? Explore the secrets behind bubble physics and surface tension, find out how insect “miracle walkers” stay afloat, and even learn the recipe for the ultimate, glow-in-the-dark super-bubble solution. It’s science for the whole family — and yes, there’s a good chance you’ll get a bit soapy.
At 1:00 PM comes Spectacular Science, a wild journey into a dimension where physics doesn’t care about your comfort zone. Here, the host presents their wildest, weirdest experiments — sometimes explosive, sometimes just, well… weird. Expect the unexpected, and don’t be surprised if the person in the next seat gets pulled up to join in (and maybe you, too).
At 3:00 PM, the Richter Gedeon Science Show takes things up another notch. Chemistry now joins the madness, with the presenter unleashing their most show-stopping stunts from both physics and chemistry. If you’ve ever wanted to see the laws of nature get stretched (without actually breaking), don’t miss this one.
As afternoon gives way to evening, things heat up for real. At 5:00 PM, the Glowing Stage session serves up physics you really shouldn’t try at home, from roaring flames to red-hot stunts. Even the youngest guests get a glimpse of how heat and fire work in the world of science — don’t be surprised if this is the show your kids beg you to come back for.
Palace of Wonders: Fun That Keeps Coming Back
Missed out? No worries. The science fun doesn’t stop after just one week — these daily demos run all summer and straight through to early January 2026. Whether you’re dropping by during beach season in July or braving the chilly December air, you’ll find these four shows running in Budapest almost every single day.
Stay, Eat, and Explore Nearby
Worried about logistics? The Palace of Wonders sits in one of the city’s most vibrant districts, surrounded by options for rest and refueling. Whether you’re after a cozy family-run inn, an air-conditioned riverside hotel on a converted Russian paddle steamer (seriously), or Budapest’s only ship-shaped wellness hotel right on the Danube, you’ll find plenty within a few minutes of the science action. Many accommodations feature amenities like private baths, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and even private safes at reception.
Hungarian hospitality also means no one goes hungry. Inviting restaurants nearby serve everything from classic Hungarian dishes remixed for modern palates, to Italian-inspired pasta and hand-made pizza, to all-you-can-eat buffets for the ultimate post-experiment feast. Pubs and bistros with live music, panoramic river views, big gardens, and a laid-back vibe fill the area — don’t be surprised if you stumble upon neighborhood favorites or quirky new spots in renovated industrial buildings.
Nature & Fun Beyond Science
The Palace is close to Roman Riverside (Római-part) and other lush green stretches along the Danube (Duna). Families looking to turn their science adventure into a mini-vacation can try local tennis courts, visit Budapest’s favorite spas and beaches, or retreat into the forests and hilltop schools for cool air and summer camp vibes. A little further north, Saint Andrew (Szentendre) — the renowned riverside artists’ village — awaits just a 10-minute trip away.
From forests with towering oaks and pines to riverside parks perfect for BBQs, sunbathing, and letting the kids run wild, this part of Budapest brings a relaxed, small-town feel to the capital. Year-round, there are options for big open-air events, cozy indoor hideaways, and everything in between.
All the Info, All Summer Long
Booking your science-filled day (or week)? Flexible options abound, and local organizers reserve the right to alter schedules and programs as needed — so check ahead for the latest updates. When the day’s scientific pyrotechnics are done, you’ll find plenty of ways to extend the magic with food, nature, family fun, and some of Budapest’s quirkiest overnight accommodations.
