Most kid-friendly European cities revealed: Budapest won’t like its score

Once again this year, a major study has examined Europe’s most child-friendly cities, and Budapest scored surprisingly low.

Urban centers today increasingly compete to offer safe, livable environments for families and children. Child-friendly urban infrastructure goes beyond just playgrounds and parks: it also involves safer transportation, improved air quality, and reduced traffic around schools.

The Clean Cities Campaign has released its latest 2025 survey, revealing which European cities are leading the way and where Budapest currently stands.

Where does Budapest stand among child-friendly cities?

According to Dívány, Hungary’s capital is well-regarded for its family-oriented attractions, including the playgrounds and petting zoo on Margaret Island, expansive city parks, and year-round thermal baths.

The city also offers several kid-focused walking tours that present Budapest’s history and hidden gems through interactive storytelling, helping children become more conscious urban citizens while engaging and learning.

However, the 2025 Clean Cities Campaign’s “Urban Mobility for Children” report paints a less favorable picture of Budapest’s transportation infrastructure. Out of 36 cities, Budapest ranked 30th, with a score of only 16 percent. This outcome is largely due to the scarcity of low-speed zones, limited traffic calming measures around schools, and a lack of protected bike lanes.

Topping the list are cities like Paris, which stands out for its strong political commitment and comprehensive efforts to reduce traffic, expand bike lanes, and transform areas around schools into truly safe spaces.

Cities leading the way in Europe

Paris, Amsterdam, and Antwerp lead the rankings as Europe’s top child-friendly cities, successfully creating modern, eco-conscious, traffic-calmed environments that improve quality of life for both families and all residents.