Thing to do
Széchenyi Thermal Bath
A Neo-Baroque thermal bath complex in City Park, opened in 1913, with outdoor pools fed by hot springs that stay open all year.
Margaret Island
A 2.5-kilometre island park in the Danube between Margaret and Árpád bridges, with a running track, a musical fountain, gardens and medieval ruins.
At a glance
- Type
- Island park
- Area
- Margitsziget, Budapest, Hungary
Good to know
- Free
- Running track
- Musical fountain
- Japanese garden
- Car-free
Why we recommend it
Margaret Island (Margitsziget) is a long, green island in the middle of the Danube, about 2.5 kilometres from end to end, between Margaret Bridge in the south and Árpád Bridge in the north. It is Budapest's favourite park for running, cycling, picnics and slow walks, and because cars have been restricted since the 1980s it feels calm even on busy weekends. The island takes its name from Princess Margaret, daughter of King Béla IV, who lived in the Dominican convent here in the 13th century.
The southern end, reached from Margaret Bridge, has the musical fountain, where jets of water move in time with music, and in summer it hosts evening shows with music and light. From there, the 5.35-kilometre rubberised running track loops around the island and is used by runners from dawn to dusk. The interior is a patchwork of lawns, plane trees and flowerbeds.
Further north are the octagonal Art Nouveau water tower from 1911, which now serves as a lookout and exhibition space, and the outdoor stage beside it. Nearby are the ruins of the medieval Dominican church and convent associated with St Margaret. Towards the north end you will find a small Japanese garden with a pond and rock garden, and a small animal park with waterfowl and other animals that young children enjoy. Palatinus, Budapest's largest open-air bath complex, opens in summer, and the hotels at the northern tip include thermal spa facilities.
The island is free to enter and suits every kind of visitor: runners, families with prams and scooters, couples and anyone who needs a break from sightseeing. You can hire bikes and pedal cars on the island in the warmer months, and there are cafés and snack kiosks, though choice is limited in winter. Allow at least two hours to walk the length of the island and back, or half a day if you stop for the bath or a picnic.
Trams 4 and 6 stop at Margitsziget in the middle of Margaret Bridge, the most convenient entrance. Bus 26 runs along the island from Nyugati station. From the northern end you can walk across Árpád Bridge to Óbuda.
Margaret Island FAQs
Is Margaret Island free?
Yes, the island park is free to enter.
How do you get to Margaret Island?
Take tram 4 or 6 to the Margitsziget stop on Margaret Bridge, or bus 26 from Nyugati station.
How long is the running track?
The rubberised track around the island is 5.35 kilometres long.
Can you drive onto the island?
Private cars are restricted; only a bus line, taxis and service vehicles are allowed, and hotel guests park at the northern end.
What is there for children?
The musical fountain, a small animal park, playgrounds and, in summer, the Palatinus open-air bath.
When does the musical fountain run?
It plays through the warmer months, with evening music and light shows in summer.
How long should you spend there?
At least two hours to walk the island, or half a day with a picnic or a swim.
Can you rent bikes?
Bikes and pedal cars can be hired on the island in the warmer months.