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City Park

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City Park or (Városliget) may not be familiar at first, but when you know that this is the part of town where you can find the Széchenyi bath, Heroes’ Square or the spectacular skating rink, you’ll know what an important part the “Liget”, as its abbreviated, plays in Budapest’s circulation.

The breathing center of Budapest

City Park or (Városliget) may not be familiar at first, but when you know that this is the part of town where you can find the Széchenyi bath, Heroes’ Square or the spectacular skating rink, you’ll know what an important part the “Liget”, as its abbreviated, plays in Budapest’s circulation. It was one of the world’s first public parks and serves as a living core that gives locals a chance to feel close to nature even when they are in the heart of the city, not to mention the numerous fun outings that will satisfy all age groups. Once the sun comes out, Budapesters take to the park for a walk, to play with their dogs, soak up the sunshine, or just hang out with family and friends over a cold drink and a pretzel for the kids.

The Városliget is also a place for learning with its paths lined with information boards about the various animals and plants that are native here. A wide variety of birds fill the park with their songs every year and get a helping hand with nest boxes allowing them to raise their young more easily. If you are quick, you will spot the many squirrels that also make a home here.

Right in Városliget is Budapest Zoo. The 150-year-old “állatkert” which literally translates to “animal garden,” the Hungarian word for “zoo”, is one of the oldest in its category. A pleasant day spent with the family in the zoo is one of the most fun and educational experiences to be had with children in the city. The zoo is constantly expanding with better services and better accommodation for the animals, which keep children and adults alike fascinated. The zoo boasts the most ornate elephant and hippo house you’ll likely ever see and has everything from gorillas and orangutans to wombats and koalas! If you’re there, don’t miss the feeding shows.

Located near Heroes’ Square and Vajdahunyad Castle, the House of Music is a mesmerizing piece of architectural brilliance nestled in the lush environs of the City Park (Városliget), an area renowned for its cultural and recreational facilities. This iconic structure stands out as a beacon of modern design, drawing visitors not just for its musical offerings but also for its architectural splendor. Designed by the notable Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, the House of Music harmoniously blends with its natural surroundings, featuring a transparent, undulating roof that mimics the rhythmic patterns of sound waves. This design choice is not only aesthetically pleasing but also serves to invite the outside world in, symbolizing the universal language of music.

Among its main features, the House of Music has an extensive exhibition space dedicated to the history of music, interactive displays that engage visitors in the music-making process, and state-of-the-art concert halls that host a wide range of performances, from classical to contemporary genres. The building's design beauty is further accentuated by its use of natural light, which filters through the canopy-like roof, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere inside. An interesting fun fact about the establishment: its environmentally friendly aspects, such as the use of geothermal energy for heating and cooling, making it a paragon of sustainability. Moreover, the House of Music's educational programs and workshops aim to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of music among visitors of all ages, emphasizing its role as a cultural hub in Budapest's vibrant arts scene.

The Museum of Ethnography, one of the latest sights and cultural hubs of City Park, got its brand new building in 2022: this location was designed exactly for this purpose, so it gives a great opportunity to demonstrate the priceless collection of this institution. What's more, this new building has an extraordinary look as well and is a great spot to visit even if you are not interested in its topic. You can just walk there and hang out a bit on the terraces while having a rest in your sightseeing schedule.

Next to the zoo is Capital Circus, which has for ages provided families with breathtaking experiences. Budapest presents not only some of the most skilled performers from Hungary but is also regularly hosts visiting groups from around the world.

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