Green Budapest: Margaret Island and the capital’s urban oases

Margaret Island lies in the middle of the Danube, between Margaret Bridge and Árpád Bridge. With virtually no car traffic, it is exceptionally friendly for walkers and runners. The 5.3-kilometre rubber running track follows the riverbank, while people who aren’t in a rush will find shaded walkways, a rose garden, a Japanese garden and medieval ruins. The charming musical fountain is a real spectacle from spring to autumn, and the island’s vast lawns are perfect for picnics. Even longer strolls on the island are refreshing, as you can always feel the presence of the river. You can easily reach the island on foot or by tram from the Margit híd or Jászai Mari tér stops on the 4–6 tram line.

City Park is one of Budapest’s largest public parks, just a few minutes by metro (M1, Hősök tere) from the city centre. Its more than 100 hectares include a lake, grassy areas and broad promenades. In summer you can go boating on the lake, while in winter it transforms into an ice rink when it’s cold enough. The park is home to Vajdahunyad Castle and several new museums, making it a place where culture and nature sit side by side. So it’s no surprise that it’s lots of people’s first choice when they’re craving some green scenery in Budapest.

Kopaszi Dam is a modern, landscaped riverside promenade on the Buda side, near Rákóczi Bridge. Its wide, level paths are ideal for walking, running or pushing a pram. Benches, playgrounds and cafés line the waterfront, while the proximity of the river shapes the whole experience. It is particularly beautiful at sunset, and a peaceful evening walk here can easily stretch late into the evening.

If you want to see the city from higher ground, the Buda Hills are easily accessible by public transport. Normafa, in the 12th district, has forest trails and open meadows. It’s a favourite spot for those who enjoy Nordic walking and hiking. In winter, if there is enough snow, the area is also popular for cross-country skiing and sledging.

Hármashatár-hegy, in the northern part of the city, offers marked hiking routes and open viewpoints. The terrain varies, making it suitable for both longer hikes and shorter walks, and it’s an excellent place to practice Nordic walking too.

The Kaán Károly Lookout on Széchenyi Hill is a lesser-known but remarkable viewpoint: offering a full 360-degree panorama of the Buda Hills. You can reach it via forest paths, so the journey itself is part of the experience.

Óbuda’s Kiserdő is a small, less-frequented woodland area in the north of the city. Its wooded paths and clearings are ideal for short walks, running or taking the dog for a walk. Here you can truly feel that you’ve stepped away from the noise of the city.

The Botanical Garden (Füvészkert) in the 8th district is Hungary’s oldest botanical garden. It offers both relaxation and education (but nothing too strenuous) with its glasshouses, pond and extensive collection of plants. Its shaded benches and beautifully kept grounds make it a perfect place for quiet calm.