Now that the weather is getting warmer, everyone is looking for some fresh air–and these parks in Budapest won’t disappoint! After a loooooong winter and an even longer lockdown, I am so excited for the opportunity to stretch out under the sun and feel the grass between my toes! Unlike some other capital cities, Budapest has plenty of parks and outdoor spaces. Check out this list of some of my favorite parks in Budapest!
Margaret Island
This will always come at the top of my list of parks in Budapest. This island is nestled between Buda and Pest, and it’s an oasis in the middle of the city. Very few cars are allowed on, so it’s a pedestrian and cyclist’s paradise. The large, lush fields are perfect for picnics, and the 5k running track around the perimeter make it a popular place to come get in your urban workout. And as the weather warms, it becomes more and more vibrant! You never know what you might see–aerial silk artists in the trees, a judo session in the grass, an improptu concert in the field…there’s always something going on.
Stop for a drink at one of the many open air bars on the island (the psychedelic Hippie Island is one of my favorites!), and remember to bring cash so that you can use the public restrooms (250 huf) or buy something from one of the food stations that dot the island.
Városliget (City Park)
City Park has so much going for it. Along with a yearly schedule of festivals which change with the seasons (the Chimney Cake Festival in autumn is my favorite!), City Park has permanent fixtures that never get old. The famous Széchenyi Baths are historic Turkish baths where you can steam your cares away any time of the year. Exploring Vajdahunyad Castle is like walking into a fairy tale (especially since it’s made up of architectural styles of different centuries). And the picturesque lake offers boating in the summer and ice skating in the winter.
Ice skating in the winter! 
Walking through Vajdahunyad Castle
Gellért Hill
Gellért Hill is hard to miss if you’ve spent any time in Budapest–the Statue of Liberty is perched proudly at the top. One of the best workouts you can get is hiking up Gellért Hill to the Citadel, and the view at the top is hard to rival! If you don’t want to exert that much effort, you can just casually wind through some of the trails, visit the Cave Church, or find the perfect patch of grass to stretch out on and sunbathe. The park also has an extensive built-in playground, so if you’re looking for something to do with kids in Budapest, this could be a good place for you!
Feneketlen Tó
Feneketlen Tó is one of the lesser known Budapest parks among tourists, but this quiet space on the Buda side is a favorite for locals. You can grab a spot on the grass right next to the lake in the center, and feel close to nature even though you’re in the middle of the city. Or if you’re looking for a outdoor exercise option, there’s a running path that goes around the park’s lake as well. The park is right between Allee Mall and Moricz Zsigmond Square, so you have plenty of options to pick up a few drinks or a picnic and take it with you! And if you’d rather sit in somewhere, head to the popular Budai Parkszínpad for open air drinks under colorful lights.
Pop-Up Park
This park looks like an art installation, but it’s one you’re welcome to climb on! Located right at busy Deák Ferenc Square, this is one of the best places to relax in Budapest and watch the city go by. It’s next to the insanely popular Akvarium Klub and bar, so if you get thirsty all you have to do is cross the street. If you’re craving a bit of soft grass to stretch out on, you’re also right next to Elizabet Park, where you can find your place under the lights of the Budapest Ferris Wheel.
When you’re ready to get some fresh air and sunshine, stretch your legs and try out one of these parks in Budapest! Where would you go first?
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