Looking for the best places to run in Budapest? I have a love/hate relationship with running…but at least Budapest is a picturesque city to go running in!
I find it’s easier for me to actually go when I have a plan, so I thought I’d write down some of my favorite running routes to give you some ideas! And with winter coming, I know healthy movement will be more of a priority than ever! Whether you’re looking for urban streets or green spaces, here are three 5k running routes in Budapest.
Margaret Island (3.5 mi/5.6k)
Margaret Island is a dream for running in Budapest, and a favorite for those looking to get away from the city streets. It’s completely accessible by bus and tram, and cars aren’t allowed to use it for thru traffic, making it a pedestrian’s paradise. But a reason runners love to go to Margaret Island is because of the dedicated track that runs around it. Here you can jog along under the old trees, close to the city but apart from it. It’s a peaceful place to get your daily exercise. There’s also outdoor gym equipment scattered around the island, so you can work on strength training as well.
Margaret Bridge–Chain Bridge Loop (3.7 mi/5.9k)
If you’re looking for a scenic running route in Budapest then you should consider running along the Danube! In fact, the Budapest Marathon does just this! If you make a loop including Margaret Bridge and the Chain Bridge, you’ll get an eyeful of Parliament, Buda Castle, the Fisherman’s Bastion, and more!
Also, there are dedicated biking/running paths along the riverside, so you won’t have to dodge any cars. If you’d like to extend your run, continue north past Margaret Bridge towards the suburbs.
Opera–City Park Loop (3.2 mi/5.1k)
Running down Andrássy is a straightforward way to get in a 5k run. However, since the street is one of Budapest’s famous high-end shopping avenues, I always like to hop a few streets over in order to avoid foot traffic.
A loop between the Opera House and City Park is a little under 5k, but once you get to City Park you’ll see that there’s plenty of space to tack on a little extra distance. Városliget is a large, flat space with lots to see! You can jog past a castle, a Turkish Bath, a circus, and more! It can be quite the scenic running route.
If you want to go running in Budapest, you’re sure to be able to find scenic places to do it! If you don’t know where to go, here are three 5k running routes in Budapest to get you started! Happy running!
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