Autumn transforms a city in some of the best ways, and that’s no different during fall in Budapest! What’s better than a walk with crisp air in your lungs and crunchy leaves underfoot? You can spend an afternoon taking in the changing leaves and colors, and maybe even snag some mulled wine from a street vendor to keep your hands warm. For your consideration, here are some of my favorite fall walks in Budapest.
Margaret Island
Nestled in the Danube between Buda and Pest, Margaret Island is the perfect nature sanctuary within city limits. The large fields give you plenty of options for a place to settle down for a fall picnic, or to run around and get some fresh air. The long, uninterrupted walking paths along the island will give you plenty of opportunity to crunch some leaves–maybe you’ll stop and get a lángos or some mulled wine along the way!
Városliget (City Park)
City Park is one of the largest green spaces in Budapest, and during autumn it’s lit up with fiery fall colors. Its pathways wind between trees and sights alike. To start with, there’s the picturesque Vajdahunyad Castle overlooking a lake. If you’re in the mood, you can even rent a paddle boat and explore the park by water! And keep the lake in mind–once it freezes over in the winter, you can go ice skating there! Aside from the castle, you can walk past the famous Széchenyi Baths. Maybe you’ll even take a dip there! Once you’re ready to see the autumn colors in Városliget, you should have no problem: just hop on the Metro 1 and take it straight there!
Riverside Walk Along the Danube
River cruises are one of the most popular attractions in Budapest, and walking along the Danube can offer many of the same delights! Whether you’re walking on the banks of Buda or Pest, following the river will bring you in view of Buda Castle, the Fisherman’s Bastion, Parliament, and others. You can stop off at a cozy cafe like Espresso Embassy (Pest) or Home of Franziska (Buda) if you need to warm your hands with a delicious mug of coffee.
Gellért Hill
If you’ve just been walking along the Danube then no doubt you’ll recognize Gellért Hill rising above the city. Many people aim to visit the Statue of Liberty and the Citadel at the top of the hill, but the climb up can be just as picturesque. There are plenty of little spots along the trails for you to stop and catch your breath, or just to take in the view of the city. And if you’re chilly after your fall trek, you can always go to the famous Gellért thermal baths at the bottom of the hill. Rooftop hot tub? Yes please!
Normafa
If you don’t mind heading farther out of the city (or maybe that’s exactly what you want to do), Normafa could be the place for you. Up in the Buda hills, this wide expanse is a favorite place among locals looking to have a family day out. Parking is often hard to come by on a sunny day, so it might be worth it to just take the bus instead. And once you’re up there, grab a fresh lángos from one of the local stands! There will probably be a line, but the hot, crispy lángos will be worth it!
Even though Budapest is a metropolitan city, there’s no shortage of green spaces to watch the autumn colors turn. Any of these options would give you a beautiful fall walk in Budapest–bundle up in a sweater and enjoy!
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