Many people will come to the gateway of City Park, Heroes’ Square, and head back into the city without seeing all that Városliget has to offer. Heck–I used to do it all the time before I learned about everything that goes on in City Park. So learn from my mistakes! Whether you need a green break from the bustle of inner-city Budapest, or you just crave some wide open spaces, Városliget has something to offer in every season. Here are my favorite ways to see City Park all year round!
Spring–Széchenyi Baths
What better way to start off the season of rebirth than with a rejuvenating soak at the Széchenyi Baths? Budapest has no shortage of thermal baths, and each has its own charm. Personally I find that Széchenyi is easily run over with tourists, but its vibrant yellow arcades are iconic, and it’s worth seeing them at least once.
You can come for a soak, or make an entire spa day out of it and sign up for one of the many massage treatments. I come to the thermal baths when I want to pretend I’m a celebrity, but really they’re accessible to all. Rudas and Gellért are popular options on the Buda side, but there are plenty of smaller, less frilly thermal baths scattered throughout the city where you can chase off the last of winter’s chill (Kiraly is a favorite among my expat friends).
Summer–Capital Circus of Budapest
Next door to the Széchenyi Baths is the perfect place to escape summer’s heat: The circus. The refuge of the cool, dark auditorium is soon lit up by spectacular lights and death-defying feats. Going to the circus always makes me feel like a kid again (I mean, the audience is mostly kids, so it’s not that hard). Maybe you’ll catch part of the international festival and see acts from all over the world, or maybe the show is a retelling of a classic Hungarian folktale. Either way, settle in with some popcorn and prepare to be dazzled. Tickets range from 1500 Ft-4500 Ft ($5-$16)–plus a 5% discount if you buy online!
Fall–Color Walk and Pumpkin Spotting
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- In front of Vajdahunyad Castle
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- Playing in the leaves
If you go out of your way just to step on crunchy leaves like I do, then walking through Városliget in the fall is a no-brainer. If you want to make some memories you can keep after your day is done, bring along your camera and use the crazy vibrant backdrop for an impromptu photoshoot!
When you pass through Vajdahunyad Castle (try saying that three times fast) first you can pick up some mulled wine from one of the vendors to keep your hands warm during your stroll. Time your visit to coincide with evening and you’ll get one of Budapest’s most picturesque views: the castle lights reflecting off of the lake.
If you’re visiting City Park near the end of October, you might be lucky enough to catch the Jack-O-Lantern festival the weekend before Halloween. Go pumpkin spotting in Heroes’ Square as you make your way out of City Park and back into the city!
Winter–Ice Skating
What whimsical winter is complete without an evening of ice skating? I grew up thinking that Rockefeller Center was the gold standard, but skating in Városliget with the pillars of Heroes’ Square behind you and gorgeous Vajdahunyad Castle in front of you (or above you, if you fall as I did) is hard to beat. Get there early as the line of eager skaters grows pretty quickly. On weekends it costs about $13 (for your entry ticket, locker, and 2-hour skate rental), although of course you can check for price updates on the skating website.
There you have it! Városliget is so much more than Budapest’s largest green space–it’s a playground all year long!
What’s your favorite season to adventure outside? Let me know in the comments below!
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