9 must see parks in Budapest

From the first Hungarian botanical garden and the largest People’s Park to the smallest hidden natural sanctuaries, Budapest is blessed with expansive green spaces that not only provide shade from the summer heat but also offer a lovely escape from the stress of city life. Whether you’re looking for a quiet break from the crowded tourist attractions or simply want to recharge your mental battery, the alluring parks in Budapest will grant you a fun and memorable way to spend the day.

While tourists flock to this Hungarian capital for its impressive architecture, rich culture, and dozen spas, Budapest parks offer extraordinary experiences, especially for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Some are home to several famous landmarks, while others feature picnic spots, play areas, and miles of trails for walking, jogging, biking, and hiking. These recreational spaces allow visitors and locals to breathe fresh air, enjoy gorgeous greenery in the bustling city, and participate in exciting activities.

If you spot a charming park during a tour or while shopping but can’t be bothered stopping by because of your heavy bags, bounce luggage storage in Budapest has a solution for you. We offer a safe and private place to leave your belongings so you can stroll and enjoy park activities hassle-free.

Városliget (City Park)

You can’t visit Budapest and not check out Városliget or City Park, the capital’s most famous and iconic open space. It’s not only known for its vast green area but also the several cultural and historical institutions you’ll find here.

The main gateway to City Park is the Heroes’ Square, a large square built in 1896 and a magnificent masterpiece from every angle.  It is also home to a few museums and art galleries, including the NEO Contemporary Art Space, the Museum of Ethnography, the New National Gallery, the Museum of Fine Arts, the National Museum Conservation and Storage Centre, and more.

One of the highlights of visiting Városliget is the Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden. This family-friendly animal garden offers fun and educational experiences to children and the young at heart. It features several animal zones where you can discover the animals in Southeast Asia, Africa, Australia, Madagascar, and more, as well as see an array of botanical specialties.

Be sure to take a day or half a day, as you’ll have plenty of places to see and things to do. You can paddle on the boating lake in summer or improve your skills in the ice skating rink in winter. Other must-visit spots in City Park are the Széchenyi Baths, the most popular and biggest thermal baths in Budapest, and the romantic Vajdahunyad Castle, one of the city’s most spectacular architectural masterpieces.

ELTE Füvészkert

Part of ELTE University, ELTE Botanical Garden Budapest is Hungary’s oldest botanical garden, founded in 1771. It became a national nature reserve in 1960, boasting over 7,000 species of plants, making it an ideal spot for plant lovers. It features a 19th-century orangery and a greenhouse restored in 1964, home to the garden’s tropical and sub-tropical plants.

While it’s a delightful destination year-round, mid or late spring is typically the best time to visit the garden when the shrubs and trees display all shades of green and colorful flowers bloom. For horticulture enthusiasts, you might notice some rare plants and perennial trees you can’t easily find in other gardens and parks in the city.

It’s about a ten-minute drive from the city center, but it’s definitely worth the trip, especially if you love flowers and plants. It also has water ponds and several greenhouses for different types of plants, offering a rich collection of cacti, orchids, bromeliads, and more.

Margitsziget (Margaret Island)

Known as the green heart of Budapest, Margaret Island is nestled in the middle of the Danube River, north of Budapest city center. You can’t miss it when you cross Margaret Bridge, which connects Buda and Pest across the Danube. It’s a massive pedestrian-friendly recreational area with benches, promenades, and cycling paths.

Margaret Island was a royal hunting spot in the Middle Ages and is now a public open space, providing a peaceful hideaway from the busy Downtown Budapest. It’s a retreat like no other, filled with old trees, stunning gardens, and plenty of entertainment for all ages.

Devote half your day or a few hours to exploring the medieval ruins and parkland, climbing the water tower, and squirrel spotting while enjoying the warm sunshine on a late summer afternoon. On the island’s northern tip is a Japanese garden with an artificial waterfall, dwarf trees, a fishpond, and a rock garden. Near the southern end is the Musical Fountain, beautifully illuminated at night.

Népliget (People's Park)

Although the biggest public park in Budapest, People’s Park doesn’t get the same limelight as City Park and Margaret Island. It is located southeast of the city center and spans 110 hectares. It was bustling with entertainment and recreation for nearly a century until the end of the Kádár regime.

Alone and secluded, this huge park is away from the traffic’s noise and flocks of crowds, so if you’re looking for a quiet and serene place to meditate and enjoy nature near the city center, Népliget fits the bill. It may not have many historical and cultural sites, but it boasts an exciting history worth discovering.

The highlight of your visit is the Planetarium, which opened in 1977. Unfortunately, it is no longer operating and has fallen into disrepair. Nevertheless, it remains a fascinating sight from the outside, where you can see the large dome. The park also has seating areas and trails for walking and jogging while enjoying the vast green spaces.

Bikás Park

Head to the 11th district, South Buda, about one mile from the river, and you’ll find a small but pleasant park in Budapest. Bikás Park is a beloved natural corner of Újbuda, one of the coolest Buda districts. It was recently renovated and is now facilitated by a metro station, so getting here is easy and convenient.

If you want to do some cardio exercises or play sports, Bikás Park is the place to go. It has a curvy running track, a pond, and some hills. You can bring your little ones to entertain themselves in the playground while you do sports at the courts, featuring a jogging course, outdoor fitness equipment, table tennis, soccer fields, and basketball.

Run the hill to see the bull statue called Monda up close. This restored statue has been displayed in the park near the Kelenföld housing estate since 1980. If you want to shop or eat to replenish your energy from all the running and playing, you can walk to the nearby Etele Plaza, a shopping mall with numerous stores, restaurants, cafes, and entertainment.

Normafa Park

A hub of physical activity, Normafa Park is one of the best parks in Budapest for hikers and thrill seekers. It’s part of the Buda Hills area close to Janos Hill, the city’s highest point. It’s a perfect destination for anyone who wants to witness breathtaking panoramic views of the capital and conquer many hills.

Gear up and wear your most comfortable shoes as you tackle any hiking routes suitable for all skill levels. On a round trip at Normafa, you can make your way to the Elizabeth Lookout Tower and pass by Anna Meadow, a popular picnic and hiking spot in the Buda Mountains. Visitors come here to do sports, hike, relax, and enjoy the spectacular panorama while a renovated playground awaits children.

If you’re not much of a hiker, you can spend time in the fitness park with 22 devices, including wall bars, pull-ups, a vertical wave, a supine support triangle, a monkey ladder, pacers, and a back muscle-strengthening column. You can also walk along the Normafa ridge, discover a new trail in  Széchenyi Hill and Farkas Valley, or see sights, such as the Székely Gate, Elizabeth Kneeler, a cave, and the Lóvasút Cultural And Event Centre.

Károlyi Garden

Nestled between the University Square and the National Museum, Károlyi Garden is an elegantly gated garden in the heart of Downtown Budapest. It is the oldest garden in the capital, declared as a public area and landscaped in 1932. It used to be the home of the Károlyi family until 1932.

This appealing park is suitable for an urban escape, giving you a tranquil atmosphere in the middle of the city’s crowded streets and narrow alleyways. While in the area, look around the historical townhouses surrounding it, the colorful flowers, lush greens, and romantic pathways for a relaxing walk. It is dog friendly and features a fountain and a children’s playground.

If you’re tired from all the walking, pick a bench and rest, or bring your favorite book and read under the tree. Despite the fences, Károlyi Garden is one of the family-friendly Budapest parks you should visit.

Budakeszi Wildlife Park

Looking for a more natural setting to see animals than Budapest Zoo? If so, be sure to add the Budakeszi Wildlife Park to your itinerary. It’s the perfect place for anyone who loves animals, nature, green adventures, and fresh air. It’s only twenty minutes from the city center, so you’re not too far from all the capital’s thrills and action.

Numerous activities await locals and visitors at Budakeszi Wildlife Park, so no matter your interest, you’ll find it here. Begin your adventure by greeting the animals, including birds, mammals, and domestic animals. It also has a farmyard perfect for kids to experience an authentic farm atmosphere. They can also get close to the animals at the Petting Zoo in the middle of the forest.

After greeting the animals in their natural habitat, high-energy kids will be delighted to jump and run around freely at the two playgrounds. And to elevate the experience, take them to Adventure Park to climb and slide down the zip lines, boasting six obstacle courses for all skill levels. Visitors can expect hours of excitement, discovery, and learning at Budakeszi Wildlife Park.

Erzsébet Square

Spacious and welcoming, with plenty of well-developed infrastructure and greenery, Erzsébet Square is a vast square and famous park in the historic center of Budapest. Conveniently located in the Lipótváros neighborhood of District V, this green area is a favorite spot among locals and tourists for relaxation, meeting people, and as a venue for many summer festivals and open-air events.

Half of the square is an expanse of lush grass where people chill and sit to chat, read a book, or picnic. Above the lawn stands a giant Ferris wheel, also known as Budapest Eye. With its 65 meters height, Budapest Eye is Europe’s largest Ferris wheel. It opened in 2017 and operates throughout the year. If you’re not scared of heights, ride this rotating Eye and be amazed by the fantastic city view. The area can be quite crowded, even during the late hour, with people flocking for entertainment or to simply hang out.

Fans of the King of Pop can also stop by the Michael Jackson Memorial tree, a humble tree in the corner of the square. If you get hungry or thirsty, enjoy a cold drink and light bites at Fröccsterasz or experience the vibrant nightlife scene at the prominent Akvárium Klub. The park also has a large water feature, a small playground, and a skate facility, attracting young people.

Enjoy nature’s beauty and bounty at the best Budapest parks

Among the abundance of historical attractions and cultural institutions in the Queen of the Danube lies enormous nature areas and natural reserves for strolling, picnics, cycling, and hiking. You don’t have to venture further off because many parks in Budapest are within or near the central city. Each offers something new and unique experiences, from discovering local and rare plants to enjoying the beautiful scenery and astounding views.

If you want to fill your schedule with more adventures, check out our guides, The 12 Best Hikes in Budapest and 8 Beaches Near Budapest. You’re sure to find something worth adding to your itinerary.