The capital of Hungary is deservedly a popular tourist destination. A walk around the city promises a lot of pleasant impressions. Here tourists will meet many historical monuments, unique bridges, beautiful basilicas, unique thermal springs, museums and other interesting places. The capital of Hungary is particularly famous for its green recreation areas, of which there are plenty in the city.
Budapest’s parks are natural attractions that attract attention not only for their abundance of green spaces, but also for the infrastructure of park culture. These are highly artistic sculptures, fountains, flower beds, etc.
Along with a variety of entertainment complexes, sports grounds, residents and guests of the capital enjoy well-groomed alleys equipped with benches and lanterns, which are ideal for a measured rest. Here you can have an exciting time and relax from the hustle and bustle of the city for both young people and families with children.
Varoshliget
Varosliget City Park area is a picturesque area located near the historical center of the Hungarian capital — Heroes ‘ Square. This is a favorite place for recreation and walking for both citizens and guests. The natural oasis has a rectangular shape with an area of 1 sq. km. In the Middle Ages, there were impassable swamps, hunting grounds and pastures.
At the beginning of the XIX century, at the behest of Empress Maria Theresa, this territory was cultivated and ennobled: the swamps were drained, trees were planted and a system of artificial reservoirs was created. This is how one of the most popular parks in the modern city was organized. In Varoshliget, you can find places for both quiet solitude and active pastime. Lush trees and shrubs surround the neat alleys and paths.
Small lakes offer opportunities for boating in summer or ice skating in winter. The pearl of the natural corner is considered to be the Vaidahunyad Castle, whose architecture is characterized by a combination of Renaissance, Baroque and Gothic. On the territory of Varoshliget there are: a zoo, restaurants, a circus, museums, as well as the famous Secheny bath and bathing complex. For children, there are always playgrounds with exciting attractions.
Waidahunyad Castle
The central part of the spacious territory of Varoshliget is occupied by a unique architectural monument — Vaidahunyad Castle. Initially, it was built of plywood and wood to celebrate the thousand-year independence of the Hungarian state. The impressive exposition gained such popularity among the townspeople that it was decided to build a structure made of stone and brick.
The castle is a mixture of different architectural styles: Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance. Vaidahunyad is surrounded by a picturesque park complex. Under the impressive walls of the fortress, a moat is dug, which is an artificial lake. After passing through the gate under the hospitable raised lattice, tourists are greeted by the territory of the castle ensemble with trees and flower alleys.
There is a chapel, Gothic and Romanesque towers, as well as a beautiful palazzo with bas-reliefs and sculptures on the facade. Noteworthy is the courtyard with a well in the middle and an arched gallery overgrown with green vegetation. Today, the Vaidahunyad Castle has an Agricultural Museum.
Elizabeth Park
When taking a sightseeing tour of the historical center of the capital, tourists will not be able to pass by this place. It was named after the wife of the Emperor of Austria-Hungary Franz Joseph-Elisabeth of Bavaria. This is a spacious area with an abundance of vegetation, neat paths, comfortable benches and well-groomed lawns.
A Ferris wheel rises above the greenery of trees, which is illuminated with colorful illumination at dusk. It is worth paying attention to the old stone fountain with sculptural compositions. It was designed in 1883. The fountain is crowned with a statue of Neptune with a dolphin. Below are statues of female figures symbolizing the tributaries of the Danube River.
Margate Island
In the middle of the Danube River between two parts of the Hungarian capital, connected by bridges, stretches a surprisingly beautiful piece of land — the island of Margit. This picturesque oasis of peace and quiet is surprisingly located in the center of a bustling European city. Here, every visitor to the island will find entertainment and activities to their liking.
Lovers of walking through a well-maintained park complex with a natural protected area, clean air and developed infrastructure tend to come here. Margate Island is 2.5 km long and features walking paths, flower alleys, playgrounds for children and beach areas. Fans of a healthy lifestyle can enjoy a swimming pool with a thermal spring, sports complexes, a stadium and a tennis court.
The Japanese Garden, where there are many trees and plants, a pond with fish, rocks, bridges and a waterfall, conquers with its beauty and tranquility. Fountains, sculptural compositions and green lawns create an atmosphere of coziness and comfort. Among the island’s attractions are the ruins of a 13th-century monastery, a water tower and a rotunda gazebo with a statue of the god Neptune on a high dome.
Memento
This is a unique open-air museum, which displays a collection of sculptures from the past socialist period of Hungary. On the spacious grounds, you can see impressive monuments and statues of Budapest’s Communist heritage. Not only monumental sculptures, but also memorable bas-reliefs dismantled from the streets of the city in the early 90s of the last century found their refuge here.
Memento has about 40 monuments erected between 1945 and 1989. Here you can see the monuments of Lenin, Engels and Marx. Statues of heroes of socialism, leaders of the proletarian revolution, Soviet soldiers and Hungarian communist figures are of interest. The telephone booth and the Trabant car fully allow you to recreate the spirit of the Soviet era.
Olimpia
Not far from the Parliament building along the Danube River is a small green square — Olympia. There are excellent conditions for a pleasant stay, which is especially valuable during an impressive sightseeing walk through the city streets. There are playgrounds for children with slides, ladders and Swedish walls.
A basketball court with a rubber surface is organized nearby. There are benches under the sprawling trees, where you can sit comfortably in the shade of the trees. From here you can enjoy a wonderful view of the embankment. Enjoy a picnic on the well-kept, spacious lawn. The park features Olympic rings decorated in the colors of the national flag of Hungary.
Millenarian
Tourists who want to diversify their excursion program to iconic places are recommended to visit the Millennial Park area. This is the former territory of the factory where the production of electrical appliances was carried out. Now you can actively and calmly relax here, sit on the numerous benches, relax in the shade of trees and enjoy the fresh air.
All this is favored by spacious lawns, artificial lakes, green spaces. Pavilions and buildings are of interest, inside which various entertainment show programs are organized. Millennial has an open-air stage and many pavilions. It regularly hosts music concerts, theater performances, food fairs, festivals and various events.
Playgrounds and sports grounds are open for children and adults all year round. You can take a walk along the bridges over the pond and watch the fish scurrying around waiting for some goodies. Young guests are especially attracted by the exhibition pavilion “Palace of Miracles”, where the laws of physics and other interesting natural phenomena are demonstrated in a playful way.
Freedom Square
It is one of the most beautiful and largest public places in the Hungarian capital. Until 1886, this territory was literally saturated and overloaded with army barracks. After the demolition of military buildings, an open space was formed, along the perimeter of which the construction of luxury mansions began. Today, the well-maintained Freedom Square is surrounded by historical monuments.
The buildings of the National Bank and the US Embassy are particularly impressive with their solemn and elegant facades. Numerous fountains, manicured lawns, walking paths and trees of various species are scattered throughout the rectangular territory, giving a shady coolness on a hot day. There are playgrounds for children.
Adults can relax on the benches or visit the coffee shop. The square is literally filled with a huge number of monuments and sculptural compositions. Noteworthy are the monument to the fallen Soviet soldiers during the liberation of Budapest from the Nazi hordes, the memorial to the victims of Nazism and the bronze statue of Ronald Reagan.
Gardens of the Royal Palace
A visit to the Royal Garden, located on the slope of Buda Hill, will leave a pleasant impression. Several terraces have green lawns with manicured plantings, picturesque flower beds and convenient paths. The pearl of the garden is considered to be a number of arcades with galleries, fountains, sculptures and pavilions in the Renaissance style.
The unique architectural ensemble was built in the middle of the XIX century in order to connect the Buda Fortress with the Danube embankment. The central place is occupied by six-meter arcades with shops. Here, at one time, soldiers of the palace guard were stationed, and the servants lived. Since 1987, the Gardens of the Royal Palace, as a historical site, have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Normafa
A few kilometers from the city center, the Normafa Nature Reserve is located on green hills. Tourists especially need to get here to enjoy the silence, the purest fresh air and the amazing panoramic landscapes that open up to the surrounding area from a height of 500 meters. The picturesque area is a forest with oaks, wild rose and larch.
Ideally designed infrastructure allows you to get maximum pleasure from walking. There are hiking trails, cycling and cross-country trails, and picnic areas. Spacious glades with benches and tables, as well as a forest sports field are always welcome. In winter, Normafa is packed with cross-country skiing enthusiasts.
Heroes ‘ Square
One of the main business cards of the Hungarian capital is Heroes ‘ Square. The landmark for Hungarians was formed in honor of the millennial anniversary of the founding of the state. The central place is occupied by a marble Corinthian column 36 meters high, on top of which is a statue of the Archangel Gabriel.
Stone equestrian figures of Magyar leaders lined up at the foot of the monument. The architectural composition is complemented by two semicircular colonnades with sculptures. Majestic statues introduce tourists to the fateful milestones of the Hungarian people. In front of the central column lies a stone slab surrounded by a wrought-iron fence.
This memorial is dedicated to the memory of Hungarian soldiers who died in world wars. On public holidays, flowers are laid here, and a guard of honor is lined up. Contrary to popular belief, there are no burials under the slab. On both sides of Heroes ‘ Square are the most beautiful buildings in the neoclassical style-these are museums of fine and modern art.
Zoo and Botanical Garden
The zoo, together with the Botanical Garden, opened its doors in 1866. One of the oldest institutions in Europe is famous for its unique and rich collection of flora and fauna. On an impressive territory of 12 hectares, exotic plants and animals get along organically. It is home to more than five thousand rare mammals, fish and reptiles brought from all over the world.
The zoo and garden are home to more than 3,500 plant species, including elephants, giraffes, hippos, monkeys, lemurs, tigers and other animals. For animals, the most natural living conditions are created. This is favored by artificially created rocks and gorges, lakes and lawns, glaciers and tropical jungles.
The spacious outdoor and indoor enclosures are divided into several themed areas. Each of them has its own microclimate, which is necessary for a comfortable stay of animals in the zoo. The abundance of architectural structures is of interest. Among them, the Elephant House, designed in the style of a Muslim sanctuary with a minaret, stands out in particular. Tropical trees and flowers are widely displayed in the botanical garden.
Kopasi gat
This is a new beautiful green area of the city, formed on the site of an abandoned bay. The well-groomed and cozy territory with the embankment is full of numerous plantings, spacious lawns and places for a secluded and relaxing holiday. It is ideal for family picnics, cycling and sports.
Comfortable benches are installed under the spreading crowns of trees. Hiking trails run along the banks of the Danube River. On the sandy beach, you can sunbathe, swim, or rent a kayak. Visitors will enjoy walking on the bridge over the bamboo grove.
It is recommended to sit on the outdoor terrace of one of the restaurants and savor coffee prepared according to the Hungarian recipe. One of the main business cards is the embankment section, designed in the form of a stepped amphitheater. Guests and citizens can sit comfortably on its parapets and enjoy the beautiful scenery that opens up.
Orchi Rope Park
An unforgettable experience is guaranteed by visiting the Orci rope Park. The fascinating open-air attraction occupies a picturesque wooded area located in the city center. Young and adult adventurers will enjoy a variety of trails laid out between majestic trees. The routes consist of numerous obstacles in the form of nets, ladders, bungee ropes, suspension bridges, swinging logs and platforms.
Depending on the age of participants, simple and challenging runs are offered to test their sense of balance, flexibility and physical fitness. Before the start of the rope routes, participants of the Orchi attraction pass a training course and safety instructions.
Aquavorld Water Park
Budapest is famous for its largest water amusement park in Central Europe — Aquaworld. This indoor entertainment complex is open all year round and offers activities to suit all tastes. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water slides, swimming pools, saunas, Jacuzzis, and playgrounds. The area of the complex is 8.6 hectares, which allows you to simultaneously receive about two thousand guests.
The water park features original architecture and interior decoration. The complex’s attractions are located under a majestic glass dome. Its diameter is 75 meters, which is comparable in height to a five-story house. Panoramic windows and a huge dome allow the sun’s rays to flood the entire interior of the aqua center with bright light.
Above the slides and pools is a replica of a Hindu temple with towers, sculptures, carvings and suspended rope bridges. Such an interesting interior creates a special atmosphere of the ancient world.
Guests can enjoy a relaxing swim in the pool or take a dip in the thermal springs. Fans of extreme entertainment enjoy riding on giant slides of different heights and complexity. Swimming in the wave pool, as well as surfing, will leave you with an unforgettable experience.