Description
Right in the heart of Hungary’s vibrant capital, City Park (Városliget) offers a welcome break from the urban bustle. Just behind Heroes’ Square, Budapest’s "green lung" begins – and what may seem like a classic city park at first glance turns out to be a true adventure zone for visitors of all ages.
Nestled among old trees, ponds, and scenic walkways, Városliget offers a wide range of activities. Families flock to the spacious playgrounds or explore the Budapest Zoo, one of the oldest in Europe with over 150 years of history. Right next door, the Capital Circus entertains audiences year-round with shows for all ages. A highlight for many visitors is the grand Széchenyi Thermal Bath, known for its historic pools and impressive architecture – also located in the park.
Those seeking peace and quiet can relax on one of the many lawns, take a walk around the small lake, or follow educational nature trails that teach about local flora and fauna. The park also features the romantic Vajdahunyad Castle and several new cultural venues, including the House of Hungarian Music – making Városliget a fascinating mix of nature, culture, and leisure.
Historical Information
City Park was first established as a public green space in the 18th century, making it one of the earliest urban parks in Europe. In the early 20th century, as part of Hungary’s Millennium celebrations, the park was redesigned to include Heroes’ Square, Vajdahunyad Castle, and several other iconic buildings. Since then, Városliget has not only been a recreational space but also a symbolic site for the city of Budapest.
How to get there
Városliget is located in the Zugló district (14th district) of Budapest, directly behind Heroes’ Square and at the end of the grand boulevard Andrássy út. The easiest way to get there is via metro line M1, the oldest underground railway on the European mainland. The stations "Hősök tere" (for Heroes’ Square) and "Széchenyi fürdő" (for the thermal bath) both lie right at the edge of the park.
Several bus and tram lines also serve the area. And if you're already in the city center, you can walk to City Park along the beautiful Andrássy Avenue.