Margaret Island in Budapest

Just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Budapest lies one of the city's most beautiful green escapes: Margaret Island (Margitsziget). This car-free island in the middle of the Danube offers the perfect blend of nature, history, relaxation, and recreation – beloved by locals and visitors alike.

Stretching about 2.8 kilometers in length and covering nearly 100 hectares, the island is a lush paradise at the heart of the city. Expansive parks, fragrant flowerbeds, shaded avenues, and open meadows invite you to stroll, jog, or simply enjoy a leisurely picnic.

One of the most popular attractions is the musical fountain at the southern tip of the island. At scheduled times, the water jets dance in sync with music – from Vivaldi to Coldplay – enhanced by colorful light shows after sunset. Not far away, the Art Nouveau water tower, built in 1911, rises above the treetops. Climb to the top for a panoramic view over Budapest.

In the northern part of the island, you’ll find the peaceful Japanese Garden, complete with water lilies, small cascades, and the “Little Mermaid” – a delicate bronze statue resting in a tranquil pond. Nearby, a romantic rock waterfall, ancient monastic ruins, a small zoo, and the famous Palatinus Baths add variety for all ages.

Active travelers can jog the 5 km running track that circles the island, while families will enjoy the wide-open lawns and children’s play areas perfect for an afternoon outdoors.

Margaret Island has been inhabited since ancient times, with archaeological finds from the Roman period proving its early importance. During the Middle Ages, it became a monastic island. The island is named after Princess Margaret, daughter of King Béla IV, who lived here in a Dominican convent and was later canonized.

For centuries, the island was a retreat for religious orders and later came under noble ownership. In the 19th century, it was opened to the public and transformed into a landscaped park with gardens, fountains, and monuments – much like what you see today.

Margaret Island is located right in the middle of the Danube between the Buda and Pest sides of the city, roughly halfway between Margaret Bridge and Árpád Bridge. Completely car-free, it’s best explored on foot, by bicycle, or via public transport.

From the city center, the easiest way to access the island is via Margaret Bridge. Trams 4 and 6 stop at the station “Margitsziget / Margaret Island”, with a walking path leading straight to the musical fountain at the southern entrance.

If you’re approaching from the north, you can also enter via Árpád Bridge. Bus line 26 – the only public bus that runs across the island – travels from Nyugati Railway Station (Nyugati pályaudvar) and connects all the major points along the way.

Tip: For a more relaxed way to explore, rent a bike or pedal-powered buggy on-site – a fun and easy way to experience the island’s beauty at your own pace.