Margaret Island, the Green Heart of Budapest
Margaret Island is a popular attraction for locals and tourists all year round. Measuring 2.5 km in length and 500 m in width, the island covers an area of 96.5 hectares, making it a vast and beautiful park. Its name has evolved in an interesting way over the centuries. In the 13th century, it was known as 'Island of Rabbits' (Nyulak Szigete), Urak Island, Buda Island, and Boldogasszony Island. Since the 17th century, it has been known as Saint Margaret Island. This is in honour of Saint Margaret of the Árpád family, the daughter of King Béla IV, who lived in the Dominican convent on the island in the 13th century in fulfilment of a vow she had made to the king. From the 1790s, the island was known as Palatine or Nádor Island, as it was owned by the Palatine at that time.
The island with so many names was formed by connecting three islands, the Painter's Island (Festő), the Bather's Island (Fürdőző) and the Rabbit's Island (Nyúl-sziget), at the end of the 19th century to regulate the flow of the Danube.
So how did Margaret Island become our favorite? It was declared a public park at the beginning of the 20th century, in 1908 to be precise. An entrance fee was charged until 1919, but today this wonderful place can be visited for free.
7 great things to enjoy on Margaret Island
Musical fountain: Being maybe the most popular meeting point, the musical fountain puts on an amazing show five times a day (at 10.30am, 5pm, 6pm, 7.30pm and 9pm). Jets dance to music (from Vivaldi to The Rolling Stones), and shoot up to 10 metres in the air. The short show is the most beautiful after sunset, when the fountain is illuminated by hundreds of colourful lamps, but it is jaw-dropping everytime.
Water Tower and Margaret Island Theatre: The Water Tower on Margaret Island was completed in 1911 – the architect successfully achieved the dual function, so it became a water tower and a lookout tower. In 1977 it was declared a monument of urban significance. Every year, the Water Tower on Margaret Island hosts special exhibitions and galleries and offers young artists the opportunity to present their artworks. At the Water Tower, you can find the Margaret Island Open-Air Theatre, the country’s most exclusive open-air summer theater. Running here from May till August, The Margaret Island Summer Festival is the country’s longest and most colorful cultural festival, with more than 70 programs – mostly its own productions in a wide variety of genres.
Gastro Promenade: If you're looking for the best food on Margaret Island, head to the Gastro Promenade, open from April to November, where you can discover some great places. Burgers, pizza, desserts or cocktails? Sports or cinema? Whatever you want, the Gastro Promenade guarantees a good time!
Palatinus beach: Summer days in Budapest can be so hot that your only aim is to find a beach where you can cool down. Palatinus is the perfect place for that: it's already open, so you can enjoy outdoor water activities. You can also swim in the outdoor pool and training pool. From 14 June, the wave pool and slides will also be open.
Petting Zoo: At the petting zoo, you can see a wide variety of birds and animals up close, such as fallow deer, mandarin ducks, owls and peacocks. Children can also enjoy pony rides. Get ready for the family fun!
Beautiful parks: Would you like to go for a nice walk with someone special? Margaret Island is the perfect place for that. As well as stunning walking routes, it also has a beautiful Rose Garden (Rózsakert) with hundreds of roses, as well as a Japanese Garden (Japánkert). The latter, refurbished in 2015, features dwarf trees, artificial waterfalls, and ponds filled with exotic fish.
Running track: The Margaret Island running track is one of the most famous running venues in Budapest. Popular with runners of all ages, the 5.3 km track winds through a beautiful, shaded area with huge trees and fresh air. Are you ready to run like a champion?
How to get there?
The charm of Margaret Island is enhanced by the fact that there is no car traffic: only taxis and buses can drive through it. The easiest way to get there is by bus 26, which runs between Nyugati Railway Station and Árpád Bridge. But it is also a short walk from the Margaret Island stop of trams 4 and 6. If you choose this, you will arrive at the musical fountain, on the south side of the island, which is the perfect opportunity to start exploring one of the largest and most beautiful parks in Budapest - the Margaret Island.
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