Margaret Island

margaret island budapest

Margaret island is a green diamant in the centre of Budapest. It’s an island in the Danube river and it’s connected with the main land via two bridges. It’s the perfect spot if you fancy a picnick, to read your book or to go for a run. And not only is it a great place to be, there is also a lot of things to do.

In the middle ages this little island used to be the favourite spot of… rabbits. That’s why it got the nickname ‘Rabbit island’. But nowadays it’s known as Margaret Island. Named after the daughter of King Béla the 4th. Margaret was staying in a monastery on the island in the beginning of the 13th century. You can still see the ruins of this monastery on the island.

What to do on Margaret island

There is a lot to do on this small island of 2.5 km long and 500 meters wide. Offcourse you can walk around on the island perfect or sit down for a picknick, but there is much more to do around here. You can check the ruins, visit the watertower or enjoy a movie on a nice summer night. Here is a lot of things you can do on Margaret island.

Enjoy the musical fountain

Once on Margaret island you should really enjoy the musicul fountain. Every hour a new show starts. It’s nice during day, but when it starts to be dark it’s even better because of the lights. But what to expect? The fountain sprays water jets on the melody of famous songs. For example from the Rolling Stones. It’s not spectacular, but it’s fun to watch once your around.

Go for a run

If you like to run and want to keep up during your trip, then Margaret Island is the place for you to go. There is a special running path along the island. The total length of the path is 5.8km. It’s a popular sport though, so it can be quite busy on the track. But it’s a nice experience to run in between the locals and enjoy the view,

Visit the Palatinus bath

Palatinus Bath Margaret Island

The Palatinus bath on Margaret Island is perfect for a warm summer day. It’s a big swimming complex with multiple pools and big slides. If you go here you will have a fun day for sure. It can get quite crowded during summer though. Especially on the weekends. Check here the website of the bath.

Go to the Margaret island zoo

Are you with your kids in Budapest? Or do you just love animals? Than, it might be worth paying a visit to the Petting Zoo on Magaret Island. It’s a very mini zoo where you can pet the animals. Also there is spot where children can ride ponies. Don’t expect a long visit, but for sure it’s a nice place to step by when on this little island in Budapest.

Climb the watertower

In the middle of the island stands an art nouveau watertower which was opened over 100 years ago in 1911. Climb to the 57 meter high top of the tower and enjoy the 360-degree view from here. You can climb the tower from May till October. It’s openings hours are from 11.00 AM – 10.00 PM (11.00 – 22.00).

How to get there?

Tram: tram 4 and 6 stop in front of the entrance on the Margaret Bridge
Bus: Bus 26
Boot: D11 of D12
On foot: If you walk past the shores of the Danube you will reach the island easily

Looking for a hotel?
Check out my two personal favourites: TG Design suites Aparthotel & Hotel Rum (which is Buda-side of the city). Other hotels which are popular, have good ratings and are located very well are Roombach Hotel and AnVa House.

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Do you have any questions or comments? Tell me below. I will respond as fast as I can. Be aware though that you don’t get an e-mail after I responded, so you need to come back in order to check my response.

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