Budapest City Park: a complete guide to enjoy Városliget
- attractionsthings to do
- December 20, 2023
Welcome to Budapest’s enchanting oasis in the heart of the city, Városliget, or City Park. Steeped in history and surrounded by a vibrant urban landscape, this sprawling green expanse beckons travelers and locals alike to discover its treasures.
As we step into the heart of Hungary’s capital, we are transported to a place where nature, culture, and art converge. Join us on a journey through Budapest City Park, where you’ll encounter majestic monuments, captivating exhibitions, and a touch of magic that makes this park truly one of a kind.
Quick links:
• History
• Things to do in Budapest City Park
1. Andrássy Avenue
2. Heroe’s Square
3. Vajdahunyad Castle
4. Zielinski bridge
5. Ice skating rink and boating lake
6. Agriculture Museum
7. Balloon Fly
8. Statues
9. Sports facilities
10. The Main Playground
11. House of Music
12. Museum of Ethnography
13. Széchenyi Thermal Baths
• Restaurants in Városliget
• City Park dimensions
• Guided tours
• Entrance fee
• How to get to Budapest city park
Budapest City Park - History
Városliget, also known as City Park, is a big park in Budapest that’s quite close to the city center. This park is special because it’s one of the very first public parks in the whole world.
A long time ago, the area used to be called “Ökör-dűlő,” meaning “Oxmeadow.” People first mentioned this name way back in 1241, and it sounded a bit different back then, like “Ukurföld.”
In the 18th century, they called it “Ochsenried” in German. But around 1800, they decided to change it to “Batthyány-erdő,” which means “Batthyány Forest,” after the Batthyány family who lived here. They started planting trees and making paths here in 1751.
Then, in the 19th century, they turned it into a public park, and that’s when they gave it the name “Városliget.”
Things to do in Budapest City Park
1. Andrássy Avenue (outside the City Park, leading to its entrance)
Andrássy Avenue (or Andrássy út) is a famous long street in Budapest, stretching for 2,310 meters (7578 feet). It’s special because it connects the city center to the City Park, making it an important part of Budapest. And while it’s not in the City Park itself, it leads right to its entrance, and can be the start of a great adventure in the park.
The avenue, known for its beautiful old buildings that all look similar in style, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002. As you walk along Andrássy út, you’ll see impressive buildings and grand houses, being one of the most famous the Hungarian State Opera, which opened in 1884.
The avenue itself is wide and spacious, lined with trees, and surrounded by historic villas and buildings. It’s a perfect place for a leisurely walk, starting from Elizabeth Square in the city center and leading to Heroes’ Square at the entrance of the City Park. So, if you visit Budapest, don’t miss a stroll along this charming avenue filled with history and culture.
2. Heroes' Square, the main entrance to the City Park
Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere), right at the main entrance of the City Park, is an iconic symbol of Hungarian history and grandeur in Budapest – and one of the must visit attractions in Budapest, whether you’re planning to visit Városliget or not.
Constructed in 1896 to commemorate Hungary’s 1000th anniversary, this square is a living testament to the nation’s past. The square’s centerpiece, the Millennium Monument, was completed by 1900 and underwent significant changes post-World War II, reflecting Hungary’s evolving identity. The monument is adorned with statues of key Hungarian figures, including the Seven chieftains of the Magyars, narrating the nation’s journey through time.
Accessible by various modes of public transport, including the M1 metro line and buses, Heroes’ Square is a cultural epicenter, hosting a wide range of events from cultural festivals to political gatherings. In 2001, it underwent extensive restoration, restoring its original splendor.
Museums in Heroes Square
Read more:
Heroes Square, Budapest
3. Vajdahunyad Castle
If you enter the City Park from the Heroes’ Square, you’ll find is a romantic and whimsical architectural masterpiece that tells the story of Hungary’s history: its name is Vajdahunyad Castle.
And despite its appearance, the castle was also built in 1896 for the millennial celebrations. Its architect, Ignác Alpár, ingeniously combined Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements to create this captivating complex, intended to showcase Hungary’s architectural evolution over a thousand years of national architecture.
Vajdahunyad Castle features characteristic parts from celebrated historical Hungarian buildings, including elements from the Cathedral of Pécs, the Church of Ják, and more. But its most iconic part is inspired by Hunedoara Castle in Transylvania, known as Vajdahunyad Castle, which became its popular name.
You’ll encounter a Gothic cathedral-style inner courtyard, a Baroque palace facade, and even a Renaissance wing. To stroll around the Castle and appreciate its beauty is free; however, you can also climb the Gatehouse and the Apostles’ Tower for panoramic views of Budapest.
Vajdahunyad entrance fee:
- Adults: HUF 2,500
- Students / Seniors: HUF 1,200
- Optional add-on for visiting the Gate Tower: HUF 400
4. Zielinski Bridge
While you’re going from Heroes Square to Vajdahunyad Castle, don’t forget to look at the pretty bridge that crosses the adjacent lake.
The Zielinski Bridge, formerly known as the Millennium Bridge, is a historic metal structure connecting Károly Kós Promenade with Városliget Lake above Heroes’ Square. It was also built for the 1896 millennium celebrations, with a length of 82 meters and a width of 10 + 2×3 meters.
Designed by the architect Zielinski, it features ornate railings and lighting fixtures, and, since 1994, it stands as a tribute to him.
5. City Park lake and ice skating rink
Nestled on the edge of the City Park, between the iconic Heroes’ Square and the picturesque Vajdahunyad Castle, lies Budapest ice-skating rink, Europe’s largest, usually open between mid-December and mid-February.
Established in 1926, shortly after Vienna’s, it offers a sprawling 12,000 m2 ice surface in winter, thanks to special machinery beneath the lake.
However, from spring to autumn, the rink transforms into a hub for cultural and recreational events. Summer sees the area filled with water, where visitors can rent boats for leisurely rides. Also, it’s woprth noting that a part of Városliget Lake has been recently revitalized, and that part is filled with water all year-round, standing separated from the ice rink, and embracing the castle with a beautiful lake view.
Read more:
Ice skating rink in Budapest City Park – a 2023/2024 guide
6. Agriculture Museum
The Museum and Library of Hungarian Agriculture, housed within the grandeur of Vajdahunyad Castle, stands as a testament to the country’s agricultural heritage.
Established in 1897 by Ignác Darányi, the Minister of Agriculture, it was originally designed to showcase the evolution of agriculture and the latest technological advancements.
Today, it reigns as Europe’s largest agricultural museum, boasting a rich history of Hungarian agriculture, forestry, hunting, fishing, viticulture, domestication, flora, and horse breeding. The museum features nine permanent exhibitions and numerous temporary displays, offering a unique insight into Hungary’s agricultural past. Visitors can explore an extensive collection of trophies, including stag, deer, and boar, some of which are world record holders.
If you’re interested to visit the museum, do confirm the opening times for your specific date – but you can expect it to be open between Tuesdays and Sundays, from 10 AM to 5 PM.
7. Balloon Fly
The City Park in Budapest offers an enchanting balloon ride experience. Operating from Monday to Sunday between 9 AM and 6 PM, tickets cost HUF 8,500 per adult for a 15-minute journey that reaches a maximum height of 150 meters.
Guided by professional pilots and providing a 360° panorama of Budapest, it makes for a great experience.
8. Two Statues
In Budapest’s City Park, in front of the Vajdahunyad Castle, two prominent statues, Gróf Karólyi Sándor and Anonymous’ Statue, stand as compelling landmarks.
Karólyi Sándor statue pays tribute to the renowned Hungarian politician and founder of the Hospital Of The Hungarian Academy Of Sciences. Sculpted by Alajos Strobl, it portrays Sándor seated on a bench, hat and books by his side, providing an inviting setting for photographs.
On the other hand, Anonymous’ Statue commemorates the mysterious figure who authored the “Gesta Hungarorum,” an ancient Hungarian chronicle. This hooded figure, clutching a quill and scroll, embodies the enigma of Anonymous, the earliest chronicler of Hungarian history.
9. Sports facilities
For those into sports, Városliget will surely have something, as there’s a vast array of free activities that one can do it the park.
Visitors can enjoy jogging along well-maintained trails, with the lush greenery providing a serene backdrop. The park also features outdoor workout stations, perfect for bodyweight exercises. And for those interested in racket sports, there are tennis and table tennis courts available for free use. Not to mention the multiple football, basketball and volleyball courts, table football facilities,climbing, skateparks, and much more. It’ll be difficult to name a sport that you can’t practice in the city park.
10. The Main Playground
For those traveling with kids, you probably want to know about this one. Városliget boasts a fantastic kids’ playground, the largest among seven in the park, covering over 13,000 m2.
Accessible via five entrances and enclosed by a specially designed 1.5-meter fence, it offers a safe and engaging environment for children of all ages. The playground features diverse play equipment, nurturing creativity and learning through play. Parents can relax on ample seating while children explore sand-and-water play areas and enjoy discovery-based activities.
11. House of Music
If you’re visiting the Park, don’t forget to visit the House of Music Hungary. It opened its doors in January 2022, and it’s not just a museum: it’s a visionary celebration of music’s past and future, nature, culture, and scientific exploration. Designed by renowned Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, the iconic building was selected from a pool of international projects, garnering attention in architectural circles.
This 21st-century museum seamlessly integrates with its environment, emphasizing interaction and shared experiences. Visitors can meander through the museum like a continuous flow, echoing the way music permeates space. The House of Hungarian Music beautifully blends with the park’s landscape, becoming a symbol of open borders and global communication.
Inside, you’ll discover a comprehensive exhibition presenting the history of Hungarian music in the context of European music, and, in addition, the House of Music hosts music performances and free open-air concerts during the summer. For program details, visitors can check the schedule on their calendar.
12. Museum of Ethnography
Also inside Városliget and quite close to the House of Music lies the new Museum of Ethnography of Budapest, which also opened doors in 2022. Designed by the renowned architect Marcel Ferencz, this purpose-built facility marks a significant milestone in the museum’s rich history. The building’s design, resembling a pair of embracing hillsides, captivates visitors with its unique facade decoration – and invites people climb to its top and have great panoramic views of the city.
Inside, the museum houses a diverse collection of approximately 225,000 ethnographic objects, accompanied by exceptional photographic and film materials, manuscripts, and folk music recordings. Artifacts date from the 17th century to the present, illustrating the myriad facets of everyday life.
You can also check their program online and buy tickets in the museum’s website.
13. Budapest thermal baths in the City Park
Inside the City Park you’ll also find one of the best thermal baths in Budapest: it’s called Széchenyi, and you’ve probably seen pictures of it before.
Széchenyi Thermal Baths, the largest and most renowned thermal spa in Budapest, stand as a testament to the city’s rich tradition of relaxation and rejuvenation. With its 111-year history, these baths offer therapeutic warm waters and an array of aquatic amenities.
The outdoor thermal pools are a haven of tranquility, particularly during colder months, providing a therapeutic escape into its warm embrace; while in summer, the activity pool and surrounding terrace beckon sunbathers and those seeking refreshing cooler waters.
A visit to Széchenyi Thermal Baths is undoubtedly worth it, as it combines its stunning architecture, a variety of pools, and the therapeutic benefits of thermal waters. To put it simply, here you’ll find rejuvenation in a picturesque setting.
Read more:
Széchenyi Thermal Baths, a full guide in 2023.
Restaurants in Városliget
If you’re feeling hungry while in the City Park, there’s many culinary delights you can try. From international flavors to Hungarian classics, these dining establishments offer a range of culinary experiences amidst the picturesque surroundings of the park:
Dimensions: how big is Budapest City Park?
City Park in Budapest spans an impressive 302 acres, forming a rectangular expanse measuring 0.9 by 0.6 miles (1,400 by 970 meters). Situated within District XIV of Budapest, it is bounded by Hungária körút, Ajtósi Dürer sor, Vágány utca, and Dózsa György út. The park’s primary access point is at the iconic Heroes’ Square (Hősök tere).
Budapest City Park Tours
You can also explore the City Park through guided tours that offer in-depth insights into its rich history and attractions.
These tours often include visits to iconic landmarks like Heroes’ Square, Vajdahunyad Castle, and the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, allowing you to immerse yourself in the park’s cultural and architectural treasures.
Whether you prefer a walking tour in Budapest, bike excursion, or a relaxing horse-drawn carriage ride, these guided experiences provide a wonderful way to discover the wonders of City Park in Budapest.
For that, you can go to GetYourGuide, do some investigation, and make your choice.
Read more: The best walking tours in Budapest
City Park Budapest entrance fee
There’s no entrance fee to Budapest City Park nor to Vajdahunyad Castle gardens. The park is free. However, certain attractions within Városliget are paid: Vajdahunyad Castle charges HUF 2,500 per adult; SUP, paddle boat and boat trips cost from HUF 2000 to HUF 4000 per 30 minutes ride; and most museums have a fee to get in too.
How to get to Budapest City Park
When it comes to reaching Budapest City Park, there are several transportation options available:
- Bus routes: You can take buses 105, 20E, 75, and 79.
- Metro line M1.
- MOL Bubi Bikes: Convenient docking stations for these bikes can be found within the park and in close proximity to Heroes Square.