Margaret Island in Budapest: a complete guide
Facts, things to do, and best tips.
- attractionsthings to do
- March 6, 2024
In this article, you’ll discover why you should visit this verdant oasis called Margaret Island. Learn about its history, and unravel a myriad of attractions. Get ready to embark on a journey of relaxation, culture, and natural beauty on this picturesque island.
TABLE OF CONTENTS / QUICK LINKS:
• History and facts
• Best things to do in Margaret Island
• How to get to Margaret Island
• Tips to visit Margaret Island
• Is Margaret Island Budapest worth visiting?
Margaret Island in Budapest: history and facts
Margaret Island is an island in the middle of Budapest, connecting Buda and Pest over the Danube river, between Margaret Bridge and Árpád Bridge, just north of the city center.
FACTS:
• Hungarian name: Margitsziget. after Saint Margaret, the daughter of Béla IV of Hungary
• Google Maps: Budapest, 1138
• Length: 2.5 km (1.6 mi)
• Width: 500 m (550 yd)
• Area: 0.965 km2 (238 acres)
Margaret Island, nestled in the Danube within Budapest, spans 2.5 km and boasts verdant parks, historic ruins, and diverse recreational activities. Its medieval relics and lush landscapes offer a glimpse into its rich history and natural beauty.
Situated between Margaret and Árpád Bridges, it was once known as the “Island of Rabbits” and formerly part of the 13th district before coming under direct city control.
The history of Margaret Island is marked by centuries of religious presence, from the Knights of St. John in the 12th century to the 16th century dominance of nunneries and churches. Devastated during the Ottoman wars, it later became a resort for palatines before transforming into a public garden in 1908.
In World War II, the island saw intense combat, serving as a battleground between Soviet troops and defending Hungarian and German forces, culminating in a daring escape by defenders on January 28, 1945. And despite all those facts, it has evolved into a serene retreat, now declared a public garden since 1908.
Its current landscape, formed by connecting three separate islands in the late 19th century, now stands slightly higher to prevent Danube flooding.
Read more about the Margaret Bridge, which connects Budapest to Margaret Island.
Why is it called Margaret Island?
Margaret Island is named after Saint Margaret, daughter of Béla IV of Hungary, who resided in the Dominican convent there in the 14th century. Previously known as Insula leporum (Island of Rabbits), its current name reflects the island’s religious significance and connection to the saint.
Margaret Island's attractions
Margaret Island is home to numerous attractions, including the Palatinus water park, Alfréd Hajós sports pool, a small zoo, or a rubber-coated running track. But there’s so much more…
You can can explore its cultural landmarks, such as the Centennial Memorial, erected in 1973 by István Kiss to honor Budapest’s hundredth anniversary of unification and the iconic; or the Water Tower, built in 1911 in Art Nouveau style, which now serves as a lookout tower and exhibition hall, offering panoramic views and cultural insights.
If you walk deep enough, you’ll also be able to see a serene Japanese Garden, complete with a gently warmed fish pond, or a music well, originally designed for open-air concerts. And close to the Margaret Bridge entrance, for example, you’ll see a music fountain, with synchronized water and music displays, creating a mesmerizing spectacles during the summer months;
Is Margaret Island Budapest free?
Access to Margaret Island is free 24/7, all year round. There are no requirements for entry, and no admission fees apply.
Other readings…
• Eager to see other green spaces in Budapest? Read our article about Varósliget City Park.
• If you want a romantic escapade, check our guide about the best things to do in Budapest for couples.
• Traveling on a short budget? See the best free things to do in Budapest.
• Read our guide about the Budapest Travel Card for the best deals with the BKK public transportation.
• Read our guide about the Budapest Card (City Pass) for free entry in many attractions, discounts, and free public transport
Best things to do in Margaret Island
If you’re not sure of all the things you can do in Margaret Island in Budapest, worry not – we’ve prepared a complete list:
1. Relax in the lush parks and gardens
This is perhaps, the most basic and obvious, but it’s still worth mentioning – with so many things to do in the Island, let’s not forget that this is still one of the best things to do in this oasis. Even though the Island is in the center of Budapest, some of its areas can really offer you the quietness one usually doesn’t find in the city. Whether you want to wander around, sit down, have a picnic, take a nap, soak in the sun, meditate, etc., Margitsziget is your place to enjoy some quiet.
2. Watch the musical fountain water show
Every spring, Budapest welcomes the musical fountain on Margaret Island, a captivating spectacle, free to watch, featuring water jets soaring ten meters high. Popular tunes fill the air, sometimes even accompanied by light shows or film projections. With melodies ranging from classic pieces by Bizet, Brahms, and Mozart to modern hits, visitors of all ages are enchanted as they stroll past this magnificent fountain. And what time is the musical fountain on Margaret Island? The music goes on from 11AM to 10PM, every day, between May and October.
3. Take a dip at the Palatinus strand
Palatinus, one of the best thermal baths in Budapest, is more than just a pool – it’s an iconic summer point in Budapest. This open-air complex offers a refreshing escape from the city heat. With its expansive facilities, medicinal pools, water slides, and lush green surroundings, Palatinus promises fun and relaxation for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re seeking thrills on the slides, or simply want to soak up the sun, enjoy thermal waters or have a massage, Palatinus strand has it all. It’s open everyday from 9 AM to 7 PM, and the adult ticket costs HUF 3,200 on week days, and HUF 3,500 on weekends.
Location: Budapest, Soó Rezső stny. 1, 1007
4. Visit the ruins of the Franciscan Monastery
For those into history, there’s also interesting things to visit: the ruins of the gothic Franciscan Monastery, from the 13th century, are an example. However, the church met its demise during the Turkish conquest in 1541, and, in 1796, Palatine Joseph repurposed the ruins, constructing his palace there. Later transformed into a hotel in the early 20th century, the palace welcomed guests until its closure in 1940. Wartime damage sealed its fate, leading to the demolition of the palace in 1946, leaving only the Gothic ruinsm which still stand today.
Location: Budapest, Schulek Frigyes sétány, 1138
5. Cycle, run or ride a golf cart
For a different experience, you can explore the island through some pretty exciting options: from cycling and running to riding unique vehicles like golf or bringo carts, you can try the freedom of movement and quiet from Margit Island, as you pedal or jog along scenic paths, soaking in the island’s natural beauty.
6. Visit the mini zoo
For animal lovers, this might be a good surprise. Discover the charming mini “pet zoo” in Margaret Island, entrusted to the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden, with a lot of animals one can observe from the outside, without paying. You can step into the past as you wander through the fold for fallow deer, evoking the island’s medieval history as a deer park; you can find a variety of waterfowl and colorful birds, including White-cheeked Pintails, Mandarin Ducks, and Carolina Ducks; or you can visit the pony stable for a sunny-day ride.
7. Explore the pubs and restaurants
If you come to the island unprepared food-wise, worry not. There’s plenty of options for the hungry (and thirsty) ones. You can have excellent burgers in there, and great local wine selections. There’s pubs, restaurants, cocktail bars, and smaller places serving drinks. Just be sure you check if they’re open before getting there, as often times they’ll have designated months or they’ll be working just in the evening. These are the best places according to TripAdvisor: Steg Pub, Hippie Island, Champs Sziget, Széchenyi Restaurant, and Harmas Bufe.
8. Climb the Water Tower
This one might come as unexpected, but it’s definitely a fun one to meet. The Margaret Island Water Tower, standing tall at 57 meters, is a striking Art Nouveau landmark in the heart of the island. Designed by architect Zielinski Szilárd and completed in 1913, it now serves as both a lookout tower and an exhibition space. Ascend its 152 steps for a panoramic 360-degree view of Budapest and the picturesque Buda Hills. There’s no fee to enter, and it’s open from May to September, between 12 PM to 6 PM on week days (except Mondays, when it’s closed), and 10 AM to 6 pm on weekends.
9. Watch a show in the open-air theater
Right next to the Water tower, you’ll find the huge Margaret Island Open Air Stage. In this stage, you have many shows that you can buy tickets to already, even though the shows will start from May. You can check the full program and buy tickets here. In 2024 you should expect great performances and artists like the Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra, The Budapest Gipsy Symphony Orchestra, operas, ballets, gospel concerts, and more.
Location: Budapest, Zielinski Szilárd stny., 1007
10. Go see (and hear) the Musical well
The Musical Well on Margaret Island, a replica of the historic Bodor fountain – typical in Transylvania in the early 19th century – is another attraction in Margit. With its blend of visual and auditory allure, it really might surprise you. Built in 1936, the well features a rotating statue of Neptune and plays Hungarian melodies hourly, evoking a bygone cultural era. Restored with care over the years, it remains a captivating spectacle near Margaret Bridge, drawing crowds to admire its beauty and soothing ambiance.
Location: Musical Well, Budapest, 1138
11. Stroll through the Japanese Garden
Established in the 1970s and recently renovated, this oasis offers a tranquil escape inspired by Japanese culture. Ideal for romantic walks or picnics, you’ll find winding paths adorned with lush vegetation, bamboo groves, enchanting water pond teeming with koi fish and water lilies, or a “Sitting Girl” statue, evoking a sense of timeless beauty and harmony. If you enter the Island from Margaret Bridge you’ll have to walk a bit in order to find the Japanese Garden – but, in our opinion, it pays off.
Location: Budapest, Hajós Alfréd stny., 1138
12. Explore the ruins of the Dominican Convent
There’s more ruins to see. In the island, you’ll also find the remains of a 13th-century Dominican convent, built by King Béla IV for his daughter, St. Margaret. She devoted her life to religious service, and the crumbling walls of this convent echo tales of devotion and sacrifice. Legend has it that St. Margaret entered the convent at just nine years old, fulfilling a promise made by her father to dedicate her to a life of piety if the Mongol invaders were expelled from the land. Today, visitors can pay homage to this revered figure at a red-marble sepulchre, adorned with wrought-iron grille, marking her original resting place.
How to get to Margaret Island?
There are many ways to get to Margaret Island. Depending on the time of the year or time of the day, you might want to choose which one is best for you:
- Tram lines 4 and 6 (from Pest side)
- Tram line 19 (from Buda, drops you at the entrance of Margaret Bridge)
- Bus 26 (from Pest, it enters the island)
- Train H5 (on Buda side, it connects the bridge with Szentendre)
- MOL Bubi bikes (two docking stations inside the island, and many more around the bridge)
- By foot: the island is quite central, and not far from some attractions in Budapest, like 15 minutes from the Hungarian Parliament, or 30 minutes from the Chain Bridge.
Should I walk onto Margaret Island in Budapest?
You can walk to Margaret Island, and it’s even recommended to do so. Accessible via the yellow Margaret Bridge, it offers splendid views of Budapest, including the majestic Buda Castle and Parliament. Stroll along its scenic pathways to immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty and iconic landmarks.
Tips to visit Margaret Island
1. Enjoy the view, especially at night.
The vistas from Margaret Island always dazzle, especially when it gets the dark, and the Budapest Parliament and Buda Castle illuminate the skyline with their golden glow, reflecting in the Danube. Whether you admire from the bridge or from below, the sight is breathtaking.
2. Plan to have 2-3 hours for exploration.
If you want to discover the island, then, for a comprehensive experience, try to plan what your visit, and…come prepared to walk. The island is pretty flat, but is also long and has a lot to see.
3. Not so much time available? Use a bike or an electric car.
You can also use other means of transportation. We recommend MOL Bubi bikes, part of the public transportation system. They’re pretty cheap, easy to use (you just need a phone with a local or a foreign number), and you have two docking stations inside the island, plus lots of them around Margit Bridge.
4. Don't go there by car.
Cars are banned from Margaret Island, there’s only one bus line allowed in. If you go by car, you won’t be able to enter, and you’ll end up looking for parking spots around Margit Bridge – which is not that near, anyway. It’s better to just walk there, take public transportation, or go by bike.
5. Go during the week for less crowds.
Expect more crowds on sunny afternoons, especially on weekends. Nothing wrong with that, especially because the island is huge, and hopefully you won’t feel overwhelmed. But if you’d rather have a quieter visit, opt for mornings, evenings or simply go on week days.
6. Bring some cash, just in case.
Most places in Budapest accept card payments, but it’s still a good idea to have some cash on hand as a backup. You might encounter situations where cash is needed, like for public bathrooms or food stands. The island large and finding an ATM would be a hassle.
6. Have a furry friend? Perfect.
Margaret Island is a haven for dogs, with parks abound for their enjoyment, making it an ideal destination for a day out with your loyal companion.
Is Margaret Island Budapest worth visiting?
Margaret Island in Budapest is definitely worth a visit, promising a serene escape amidst verdant parks, historic ruins, and recreational activities like jogging, cycling, or swimming. You can go for drinks at bars, eat some great food, have a picnic with friends, visit the zoo with family, or enjoy the musical fountain show.
