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A park beloved since ancient Roman times
Right in the center of the Danube lies Margaret Island, the beautiful floating park of Budapest connected to the mainland by two bridges, the Margaret Bridge to the south and the Árpád Bridge to the north. The island, which stretches for almost 100 acres, is the green lung of Budapest. It is the perfect place for long walks, outdoor dining, cycling, and sports (with tennis courts, bike paths, swimming pools, etc.). A true oasis for lovers of peace and relaxation, accessible only to pedestrians, bicycles, and horse-drawn carriages but served by public transport.
A Singing Fountain, a Thermal Pool, and Plenty of Fresh Air
A very popular city park among Budapest residents, an attractive alternative for tourists seeking relaxation, Margaret Island has a long history. **A spa much appreciated by the ancient Romans **of Aquincum, of which many artifacts remain, a hunting reserve under the Árpád dynasty, in the Middle Ages the island hosted churches and convents.
In the convent of the Dominican nuns lived the princess Margaret, the daughter of King Béla IV, after whom the island is named. Occupied by the Turks in the 13th century, the island was abandoned until the end of the 18th century. Later, the Habsburgs, who resided here in summer, planted hundreds and hundreds of trees and plants to combat soil erosion caused by floods, so that in the 19th century the island was transformed into a vast public city park.
Where Love Begins and Ends
At the entrance to the island, near the monument erected in 1972 to celebrate the Centennial of the merger between Óbuda, Buda, and Pest, there is a large musical fountain where water dances to the notes of classical music.
On the Buda side are the Palatinus Baths with three thermal pools, in front of them a beautiful rose garden and not far away the open-air theater, a summer stage for operas, plays, and classical ballets alternating with rock operas and musicals. While strolling down the tree-lined avenues, you may spot the remains of the Dominican convent commissioned by King Béla IV, who dedicated his daughter to monastic life as a sign of gratitude for the liberation of the country from the Tatars, and what remains of the monastery founded by the Knights Hospitaller. Rising above the island is the old water cistern, an octagonal tower 57 meters high built in Art Nouveau style in 1911.
Where to Stay in Budapest
During your walk, you can stop for a short break at the small zoo, or in the Japanese garden, or simply to admire the beauty of the park in its colors and scents. Thus, not just a lush garden but also a muse inspiring poets and writers like Ferenc Moinar and Janos Arany, and a romantic island. Because as a Hungarian proverb says, on Margaret Island love is born and ends.
To book a hotel in Budapest, we recommend Booking.com. You can choose from about 200 hotels with photos and comments from those who have already stayed.