Explore Margaret Island Budapest – A Green Oasis in Budapest

Margaret Island Budapest Travel Guide

Margaret Island Budapest Travel Guide
Margaret Island Budapest Travel Guide

Inaccessible in the middle of the Danube, Margaret Island was a retreat for religious contemplation from at least the 11th century onward. Relics of the island’s past include the remains of two monastic churches and the ruins of the convent home of Princess Margaret. She was the daughter of King Béla IV, who gave the island its name.

Opened to the public in 1869, Margaret Island is today Budapest’s most beautiful park. It is a car-free haven of greenery in the middle of the city and the ideal location for a peaceful walk. On the western shore, the Palatinus Strand bathing complex uses the mineral-rich hot springs rising on the island.

Centenary Monument to Palatinus Strand

Centenary Monument
Centenary Monument Margaret Island

A nice walk begins amid the peace and greenery of the southern tip of Margaret Island. Heading to the north, the first landmark is the Centenary Monument, which stands in front of a sizable fountain.

Designed by István Kiss, this monument from 1973 remembers the centenary of the towns Buda, Óbuda, and Pest unification. At night the fountain illuminates. You can rent four-wheel family bikes here. Taking a left turn ahead, the Hajós Olympic Pool Complex is soon reached.

Completed in 1930, the multi-talented Alfréd Hajós designed the complex. He won gold medals in swimming events in the 1896 Olympic Games and was also a member of the Hungarian football team.

A Rose Garden and A Franciscan Monastery

Franciscan Monastery
Franciscan Monastery Budapest Margaret Island

Continuing northwards, there’s a rose garden to the right before the ruins of the early 14th century Franciscan Church come into view. Constructed in the Gothic style, the church was originally attached to a monastery.

Visible in the west wall is the doorway which once led to the organ loft, as well as a spiral staircase and a fine arched window. Further on is the busy Palatinus Strand. In front of the entrance to its pools stands a statue by the French sculptor Emile Guilleaume.

Water Tower to St. Michael’s Church Margaret Island

Water Tower Margaret Island
Water Tower Margaret Island

Visible to the northeast of Palatinus Strand, is the 57 meters (187 ft) high Water Tower. Built in 1911 and now protected by UNESCO, this graceful tower is now used as an exhibition space for a variety of modern crafts and artworks, ranging from puppets to paintings.

On the floor of the Water Tower is the Summer Theater, a large amphitheater seating 3,500 people. It hosts a summer season of operatic performances. To the southeast of the Water Tower are the ruins of a 13th-century Dominican Church and Convent. The latter was once home to Princess Margrit, who gave her name to the island.

Getting Around In Budapest

Hop-on Hop-off Bus Budapest

 

Hop on Hop off Bus Prague
Hop on Hop off Bus Prague

Big Bus Tours offers sightseeing tours of Budapest on a double-decker bus or a single-decker bus across our two routes. During your tour, you can listen to our complimentary, pre-recorded commentary available in 24 languages to learn fascinating facts and stories about Budapest.

You can hop on and hop off the bus at any stop to visit attractions and places of interest, or you’re welcome to sit back and relax for the entire tour!

 

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