Escape to the Danube: Discover Budapest's Margaret Island

Gracefully floating in the Danube, Margaret Island (Margitsziget) lies between the historic Buda and Pest, standing as a treasured gem of Budapest.

Nestled between Margaret and Árpád Bridges, this scenic 2.5-kilometer-long island, with its 500-meter width, offers a peaceful haven for both visitors and locals alike.

While the island is mainly covered by lush parks, it also features outdoor swimming pools, high-end hotels, and a wildlife park, making it a must-see destination in Budapest.

With activities to enjoy year-round, it’s a picturesque location that remains captivating in every season.

Top 10 Must-Do Activities on Margaret Island

Take a Ride Around the Island

The most convenient and fun way to explore Margaret Island is by renting a bike, bringo cart, golf buggy, electric scooter, or Segway.

Visitors can easily navigate through the island’s winding paths that connect lush parks with vibrant bars, cafes, and restaurants, all while soaking in stunning views of the Danube, the sunset over Buda Hills, and the Pest skyline.

Exploring the island on wheels not only saves time but also allows you to fully enjoy the rest of Budapest during your visit.

Go Mobility Margitsziget; +36 30 215 5152 / +36 20 353 1937

Unwind at luxurious spas and thermal baths

Often called the 'Spa Island of Budapest,' Margaret Island is home not only to thermal pools but also thrilling water slides, wave machines, and adventure zones.

Palatinus Baths, the first public swimming area in Hungary to allow outdoor bathing, features 11 different pools for both locals and tourists to enjoy year-round.

Famous for its thermal baths and mineral-rich waters from the island’s natural springs, Margaret Island also offers giant water slides and a wave pool that provide endless fun for children.

A wellness center with a Finnish sauna, steam room, and geothermal sauna was added in 2017 to enhance the island’s relaxation offerings.

The island is also home to Danubius Health Spa Resort Margitsziget, which uses water from three natural springs to supply its indoor and outdoor pools, hydrotherapy baths, saunas, steam rooms, and aroma baths.

Palatinus Baths, Budapest, Soó Rezső stny. 1, 1003 Hungary; +36 1 236 0040

Danubius Health Spa Resort Margitsziget, Budapest, 1007 Hungary; +36 1 889 4700

Enjoy the spectacle of the Musical Fountain

Reopened and expanded in 2013, the Musical Fountain delights visitors with stunning performances both day and night.

The fountain sprays water in sync with music from famous artists like Brahms, Bocelli, Simon & Garfunkel, and Vivaldi, earning it the nickname Hungary's version of the Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas.

With five performances daily, the fountain is especially mesmerizing at night when it’s illuminated by vibrant colored lights.

Showtimes: 10:30 a.m., 5:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 9:00 p.m. (Please check the schedule as times may change). Admission is free.

Enjoy an open-air performance

Throughout the summer, the island’s central area hosts a variety of outdoor concerts, plays, and performances.

Since its opening 80 years ago, the Margaret Island Open-Air Stage has been a venue for opera, theater, and musical performances every year.

With productions like 'The Marriage of Figaro' and other modern classics on the schedule, attending a show here is a must during a summer visit from June to September.

Margaret Island Open-Air Stage, Budapest, Zielinski Szilárd stny., 1138 Hungary; +36 1 375 5922

Explore the island's bars and cafes

Margaret Island boasts a variety of pubs, bars, cafes, and restaurants offering an extensive menu of both local and international dishes.

The Szechenyi Restaurant, located at the Danubius Grand Hotel, serves some of the finest traditional Hungarian dishes in Budapest.

The Hippie Island bar is known for its selection of local drinks, including pálinka and Hungarian wines, while the Champs Sziget café offers a range of fast food, soft drinks, and beer.

Throughout the island, you'll find numerous food and drink stalls selling treats like cotton candy, ice cream, and Hungarian sweets.

Some venues remain calm, while others transform into lively mini discos at night.

Visit the pet zoo

Historically known as Insula Leporum or 'the island of rabbits,' Margaret Island still hosts a variety of animals.

Often called the pet zoo or deer park, the island's wildlife park features a range of animals, including ducks, rabbits, deer, owls, and birds of prey, all housed in quiet enclosures that can be explored in under an hour.

It’s also a popular place for locals to walk their dogs, so expect to see a variety of dog breeds, including the Hungarian Vizsla. Admission is free.

Discover the Rose and Japanese Gardens

While the island is filled with beautifully designed parks, the Rose Garden and Japanese Garden are particularly noteworthy.

The Rose Garden is located centrally, near the Palatinus Baths, while the Japanese Gardens, featuring a fish pond, dwarf trees, rock garden, and artificial waterfall, can be found at the northern tip of the island.

The ideal time to visit is during the peak of spring when the flowers are at their most vibrant, though the island is open year-round.

Explore the ancient ruins

Several religious structures that once stood proudly on Margaret Island since the 1200s were destroyed during the Ottoman occupation in the 16th century.

Some of the ruins remain, including the notable Franciscan Priory, a Dominican nunnery dedicated to St. Margaret, and the St. Michael Chapel, home to the oldest bell in Hungary.

Visitors can stroll across the ruins on specially designed walkways, immersing themselves in the island's rich history and unique atmosphere.

Visit the Water Tower lookout and Visual Art Gallery

The functional Margaret Island Water Tower is visible from many parts of the island.

This 107-year-old landmark, located near the open-air stage, houses both an exhibition hall and an observation deck.

At the top, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree view of Budapest from the lookout tower, open from June to October each year.

Inside the tower, the Visual Art Gallery features theater and urban history exhibitions, while the courtyard hosts live jazz concerts every weekend.

Margaret Island Water Tower, Budapest, 1138 Hungary; +36 (1) 340 4196

Run along the track

The running track on Margaret Island is one of its most popular attractions.

This recently renovated sports track runs around the island's perimeter, offering stunning views of the city for joggers.

At the Margaret Island Athletic Center, the Nike Running Club provides structured group runs, or you can enjoy the track at your own pace.

There’s also an outdoor fitness park for street workouts and a canoe and kayak club for those looking to explore the water.

At the heart of the island lies the renowned Alfréd Hajós Swimming Pool, named after Hungary’s first Olympic medalist.

Directions:

To reach Margaret Island from the city center, it's best to hop on the 4 or 6 tram and disembark at the Margaret Bridge stop, as the walk can be quite lengthy.

From there, visitors can follow a pathway leading to the Musical Fountain, then either walk, rent a bike, or take the number 26 bus to explore the island.