Looking for a quieter side of Budapest? Margaret Island sits in the Danube between Buda and Pest, with leafy paths, flower gardens and medieval ruins to explore. You can spend a morning wandering, cool off at the pools or linger by the musical fountain. This Margaret Island Budapest guide covers the highlights, when to visit and how to get there, so you can plan a relaxing break from city sightseeing.
It’s time to relax at the beautiful, lush Margaret Island (a public space since 1908 in the heart of Budapest) with its amazingly well-kept gardens, medieval ruins, popular recreational area, and sprawling view of the Danube. The island belongs administratively to Hungary’s 13th district.
You can explore the island on foot, but I recommend getting some form of transport.
Anything is better on a camera in clear weather conditions, but you may want to go during the week when there is fewer people traffic, thus more relaxation in the open meadows of this peaceful hideaway.
The first few hours of a sunny day are when I believe the island is at its best to enjoy the large green areas, flowery gardens, and old trees. I guess my preference goes back to my childhood when my Mom always spent her most enjoyable hours in the garden during the first half of the morning.
April to May is Springtime and all the flowers get to show off big time.
Mid-September to Mid-October you will experience the most beautiful autumn foliage in a mixture of colors ranging from yellow to orange and to reddish-brownish.
Speaking from experience, the island is not to be rushed. She will charm you for at least a couple of hours. If you’re on a tight schedule, set aside at least a morning or afternoon.
After the Mongol Invasion, King Béla IV made a vow to God that if God gives him another daughter (by then he had lost two in the war) he would raise her in the service of God if the country could be rebuilt after the devastation caused by the Mongol Invasion (1241 to 1242).
The Mongols were returned to their homeland, so King Béla had a chance to reorganize and rebuild the country. After that, the 11-year-old Princess Margaret was sent to the Dominican convent on the island, as previously vowed. And that’s how the island got to bear her name.
Princess Margaret’s burial place is indicated with a marble plaque at the ruins of the church’s nave.
As you enter the island from the south, a large signpost maps the island’s attractions.
The numbers below match the photographed sign. Margaret Bridge is on the left; Árpád Bridge is on the right.
Two different water features: No. 6 is the musical well near the Japanese Garden at the northern end. No. 12 marks the fountain near Margaret Bridge at the southern end. The key follows the names on the photographed sign; it is not a current directory of operating facilities.
Other symbols
Toilets · Public boat stop · Bus stop · BuBi bicycle docking station · Playground · Food and drink outlets.
Let’s look at a few highlights…
Unless you are considered “service traffic” (a hotel, shop, or restaurant) you cannot enter with your car. In the instance of staying at the hotel accommodation, you may park in the allocated parking area on the northern end of the island.
The island is better accessible by public transport from the southern part (city center) than the northern part.
Tram: Margitsziget, lines 4, and 6 (Margaret Bridge).
Bus: Line 26
I took the Hop-on Hop-off Bus, got off at Margaret Bridge, and walked the short distance across the bridge to the southern entrance. To get back on the bus, we walked back to the drop-off point. This way, I had plenty of time to relax on beautiful, lush Margaret Island.
You don’t need a packed itinerary to enjoy Margaret Island. Choose a few highlights—perhaps the Japanese Garden, the convent ruins or the musical fountain—and leave time for a stroll or a picnic beneath the trees. Whether you stay for a couple of hours or a leisurely afternoon, it’s a lovely place to slow down during your Budapest trip. Which spot would you visit first?
Sharing the places I’ve come to love. – Arina ♡