The City Park in Budapest (in Hungarian: Városliget), with its pretty lake, is the second largest of its kind in the Hungarian capital which happened to be the first public park in the world. It sits behind Heroes’ Square and is just as popular as Margaret Island for lazy walks, picnics in the grass, and also popular for the many attractions located in and around the park.
A little history of the City Park in Budapest
The plantation of the City Park in Budapest started in 1808, following an imperial decree. Before that it was a marshland, which served as a royal hunting ground that was favored by the great 15th century monarch, King Matthias. Leopold I gave the land to the town of Pest, but it was in the mid 18th century, under Maria Theresa, that the area was drained and planted.
In 1885 the first National Exhibition was held in the City Park and in 1896 it became the central venue of the Millennium Celebrations. It was the most significant event in the life of the City Park which marked the 1000th anniversary of the Conquest of the Carpathian Basin.
After the constructions of Andrássy Avenue and the Millennium Underground it became easily accessible and the park underwent vast developments. It is home to numerous landmarks such as the Budapest Zoo, Széchényi Thermal Bath, Vajdahunyad Castle, Gundel Restaurant and so on.
The picturesque park, along with Heroes’ Square, has been privy to many demonstrations as well as celebrations during its long history. The City Park is the favorite place of Budapesters to hang out, stroll or have fun all year long.
What to see in the City Park in Budapest
Vajdahunyad Castle
Vajdahunyad Castle is one of the most unique attractions of Budapest. This building complex looks like it has just stepped out from a Disney fairytale movie. It is located by the lake in the City Park which is used for small boat rides in the summer and for ice skating in winter. Originally it was first built from wood and cardboard with the purpose of being part of the Millennial Exhibition in 1896. But, due to the fact that this castle became one of the most liked constructions of such exhibition, it was then rebuilt using stable materials such as brick and stone.
City Park Ice Rink
City Park Ice Rink with the majestic Vajdahunyad Castle as a fairy-tale backdrop is located behind Heroes’ Square. In the second part of the 19th century the pleasant environment of the City Park became a beloved place for relaxation, entertainment and leisure activities. During the summer boating and rowing were popular sports to practice on the City Park Lake and during the winter skaters also appeared on the frozen lake.
Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden
The Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden is the oldest zoo and park in Hungary and one of the oldest in the world as it was opened in 1866. This stylistically diverse wild kingdom features several notable animal shelters, such as the folk-architecture Australian Pavilion (formerly known as the Bird House), the glass-walled Palm House and the Art Nouveau Elephant House, alongside many modern open enclosures which are also not to be missed.
Széchenyi Thermal Bath
Széchenyi Thermal Bath is located in a lush green area of the City Park. It is named after István Széchenyi who was a Hungarian statesman, theorist and writer. It’s one of the largest bathing complexes in Europe, the premier medicinal bath of Pest. Its thermal springs were discovered in 1879; they are the deepest and hottest (74-75 C.) thermal wells in the capital. The neo-Baroque baths were built in 1913, the swimming pool in 1927. The open-air sections with their pleasantly warm waters are equally popular in winter.
The House of the Hungarian Millennium
The House of the Hungarian Millennium, formerly called Olof Palme House, is the oldest building (1885) in the City Park in Budapest. After a complete restoration work it was opened to the public in October, 2019. There is a cultural center, an event venue, an exhibition place and a restaurant and café with high level culinary treats. It is all under one roof. The new rose garden gives a warm welcome to the visitors.
New Attractions in City Park as part of the Liget Budapest Project in 2022
House of Music, Hungary
After 3 years of construction, the House of Music opened its doors on January 22, 2022 in City Park featuring “a roof perforated with 100 or so cavities that allow natural light, trees and sound to infiltrate the two performance venues, exhibition spaces and library, which are linked by magnificent spiral staircases, and a complete glass exterior to aid reliance on renewable energy”.
Panoramic Balloon Lookout
This air balloon offers a panoramic view of Budapest 150 meters above the city. The balloon is fixed with cords to the ground, so it works like an open-air lift to the sky. The balloon was modeled after the one depicted by 19th-century painter Pál Szinyei Merse in his famous oil-canvas “The Balloon”. It looks similar to the one that you can find at the playground nearby. Check the prices and more photos HERE.
Where to stay near the City Park in Budapest
Hotel Alice
The lovely Hotel Alice is located on the UNESCO world heritage Andrássy Avenue, close to the famous Heroes’ Square and House of Terror. The stylish villa was built at the end of the 1870’s and was owned by the family of the Hungarian manufacturer, Manfréd Weiss. The fully renovated and new-born Hotel Alice offers a complex recreational experience to all of its visitors.
Ibis Budapest Heroes’ Square
Ibis Budapest Heroes’ Square is located next to the Museum of Fine Arts, Hungarian Art Gallery, Széchenyi Spa, Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden, Heroes’ Square and City Park. A breakfast buffet is available every morning at the hotel. A terrace and a bar are also at guests’ disposal. If you arrive by car, no problem, the hotel provides parking for an extra fee.
Smart Hotel Budapest
Experience the smart technology in Smart Hotel Budapest! Innovation and wise resorts are waiting for you and your family. Two clicks for personalize room by using located tablets or even your mobile phone. Make yourself at home.
Mamaison Hotel Andrassy Budapest
This upscale boutique hotel is located in the historic Andrássy Avenue, also known as the Champs Élysées of Budapest and a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll enjoy being a 5 minute walk away from Heroes’ Square and Széchenyi Spa. The elegance of this recently renovated building was erected in the 1930s. This Bauhaus style hotel offers modern comforts, gourmet breakfast, a restaurant and lounge and conference rooms.
I wish you a nice stay in my lovely hometown!
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