City Park Budapest (also known as Városliget in Hungarian), is one of the most popular and beautiful parks in Budapest. It is located in the heart of the city, adjacent to Heroes' Square, and covers an area of 302 acres.

The park dates back to the 18th century, when it was used as a hunting ground by the Hungarian aristocracy. Today, it is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a wide range of attractions and activities.

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What the City Park Budapest offers

In addition to relaxing and walking, you can also find a lot of attractions in the City Park Budapest or in its immediate vicinity. One of the most famous landmarks in City Park Budapest is the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, a beautiful bathhouse built in the early 20th century.

Another popular attraction in the park is the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden, which is home to a variety of animals and plants from all over the world. The zoo is divided into different sections, including a rainforest house, a savanna area, and an aquarium.

The park also features several museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts and the Hungarian Museum of Agriculture. The Museum of Fine Arts houses an impressive collection of European art, including works by Rembrandt, Raphael, and Monet. The Hungarian Museum of Agriculture in the Vajdahunyad Castle showcases the history and culture of Hungarian farming.

In addition to its many attractions, City Park Budapest also offers beautiful scenery and recreational opportunities. The park's lake is a popular spot for boating, and there are several paths and trails for walking, jogging, and cycling.

Overall, City Park Budapest is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Budapest. Its combination of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities make it a perfect destination for a day trip or an extended stay.

Festival on 1st of May in City Park Budapest
Festival on 1st of May in City Park Budapest © ZandArt

Spend a day exploring the unique of City Park Budapest discovering its hidden gems

City Park Budapest is one of the city's most beloved and popular destinations, offering a unique mix of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and entertainment options. Spending a day exploring the park and discovering its hidden gems can be a delightful experience.

One of the first things to see in City Park Budapest is the famous Széchenyi Thermal Bath, one of Europe's largest and most beautiful bathhouses. The bath is surrounded by a beautiful park and offers a range of thermal pools, saunas, and massage services, making it a perfect place to relax and rejuvenate.

Next, head over to the Vajdahunyad Castle, a stunning Gothic Revival castle built in the early 20th century. The castle was inspired by various architectural styles found throughout Hungary and is home to a museum that showcases the country's history and culture.

Nearby is the beautiful City Park Lake, where you can rent a rowboat or take a leisurely stroll around the perimeter. The lake is also home to the Vajdahunyad Castle Skating Rink, which transforms into an enchanting winter wonderland during the holiday season.

A short walk from the lake will take you to the beautiful Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden, which is home to a diverse collection of animals and plants from around the world. The zoo is known for its beautiful Art Nouveau buildings and well-designed habitats, making it a perfect place for animal lovers and families.

 

 

You can also visit the Műcsarnok (Kunsthalle), an art museum that hosts a range of exhibitions and events throughout the year. The museum is housed in a beautiful Art Nouveau building and is located next to the Heroes' Square, another one of Budapest's must-see landmarks.

One of the best ways to feel the atmosphere of City Park Budapest is to take a stroll through the park's winding paths and lush green spaces. The park is home to a range of beautiful trees, flowers, and wildlife, and walking through it can be a peaceful and refreshing experience.

During the warmer months, City Park Budapest comes alive with a range of outdoor activities and events. The City Park Lake, for example, is a popular spot for boating , while the park's many playgrounds and sports facilities offer opportunities for exercise and recreation.

In the winter months, City Park Budapest transforms into a magical wonderland, with the Ice Rink and various holiday markets attracting visitors from near and far. The park's beautiful Christmas lights and decorations add to the festive atmosphere, making it a perfect place to celebrate the holiday season. Overall, the atmosphere of City Park Budapest is one of charm, beauty, and liveliness.

A Live Sculpture
A Live Sculpture in Vajdahunyad Castle © ZandArt

The City Park Budapest has been renovated

The Liget Budapest Project (City Park Budapest Project) is now Europe's largest urban development project with cultural content, recognised with prestigious international awards, combining the largest-scale park and landscape project in the country's history with an institutional development programme not seen since the Millennium. By 2023, City Park will be a more liveable, greener and more modern park with attractive institutions, once again worthy of its former glory.

The Liget Budapest Project is not only an unprecedented development of cultural institutions since the Millennium, but also the largest-scale park and landscape project in the country's history. The first stage of this project was completed in October 2018 with the renovation of Hungary's first Garden of the Blind, a special place for the rest and recreation of the blind and visually impaired.

In addition to the special park section, the first phase also saw the opening of the beautiful new pavilions on the Zoo Boulevard, based on the original design by Frigyes Feszl, the revitalisation of the surroundings of the Museum of Fine Arts, the construction of new sports fields in response to the needs of schools in the area, and the opening of Budapest's most complex dog park, which increased the green space of the Liget by half a hectare.

In 2019, the second phase of the park's development was launched, with the largest and best playground in the capital, a special Rose Garden at the entrance to the Millennium House, and several sports fields and a two-kilometre floodlit running track.

Gaze at the impressive architecture

It is a vast green space located in the heart of the city and is home to a range of attractions, including museums, a zoo, and a skating rink. However, one of the most impressive aspects of City Park Budapest is its architecture.

Walking through the park, one can't help but be awed by the stunning buildings that surround the park. Many of these structures were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when Budapest was experiencing a period of rapid growth and prosperity. This led to a building boom, and many architects were tasked with designing buildings that were not only functional but also beautiful.

The staircase in The House of Hungarian Music
The staircase in The House of Hungarian Music © ZandArt

One of the most striking examples of this architecture is the Vajdahunyad Castle. This sprawling complex was built in 1896 as part of the Millennial Exhibition, which celebrated Hungary's 1000th anniversary. The castle is a fascinating blend of different architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque. It features a moat, a drawbridge, and even a statue of a knight on horseback, making visitors feel like they have stepped back in time.

Another architectural gem in City Park Budapest is the Museum of Fine Arts. Built in the early 20th century, this neoclassical building houses an extensive collection of European art, including works by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Van Gogh. The museum's impressive facade is adorned with columns, statues, and intricate carvings, making it a sight to behold.

The Ethnographic Museum in the City Park of Budapest is a must-see for travelers visiting the city. The museum houses a large collection of Hungarian folk art, artifacts and traditional crafts, as well as displays of traditional Hungarian clothing and regional costumes. Visitors can view the rich cultural heritage of the country and gain a better understanding of the region’s history. It is a great way to learn more about the region and its people. It is also an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon, with a variety of activities for all ages. The museum also offers a range of special events throughout the year, including concerts, exhibitions and workshops.

Aside from the impressive architecture, City Park Budapest is also a hub of activity. Locals and tourists alike flock to the park to enjoy the many amenities it has to offer. In the summer, the park is the perfect place to have a picnic, go for a jog, or rent a paddleboat on the lake. In the winter, the park is transformed into a winter wonderland, with an ice rink that draws crowds from all over the city.

In addition to these activities, City Park Budapest is also home to a number of festivals and events throughout the year. These include the Budapest Wine Festival, the Budapest Beer Festival, and the Budapest Circus Festival. These events attract thousands of visitors and add to the already vibrant atmosphere of the park.

Attractions in the City Park Budapest

City Park Budapest is a favored destination for both cultural and leisurely activities, serving as a renowned hub in the city. The park hosts numerous attractions and sights, drawing in visitors from all over. Városliget, also known as City Park Budapest, spans over 81 hectares and boasts an impressive collection of approximately 6,500 trees. The park is also home to various buildings, museums, and the Budapest Zoo, occupying an additional 19 hectares. Locally nicknamed "Liget," it was previously referred to as "Lizsé" in a humorous manner. City Park in Budapest has made history by becoming the world's initial public park to be accessible to all.

Heroes' Square

Heroes' Square is the largest square in Budapest, located in the 14th district, and is essentially marked by the Millennium Monument. It is a remarkable sight in City Park Budapest, and is part of the World Heritage Site along with Andrássy Avenue which runs in front of it. It is a popular destination for both foreign tourists and locals alike.

The main attraction of Heroes' Square and City Park Budapest is the statue complex surrounding the square, with the Millennium Monument located in the center. At the top of the column stands Gabriel the Archangel, while the Seven Chieftains are featured on the pedestal. Among the sights in City Park Budapest, Heroes' Square is the most stunning piece of sculpture and not to be missed!

Museum of Fine Arts

As you stroll through the City Park Budapest, you'll eventually arrive at the Museum of Fine Arts, which is an integral part of the Heroes' Square monument complex and a Budapest World Heritage Site. The museum exhibits art pieces from every era of European art, featuring works by renowned artists like Raphael, Leonardo, Rembrandt, and Monet. With over 100,000 art pieces, it's one of the most alluring attractions in the City Park, but its Hungarian art collection has been transferred to the Hungarian National Gallery, leaving only a few Hungarian artists' works on display, such as József Rippl-Rónai. Visiting the museum is an unforgettable experience, as it is one of the most stunning sights in the City Park.

Museum of Fine Arts
Museum of Fine Arts

Art Gallery

The largest exhibition hall in Budapest is situated in Heroes' Square, directly across from the Museum of Fine Arts. This venue primarily features exhibitions showcasing contemporary art.

Ice rink

During the winter season, one of Hungary's most frequented ice rinks is the artificial ice rink in City Park Budapest, which is open to tourists as well. If you grow weary of skating, you can unwind with a hot drink at the hut-style bar. Among the City Park's numerous attractions, the City Park Lake is the ideal spot to have some fun during the warmer months. On the same site as the ice rink, visitors can rent boats in the summer and indulge in a splendid rowing experience!

The restaurant's layout provides a unique ambiance for your lunch, complete with a view of the lake.
If you are facing Heroes' Square, the ice rink is on the right.

Museum of Ethnography

If you walk past the skating rink and across the park you will see the recently built beautiful Folk Art Museum. If you walk up to the top you will have a beautiful view and you can even take a rest at the top.

On 23 May, the public were able to enter the new Museum of Ethnography, located in City Park Budapest, which was designed by Marcel Ferencz (NAPUR Architect) and tailored to the specific needs of an ethnographic museum. This building covers a floor space three times larger than its previous venue on Kossuth Square, and is characterised by its unique facade decoration of nearly half a million pixels and its seven-thousand-square-metre roof garden. From the highest point of the garden, visitors can enjoy a stunning panorama. In 2018, the International Property Awards in London awarded the Museum of Ethnography the Best Architecture main prize, which was based solely on its architectural design.

The Museum of Ethnography has undergone an epic change with its relocation to the City Park Budapest. For the first time since its founding in 1872, the 250-thousand-piece collection from the Carpathian Basin and all around the world is now housed in a purpose-built facility designed to meet its needs. The museum’s exhibition space has been increased several fold and the building is located at the end of the Városligeti fasor, which traditionally served as the gateway to the City Park.

This area was home to the Felvonási Square in the early 1950s, and then an above-ground car park for over one and a half thousand cars until the start of construction in 2017. In 2020, the area was transformed into the new Museum of Ethnography, surrounded by green surfaces, and the City Park Promenade. The cars have been moved to the Museum Underground Parking facility, thus giving the City Park back the area that was once occupied by them.

The New Museum of Etnography
The New Museum of Etnography © ZandArt

Castle of Vajdahunyad in the middle of City Park Budapest

The castle is among the most popular tourist destinations in the City Park Budapest. As we continue our walk through the park, we can approach the complex from the lake.

It derives its name from its facade, which resembles the Vajdahunyad Castle. Additionally, it houses Europe's largest agricultural museum, which is open to the public.

Agricultural Museum

The Agricultural Museum, one of the most important museums in Budapest, is located in Vajdahunyad Castle in the middle of City Park Budapest.

 

 

The House of Hungarian Music

You will find this building near Vajdahunyad Castle in a beautiful park area designed by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto.

Musical history has been significantly influenced by Hungarian art, and the accomplishments of prominent composers and musicians such as Ferenc Liszt, Béla Bartók, Zoltán Kodály, György Ligeti, and Zoltán Kocsis have been felt around the world. However, Hungary lacks a centralized place that could provide an all-encompassing look at these remarkable contributions in the context of the global music scene.

In January 2022, the House of Music Hungary opened its doors in the City Park. The iconic building, designed by Japanese star architect Sou Fujimoto, was selected from 170 international projects and named one of the top ten most anticipated buildings of 2021 by CNN and the World Architecture Community. This unique and complex institution was the first to host a comprehensive exhibition presenting the history of Hungarian music in the context of European music, and it has attracted massive attention in international professional circles. The result exceeded expectations, creating a truly contemporary architectural masterpiece.

The House of Hungarian Music
The House of Hungarian Music © ZandArt

Neo Contemporary Art Space

The goal of NEO Contemporary Art Space is to be an international-level showcase for renowned contemporary artists in Budapest City Park, akin to London's Serpentine Gallery in Kensington Gardens. Working under the guidance of the Museum of Fine Arts Budapest, NEO is a major part of the City Park's art complex, which also includes the Műcsarnok/Kunsthalle and the upcoming New National Gallery. The 350-square-metre exhibition area in the Millennium House can display a wide range of contemporary artwork and installations. NEO also strives to build relationships with higher education art institutions, and to promote art education by providing guided tours and art workshops for all ages.

Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden

If you turn left at the bridge at Heroes' Square, a short walk will take you to the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden, which is now a nature reserve. Established in the 1860s, it was the sole zoo in Hungary for an extended period of time. Today, it remains one of the top family entertainment destinations in the City Park Budapest. The zoo now boasts over 10,000 inhabitants and is an extraordinary attraction in the City Park Budapest.

Capital Circus of Budapest

Continue past the zoo and you will notice the unique circus, the only stone circus in Central Europe. If you go to City Park Budapest, you can't go home without seeing a show.

Széchenyi Thermal Bath

This unique spa is located opposite the circus. You can spend a whole day here. You can find different pools and if you want to take a sauna you can find that too.

Sensory Garden for blind and visually impaired people

Renovations have been completed on the Sensory Garden in the City Park Budapest, Hungary's premier location for providing relaxation and recreation specifically tailored to the needs of the blind and visually impaired.

After almost fifty years, it was time to modernize and reorganize the Városliget Sensory Garden, an area covering nearly one hectare. Despite the existence of numerous institutions and organizations offering aid to those with partial or full blindness, the garden was no longer suitable for 21st century accessibility standards. Fortunately, through the Liget Budapest Project, the Sensory Garden has been completely rejuvenated, with the grounds made accessible and equipped with modern facilities, the plant life restored, and the playground and its special equipment renovated and enlarged.

The garden will be kept enclosed, providing unrestricted access for those who are blind or visually impaired. To ensure orientation, the radial and circular paths have been reconstructed with special paving, and a new interior pathway has been added. In place of the dilapidated wooden building, a new accessible structure has been built with accessible bathrooms. The fountains, ornamental pools, and play surfaces are being refurbished and will be ready for use soon. To further aid navigation and provide information, railings around the raised plant beds have been painted in easily recognizable colors and embossed with Braille.

The garden's western part was home to the playground and athletic facilities, which included special table tennis tables, skittles, swings and other play equipment. In this area, a coloured rubber paving was marked out, with a sandpit, musical games and recreational amenities designed especially for children with multiple disabilities located at the exterior.

Sensory Garden
Sensory Garden © ZandArt

Lake of City Park Budapest

This is a man-made lake that is used for boating from spring through winter. During the winter season, a section of the lake bed is transformed into the City League Ice Rink. The Zielinski Bridge spans over the lake, while the Kisföldalatti runs below it.

Great Playing Field

It is located near the intersection of Dózsa György út and Ajtósi Dürer row.  On approximately 13.000 square meters. Both adults and children are guaranteed to have fun on this playground.

Baloon Flight

The Balloon has been added to the City Park Budapest as a spectacular attraction, announced Benedek Gyorgyevics, the CEO of Városliget Zrt. Anchored near the Széchenyi Thermal Bath on Mimóza Hill, the hot-air balloon will rise from the ground according to a timetable, allowing up to 30 people to experience a stunning panoramic view of the City Park and Budapest from 150 meters in the air.

This viewpoint is surrounded by more than 10 thousand square metres of rehabilitated green space, and its shape and colours evoke Pál Szinyei Merse’s iconic painting. This attraction has become popular in many cities around the world, and it has the potential to become Budapest’s latest emblem.

Ticket prices are quite expensive but definitely a unique experience. More information on the official website (only in Hungarian) or here in English.

More attractions and activities in City Park Budapest

If you feel like running, you can do that too, as a running track has been set up. There are several football pitches available for those who like to play football, but you can also enjoy the outdoors.  If you want to train, you can do so in the fitness park. In the City Park you will find many places where you can have a really good lunch or just relax with a drink.

If you're really into sports, there's also a sports park.

Map of City Park Budapest
Map of City Park Budapest

City Park Sports Centre

There are over 12 sports fields and equipment available free of charge to keep you active including a basketball mini arena, a volleyball, badminton and foot-tennis court, a 5-a-side football and streetball court, an adventure park, a street workout park and much more. Located at the intersection of Dózsa György út and Ajtósi Dürer út.

For more information about free sport activities in Sports Centre click here.

Running Circle in City Park Budapest

During the planning stages of the Városliget Running Circle, representatives of the thousands of Budapest runners collaborated in order to produce a track layout and surface that met the needs of all athletes. This resulted in a high-quality, 2-kilometer-long track with a tartan surface, which helps protect joints. Additional features such as warm-up areas at the entry points and drinking fountains along the trail, make the Running Circle suitable for adults and children, beginners and professionals alike. The entire track is illuminated, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

 

Site location: 1146 Budapest, Városliget (City Park)

GPS coordinates: 47.514948, 19.083859

Google Photos: Click here

 

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