Destination guide for Budapest’s Városliget (City Park).
Városliget is an oasis of tranquility, offering both locals and travelers a chance to escape the city’s hustle and bustle. Within this beautiful park, spanning over 300 acres, one can find magnificent baroque-style buildings, museums, playgrounds, the renowned Széchenyi Thermal Bath, and much more.
Visiting Városliget (City Park)
I had the opportunity to visit this park as part of my Rick Steves’ Best of Prague and Budapest tour, and what I saw and experienced was a pleasant surprise. In my mind, when I heard “city park”, I envisioned trees, flowers, and benches. I did not expect to see artfully built museums, a castle and gatehouse, a Romanesque-style chapel, and interesting sculptures all nestled among towering trees and beautiful flowers. And that is just the tip of the iceberg. Városliget is also home to the famous Széchenyi Thermal Bath, the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and, during the winter, an ice skating rink.
I highly recommend that travelers visit Városliget, whether to explore the historic sites or enjoy a picnic lunch in this idyllic park. Located on the Pest side of the city, right next to Heroes’ Square, this park can be easily reached via public transportation. Metro Line 1 has a station inside Városliget, and there are several bus stops in and around the park. If you get hungry during your visit, Városliget has several eateries and a beer garden!
Travel Tip
Nestled in the towering trees of City Park is Budapest’s House of Music. This museum features several exhibits and a library, and hosts concerts throughout the year. While I did not visit the House of Music during my trip, two of my tourmates did and both really enjoyed their experience.
Resources
For more information and a calendar of events, visit Városliget’s website.
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