# Escape to the Danube: Margaret Island in Budapest > Spas, historic ruins, musical fountains and picturesque gardens in the heart of Budapest. We share what to do on Margaret Island and why you should escape there. - URL: https://langandtrip.com.ua/en/article/pobeh-na-dunai-ostrov-marhyt-v-budapeshte/ - Language: en - Published: 2025-01-04 - Categories: Culture, Historic Sites, Leisure, Hungary, Swimming, Relaxation --- Drifting majestically down the middle of the Danube, which separates Buda from Pest, Margaret Island (or Margitsziget) is one of the jewels in Budapest's crown. Sitting between Margaret Bridge and Arpad Bridge, this beautiful island, two and a half kilometres long and 500 metres wide, serves as a peaceful retreat in the city for travellers and locals alike. While it is mostly covered in landscaped parks, the island also boasts open-air pools, luxury hotels and a wildlife park, making it a worthy addition to any list of must-see places in Budapest. With plenty to offer through the summer and winter months, it is a stunning sight at any time of year. Here is a rundown of the 10 best things to do on Margaret Island. ## Take a Ride ![](/storage/image/prev/september-article-image-11-1-2024.jpg) The easiest and most exciting way to get around Margaret Island is to rent one of the bicycles, Bringo carts, golf carts, electric scooters or Segways. Visitors can easily move along the many paths connecting the parks with bars, cafes and restaurants, soaking up stunning views of the Danube, admiring the sunset over the Buda hills or taking in the panorama of Pest. An added bonus of exploring the island on wheels is that it saves time, leaving plenty of room to see the rest of Budapest during your visit. Go Mobility Margitsziget; +36 30 215 5152 / +36 20 353 1937 ## Relax in the Spas and Thermal Baths ![](/storage/image/prev/september-article-image-11-2-2024.jpg) Known as "Budapest's Spa Island", Margaret Island offers not just thermal pools but also water slides, wave machines and adventure zones. The Palatinus Baths were the first public bathing area in Hungary, offering 11 different pools for locals and tourists all year round. They are famous for their thermal baths and mineral waters drawn from the island's natural springs, as well as giant water slides and a wave pool that provide endless hours of fun for children. In 2017, a wellness centre was added with a Finnish sauna, a steam room and a geothermal sauna. The island is also home to the Danubius Health Spa Resort Margitsziget, which uses water from three natural springs for its indoor and outdoor pools, hydrotherapy baths, sauna, and steam and aromatic baths. Palatinus Baths, Budapest, Soo Rezso stny. 1, 1003 Hungary; +36 1 236 0040 Danubius Health Spa Resort Margitsziget, Budapest, 1007 Hungary; +36 1 889 4700 ## Watch the Musical Fountain ![](/storage/image/prev/september-article-image-11-3-2024.jpg) Rebuilt and expanded in 2013, the Musical Fountain entertains visitors with dazzling shows by day and by night. Spraying water in time to the music of Brahms, Bocelli, Simon and Garfunkel and Vivaldi, it is often called the Hungarian version of the Bellagio fountains in Las Vegas. Although the shows run five times a day, the attraction is especially impressive at night, when the fountain is lit up with coloured lights. Show times: 10:30, 17:00, 18:00, 19:30 and 21:00 (Check the latest schedule, as it is subject to change). Admission is free. ## Catch an Open-Air Performance During the summer months, the centre of the island hosts a variety of open-air concerts, plays and shows. The Margaret Island Open-Air Stage, launched 80 years ago, hosts opera performances, theatre productions and musical shows every year. With performances such as "The Marriage of Figaro" and modern classics in the repertoire, catching a show here is a must when visiting Margaret Island from June to September. Margaret Island Open-Air Stage, Budapest, Zielinski Szilard stny., 1138 Hungary; +36 1 375 5922 ## Visit the Bars and Cafes Margaret Island is packed with pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants offering a wide choice of local and international delicacies. The Szechenyi Restaurant, located in the Danubius Grand Hotel, serves up some of the finest examples of traditional Hungarian cuisine in Budapest. Meanwhile, the Hippie Island bar offers excellent local drinks, including palinka and Hungarian wines, while the Champs Sziget cafe serves visitors plenty of fast food, soft drinks and beer. The island also has many drink and food kiosks selling candy floss, ice cream and Hungarian sweets. Some venues are more laid-back than others, but a few turn into mini discos at night. ## Visit the Petting Zoo In the Middle Ages, Margaret Island was called Insula Leporum, or the "island of rabbits", and you can still see plenty of animals here today. Often called a petting zoo or deer park, the local wildlife park boasts a variety of creatures, including ducks, rabbits, deer, owls and birds of prey, all housed in modest enclosures that can easily be walked around in an hour or less. It is also a popular spot for locals to walk their dogs, so be ready to see plenty of interesting dog breeds, including the Hungarian Vizsla. Admission is free. ## Explore the Rose Garden and Japanese Garden ![](/storage/image/prev/september-article-image-11-4-2024.jpg) While the island is made up of beautifully landscaped park areas, the Rose Garden and the Japanese Garden stand out in particular. The Rose Garden sits in the centre, next to the Palatinus Baths, while the Japanese Garden, which features a fish pond, dwarf trees, a rock garden and an artificial waterfall, is near the northern edge of the island. The best time to visit is mid-spring, when the flowers are in full bloom, but they are open all year round. ## Wander Through the Ruins A number of religious buildings that held pride of place on Margaret Island from the 1200s were destroyed during Ottoman rule in the 16th century. The ruins of some of them are still on display, with the Franciscan monastery being one of the most prominent, along with the Dominican convent named after Saint Margaret and the Chapel of Saint Michael, which houses the oldest bell in Hungary. Visitors can walk among the ruins along specially built paths, soaking up the island's history and atmosphere. ## See the Water Tower Lookout and the Visual Arts Gallery ![](/storage/image/prev/september-article-image-11-5-2024.jpg) Still in operation today, the Margaret Island Water Tower is visible from most parts of the island. The 107-year-old building sits next to the open-air stage and houses an exhibition hall as well as a lookout platform. Once you reach the top, the observation tower offers a stunning 360-degree view of Budapest, open from June to October each year. The tower is home to the Visual Arts Gallery, which hosts theatrical and city-history exhibitions, while the courtyard puts on jazz concerts every weekend. Margaret Island Water Tower, Budapest, 1138 Hungary; +36 (1) 340 4196 ## Run the Jogging Track ![](/storage/image/prev/september-article-image-11-6-2024.jpg) The Margaret Island running track is one of the most popular parts of the island. Wrapping around the entire island along its outer edge, this recently renovated sports track treats runners to fantastic views of the city. The Nike Run Club at the Margaret Island sports centre offers team-based and structured running clubs, or you can run the track at your own pace. There is also an outdoor fitness park for street workouts and a canoe and kayak club for those who want to get out on the water. Finally, in the centre of the island you will find the famous Alfred Hajos swimming pool, named after Hungary's first Olympic medallist. Getting there: Getting to Margaret Island can turn into a long walk from central Budapest, so the best way to arrive is probably to hop on tram 4 or 6 and get off at the Margaret Bridge stop. Visitors can then enter via the footpath leading to the Musical Fountain and either walk around the island on foot, rent a vehicle, or catch bus number 26. Nathan Kay is a travelling freelance journalist with more than 15 years of experience in print and online journalism. His interests lie in technology, news and travel.