EVERYTHING you can do on the Margaret Island, Budapest 🍃 LOCAL’s guide to Hungary

Hey! Escape the busy city and discover everything you can do on Margaret Island, Budapest: a peaceful green oasis in the heart of the capital. From musical fountains and medieval ruins to secret gardens and thermal spas, this is your full guide to one of Budapest’s best hidden gems.

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🍃 Useful links to this video:
• the open-air theatre’s program: https://margitszigetiszinhaz.hu/en/
• boat service to the island: https://www.bkv.hu/en/content/riverboat-service
• light show at Palatinus: https://luminapark.hu/en/

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✿ ABOUT ME ✿
Hi! My name is Petra, I’m a Hungarian who lives in Budapest! I’m 27 years old, I was born and raised in the Hungarian countryside. I always loved Hungary with all my heart and now I would like to share my passion with you!

♫ Free music I used in this video:
Calming Lines – Single Love Bombed – https://thmatc.co/?l=21664975
You Me And The Piano – Desolation – https://thmatc.co/?l=C9B3CCA0
Damien Sebe – sun shower – https://thmatc.co/?l=F6526C99

In this video:
0:00 how to get to the Margaret Island
0:52 the musical fountain
01:54 rent a vehicle
02:24 place for the kids
02:56 move!
03:57 eat and drink
05:01 relax
05:28 a mini zoo?
07:17 the flower garden
08:34 the ruins
10:02 the open-air theatre
10:26 climb the water tower
11:53 Japanese garden
13:04 Palatinus
14:03 a secret bench

#Budapest #MargaretIsland #Budapesttravel #Budapestguide

Do you know those days when the city just feels a little too much? Too loud, too busy, too everything? Well, today was one of those days for us. So, we decided to escape! Right in the middle of Budapest, there’s a place where you can breathe. No cars, no stress, just trees, water, bird song and way more surprises than we remembered. Welcome to the Margaret Island! Come and spend this summer day with us and let’s see what we can find! [Music] As soon as we stepped onto the island from the Margaret Bridge, music started playing. There it was: the musical fountain doing its hourly show. Every hour from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., it plays a new set: from classical pieces to pop songs, you can literally hear Michael Bublé echo across the Danube. [Music] On summer nights, they sometimes even project movies or cartoons onto the water. Last year, we were lucky enough to bump into one, and it was such a wonderful experience. [Music] If walking is not your thing, you can rent these funky little vehicles: bringóhintó, they’re called. It’s like a car-bicycle hybrid. They fit the whole family and cost 6.900 HUF half an hour. We’re skipping that today, but it is a fun way to get around if your legs need a break. [Music] Just a few steps away, we spotted a playground. If you’re here with family, it’s a perfect stop. And there’s actually three more playgrounds on the island! [Music] But Margaret Island isn’t just for relaxing. Locals come here to run and train. There’s a full running track circling the island and two public gym parks at both ends of the island. Now, what are we waiting for? Let’s go! Just kidding. I don’t really run… like.. ever! Walking forward, the easter side of the island turns into a little food village: with restaurants, bars, and different food stands. It’s super relaxed and very cozy. And at night, it’s even more atmospheric. [Music] Right after that, the trees open up into a massive green space. Blankets, books, couples, dogs, picnics everywhere! Here you can stop to relax for a little. [Music] Heading north, we stumbled on one of the island’s sweetest secrets: a mini zoo! [Music] It’s small, free, and totally unexpected. Most of the animals here are either native species or rescued birds that wouldn’t survive in the wild otherwise. [Music] Right next to the zoo, we arrive to one of the most colorful parts of the island. This is the flower and rose garden. It’s exactly what it sounds like: a peaceful blooming paradise. Just colors everywhere! It’s one of those places where you can slow down without even trying [Music] Right nearby, we found ourselves in the middle of medieval history. The ruins of a Dominican convent founded by King Béla IV in the 13th century. It once housed nuns, including St. Margaret herself, after whom the island is named. [Music] It’s strange and peaceful how old stones like this just sit quietly among the trees, not so far away from the bustling city. [Music] Not far from the ruins is the Margaret Island Open-Air Theater. From May to August, it hosts concerts, operas, plays and all kinds of performances. If you’re in Budapest in summer and want a special evening, definitely check their program! Right next to the theater, the water tower stands tall and proud. You can climb it for just 500 HUF and get the 360 view of the whole island and the city beyond it. It’s a hidden gem for photographers and view lovers. [Music] Almost at the tip of the island everything got quiet again. Tucked away is the Japanese garden: with koi fish, water liies and little paths. [Music] Before heading home, we passed by Palatinus, the island’s very own open air thermal spa. It’s family friendly, laid back and a great way to cool down in the summer. In the last two years, from October to March, the spa hosted a light show from Lumina Park and the whole place turned into a glowing dreamland. Fingers crossed they will bring it back this year as well! [Music] One last surprise for today. Sometimes when the Danube’s water level drops, a bench emerges from under the river. We were sort of say “lucky” to see it this May and walking out to it felt surreal. [Music] So that was our day on the Margaret Island. We came here to relax, but ended up walking miles, watching at animals and learning many new things about our own city. Have you ever been here before? Or do you have a green spot like this in the place where you live? Let me know in the comments down below! If you liked today’s video, don’t forget to subscribe to my channel for more content about Hungary and Budapest and see you in the next one, but until that, don’t forget to relax every once in a while. Bye! [Music]