Further Distractions
Margitsziget (Margaret Island)
Wedged in a loop of the River Danube and linked by Árpád híd and Margit híd to Buda and Pest, the two-kilometre (1.5-mile) Margaret Island is one of the calmest and greenest spots in Budapest. No cars are allowed or needed – the island from Margit híd to Árpád híd can be crossed on foot in 20 minutes. The island is named after the devout daughter of King Béla IV, who lived here in a Dominican convent in the 13th century. The ruins of her convent still stand on the east bank, near the remains of a Franciscan church. Other points of interest include a 100-year-old park, the 1930s reconstruction of a 12th-century chapel, sculptures of Hungarian artists and writers, an open-air theatre and UNESCO-listed water tower. There are also two hotels (Danubius Grand and Danubius Thermal) on the island. In summer, Margaret island is bursting with people heading for a swim at the Hajós Alfréd swimming pool or Palatinus pool, which are fed by underground springs.
Margaret Island
Website: www.budapestinfo.hu/en/sights/margitsziget.html
Transport: Bus 26; tram 4 or 6.
Opening hours: Daily 24 hours.
Admission: Free.
Szobor Park (Statue Park)
Just as Lenin Boulevard and Marx Square no longer exist in Budapest, so their statues and monuments have been sent into exile to Statue Park. A 30-minute trip leads to this eerie and increasingly popular outdoor attraction.
XXII Balatoni út, corner of Szabadkai út
Tel: (01) 424 7500. Fax: (01) 337 5050.
E-mail: office@szoborpark.hu
Website: www.szoborpark.hu
Transport: Bus 50.
Opening hours: Daily 1000-2000 (mid-Apr-Oct); Sat and Sun only 1000-dusk (Nov-mid-Apr).
Admission: Ft600 (concessions available).
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