What's there
The island takes its name from Princess Margaret, daughter of King Béla IV, who lived as a nun in the Dominican convent whose ruins still stand near the island's centre. Today it's a mix of landscaped gardens, a musical fountain, a small zoo and petting area, the ruins of a 13th-century convent and a medieval church tower, running and cycling paths circling the whole perimeter, and the Palatinus baths — a large outdoor thermal pool complex popular in summer.
How locals use it
This is where Budapest goes to exercise and unwind rather than sightsee — joggers, cyclists, and families with rented four-wheeled pedal carriages (bringóhintó) share the 6km loop road that rings the island. If you want to do as locals do, rent a bike near either bridge entrance and just ride the loop.
When to visit
Spring and early autumn are ideal — genuinely pleasant temperatures with far fewer crowds than summer, when the Palatinus pools and the musical fountain area get busy with both locals and tourists on hot days.
Frequently asked questions
Can you drive on Margaret Island?
Private cars are banned from most of the island — only buses, taxis and service vehicles can enter, which is exactly what keeps it so peaceful. Everyone else walks, cycles, jogs or rents one of the pedal-carriages (bringóhintó).
How do you get to Margaret Island?
Bus 26 crosses the island from Nyugati station. On foot, you can walk onto it from either Margaret Bridge (south end) or Árpád Bridge (north end).
Is Margaret Island free?
The park itself is completely free. The Palatinus outdoor pool complex and the small petting zoo/Japanese garden areas have separate small admission fees.