Budapest and its surroundings offer a huge variety of attractions that are especially pleasant to explore on two wheels, particularly during springtime before the onset of summer’s first heat waves. These days are perfect for hopping on your bike to embark on easygoing excursions, so we collected a few tips on where to go. Downtown spots, easily accessible green areas, places far from the city’s bustle – we grouped the routes by different themes.
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Downtown panorama
If you want to see breathtaking panoramas in the city, it’s easiest to start at the riverfront – more specifically, on the quay of the Buda side of the city, because there’s a bicycle path all the way between Petőfi Bridge and Margaret Bridge. When cycling here, you can view the Várkert Bazaar, Clark Ádám Square, the Chain Bridge, the Buda Castle, Gellért Hill from below, Rudas Bath, and Elizabeth Bridge, and catch glimpses of the Parliament and Belgrád Quay on the other side of the Danube. At Batthyány Square, you can fill up on caffeine at Steamhouse Café or munch on the sandwiches of the refurbished . , located at the foot of Margaret Bridge, is better for larger meals, and on Lánchíd Street is ideal for romantic dates, but turning onto Bartók Béla Avenue from , there are even more places to choose from, including , , , , and at Móricz Zsigmond Square, offering great hamburgers.
There’s a practical bicycle path on Margaret Bridge as well, which pedestrians respect enough to not use – following this, you can cycle to , or continue biking on the quay. Unfortunately, the bicycle path ends at Parliament, from where you can head downtown. Most one-way streets in the city are two-way for cyclists, so by passing through District V (as well as , , and ), you can get to and enjoy the panorama once again at . In addition to the view, the area is rich in culinary delights as well, whether you choose or , or drop by Bálna’s to quench your thirst – although we recommend drinking only if you’re already on your way home or live nearby. Bike responsibly!
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Picnic at Kopaszi Dam
Margaret Island is a classic when it comes to easily accessible green areas, but by extending the Margaret Bridge-Liberty Bridge route mentioned above, you can also quickly find yourself surrounded by open space. at the Buda side of Rákóczi Bridge is ideal for larger picnics and afternoon lounging. If you didn’t have time to prepare food for the outing, you can have lunch at or get a picnic basket for takeaway. From May, the grill terrace of the popular restaurant chain, Vakvarjú Beach, will be open, and on occasions when there’s no wedding going on, you can drop by Öbölház, as well.
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The timeless classic, Római Part
If you head north on the Buda side of Margaret Bridge, you can also reach – although without an even bicycle path, you’ll have to take a detour in the residential areas of Óbuda, and the way leads sometimes through promenades and sidewalks. Still, the trip is worth the effort, as Római Part is bound to lose much of its charm with the upcoming construction of the mobile flood walls. Liliomkert Market, originally from Káptalantóti, is here every Saturday, as well as many culinary spots like and . If you get tired halfway there, we suggest a visit to the quiet , embraced by nature – very different from when the takes place here.
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Adventures in nature, at Lake Naplás
The bicycle path completed two years ago along Szilas Creek leads far from the noise of the city on completely flat terrain and without any car traffic, so it’s safe to use this trail with children. Naturally, you first have to approach the section starting in District XVI, which might prove difficult without a car – unless you’re determined enough to cycle through the city. The trip is worthwhile to view , the largest body of standing water in Budapest, home to an unparalleled variety of flora and fauna. There are also plenty of playgrounds and bird-watching places along the way at Hermina Road and Zúgló Creek, and you can stop by for a quick snack.
