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City Park promenades
Strolling in the City Park is a good idea no matter the season. But autumn gives you that extra cosy vibe, which you can enjoy along several promenades. For instance, Kós Károly Promenade behind Heroes’ Square, starting from Zielinski Bridge and going to the Zoo. Or the Olof Palme Promenade between Heroes’ Square and Ajtósi Dürer sor. The City Park is easy to walk around, with sights such as the Széchenyi Baths, Vajdahunyad Castle, a boating lake (turning into a skating rink in winter), the BallonFly, or the Museum of Ethnography lining your path. Just set off one way, and the rest will follow.
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Babits Mihály Promenade
Named after a beloved Hungarian poet, Babtits Mihály Promenade is located in the Castle District, behind the eastern ramparts of Castle Hill, stretching between the Bécsi kapu (Vienna Gate) and the Erdélyi Bastion. In 1936, the area was covered by gardens, which then gave way to the Bastion Promenade. That got divided into several sections in the second half of the 1960s, paving the way for the path named after Babits was created.
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Tóth Árpád Promenade
The other half of the former Bastion Promenade is named after Árpád Tóth, where a pilgrimage takes place when the cherry trees are in bloom in the spring. But it’s not only worth a stroll at this time of year but pretty much any time. Tóth Árpád Promenade offers a beautiful panorama of the Buda hills, and it is perhaps the most romantic walking spot in the city, where no date can end badly.
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Hegyalja Promenade – Gellért Hill
Gellért Hill is an ideal walking spot to burn some calories (Hungarian cuisine is not famous for light dishes, after all). It comes with challenging strolls but rewarding views. Although its promenades surrounding the Citadel (temporarily closed for reconstruction) are the most popular ones, we say go off the beaten track and try the other side of the hill. Aim for the Hegyalja Promenade, which offers an unusual perspective on the Royal Palace along the way. And if you end the walk at the statue/viewpoint called 'Buda királyfi és Pest királykisasszony' (meaning Prince Buda and Princess Pest), you surely won't complain about the panorama.
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Danube Promenade
But not the one you think! Sure, the Danube Promenade near focal Vörösmarty tér is pretty, too. Still, this other path along the Danube's less popular banks in Pesterzsébet brings something unexpected. The first section of the promenade from the beach to the sports facilities is about 600 metres long. Along it, there are not only gastronomic spots but also benches, drinking fountains, wide stalls, and swimming facilities, as well as a playground and an outdoor training area. If you are in the area, pop into VakVarjú Csónakház for a hearty lunch with a view, then indulge in some self-care at this vintage spa complex.
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Guckler Károly Promenade
The 3.5 km long promenade differs from the others because it is located on a proper hill, Hármashatár Hill. It is also a winding trail through a wooded area, with some viewpoints offering a magnificent panorama of the capital. The eponymous Károly Guckler was the capital’s chief forester, later head of the Forestry Office, who is credited as the first to adapt the roads here for hikers. As this is a rather challenging walk, we encourage you to treat yourself to a lovely lunch at Fenyőgyöngye restaurant afterwards.
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Kolonics György Promenade
The promenade named after György Kolonics, the Olympic, world and European canoe champion who died tragically young, is one of the gems of Csepel, winding for more than five kilometres along the Danube. It’s calm and close to nature, its silence is not disturbed by food stalls every five metres like on the banks of the Római-part (Roman Beach), and its wilderness is almost untouched. Not only fishermen, dog walkers, and families with children will enjoy it, but also casual walkers.
