Dog owners may struggle to find nice places in the city to let their dogs get proper exercise, as the technical rule pervades which says you can’t let your dogs off a leash, even when there are only a few people around. But if you look closely, you’ll find the places where you and your dog can stretch your legs without fear! We checked out ten places in Buda suitable for pooches.
1/10
Óbudai Island (Hajógyári Island)
The Óbuda Dog Association have weighed in on dog-friendly areas, and announced that Hajógyári Sziget (Shipbuilding Island, also known as Óbuda Island) is the first area in Budapest where dogs can go free sans leash. This huge area, full of trees, is a welcome spot for dogs to run until they’re tired, or even take a dip in the Danube!
2/10
Normafa
Normafa is already popular among hikers, who like to spend their free time in the pleasant wooded landscape, but you might not know that it is a great place to bring your dog, too. Here, they can wander through the meadows and trees, or you can opt to head for nearby Harangvölgy, which tends to have fewer visitors.
3/10
Őszike utca dog run
One of the largest dog runs in Budapest is located in District III, developed as an initiative of local residents and interested canine communities. There are areas for larger and smaller dogs to play and romp, with a nice, modern gate system upon entry. Another dog run is located at the HÉV stop at Szépvölgyi út, on the banks of the Danube.
4/10
Római Part
Római-part is pretty popular with human guests already, but dogs can also enjoy the beach here and especially the enticing waters of the river beyond. Dog owners are welcome to take their canine friends here for nice walks, but they should be aware of the cyclists who frequent the area, and the constant, distracting smell of food cooking.
5/10
Hármashatárhegy
If you like to take your pups running with you, there is no better location. Head to Panoráma út – appropriately named – for a scenic jog. However, you should be careful that your dog is well-trained, because bunnies and small, wild pigs can show up in the area, and might tempt a dog off-trail.
6/10
Kiscelli park forest
Located in District III, between Óbuda and Remetehegy, is the Kiscelli park forest, located south of Kiscelli Museum. This is a romantic area indeed, full of footpaths and open meadows to take in the view. Many dog owners come here to let their four-legged friends sniff and explore.
7/10
Buda Castle & surroundings
The landscape below Buda Castle is full of parks – large and small – where you can take a dog without any problems. Just make sure they don’t head for the streets! Vérmező and Tabán are both good areas to explore, but if you head a little further, even Városmajor is a nice option.
8/10
Gellért hill
There are several areas around Gellért hill which are suitable for dogs, but the most popular is Jubileumi Park, located at the corner of Verejték and Rezeda utca. Nearby is Citadella, and from here you also get some spectacular views of the Danube and Pest side.
9/10
Ferenc hegy
This is a great spot if you don’t like big crowds, as relatively few people really know about it. Humans can enjoy a leisurely afternoon stroll, while dogs love snuffling about among the trees and bushes, enjoying all the interesting smells of nature.
10/10
Hűvösvölgy meadow
This huge, three-acre meadow is the perfect place for a dog to run, run, run! And once they’ve tired themselves out, why not curl up for a nap while the human flips through a good book? Only a few hikers will walk past from time to time, and the view is superb.
