Buda may lend itself to walking the dog in the great outdoors, but what about Pest? More characteristically urban than Buda, Pest still has great places with lots of green, open space for your four-legged friend to stretch their legs.
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Városliget
Once upon a time, Városliget was utter dog paradise – nothing to do but run and explore! With the recent construction works, the space for play has been somewhat constricted, but now things are starting to look up again for our furry friends. At the junction of Hermina út – Konrad Adenauer sétány you can find a modern, fully-equipped dog adventure park, complete with things to climb on, tunnels to run through and everything else a dog could ever ask for! Another, even bigger one is set to open in the autumn, next to Ajtósi Dürer sor.
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Molnár Island
On the Ráckeve branch of the Danube, on the north-eastern side of Csepel, lies Molnár Island, a wonderfully romantic and somewhat overlooked area, but easily reachable from the city. It’s also a great place to take your dog: free reign to roam, and even the possibility of taking a dip in the Danube! Molnár might be a little out of the way for a simple day walk, but it’s perfect for a hearty weekend adventure.
3/10
Szilas and Rákos streams
Walking along the Rákos and Szilas streams, touching Lake Naplás, is a serious hike, one that any dog will love. Going through the whole section will take the entire day, but there are plenty of side paths and shorter routes which can be enjoyed on a tighter schedule. The area is also perfect for cycling, and you’ll probably run into other dog owners along the way, so it’s a great opportunity for your dog to make a new friend.
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Szent István park
The classic dog run located in this District XIII park was installed because there were so many living in the area, and they weren’t permitted to enter the park. So, they got a place of their own! While your dog romps, you can enjoy views of the Danube, Margaret Island and the picturesque buildings of the Buda side.
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Kolonics György sétány
This 5km-long promenade is located in Csepel, and is well worth visiting with a dog. Enjoy the serenity of nature while your dog splashes in the water, or sniffs out the local wildlife hiding in the bushes. It is a close-to-nature experience for both dogs and owners!
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Klauzál tér
Located right in the centre of the Jewish Quarter, this dog run is not new – canines have been welcome here for a long time! There might not be as many exciting things to play on here, as there are in the new Városliget dog run, but any pooch will be happy to stretch their legs here and expend their extra energy.
7/10
Merzse
On the outskirts of the capital, in District XVII, we find a swampy area full of reeds and warbling birds. If you don’t mind your dog getting a little messy, it’s a paradise for the four-legged. Of course, it’s not always swampy – only at low tide – and the region is full of wildlife to watch for. Do note that this area is a nature reserve, so dogs must be kept on a leash.
8/10
Olimpia Park
In between Kossuth and Jászai Mari tér, on the bank of the Danube, you find this welcoming park, renovated a few years ago. The modern dog run can be found in the northern park of the park, and is spacious, safe and full of exciting things to climb on and play around. However, the park closes at night, when the sun starts to set.
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Nehru part
Located between the Bálna complex and Petőfi Bridge, on the banks of the Danube, you will find this charming park. Young people can often be seen lounging here or enjoying a beer. Only well-behaved dogs should be brought here, however, because while there is lots of space, there are also lots of people, including young children.
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Népsziget
Also known by its less endearing name, Mosquito Island, Népsziget is the northernmost isle in the capital. Previously it was all but abandoned, but now many parts are finding new life. However, it’s still possible to find unclaimed areas for your dog to run and roam without hindrance. After a full day of play, why not head to the foot of the railway bridge, where you can order a beer at Kabin, Wasser or Perem?
