Margaret’s Island is an a green oasis in the middle of Budapest. Almost completely free of cars, you can approach it on foot or bus/tram from either north or south end.

Once on the island you’ll discover that city dwellers use it for picnics, cycling, and relaxing, and have been doing so since the Middle Ages. It’s 225 acres, plenty big enough.

There are lost of trees left, many open greens and grassy fields, and paths connecting everything for walkers or cyclists. There’s a spa, hotel, rose garden, and outdoor café on the island, too.

It’s not unusual to find concerts or other public celebratory events on weekends at the southern end of the island.

There are some monuments, too, including an old monastery and the 13th c. ruins of a convent.

Alfréd Hajós Sports Swimming Pool on the island has an indoor pool and two open-air ones.

It’s a great spot to relax and feel a bit of nature when the concrete, trams, and noise get to be too much.