Best outdoor places for a good run in Budapest

Margaret Island

It is probably the most popular and most picturesque place where you can stretch your legs. There is a super runner-friendly rubberized 5.3 km long running track around the edge of the Island. No bikers or cars will get in your way, this track is only for runners. You can enjoy the phenomenal view unperturbed. The Island is located between the two sides of Budapest which is great since you can enjoy the view of both of them if you complete the 5.3 kms. After your work-out session, we recommend that you come back again for a nice, long walk. Margaret Island is not only a running mecca but also a romantic spot for couples, great park for families and even better meeting point for friends.

Advantages:

• There are some drinking fountains on your way so you won’t have to worry about getting parched.
• There are also some bars and fast food places on the island, in case you feel like eating something after your run. Don’t forget to bring your credit card with you!
• You can easily track how many kms you’ve run thanks to the regular markings on your way.

Length: 5.3 kms

Level: beginners, advanced runners

Access:

1. Take tram 4 or 6 to “Margitsziget” (via Margaret Bridge), get off, and you can immediately start your session or
2. Take tram 1 via Árpád bridge, get off at “Népfürdő utca / Árpád híd” stop and walk down to the island. This is the other end of the island. (~ 10-min walk)

To get from your accommodation to Margaret Island, feel free to use the Budapest Card for public transportation.

Pro tip: If you liked Margaret Island, check out the 7 hidden parks and gardens in Budapest.

City Park (Városliget) – Pest Side

What can be even better than running on the Danube bank on an Island? Have you ever considered doing sightseeing while you run? Because that is what City Park is all about. It is a large park located on the Pest side, where you can run 3 kms without having to stop and you will also pass the Vajdahunyad Castle, Hero’s Square and the small lake on your way. The only disadvantage of this location compared to Margaret Island’s trail is that the infrastructure is certainly less developed. The surface of the running track is inconsistent. You will be running on pebbles, hard ground and sometimes on a proper track. The City Park is hiding a lot of other exciting places as well. Come back to visit the Budapest Zoo or relax in the Széchenyi Bath.

Advantages:

• We promise you won’t run around in circles if you chose this great running place.
• The sights that you will pass while running are worth a visit. The Hero’s Square is among the top 10 must-see sights in Budapest.
• You can enjoy fresh air in the middle of the city!
• Probably this park is just a walking distance from where you live.
• You will love this park if you are a beginner. The 3 km-trail is exactly what you need.

Length: 3 kms

Level: beginners

Access:

1. Take metro line 1 (yellow) and get off at “Széchenyi fürdő” or
2. Take tram 1 to “Erzsébet királyné útja, aluljáró” and walk to the park. (~ 10-min walk)

Gellért Hill – Buda Side

Are you into hardcore running? Do you enjoy pain? Do you like fighting for what you want? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, you must try running up to Gellért Hill to the Citadella (fort). The view on the top is breathtaking. If you want to get a real good work-out, don’t miss out on this opportunity. You will start at the bottom of the Gellért Hill and will be running uphill on a pretty steep slope until you reach the peak, which is the Liberty Statue. If you come here, don’t leave your camera at home. This is one of the most gorgeous lookouts for the city. If you wish to share this beautiful spot with your family and friends too, take them with you next time and enjoy a nice beer or delicious dinner on one of the many restaurant terraces!

Advantages:

• The view is incredible, it is worth running up. The starting point is easily accessible. You will step out of your comfort zone.

Length: ~2-3 kms, depending on where you go down.

Height: 235 meters

Level: advanced, experienced runners

Access:

1. Start from Hotel Gellért and run uphill keeping to the right.

Pro tip: If you liked the Statue of Liberty, check out the other statues in Budapest as well, or the top 100 things you can’t miss in Budapest.