Best Outdoor Activities in Budapest

After a long day of sitting at the computer, working, or even just after a long day of lazying around, the best thing to do is to go outside and stretch your legs a bit. Part of anyone’s healthy life should be at least some form of exercise, be it hiking, cycling, or even canoeing. And Budapest is the perfect city for this as it offers more ways to get your body moving. Below are just a few ideas for outdoor activities in Budapest.

The Buda Hills are well-known for being crisscrossed with gorgeous paths. Whether you want to visit the Devil’s Peak, stroll around the Sas-Hegy Nature Reserve (which has a stunning view of the city of Budapest), or you want to see some of Budapest’s lookout towers, this part of town is for you. Buda Hills are great for shorter walks and full-day trips, though make sure you plan your route ahead of time. The trails in and around Budapest are well-marked with colourful geometric shapes painted onto trees and lampposts, so you won’t have a problem finding your way around the beautiful forests and meadows. These are also marked in tourist maps purchasable at information centres in the city.

You probably didn’t know this, but Budapest is the cave capital of the world. Under the Buda side of the city sprawl over two hundred caves, most open to visitors. These have been created by the same thermal water activity that has made the city famous for its many spas. This is why many of these caves will be like nothing you’ve ever seen before. In Budapest, you can enjoy adventurous spelunking as well as leisurely walks through more accessible cave systems, and some even offer geological tours. Most of these are done with supervision from experts, so your safety, as well as your good time, is ensured.

Budapest has many beautiful parks with tons to do in them. There is Margaret Island which lies in the middle of the Danube. Not only is there a lovely park to stroll through with many lively squirrels living here, but you will find restaurants and bars when you are tired of walking. The City Park is also attractive, as it is home to both a castle and a zoo, among many other things. The castle serves as a museum of agriculture, while the zoo tickets will also get you into a small amusement park that’s in the park. Lastly, the Károlyi Garden is a much calmer and more relaxing place than the two parks above. It is the oldest garden in Budapest. Initially, it was privately owned, but now it is a public park with a fountain and a playground for kids. Alone or with family, you can have a pleasant day out here.

The Danube attracts cyclists from all over Europe as it offers an excellent opportunity for cycling from its source through many countries. But even if you want to stay in Budapest, you can still have a wonderful time cycling the length of the river. There are many gorgeous waterfronts with well-maintained roads while every so often you will find a place where you can rest and buy some refreshments. Canoeing and Kayaking on the Danube Canoeing and kayaking on the Danube in Budapest are good as exercise and a great way to see the sights. Since much of the beautiful architecture in Budapest has been built on the waterfront, you can see most of it either alone or with a guide while merrily peddling on Danube’s calm waves. Many companies offer such guided sightseeing. Just make sure they also provide safety equipment as well.