City Park

Escape from busy Budapest city centre, and then enjoy the many different attractions on offer in this wonderful park. City Park (Városliget) was one of the first parks in the world to be opened to the general public when its gates were thrown wide at the start of the 19th century. It is also notable for its huge size, covering 122 hectares of parkland.

Make your way to the main entrance on Heroes' Square. Before going into the park, admire the surrounding memorials, such as the Millenium Monument, built to commemorate Budapest's 1,000th year in 1896. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts (Szépmuvészeti Múzeum) for classic painting by some of the European masters, such as Delacroix, Courbet and the French Impressionists, while the Hall of Art houses modern pieces by Hungarian and international artists. Both of these were opened in the city's heyday in the early 20th century.

Entering the park, be sure to visit the celebrated natural thermal Széchenyi Baths – this is the perfect place to come to ease the aches from your bones. While they are over a century old, the baths are equipped with saunas, swimming pools, whirlpools and massage facilities.

A short distance away, Budapest Zoo is sure to delight the whole family. Home to 5,000 different animals, covering 1,000 species, it is one of the city’s most popular visitor draws. Come along for the hourly feeding sessions, catch a 3D film, or listen to one of the many short talks. The zoo is open every day except December 24 and New Years' Eve.

Whizz around the biggest ice-skating rink in Europe outside Vajdahunyad Castle, or visit the extensive agricultural museum within.

Petőfi Hall is the place to be for young things who want to let their hair down to the latest rock music. Bands play here to massive crowds of up to 6,000 people out to enjoy themselves.

Take the subway, bus or the tram to Heroes' Square to enjoy all that City Park has to offer. There are fees for entry to each of the attractions in the park.