City Park

The history of Városliget goes back a long time, but most Budapest residents don't know that in the 19th century, it was still a marshy, pasture-like part of the city, and the role it was going to play only began to be appreciated around the turn of the century. The first real Parisian-style boulevard in Budapest, the current Andrássy Avenue, ends at City Park, the end station of the first metro line on the European continent was originally located there, Heroes' Square and the large fine arts museums were also built there, so it was only a matter of time before the natural setting was transformed into a beautiful public park surrounded by the villa district.

City Park also hosted perhaps the country's largest-ever event, the Millennium Exhibition and Celebrations of 1896, where the thousand-year-old Hungarian nation showed its citizens and foreigners what technology, architecture, economics and the arts had achieved since its beginning.

 

Many temporary buildings were built out of wood and cardboard, including luxurious palaces, patisseries and restaurants, which were demolished at the end of the year. Incidentally, this was also supposed to be the fate of Vajdahunyad Castle. It was built to display the most important architectural styles in the country's history and after being rebuilt of brick and stone in the early 1900s, it is now one of the most famous attractions in Budapest. Since the designer modelled its most prominent Gothic element on the castle of Vajdahunyad in Transylvania, this is the name of the building. Today, the Museum of Hungarian Agriculture operates there, and with its huge collection of animals, it is a children's favourite.

 

Of course, there are also live animals in the zoo, which is also interesting for adults – it is not for nothing that it is considered one of the most beautiful zoos in the world. Most of the old buildings were designed by one of the most famous Hungarian Art Nouveau architects, Károly Kós, but perhaps the most beautiful building is the huge Indian-style Elephant House. Next to the zoo is the Municipal Great Circus, the country's only stone circus, where artistic productions entertain children all year round.

 

Opposite the circus, you can try the famous Budapest spa culture in the imposing and sumptuous building of the Széchenyi Baths. You can also get a bite to eat at the turn-of-the-century style buffet line opposite the zoo, but the most famous restaurant in the city is located right next to the main entrance. The Gundel is legendary. Many world stars have visited it, and the walnut-chocolate Gundel pancake, one of the most famous Hungarian desserts, should not be missed! In contrast, the speciality of Robinson Restaurant is that it is built on Városliget Lake, and it prepares great steaks.

 

 

You can go boating and water biking on the artificial lake in summer, and ice-skate in winter. However, it is also worth visiting the beautiful artificial ice rink building to eat. Városliget Café offers excellent fine dining dishes. Heroes’ Square is flanked by two huge museums. One of them is the Museum of Fine Arts, which is also important in the European context. It is full of masterpieces by some of the greatest practitioners in the history of art. The museum, which was completely renovated recently, also has a large ancient Egyptian collection and always has exciting temporary exhibitions.
 

Opposite, the colourful Kunsthalle is the most important Hungarian exhibition space for contemporary art. There are also two large new buildings nearby, both masterpieces of modern architecture. Starting in May, the House of Hungarian Music will host the Divas & Icons exhibition, previously presented at London's Victoria & Albert Museum, in which you can admire the performance dresses of world-famous female singers. In addition to Lady Gaga, Adele, Beyoncé and others, the clothes of two Hungarian celebrities will be on display: Zséda is a famous Hungarian pop star, and Éva Marton is the most famous Hungarian opera singer.
 

The nearby Museum of Ethnography is only partially open for the time being, but its exhibition of ceramics from around the world is worth seeing.

The park, which was revamped a few years ago, also offers many outdoor activities. For instance, you can go hot air ballooning, and it has one of the best playgrounds in the city. And when you tire of the many experiences, for a coffee or even lunch, there is the former Olof Palme House, originally named after the former Swedish prime minister but now known as House of the Hungarian Millenium. The richly decorated building – and its beautiful rose arbour – must be seen from the outside.

 

Our guest writer, the Budapest Curator by Kempinski Corvinus: Balázs Pécsi, publisher of The Gentleman's Review luxury & society magazine.

 

Be sure to head back to our Budapest Travel Tips page to discover more of what to see and do in Budapest. Of course, our Clefs d'Or Member concierges and our entire staff at Kempinski Hotel Corvinus will be more than happy to assist in any way they can during your stay too.

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