Margit-sziget, as Margaret Island is known in Hungarian, is a popular place to relax on nice days, where you can visit a large park, a summer theatre and cinema, a swimming pool, a Japanese garden or the Palatinus thermal baths.

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Palatinus Thermal Baths.

A popular summer destination for Budapesters and tourists alike is the outdoor Palatinus Thermal Bath and Spa, located in the centre of Margaret Island.

Although the Palatinus baths are purely outdoor, the 3 largest pools are accessible all year round thanks to the warm thermal water at around 30 °C.

In total, 11 pools can be enjoyed at the Palatinus Spa on Margaret Island, 4 of which are among the largest in Budapest.

During the summer (from May to September), in addition to the spa pools, there are also adventure pools with artificial waves, counter-current and 4 water slides. The following pools can be used in this spa:

2 large adventure pools (artificial waves, counter-currents, etc.)
2 large leisure pools (whirlpools, massage jets, etc.)
2 therapeutic thermal pools - open all year round
2 swimming pools - open all year round
2 children's pools
1 pool for toboggan runs

The healing waters on Margaret Island are suitable for the treatment of the musculoskeletal system, spine and neuroses.

Admission

The Palatinus Spa is open daily from 9:00 to 19:00.

Ticket prices include access to all currently open attractions. A locker for storing belongings is also included.

	Working days	Weekends and holidays
All Day - Adults	3 200 huf	3 500 huf
2-hour admission	2 200 huf	2 500 huf
Entry after 5pm	2 200 huf	Discount not available
All day - students and seniors	2 200 huf	2 400 huf

A deposit of HUF 1,000 is required for 2-hour admission and can only be paid in cash.

The complete current price list can be found on the official website of the spa en.palatinusstrand.hu/prices.

Thermal hotels

On Margaret Island you will also find two of the best thermal hotels in Budapest, which boast their own springs accessible only to hotel guests. This guarantees much more peace and privacy than in public thermal baths, as well as a more personal approach from the staff.

However, you will pay a little extra for quality and luxury. 1 night in a 2-bed room in these 4* hotels will cost about 150 eur. Check the current availability at the thermal hotels on Margaret Island:

Park and Japanese garden

But you don't have to go to Margaret Island just for swimming and spa treatments. The extensive park is especially popular for picnics, sports or just relaxing in the shade of the trees on the banks of the Danube with a view of the city.

In the northern part of Margaret Island, you can walk through the small Japanese Garden founded in 1936. It is accessible 24 hours a day for free and, especially in autumn, is truly beautiful and calming.

Musical fountain and water tower.

You can even visit 2 UNESCO heritage sites on the island.

Right at the beginning of the southern tip of the island, stop by the large musical fountain, which puts on a show all day long to the backdrop of world-famous music, with a light show after dark. The jets spray water up to 30 metres high to the beat of the music.

Around the middle of the island, near the large open-air theatre, you'll come across an almost 60-metre high Art Nouveau octagonal water tower, which is currently used for various exhibitions and a small café.

Location and transport

Margaret Island is a nice walk from the city centre (both Pest and Buda sides) in about 15 minutes. It is connected to both sides by the Margít Bridge (Margít híd), from which there is a road and pedestrian turn-off to the island.

You can also use public transport services:

Bus line 26 runs across the island to the metro and Nyugati station.
Margitsziget / Margit híd stop on the bridge at the southern tip of the island: trams 4, 6
Margitsziget / Árpád híd stop on the bridge at the northern tip of the island: buses 34, 106