Városliget, otherwise known as City Park, was the main venue for the 1896 Millennium celebration, where Hungary’s 1,000 year anniversary was celebrated, thus it holds an abundance of monuments that celebrates Hungarian history. It is one of the most popular public parks in Budapest where many go to relax and enjoy the sun. Almost half the 100 hectare park is luscious green parkland, making it an idyllic spot for picnickers. Varosliget, although a great place year round, really shines during the summer: there are deck chairs around the park, playgrounds for the kids, historical monuments, lakes where you can feed ducks or go for a boat ride, open picnic spaces, and many pedestrian walkways covered by trees providing a refreshing shade during hot summer days. If we had to choose one spot for a picnic, however, we would choose the Kiraly Domb(hill) next to the Millenium Café. This space is a wonderful spot for a picnic as it has lots of trees, beautiful views, and a small hill to fly kites from. Városliget has a bit of everything making it a perfect spot for a picnic as it offers many different attractions but also allows for visitors to just enjoy a bit of nature all the while being in the heart of Budapest surrounded by 1,000 plus years of Hungarian history. Other attractions in the park includes the Budapest Zoo with stunning turn-of-the-centrury architecture, the Municipal Grand circus, the Széchenyi Medicinal Baths, Vajdahunyad Castle, Hero's Square, the Museum of Fine Art, the Palace of Art, and the recently constructed award-winning House of Music and Museum of Ethnography. Take a look at this map of the Városliget. It has detailed information about every aspect of the park if you are looking for something specific. https://ligetbudapest.hu/terkep

The Garden of Philosophers is the park to visit if you would like to see the most breathtaking panoramic view of Budapest while being surrounded by a peaceful green space. It is one of our favorite spots to enjoy a romantic picnic date while watching the sun set over the city or just simply to enjoy the tranquility of the space with loved ones, the view, and to philosophize a bit. Tucked away on the hillside, the park is secluded and filled with statues of the founders of the five major religions: Jesus, Buddha, Abraham, Laozi and Akhenaten. The presence of the statues collectively create a space of acceptance and tolerance, encouraging visitors to take a moment for self-reflection whilst enjoying a refreshing and pleasant afternoon picnic.

Located on the Danube, between Buda and Pest, Margaret island offers a serene getaway within the city perfect for an early afternoon picnic. Margaret Island awaits you with several verdant green lawns. There is nothing better than settling down in the grass with a picnic blanket and enjoying the sunshine and the flourishing nature around you. Our favorite spot for a picnic would have to be under Palatine Joseph’s plane tree, located between the Art Nouveau water tower and Saint Michael's chapel. The 200 year old tree, with a trunk that measures 6.5 meters in circumference, foliage with a diameter of 50 meters and height of 40 meters, is one of the most beautiful of its kind and provides the perfect spot for a picnic. Other attractions to check out while on Margaret island include the beautiful rose and Japanese gardens, ruins of a Franciscan Monastery and Dominican Convent, a small zoo, and the musical fountain located at the entrance of the island.

Normafa, located in the Buda Hills on the 12th district’s Svábhegy, offers extensive breathtaking views and a breath of fresh air away from the teeming city center. Although every part of Normafa is beautiful and worth seeing, Anna Rét (Anna’s Meadow) is where we recommend going, for a relaxing picnic. It is located only 500 meters from the Normafa Ski House, and it offers an expansive green field where an abundance of city dwellers frequently enjoy picnics, barbecues and play sports. There are some trees that provide shade, dedicated spots for campfires and playgrounds for children (there is even a zipline!). Anna Rét is the perfect spot to have a picnic and spend some quality time with family, friends, or even enjoy a romantic date. If you are up for taking a hike, walk to the Erzsebet Kilato (Erzsebet’s Lookout Tower) from Normafa for a beautiful view. Normafa is an amazing place as it offers both shorter and longer length hikes and some of Hungary’s most astounding flora and fauna.