The Margaret Island of Budapest
In the middle of the Danube you’ll find Margaret Island (Margit-szitges in Hungarian), a place of history, monuments and festivals that has also become a favorite for travelers toBudapest since it unites the two parts of the city: Buda andPest.
The island, which is 2.5 kilometers long, is the “green lung” of the city and has two bridges that connect it, Margaret to the south and Árpád to the north. Its history dates back to the twelfth century, when it is said to have been occupied by the Knights of the Order of Malta. The Premonstratensian church dates from the same century, and together with the Franciscan church and the Dominican church and convent from the 13th century, these are the oldest on record for the island.
It is named after Margaret of Hungary, daughter of Bela IV of Hungary(13th century), and before that it was known as the island of rabbits. After the Mongol invasion in 1241, the king offered his daughter to God to prevent the pagans from attacking his kingdom and ordered a Dominican convent to be constructed on the island of rabbits where his daughter could retire as a nun. This then led all noble families to send one of their daughters to the convent and since many pious widows also entered the convent, it soon became a place for nobility. It is said to have been luxurious with servants to attend to these religious women.
In the eighteenth century it became a summer resort for noble families and remained such until 1908, when it was declared a public park. Among the many attractions of this wonderful place are the Music Fountain and the Water Tower, both of which are now monuments protected by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.
For those who like to swim or just take a dip in the water, try out the Palatinus Park, which is the largest outdoor swimming complex in the city, and the Alfréd Hajós pool. There’s also room for walking, skating and a 5-kilometer circuit for jogging. For those who like to explore on two wheels, you can also rent a bicycle to tour around.
And should hunger strike in the middle of your journey, there’s plenty of international food such as hamburgers and hot dogs readily available. If you’re traveling during a colder part of the year, try the classic mulled wine. It’s a great way to help you stoically endure colder temperatures.
If you’re looking for something more sophisticated, Holdudvar is the place to go. This bar, terrace, gallery and cinema is open from May to September. Originally a university club and bar, its success has brought it here to the center of this beautiful island, which lends it a great atmosphere. Here, you’ll be able to dine for less than €20 and have a great time until dawn.
Nancy Guzman
Summer and the Danube are an ideal combination for your vacation. Rent apartments in Budapest and say good-bye to the stress of everyday life.
Christmas Market in Budapest
Christmas is a time that whether we like it or not, whether were Christians, Muslims, Jews or atheists, it always connects us with our childhood and that unstoppable pleasure of giving others a small gift or something which brings them happiness, even if its a short one, but that feels affection further than itself. Maybe from there theres emerges the tradition of Christmas markets, and Budapest has the most beautiful and entertaining one in the whole of Eastern Europe.
Known as the Christmas market of Vörösmarty Square, it begins every year close to the 20th of November, for those who go shopping early and dont leave everything until the last minute. The closing date is the 29th of December, because theres always someone who left buying presents until late and waits until the new year to give them. Its opening hours are from 10am until 8pm except on the 24th, because that day, for those who have forgotten its Christmas Eve, all 100 stands in the market are open until 2am in case anyone had forgotten to buy gifts.
In any case, its always beautiful, whether you go to buy gifts or not, to walk around this market which offers never ending objects for the delight of the ones with weak will to buy. Such is its fame that s become a classic spot for tourists, especially because of the singular aesthetics of this place, which is amplified with the pretty wooden stands styled like small chalets. Here they exhibit the most typical Hungarian crafts, curiosities, some interesting antiques, local artists works and all sorts of objects, which I assure you you wont find anywhere else.
However, not everything that you find here are objects, there are also the food stalls of typical food at unique prices, with dishes that would delight gourmets. If you still havent tried Lángos, bread cooked with a potato dough, I recommend it, because here youll find the most delicious and traditional ones in Budapest. There are also the wonderful apple strudel made in traditional Hungarian ovens. And to beat the cold, nothing better than a forrait, a warm punch made with wine, cinnamon and herbs which is served in a cup which you can take with you a souvenir of Budapest and its Christmas Market.
Also, there are musicians and cultural activities every day with different presentations. So dont think that if you went one day you saw it all, the opposite, there will always be new surprises to enjoy, so you can walk, see, eat and, of course, shop. Everywhere you can find stimulants that will make this visit a very special one.
For those who travel with their family, this is the ideal place to visit as a group, because apart from everything that weve explained for the adults, there are special entertainment programmes for the children, so nobody will get bored in this market.
Nancy Guzman
In order not to miss this wonderful panorama, rent apartments in Budapest and have fun walking and buying at the Christmas Market at Vörösmarty Square . After, with your shopping finished, you can go to the thermal baths to relax and carry on enjoying this charming and enigmatic city.
Translated by: aleixgwilliam
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