Despite its central location, Margaret Island is extremely peaceful. In
summer, it is popular with the locals who come here to relax. Rent a
bicycle, jog, swim in one of two pools, throw a Frisbee or just stroll
around. This was originally a religious centre. The ruins of St Margaret's
Dominican nunnery are on the east side near the ruins of a Franciscan
church. The water tower is a listed building. A very fine lunch can be had
in the Ramada Grand Hotel at the north-east end of the island.
This is a beautiful beaux-arts train station, befitting a grand European
capital. It was designed by the Eiffel firm (the architect was August de
Serres), and the relationship to the famous tower is evident in the gracious
style of the cast-iron frame and ample windows. The station was finished in
1877 and nearly demolished in the twentieth century, but ended up being
completely renovated. Nowadays, it is used as a point of departure for
trains heading eastwards.
This huge swimming pool complex also features hot baths and lots of open
space. It is rare in that it offers nude sunbathing in the heart of the
city - there is both a women-only and a mixed area. There is also an
exhilarating wave pool as well as lots of other facilities such as a
children's playground and restaurant. This is a great place to stop off for
a break after a walk around the island. Originally opened in the early
1920's, it has since expanded to what it is today 30 000 square meters of
park and pool area. The large outdoor pool is approximately 100m long.
May-Aug: 8a-7p M-Su, Sep: 10a-6p M-Su
This mall is too big for its own good - not to mention that of its vendors,
paying exorbitant rents, and their empty shops. It certainly reflects the
city's high proportion of lingerie outiques per capita. Its main
attractions are a multiplex cinema, a MediaMarkt electronics shop, an
appliance and computer store and lots of CD shops. If you crave a argarita,
a TGIF has recently opened here too. Most clothing chains from around Vaci
utca have a branch here as well. 10am-9pm daily