Budapest

Budapest is the capital of Hungary. It’s a small country with a population of 10 million. The Danube river divides Budapest into two parts: hilly Buda and flat Pest. Budapest was occupied by many different nations and cultures during its long history. You can find traces of that in all different neighbourhoods of the city.

If you are visiting in the warmer months you will most certainly enjoy Budapest’s outdoor areas. There are plenty of cafes and bars with magical views sitting and relaxing outside with a beverage of your choice.

I recently moved back to Budapest after living in different parts of the world for the past ten years. Meanwhile, I became an avid runner so once I knew that I was packing up my life in New York City, I set my mind on starting my own running group in Budapest. This was the best and easiest way for me to rediscover my hometown and make new friends at the same time.

Runner's Paradise

Budapest is a beautiful city full of history. From the pre-war buildings to our world famous Parliament. Streets are mostly narrow and people don’t really understand urban running that much (yet). Therefore, you have to be patient. I always make sure to thank people if they let me pass. I’m all about building a happy running community and a good relationship with the non-runners.

The downtown area of Budapest is mostly flat but there are plenty of hills to climb close by. Many beautiful bridges cross the Danube river and countless historic places along your running routes.

In the Danube is the Margaret Island. Located between the Arpad Bridge and the Margaret Bridge it’s the runners’ paradise since most of the runners will go there to train. It’s exactly a 5k loop if you run the perimeter of the island. Beyond that, Budapest offers many more beautiful and scenic places to run.

Favourite Routes

DOWNTOWN BUDAPEST

RUN TO DISCOVER Budapest crossing a bridge with the castle Buda in the background. RUN MY CITY guide by Csilla Fazekas.

PARLIAMENT & HEROES SQUARE

Bajza Street tunnel in Budapest with Csilla Fazekas running to discover the city

ISLAND ROUTE

RUN TO DISCOVER Budapest. RUN MY CITY guide by Csilla Fazekas.

  • Category: ROAD
  • Start & Finish:

    Kempinski Hotel
  • Distance: 5.3km
  • Duration: 25-40mins
  • Difficulty: easy
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  • Category: ROAD
  • Start & Finish:

    Madal Cafe – Coffee Shop
  • Distance: 7.8km
  • Duration: 35-70mins
  • Difficulty: easy
Download GPS data
  • Category: ROAD
  • Start & Finish: 
    Madal Cafe – Coffee Shop 
  • Distance: 15.7km
  • Duration: 70-120mins
  • Difficulty: easy
Download GPS data

Must see places

  • The Parliament

  • Klauzal Street

  • Buda Castle

  • Great Market Hall

  • Liberty Square

Races

There is a selection of races in and around Budapest. For a list of upcoming running events in Hungary visit the Race Calendar.

Upcoming

About the Author

Csilla Fazekas runs to discover Budapest, Hungary.

My name is Csilla Fazekas. I recently moved back home and started my own running club called BUDAPEST RUNNING PROJECT. It is based on the idea that the city is our playground and nothing should stop us from exploring it. I believe in city running and that it is the best way to discover a place. And it’s the best medicine against jetlag anyway.

Travelling and running enabled me to check a few points on my bucket list such as running through the Shibuya crossing in Tokyo, racing a tram in Hong Kong or running through Vietnam’s countryside.

If you are visiting Budapest, I’d love to invite you to run with my running group. You will feel like a local when running with the locals! On Beans And Miles, I blog about running, exercising and my coffee adventures. Check it out!