Island in the Stream

When you think of Budapest, you usually think of the hill, the hand, the baths, goulash and the gorgeous architecture. What you probably didn't know was that the city boasts a gorgeous island that sits right in the middle of the Danube. It's called Margaret Island, and it's the perfect place to take a relaxing moment in Hungary's big city.

Now if you're sitting on the coach eating potato chips while your girlfriend reads this to you, let me tell you right now that you can't say this sounds like a hike or a hassle because it's not. The island is easily within walking distance from Pest's city center, and there are multiple bridges that take you there. Once on the island, you have 225 acres of essentially whatever you want.

If you are a local, you're probably using the island for one of its many great jogging paths or to have a relaxing picnic with a loved one. Tourists might be checking out the fountains and sculptures like the 13th-century Franciscan church ruins, the Centennial Memorial (photo on right), the Japanese garden, the small zoo, or the world heritage-honored Music Fountain and Water Tower. Need more? Well, you got it. Margaret Island features a 3,500-person open-air theater, the city's largest open-air swimming complex, a tennis court, athletics center, bars, restaurants and even thermal baths.

So maybe you're thinking, "This sounds so good I wish I could just stay there." You can. The island features two hotels and even a hostel. With all that, not even Ben Linus could make you want to leave this island!