1. ELTE University's Botanical Garden

MTI Photo: Attila Manek

Füvészkert was the first ever botanical garden in Hungary, founded by Jakab Winkler back in 1771.

The garden has an internationally recognized collection of identified plants. It's under the protection of National Cultural Heritage, and member of the Botanic Gardens Conservation International organization.

The collection has 85 local and 250 foreign endangered species. Admission is by ticket, but is inexpensive. Open every day from 1st of April until 31st of October.

2. Károlyi Garden

Some say this is the "most beautiful public garden" in the city, this French-style urban park once belonged to the famous Károlyi family, now it operates as a popular family-friendly public attraction.

The lovely fountain and romantic pathways, along with the beautiful plants and flowers - plus a children’s playground - all make this a delight in downtown Budapest.

You can find it somewhat hidden among the houses of the 5th district, close to Kálvin Square and National Museum. Admission is free, it is open from 7 am until sunset. Note: no dogs allowed.

3. City Park (Városliget)

MTI Photo: Balázs Mohai

City Park near the Heroes' Square is the second largest park in Budapest.

The area includes the Budapest Zoo, the Castle of Vajdahunyad with the Agriculture Museum, the Ice-rink, which is a boating lake during summer.

In the park you can find table tennis and soccer courts for free. Entering the park is free, institutions have prices for entry.

4. Népliget (Public Park)

Népliget (pron. nap-lee-get) is the largest public park in Budapest completed in the 1860's.

In this park, you can find a sun-clock, Centenary Memorial Stone or the union of Buda, Pest and Óbuda, the Invisible Exhibition, and the Planetarium.

The park is easy to reach by underground line blue or with the tram line 1. Next to the park is the Népliget Bus Station. Entering the park is free, institutions have prices for entry.

5. Margaret Island (Margitsziget)

There are many gardens throughout the island, and much more too.

The gardens are full of flowers and trees, which are full of life from April till September. But if you're looking for something special, look for the Japanese Garden. There you can see turtles, water lilies and rare oriental plants.

Margaret Island gives place inter alia for the Palatinus Strand, a tiny zoo, the Music Well, the Music Fountain. Admission to the park is free.

6. Budapest Zoo

MTI Photo: Imre Faludi

Officially the full name of the zoo is Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden, because it has a Japanese Garden and a Palm House. 

The whole zoo itself is a beautiful park with rare and autochthonous Hungarian trees and flowers.

Open every day, admission with ticket.

7. Orczy Park

This is a small oasis in the concrete jungle of the 8th district.

The easiest way to reach this park is to aim the Nagyvárad Square underground station. Orczy Park is both a place for walking, sitting on blanket or sport outdoor.

There're tennis courts, a running court, table tennis, a football and basketball courts, and more. Entry to the park is free, but some of the sport courts may have fee. Official site.

8. Kopaszi Dike

MTI Photo

This is a fully renewed peninsula in south Buda, close to the Rákóczi Bridge.

The 1 km long dike is a perfect place to end up a biking city tour, or have a pleasant walk with friends or your love. Admission free. Official site.

9. Óbudai Island

MTI Photo

Usually in August this is the home of the Sziget Festival, but on every other days, it's a huge park open to all.

Here you can walk, riding bike, take pictures, playing outdoor games, or have a picnic with your family. Admission free - apart from during Sziget!

10. Chain Bridge Park

MTI Photo: Tamás Kovács

This is the newest one of the list, and the most environmental friendly in the city.

It uses minimal amount of pavement, and those are permeable. The paths made of larch instead of concrete. The small park lies at the Buda end of the Chain Bridge. Admission free.

Source: gotohungary.com

Top photo credit: ELTE University's Botanical Garden: fuveszkert.org