Margaret Island Mini Zoo — Attraction in Budapest

A peaceful gem in the heart of the city!

During our visit to the Margaret Island Mini Zoo, we witnessed something truly special — a pair of storks nesting directly on the ground, just a short distance from the walking path. It was a rare and beautiful sight, especially knowing they’re expecting chicks soon!

The zoo is home to various species of ducks, stunning peacocks, gentle deer, horses, and even majestic eagles. Many of the animals here are rescues that can no longer survive in the wild, which adds a meaningful, educational aspect to the visit.

What’s even better — entry is free, and the zoo is open daily from spring to autumn, between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM. It’s a lovely spot for a relaxing stroll surrounded by nature and wildlife.

A bit of history: The Mini Zoo on Margaret Island dates back to the 1950s and was renovated in 2002. It’s now operated by the Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden. The zoo not only showcases animals but also preserves the island’s historical charm — once known as the “Island of Rabbits” in medieval times, when it was home to monasteries and gardens. Today, the zoo continues that legacy in a peaceful, park-like setting.

Highly recommended for families, animal lovers, or anyone looking for a quiet escape...

The zoo itself is small — i mean, really small, i guess thats why its mini. Free entry, theres a huge area confined by a net that holds ducks, geese, fluffy chickens (the cutest ive ever seen) and the birds with the colored tail that i forgot the name of to the left of that enclosure is gaurded off grass, where theres a bird nest, i saw the cutest little baby birds, and if you continue in the path you will see ponies, why i took off a star is because the enclosure was so dirty and unkept, also the horse shat in our face, that was unsanitary as hell, also, there was a sign that there were bunnies in the zoo, you couldnt see them. And theres a part of the zoo you cant access from the inside, you have to go look from outside, that's where the eagles and the deer are.

Overall it was a great experience, but i suggest to bring good and comfy shoes, because the walk from the entrance of the island to the mini zoo is...

While the name 'Mini Zoo' may be a bit misleading, this place does offer a few interesting exhibits. You'll find various bird species and a handful of other animals on display. What's great is that admission is completely free, making it a budget-friendly option for a quick visit. If you're looking for a larger and more extensive zoo experience, you might want to manage your expectations accordingly. Nonetheless, it's a decent spot to spend some time and learn about different animals. Just keep in mind that the selection is limited. Overall, a nice place to drop by if you're in the area and curious about the...