Lift Your Spirit in Budapest – Seeing City Park from Above
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A Flight I Didn’t Plan — But Absolutely Loved
There’s something magical about seeing Budapest from above — but for years, I never felt the urge to try a hot air balloon Budapest ride. The red-and-white balloon floating gently above City Park (Városliget) has been there for a few years now, but I always thought, “Maybe one day.”
This autumn, that day finally came. I didn’t plan anything grand — I simply wanted to admire the autumn colours from a new angle. What I didn’t expect was that this short 15-minute flight would lift not just my view, but also my spirit.
The Experience: Calm, Colour, and Kindness
You’ll find the BallonFly hot air balloon Budapest experience right in the heart of City Park, next to the boating lake and Vajdahunyad Castle. It’s hard to miss — those cheerful red-and-white stripes look picture-perfect against Budapest’s blue sky.
From the moment I arrived, the hosts were incredibly kind and welcoming. They greeted everyone with warm smiles, explained how the flight works, and paid close attention to every small detail. Their calm and friendly energy instantly set the tone — you can feel how much they love sharing this experience.
As the balloon began to rise, the city unfolded below: Heroes’ Square, Vajdahunyad Castle, the Széchenyi Baths, and endless rows of golden trees. The higher we went, the quieter it became.
It’s a tethered flight — safe, stable, and gentle — but the feeling is pure freedom.
From “Not Interested” to “Huge Fan”
I’ll be honest: for a long time, I wasn’t interested at all. I’ve lived in Budapest my entire life, seen every tower, viewpoint and rooftop, and thought, “Do I really need another one?”
But this short hot air balloon Budapest ride completely changed my mind. It wasn’t just the view — it was the entire experience: the soft wind, the quiet, the kindness of the crew, and the beauty of Budapest stretching endlessly in every direction.
It turned out to be the best thing I did all week (and my weeks are usually full of pretty cool things!).
Hot Air Balloon Rides in Budapest — What to Know
If you’d like to read more about the background, check out my earlier post:
👉 Take to the Skies: Hot Air Balloon Rides in City Park, Budapest
Here’s a quick summary for your visit:
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Duration: around 15 minutes
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Tickets: approx. EUR 25 for adults
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Location: City Park (Városliget), near the boating lake
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Best time: late afternoon, when the light turns golden
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Good to know: flights depend on weather, so check conditions before you go
Even if you decide to stay on the ground, watching the Budapest hot air balloon float above the park is magical in itself.
Why This Viewpoint Is Worth It
Budapest has many breathtaking viewpoints — Gellért Hill, Fisherman’s Bastion, or the dome of St. Stephen’s Basilica — but the City Park hot air balloon offers something unique.
There’s something gentle and grounding about floating quietly above the park. The mix of nature, history, and serenity is pure magic, and the crew’s kindness turns it into more than just an attraction — it feels like a celebration of the city itself.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes, the things we put off for years turn out to be the most memorable surprises. For me, this short hot air balloon Budapest experience was exactly that — a reminder that the best views (and moods!) often come when we simply decide to look up. I’m more than happy to include a ride in a Budapest walking or driving tour, just let me know if you are interested!
💙 Lift your spirit in Budapest — and maybe your day, too.
