The Rakpart is opening to residents and tourists again this year, and the organisers are preparing several new features for the new season of the five-year project. Under the programme, the lower embankment on the Pest side will once again become a traffic-calmed community space from spring to autumn, with an extended period and area based on the experience of previous years.
The initiative – coordinated by the 15-year-old Valyo – Város és Folyó Egyesület (City and River Association) – is expanding towards Antall József rakpart this year. Full weekend opening from March to October remains unchanged, while on weekdays from May to September a new barrier-controlled system will be introduced.
According to the plans, the embankment will be closed to car traffic after the afternoon rush hour, probably from 6 pm, so that for four months pedestrians and cyclists can take over the area on weekday evenings as well.
According to traffic counts by BKK Centre for Budapest Transport, on one weekend in June 2025 nearly 20,000 visitors a day were recorded at Vigadó tér, approaching the visitor numbers of City Park or Margaret Island. Actual visitor numbers for the whole section may have been even higher.
The project is also expanding geographically: besides the section between Elisabeth Bridge and the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, which is densely packed with bars and restaurants, the programme is extending towards Parliament. The new areas will focus on recreational, sport and green functions: street furniture, barbecue areas, sports pitches, table tennis tables and rest zones will be installed.
Under the concept, Jane Haining rakpart will in future host livelier community events, while Antall József rakpart will serve quieter relaxation.
The organisers aim for the project to demonstrate the long-term urban development and tourism potential of the traffic-reduced embankment section, and to further expand the range of public spaces already in use in 2026.
Source: Turizmus.com