Good news for pedestrians: Budapest to close downtown riverfront to cars for the summer

Beginning Saturday, 21 June and continuing through Friday, 15 August, a section of the lower embankment in Budapest on the Pest side of the Danube will be open to pedestrians and cyclists even on weekdays. The Jane Haining Embankment, located between Eötvös Square and the Irányi Street exit by the Pest side of the Elisabeth Bridge, will become car-free, enhanced with cultural and recreational programs. On weekends, the usual closure will still apply between the Margaret Bridge and the Elisabeth Bridge, allowing both locals and tourists to enjoy the riverside.

Throughout the summer, one of Budapest’s most popular public spaces will again be open for those looking to relax, exercise, or simply take in the city’s world-famous panorama. Coordinated with ongoing rail track renovations along the Grand Boulevard, the entire stretch between Eötvös Square and Irányi Street will be fully accessible for pedestrians starting 21 June through mid-August, BKK reports.

During this period, the embankment will transform into a peaceful, traffic-free space that’s friendly to both walkers and cyclists. On weekends, visitors to Jane Haining Embankment can enjoy food vendors, cultural events, and live music. According to visitor data, the riverside promenade attracts tens of thousands of people each summer for recreation and sport.

Usage of micromobility devices—such as bikes and scooters—has surged by over 30% during these open-summer periods, compared to years when the embankment remained open to cars. The Budapest Transport Centre (BKK) urges cyclists and scooter users to watch out for pedestrians, especially families with young children.

This annual summer opening coincides with the Grand Boulevard rail renovations beginning June 21, which will impact downtown traffic. The aim is to maintain car traffic flow between Margaret Bridge and Chain Bridge during the day while converting other sections into dedicated pedestrian zones.