Cars banned from Budapest downtown Danube embankment from today

The eastern embankment of the River Danube between the Chain and Elisabeth bridges in central Budapest will be turned into a “leisure terrace” for pedestrians and cyclists for a month starting on July 15, Mayor Gergely Karácsony said on Thursday.

Karácsony noted similar municipal initiatives last year and in 2021, when sections of the embankments had been turned into “waterfront community spaces” for the summertime. Concerning the preparations, the mayor said dozens of plants, benches, and tables have been placed in the area, as well as misting stations, barbecue facilities, and sandboxes. He added that the facility would also offer programmes for visitors.