How to Explore District 18: Pestszentlőrinc-Pestszentimre — Budapest’s Eastern Suburban Charm

Introduction

District 18 Budapest, officially known as Pestszentlőrinc-Pestszentimre, stretches along Budapest’s southeastern edge near the airport. Formed by joining the once-independent towns of Pestszentlőrinc and Pestszentimre, the district is defined by quiet residential neighborhoods, leafy parks, aviation history, and a strong sense of local community. This is not the Budapest of grand boulevards and tourist crowds, but a place where you can experience the suburban side of the city. Let’s take a walking-style journey through some of its highlights.

1. Begin at the Hunyadi Castle / District Town Hall (Városház utca 1)

Your journey begins at Városház utca 1, where the Hunyadi Castle (Lőrinci Kastély) stands. Built in the 19th century with a mix of neo-Gothic and Renaissance Revival style, this elegant mansion was once linked to the Hunyadi family and later adapted for civic functions.

Today it serves as the District XVIII Mayor’s Office (Polgármesteri Hivatal), making it both a historic landmark and the administrative heart of Pestszentlőrinc. While the interior is generally not open for tours, the romantic façade and leafy setting make it a worthy first stop. The surrounding streets, dotted with cafés and small shops, give a taste of daily suburban life.

2. Pause at Memorial Park (Emlékpark)

A short walk brings you to Emlékpark, a green space with statues and memorials commemorating the district’s history, especially local victims of the Second World War. It’s a peaceful place for reflection and a reminder of how suburban neighborhoods carry layers of memory beneath their quiet surface.

3. Walk Through the Gloriett Residential Area

From Városház Street, continue to the Gloriett neighborhood, with its tree-lined streets and tidy gardens. This area shows off the everyday suburban lifestyle of Budapest: family homes, small playgrounds, and community centers where neighbors gather. It’s a calm counterpoint to the bustle of central Pest.

4. Explore the Pestszentimre Historic District

Cross into Pestszentimre, the smaller of the two namesake towns, where history is still visible in preserved architecture:

• Pestszentimre Catholic Church (18th century) stands at the center with its classic Baroque design and peaceful interior.
• Historic homes nearby reflect the architectural styles of past centuries, offering a glimpse of village life before urban expansion.
• If time allows, seek out the Ráday Castle, a small Baroque manor house linked to the Ráday family, which adds depth to the district’s aristocratic past.

5. Aviation Heritage at Aeropark

One of District XVIII’s must-see attractions is Aeropark, located by Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. This open-air museum showcases Hungary’s aviation history with vintage MALÉV aircraft, airport vehicles, and interactive exhibits. Visitors can even step inside retired planes, making it a unique stop for families and aviation enthusiasts.

6. Relax at Bókay Garden (Bókay Kert)

Next, unwind at Bókay Garden, a sprawling recreational park loved by locals. Here you’ll find:

• Walking paths shaded by trees
• Sports facilities, from tennis courts and a swimming pool to football fields
• Picnic areas perfect for a relaxed afternoon outdoors

The garden is named after Dr. Árpád Bókay, a renowned 19th-century pediatrician, and today it remains the green lung of the district.

7. Visit the Market Grounds

End your suburban exploration at the site of the former Lőrinci Market Hall (Lőrinci Piac). From the 1930s until 2003, this was the district’s bustling market. The hall was demolished, but the grounds still host seasonal fairs and, in winter, a popular outdoor skating rink. Community life continues here, even without the historic building.

Conclusion

Exploring District XVIII: Pestszentlőrinc-Pestszentimre offers a different side of Budapest—one defined by suburban calm, aviation history, and deep local traditions. From the historic Hunyadi Castle turned Town Hall to Aeropark’s aircraft, from leafy gardens to village churches, this district shows how history, community, and leisure intertwine on the city’s southeastern edge. If you’re looking to step off the tourist trail, Pestszentlőrinc-Pestszentimre rewards you with authenticity, open space, and a slower rhythm of life.

FAQ – Budapest District 18