Buda, River island in Kortrijk, Belgium

Buda is a river island nestled between two branches of the Leie, offering wooded walking paths and open green spaces across its expanse. The island contains a museum, cinema, and arts venue where exhibitions and performances take place regularly.

Buda lies north of the old Leie arm and was enclosed within Kortrijk's walls from 1454, when a 2.3 km stone rampart was built. The name appeared at the end of the 17th century: after Buda in Hungary was taken from the Turks in 1686, Vauban's fortifications of 1690 and 1698 around the island near the Broel Towers were called a "little Buda". The name is first recorded in the archives in 1734 and later passed to the Budastraat.

The name Buda was first recorded in the city archives in 1734, after Vauban's fortifications around 1690 and 1698 were likened to a 'little Buda' near the Broel Towers. The main street, Budastraat, one of Kortrijk's oldest, later took the name. From 1928 to 1958 a three-day neighbourhood fair began each 14 August.

The island is easily accessible on foot or by bike, with wide paths suitable for walking and cycling throughout the year. Plan your visit for dry weather to fully enjoy the outdoor spaces and make navigation simpler.

The island features a beach park that provides a summer recreation area you would not naturally expect to find within the urban river setting. This sandy zone creates a coastal feel in the middle of the city where visitors can enjoy leisure activities beside the water.