Castle courtyards, lively squares, and the city's grand parks transform into popular skating spots, each offering its own unique charm. Here’s where you can glide, spin, and enjoy the season throughout the capital.
A visit to the City Park Ice Rink in Budapest is a quintessential part of winter. With Vajdahunyad Castle beautifully illuminated behind you and a large expanse of ice beneath your feet, this is the city's most iconic skating destination and one of the oldest outdoor rinks in Europe. It’s an ideal place for skaters who want plenty of room to move, whether you're working on proper laps or simply enjoying a leisurely glide hand-in-hand. Weekday evenings are particularly magical here and are noticeably quieter than weekends.
Located right next to Deák Ferenc tér, Városháza Park transforms into a delightful festive corner each winter. It’s the perfect spot for a spontaneous skate, making it an easy addition to a day of shopping or enjoying a warm drink with friends. This rink is a smaller version of the Csepel Ice Rink, featuring the same charming LED light strings and even an ice corridor.
This winter, Budapest Park will transform into a frozen wonderland as KoriPark opens on 28 November. The park will feature an ice surface of approximately 2,000 square meters, welcoming visitors until 1 February. The familiar festival atmosphere is getting a winter makeover, complete with lights, music, and the stunning sight of a large ice rink. Great care is taken to ensure the quality of the ice; a resurfacing machine will regularly smooth the rink, during which skating will pause, providing the perfect opportunity to rest and enjoy a hot drink.
If you're looking for a unique skating experience and don't mind venturing out of the city center, head to Csepel! It's just a 15-minute ride by HÉV from Boráros tér. The rink is quite charming, especially with the LED lights, and features a fantastic ice corridor connecting the skating area and the learning rink.
Hello Buda is kicking off the season on 29 November with a full-day winter celebration from 11 AM to 10 PM, marking the official opening of the ice rink. Throughout the day, music will fill the air, with a DJ setting the rhythm as visitors enjoy steaming tea or mulled wine in a cozy hütte-style atmosphere. The rink is welcoming to all ages, making it a perfect family-friendly outing - young children, teens, and adults can all join in on the fun.
Whether you want to skate, dance, warm up between laps, or simply soak in the winter vibe, these places are an ideal way to embrace the winter season.