When the temperature drops, that means it’s time to go ice-skating. In winter it’s one of the best sport activities for citizens. I did a lot of ice-skating in winters as a kid. I grew up in an industrial suburb of Budapest called Újpest. This suburb had an ice rink, where I spent almost every Sunday with my mom ice-skating at wintertime.
It was cold, we would get wet and my legs had been frozen, but we had an amazing time nevertheless. The rink was outdoors only, and I think there was a tiny food stall offering hot chocolate and snacks. What I remember is going around and around that rink. Nothing fancy, just gliding along! I had so much fun with my mom.
Now I’m grown up, but still love ice-skating. The only difference is that I usually drink mulled wine not hot chocolate when I do ice-skating. 😉 I’ve ranked my top favorite outdoor ice-skating rinks to go in Budapest.
City Park Ice Rink
City Park Ice Rink with the majestic Vajdahunyad Castle as a fairy-tale backdrop is located behind Heroes’ Square. Budapest’s first ice rink which was opened on the lake in 1870 is one of the oldest and largest in Europe. It’s filled up with water during the summer months and serves as a boating lake for tourists looking to pedal around while basking in the sun.
Ice-skating in City Park Ice Rink is a perfect day- or nighttime activity to do with friends, family or even a date. And it is the perfect way to end a day of sightseeing and then soak up the steam in Széchenyi Spa nearby. So grab your skates (or rent some) and enjoy!
For skating rules and ticket prices please click HERE.
Intermezzo Ice Terrace
Ice skating, mulled wine, steamed dumplings and eye-catching panorama at the top of Hotel President – not only for hotel guests! The highest open-air ice terrace of Hotel President is a tourist hotspot of Budapest that functions as an ice skating rink and a lookout point where tourists and locals can admire the view of the St Stephen’s Basilica, the Buda Castle, the Parliament and the neighboring Zsolnay decorated Hungarian Treasury. So why not enjoy the breathtaking view of Budapest while slipping, sliding and gliding around hand in hand with your loved one.
For skating rules and ticket prices please click HERE.
source: Hotel President
Ice Rink at St. Stephen’s Square
St. Stephen’s Square is located in the heart of Budapest and home of the Christmas Fair and Advent Feast which was voted as “The Most Beautiful Christmas Market in Europe”. The small ice rink in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica is a part of the Christmas market. Children up to age 14 can use it for free. While the kids skate safely around the Christmas tree, adults can sip on tasty winter drinks like mulled wine and browse the Christmas market.
Bálna Ice Rink
Bálna is a commercial, cultural, entertainment and leisure centre with many great craft brasseries and bars. It connects downtown and the inner part of District IX, the tourist zone and the gastro-zone. The breathtaking panorama of the Danube, Gellért Hill and Buda Castle makes sliding especially exciting here. Plus this is the largest free outdoor ice rink in Budapest. If you are hungry after the activity,, Central Market Hall is just a stone’s throw away, where you can recharge your battery with a big sausage or a tasty lángos.
Müpa Ice rink
Müpa, also known as Palace of Arts, is the headquarters of theatrical and musical arts. In the winter season there’s no feeling more liberating than gliding across the ice without a concern in the world. There is a 350 square meters ice rink in front of the main entrance, where skaters can enjoy the icy joys for classical and modern, but quality background music. A heated snack bar next to the rink will add to the relaxation by offering winter delicacies like mulled wine and hot chocolate. There’s no way I would miss it, ever.
Make sure to follow us on Instagram or like us on Facebook to get exclusive contents and other exciting announcements from MyLittleHungary.