When temperatures drop, it’s time to lace up your skates! Ice skating is one of the best winter activities in Budapest, whether you’re planning a fun afternoon with friends, a family outing or a romantic date.
I spent many winter Sundays ice skating as a child. I grew up in Újpest, an industrial suburb of Budapest, where there was an outdoor ice rink. My mom and I went there almost every Sunday during the winter. We would get cold and wet, and my legs would feel frozen, but we always had an amazing time. There was nothing fancy about that little rink, and I don’t remember doing much more than gliding around in circles. But those afternoons with my mom are still some of my favorite winter memories.
I’m all grown up now, but I still love ice skating. The main difference? These days, I’m more likely to reach for a cup of mulled wine than hot chocolate after a few laps!
Budapest has several outdoor ice-skating rinks to choose from, ranging from the iconic City Park Ice Rink to festive Christmas market rinks and exciting ice parks with winding ice corridors. Here are my favorite places to go ice skating in Budapest in the 2026-2027 winter season.
1. City Park Ice Rink (Városligeti Műjégpálya)
With Vajdahunyad Castle in the background, the City Park Ice Rink is one of the most beautiful places to go ice skating in Budapest. The rink first opened in 1870, making it one of Europe’s oldest outdoor skating venues.
In summer, the same lake fills with boats instead of skaters. But come winter, it’s all about the ice, the castle views and the special atmosphere that makes this place such a Budapest classic.
You can bring your own skates or rent a pair at the rink. Find current opening dates and prices on the official website.
2. Budai Ice Rink (Budai Műjégpálya)
If you prefer a more local feel, the Budai Ice Rink at Széna Square is a lovely alternative to the grand City Park rink. It’s a smaller, covered rink with a cosy atmosphere, and one of the things I like about it is that you can head straight to Jégkert next door after skating.
Whether you fancy a hot drink, a hearty meal or simply a place to warm up after a few rounds on the ice, Jégkert’s bar and restaurant is right there.
The rink usually operates from autumn to spring, with public skating sessions scheduled around hockey and other activities. Check the official website for the current timetable.
3. Budapest Park – KoriPark
In summer, Budapest Park is one of the city’s best-known outdoor concert venues. When winter arrives, the concert space transforms into KoriPark, with more than 2,200 square metres of ice to skate on.
The winter setting has a different kind of buzz, with colourful lights and an ice corridor that makes the experience more than just skating in circles. You can also warm up with a hot drink or grab something to eat between sessions.
KoriPark is scheduled to reopen on 28 November 2026. Find the details on the official Budapest Park website.
4. Csepel Ice Park (Csepeli Jégpark)
Looking for something a little different? The Csepel Ice Park is home to Hungary’s first two-level ice rink, with a 400-metre ice corridor featuring a gentle slope and a tunnel of lights. Instead of simply skating around a rink, you can follow the winding route and enjoy a completely different experience on the ice.
Located at Szent Imre Square in Csepel, the rink is a little off the usual tourist trail, but its unusual design makes it worth knowing about. There’s skate rental on site, and beginners can borrow penguin or bear skating aids.
Find more details on the official Csepel Ice Park website.
Seasonal Christmas Ice Rinks in Budapest
Városháza Park Winter Experience
Right in the city centre, close to Deák Ferenc Square, the winter experience park at Városháza Park offers something a little different: an ice rink with a winding ice corridor running between the trees. It’s a festive spot to stop for a skate while exploring central Budapest during the Christmas season.
If you’re planning to visit Budapest’s Christmas markets, you can find more seasonal inspiration in my guide to Christmas Markets in Budapest.
Advent in Óbuda
For a more local Advent atmosphere, head to Fő tér in Óbuda. The square’s cobbled streets, Christmas market stalls and illuminated ice rink make a lovely combination, with the rink traditionally free to use. The Advent in Óbuda programme is scheduled to return on 27 November 2026.
You can find more about the market in my Advent in Óbuda guide.
Whether you’re gliding past Vajdahunyad Castle or following a winding ice corridor, ice skating is a lovely way to enjoy Budapest in winter. And if you ask me, the best part is still what comes afterwards: a warm drink, cold cheeks and a good memory to take home.
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This article was updated in October 2026 with the latest tips and information.