Ice skating in Budapest: rinks, prices and opening dates 2025/2026
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Ice skating in Budapest is one of the most fun things you can do in winter. Few cities feel as magical this time of year, and stepping onto the ice is basically a seasonal tradition.
The best part is that Budapest has no shortage of rinks. There are cozy spots for solo winter vibes, family-friendly rinks for kids, fun places to go with friends and even romantic backdrops if you’re planning a winter date.
And since a lot of people start searching early for Budapest ice rink opening dates 2025, here’s the good news: most rinks open between November and December, and some stay open until late February.
In this guide, you’ll find the best ice-skating spots in Budapest for the 2025/2026 season. Ready to choose where to glide first? Let’s go.
City Park Ice Rink – Városliget
Ice skating Budapest truly begins here. City Park Ice Rink is the most iconic winter spot in the city, sitting between Heroes’ Square and Vajdahunyad Castle. It looks like a postcard all day long, but at sunset it gets that warm golden glow that makes you think, “Ok… maybe winter is my season after all.”
This is also the biggest outdoor ice rink in Europe, so there’s plenty of space to glide, stumble, spin, panic for one second, and then pretend you meant to do that 😂 The vibe is lively, the music changes throughout the day and night, and the crowd is a mix of locals, families, tourists and tiny children who (sometimes) skate better than all of us combined.
A fun extra is the skating school on site. Kids as young as three can take lessons. On average, more than 3,400 people learn to skate here every season and over 270,000 visitors pass through the rink. It’s a full winter experience, not just a quick spin on the ice.
Tip: If you want to avoid crowds, go right when the rink opens or later at night.
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Opening dates 2025/2026
The planned opening day is Monday, 24 November, depending on weather and ice conditions. Once the season begins, the rink usually stays open until late February.
Always check their official channels before heading out, especially in the first week, since opening times can shift with temperature changes.
City Park Ice Rink prices for 2025/2026
The 2025/2026 prices for City Park Ice Rink are now official, and they follow the same structure as previous seasons, with different rates for off-peak and on-peak hours. Here’s the full breakdown!
Off-peak hours
Monday to Thursday: 09:00–13:00 and 17:00–21:00
Friday: 09:00–13:00
- Adult: 3,500 HUF (~€8.75)
- Student / Pensioner: 2,500 HUF (~€6.25)
Family tickets
- 3 people: 7,500 HUF (~€18.75)
- 4 people: 9,500 HUF (~€23.75)
- 5 people: 11,500 HUF (~€28.75)
- Additional child: 1,500 HUF (~€3.75)
On-peak hours
Friday 17:00–21:00
Saturday 10:00–14:00 & 16:00–21:00
Sunday 10:00–14:00 & 16:00–20:00
- Adult: 4,500 HUF (~€11.25)
- Student / Pensioner: 3,500 HUF (~€8.75)
Family tickets
- 3 people: 10,000 HUF (~€25)
- 4 people: 12,500 HUF (~€31.25)
- 5 people: 15,000 HUF (~€37.50)
- Additional child: 2,000 HUF (~€5)
Kids under 6 can skate for free, which is great news for families. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times, and those aged 12 to 14 are allowed to enter on their own only with written parental permission, using the official form provided by the rink.
There are no free companion tickets for adults, so everyone needs their own entry regardless of age. As for services, the rink offers everything you might need for a smooth skating day, including skate rental, skate sharpening, bobby rental, lockers and a cloakroom.
Csepel Ice Park
If you want something truly unique for your ice skating Budapest plans (and you don't mind leaving the city center), Csepel Ice Park is the place.
It’s one of the most lively and playful rinks in the city, with an atmosphere that feels more like a winter adventure zone than a traditional ice rink. Think glowing lights, a long ice corridor, gentle slopes along the path and a layout designed to keep you moving and exploring instead of skating in simple circles.
The rink has a 400-meter ice path with a 3.5% slope and a light tunnel that’s especially beautiful after sunset.
Kids love it, adults love it and your inner child will absolutely love it.
Tip: go after dark. The light tunnel gets extra pretty, and it’s perfect for photos or videos!
Opening dates 2025/2026
Csepel Ice Park opens early in the season, on 21 November, and after opening day it follows a simple daily schedule from 08:00 to 21:00 (with the exception of opening day, when it starts at 17:00).
Csepel Ice Park prices for 2025/2026
The good news is that this rink is much cheaper than City Park, so it’s a great option if you want winter vibes without the higher prices:
- Children up to 3 years old: free
- Everyone above 3: 2,500 HUF (~€6.25)
- Visitors with a Csepel address card: 1,500 HUF (~€3.75)
Extra services:
- Skate sharpening: 2,000 HUF per pair (~€5)
- Skate rental (sizes 25–50): 2,000 HUF (~€5)
- Penguin or bear skating aid: 1,500 HUF per 30 minutes (~€3.75)
- Lockers: 500 HUF per use (~€1.25)
- Cloakroom: small 300 HUF (~€0.75), medium 600 HUF (~€1.50), large 900 HUF (~€2.25)
Városháza Park Ice Rink
If you want a cute, central and easy ice skating Budapest experience, Városháza Park is perfect. This rink sits right next to Deák Ferenc tér, tucked inside one of the city’s most festive Christmas markets.
It’s a smaller version of the Csepel-style rinks, with the same charming LED light strings and even a tiny ice corridor that gives the whole place a magical winter vibe. It’s intimate, atmospheric and ideal if you want to skate without leaving the Christmas market energy behind.
Since you’re surrounded by food stalls, Christmas lights and music, this is one of those places where you can skate a bit, grab a hot wine, skate again, and repeat. It’s cozy, it’s cute, and it’s perfect if you’re staying near the center or just hopping between markets.
@budapestfortourists Budapest’s Christmas ice rink at Városháza Park is officially open ❄️⛸️ Here are the opening hours and prices for anyone planning to skate: 🕒 Opening hours: • Monday–Friday: 8:00–20:00 • Saturday–Sunday: 10:00–20:00 • December 24: 8:00–14:00 • December 25–30: 10:00–20:00 • December 31 – January 1: 10:00–20:00 🎟️ Prices: • Admission ticket: 3000 HUF / 8 € • Skate rental (18+): 3000 HUF / 8 € • Skate rental (under 18): 2500 HUF / 7 € • Deposit for skate rental: 5000 HUF / 20 € • Skating aid “penguin”: 1000 HUF / 3 € / 30 min • Companion ticket: 500 HUF / 1 € • Cloakroom (1 item): 800 HUF / 2 € The Christmas market at Városháza Park runs until January 1st. 📍Károly krt More Budapest Christmas tips in the link in my bio ✨ #budapest #iceskating #budapestchristmas #christmasmarket ♬ Christmas Tree - Auracle
Opening dates 2025/2026
The Városháza Park rink opened on 14 November, together with the Christmas markets, and it will stay open until 1 January.
Opening hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 14:00–20:00
- Friday to Sunday: 10:00–21:00
- December 24: 10:00–14:00
- December 25–31: 10:00–20:00
- January 1: 12:00–20:00
Városháza Park Ice Rink prices for 2025/2026
Here are the official prices for the season:
- Admission ticket: 3,000 HUF (~€8)
- Skate rental (18+): 3,000 HUF (~€8)
- Skate rental (under 18): 2,500 HUF (~€7)
- Penguin skating aid: 1,000 HUF (~€3) / 30 min
- Companion ticket: 500 HUF (~€1)
- Cloakroom: 800 HUF (~€2)
There is a 5,000 HUF (~€12) refundable deposit for skate rental.
KoriPark - Budapest Park
If you want an ice skating Budapest experience with a fun, urban twist, KoriPark is one of the coolest additions to the winter season. It’s located inside Budapest Park, one of the city’s biggest open-air concert venues.
In the summer, this is where international artists perform. In the winter, the entire space transforms into a lively ice rink with lights, music and a festive atmosphere.
What makes this rink special is exactly that mix of concert-venue energy with winter fun. You can skate, grab a hot drink from one of the cozy winter huts, take photos, and enjoy the upbeat vibe that’s very different from the classic postcard style of City Park.
Entry works with a day ticket: once you’re inside, you can skate from opening to closing. Just keep in mind that you can only enter once. If you leave, you can’t re-enter with the same ticket.
To keep the ice smooth, the rink is cleaned regularly with an ice resurfacing machine. During this time, no one is allowed on the ice — which is the perfect moment to warm up with a tea or hot chocolate.
Tip: the atmosphere gets even better later in the afternoon when the lights come on. It’s a great option for friends, couples or anyone who loves a more modern, energetic skating vibe.
Opening dates 2025/2026
KoriPark follows a clear winter schedule, with opening day at the end of November and operations continuing through early February.
• Opening day: 28 November 2025
• Open until: 1 February 2026
• General hours:
Mon–Thu: 16:00–21:00
Fri: 16:00–22:00
Sat–Sun: 10:00–22:00
• Holiday hours:
20–23 December: 10:00–22:00
24 December: closed
25 December: 14:00–22:00
26–31 December: 10:00–22:00
1 January: closed
2–4 January: 10:00–22:00
KoriPark prices for 2025/2026
Prices are divided into two categories, just like other rinks in the city: normal hours and peak hours.
Normal hours (Mon–Thu)
Tickets for normal hours are valid Monday to Thursday, except during the holiday peak period (20 December–4 January).
• Adult 1+1 package: 2,499 HUF (~ € 6.50)
• Child 1+1 package (3–6 years): 999 HUF (~ € 2.60)
• Student 1+1 package: 1,499 HUF (~ € 3.90)
• Teacher 1+1 package: 1,499 HUF (~ € 3.90)
• 65+ 1+1 package: 1,499 HUF (~ € 3.90)
Peak hours (Fri–Sun + 20 Dec–4 Jan)
Peak-hour tickets apply on weekends and throughout the entire Christmas holiday period.
• Adult 1+1 package: 3,499 HUF (~ € 9.10)
• Child 1+1 package (3–6 years): 999 HUF (~ € 2.60)
• Student 1+1 package: 2,499 HUF (~ € 6.50)
Good to know: children under 3 enter for free; everyone needs a ticket to enter the park, including companions. One ticket gives access from opening to closing, but re-entry is not allowed. Lockers, skate rental and skate sharpening are available on site.
What to wear for ice skating in Budapest?
Winter in Budapest is beautiful… but let’s be honest, it can also be very cold. So here’s what actually works if you want to skate comfortably (and look cute) on the rinks around the city:
- Layers are your best friend: start with a warm base layer, add a cozy sweater and finish with a jacket you can unzip once you warm up (and you will);
- Gloves are non-negotiable: touching the ice with bare hands is a tiny life regret no one needs;
- Thick socks: your feet will thank you! And avoid low-cut socks;
- A beanie or ear warmers: cute in photos, essential when it winds;
- Avoid stiff jeans: you want flexibility, especially when bending your knees;
- A scarf that doesn’t fly into your face: choose something that stays put so it doesn’t wrap around you.
Most importantly: dress for comfort, not performance!
More on this topic: What to wear in Budapest in winter
FAQ
Before we wrap up, here are some quick answers to the most common questions travelers have about ice skating in Budapest.
Is Budapest good for ice skating?
Yes! Budapest is one of the best winter cities for skating, with multiple rinks ranging from huge iconic ones to cozy Christmas-market spots.
When do ice rinks open in Budapest?
Most rinks open between mid-November and early December, depending on the weather. City Park plans to open on 24 November, Városháza opened on 14 November, and Csepel opens on 21 November.
Which is the biggest ice rink in Budapest?
City Park Ice Rink (Városliget), one of the largest outdoor ice rinks in Europe.
Can I rent skates at the rinks?
Yes! All main rinks (City Park, Városháza, Csepel) offer skate rental and usually skate sharpening, lockers and cloakrooms.
Do I need to book in advance?
Generally no, but weekends can get busy. Going early or later in the evening helps avoid crowds.
Is it safe for beginners?
Absolutely. Városháza is especially beginner-friendly, and all rinks allow you to stay along the sides if you prefer a slower pace.
Are kids allowed?
Yes, but each rink has its own rules for age, supervision and companion tickets.
Conclusion
Ice skating Budapest is one of the most magical things you can do in the winter season. Whether you pick the iconic City Park rink, the cozy glow of Városháza Park or the playful vibe at Csepel, each spot adds its own charm and sparkle to the city. Now that you know where to go, what to wear and how much everything costs, you’re officially ready to glide your way through a Budapest winter.
And if you want more ideas to enjoy the cold months, check out my full guide: What to Do in Budapest in Winter!