Hands down, one of my favorite winter activities is ice skating. After growing up in a small town without a rink, I was overjoyed to find that there are many places to go ice skating in Budapest, especially during the holiday period! If you want to glide across the ice, pull on your skates and choose one of these ice skating rinks in Budapest!
City Park Ice Rink (Városligeti Műjégpálya)
Ice skating in the winter! 
Just off of Heroes’ Square, the City Park Ice Rink is probably the most famous place to go ice skating in Budapest–it is the largest outdoor ice rink in Europe after all! What’s more, the rink gives you breathtaking views as you skate around in the shadow of Vajdahunyad castle. The lake (used for boating in the warmer months) is frozen over in November, and this iconic location is transformed into City Park Ice Rink!
Admission: 2000 HUF
Skate Rental: 2500 HUF
Liberty Square Ice Rink
Just around the corner from Parliament, Liberty Square’s (Szabadság Tér) ice skating rink creates a small and rosy glow in Budapest’s 5th District. Add it to your itinerary after visiting Parliament, or before heading to the Basilica Christmas Market.
Open: 10:00-22:00
Adult Ticket: 1500 HUF
Skate Rental: 1000 HUF
Bálna Ice Rink
This may be the smallest Budapest ice rink on the list, but one could argue it has the most stunning view–and it’s free, to boot! Located just outside of the futuristic Bálna (or, whale) complex, this Budapest ice skating rink is perched on the riverside. The Danube River, which runs through the centre of town, provides an ideal location for ice-skating with views of Buda Castle and more. If you skate up an appetite you can take a break at one of the food trucks or head to one of the trendy bars inside.
Admission: Free
Skate Rental: 1000 HUF
Müpa Ice Rink
Müpa–the Palace of the Arts–is known for its world class exhibits and fascinating concert program, and come winter, an outdoor rink pops up outside it as well. Be entertained by lively concerts and skilled performers as you skate along the Budapest riverside. Need to warm up? Head inside to explore Müpa’s many offerings in its theatres and concert halls.
Skate Rental: 1500 HUF
St. Stephen’s Basilica Market
This is one of the most picturesque outdoor ice rinks in Budapest, nestled in the middle of the Basilica Christmas Market. Although this rink only admits children under 14, there’s still plenty for adults to do, like stroll through the stalls, take lots of festive pictures, and of course, sample all of the classic Christmas market foods and hot drinks! If you go in the evening, you can even catch one of the famous light shows projected onto the face of the Basilica! If you’re looking for a kid-friendly activity in Budapest, this is the place to go!
Conclusion
In Budapest, ice skating is an exhilarating, fun, family-friendly activity. Take advantage of affordable skate rentals at these outdoor ice skating rinks to enjoy the festive season! If you’re looking for some great fun during the winter months, check out these top five ice rinks in Budapest.
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