Ice Skating in Budapest with Iconic Hungarian Rock & Pop Hits
Looking for a fun, local twist on ice skating in Budapest? On 22 January, the City Park ice rink transforms into a mini open-air rock concert, where classic Hungarian hits rule the speakers instead of the usual international pop playlist. Whether you’re a fan of 70s and 80s rock legends like Omega, KFT, and Hungária, or you simply love an energetic skating session with a nostalgic soundtrack, this is a unique way to enjoy the rink and feel a bit like a local for a day.
What makes this ice skating session special?
Most of the time, city rinks play the usual mix of today’s hits and timeless English pop, but on 22 January, the music takes a very Hungarian turn. The whole atmosphere changes: think iconic rock and pop anthems from Omega, KFT, Hungária, Charlie, Csík Band, and 30 Years (30Y), plus contemporary crowd-pleasers from today’s scene like Beton, Hofi, and Azahriah blasting across the ice.
It’s less “chill skating” and more “raised skating experience” – the kind of music that gets parents and grandkids nodding their heads together, and even the most cautious beginners feeling bolder as they glide around the rink. The playlist is packed with songs that Hungarians know by heart, making it a fun cultural immersion disguised as a casual morning or evening on the ice.
When and where does it happen?
- Date: Wednesday, 22 January 2026
- Time: 09:00–13:00 and 17:00–21:00 (two sessions: morning and evening)
- Venue: Budapest Műjegpálya (Budapest Ice Rink), right in the city centre
- Location: In the heart of Budapest, near Heroes’ Square and Városliget (City Park), close to the Széchenyi Baths and the Vajdahunyad Castle
This is the same classic outdoor rink where locals come to skate during winter, so as a tourist you’ll be in the middle of the real Budapest winter scene – surrounded by families, couples, and groups of friends all there for some fun and fresh air.
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How to join the event
Skating tickets are sold online and on-site at regular Műjegpálya prices, there’s no extra charge specific to this music theme. To skip the queue, it’s worth buying in advance through the official ticketing site:
- Tickets: https://jegy.mujegpalya.hu/
On-site, the rink staff hand out skates in a range of sizes, and they usually help you get clipped in, even if you’re not very experienced. The surface is relatively small and manageable, so it’s a good place for first-timers, nervous skaters, or kids.
What to expect on the rink
During this special Hungarian-music session, the atmosphere is more relaxed and a bit more “Budapest party on ice” than your average quiet skating hour. You’ll likely hear:
- Legendary Hungarian rock and pop hits from Omega, KFT, Hungária, Charlie
- Classics from Csík Zenekar and 30 Years
- Modern favourites by artists like Beton, Hofi, and Azahriah
The rink is well-lit and safe, with guards and support staff keeping an eye on things. If you fall, it’s normal, and the crowd is usually friendly and happy to help you back up. Kids, couples, and groups of friends all mix together, creating a lively, local vibe that’s perfect for tourists who want to be part of the city’s winter life, not just observe it.
Tips for foreign visitors
- Book online in advance – especially if you’re coming with more people, to avoid the on-site queue.
- Bring warm, comfy clothes – it’s winter, so layers, gloves, scarf, and a hat come in handy. A backpack is perfect for carrying extra layers, your phone, and a hot drink later.
- Choose comfortable shoes to wear under skates – thinner socks and snug shoes make renting skates much more comfortable.
- Don’t worry about skills – this is not a competition. The rink is small and calm, and most people are there for fun, not fancy moves.
- Combine it with City Park – the rink is right in Városliget, next to the Széchenyi Baths, the Vajdahunyad Castle, and cute winter stands serving mulled wine and sausages. It’s super easy to make a whole winter afternoon or evening out of it.
Why this is great for tourists in Budapest
If you’re in Budapest in January and want to experience the city’s winter atmosphere in a relaxed, local way, this themed ice skating session is a perfect match. It combines the classic tourist activity of ice skating with a genuinely Hungarian soundtrack – a chance to hear the bands and artists Hungarians actually love, while moving, laughing, and enjoying the crisp winter air in the middle of the capital. It’s not just about skating; it’s about feeling the city’s rhythm for a couple of hours, with a soundtrack you’ll remember long after you leave the rink.
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