Last Chance to Glide: Budapest’s City Park Ice Rink Closes Soon
Winter in Budapest is wrapping up its magical spell, but there’s still time to lace up your skates and make unforgettable memories at the iconic City Park Ice Rink before it bids farewell. With February’s cooler days holding strong, the rink is set to stay open through the last weekend of the month, weather permitting, giving you one final shot at that exhilarating glide across the ice. Nestled in the heart of Városliget near Heroes’ Square and Vajdahunyad Castle, this historic spot has been Budapest’s winter jewel since the 1870s, drawing crowds for its fairy-tale setting and lively atmosphere.
Why This Ice Rink Steals Hearts Every Winter
Picture yourself circling a vast, shimmering rink framed by snow-dusted trees and the stunning neo-Gothic architecture of Vajdahunyad Castle glowing in the distance— that’s the City Park Ice Rink experience. Opened for the 2025/2026 season in late November, it’s not just skating; it’s a full sensory adventure with the crisp winter air, occasional live music, and nearby mulled wine stands to warm you up afterward. Families, couples, and solo adventurers flock here because it’s centrally located, easily reachable by public transport from anywhere in the city, and offers that perfect mix of tradition and joy that defines a Budapest winter.
Opening Hours Tailored for Every Schedule
The rink smartly splits its days into normal and peak periods to keep things flowing smoothly for everyone. During normal hours—from Monday to Thursday between 9 AM–1 PM and 5 PM–9 PM, plus Friday mornings until 1 PM—you can enjoy a quieter session perfect for beginners or relaxed family outings. Peak times kick in Friday evenings from 5 PM–9 PM, Saturday mornings 10 AM–2 PM and evenings 4 PM–9 PM, and Sunday mornings 10 AM–2 PM plus afternoons 4 PM–8 PM, when the energy amps up with more crowds and festive vibes. Ticket offices close an hour before the rink shuts, so plan accordingly to maximize your time on the ice.
Best deals of Budapest
Ticket Prices That Fit Every Budget
Entry keeps things accessible without skimping on the magic. In normal periods, students and seniors pay 2,500 HUF, while adults cover 3,500 HUF. Families get a sweet deal with packages for three people (at least one child under 14) at 7,500 HUF, scaling up to 11,500 HUF for five (minimum three kids), and extra child add-ons at 1,500 HUF each. Peak periods nudge prices to 3,500 HUF for students/seniors and 4,500 HUF for adults, with family options from 10,000 HUF for three up to 15,000 HUF for five, plus 2,000 HUF per additional child. Kids under six enter free, but everyone needs supervision—under-12s must be with an adult, and 12–14-year-olds require written parental permission. Groups of 10+ students on school days snag a special 1,500 HUF two-hour rate per person, but pre-registration is key.
Extras to Elevate Your Skating Adventure
Rent skates for 3,500 HUF per session (with a 2,000 HUF cash deposit per pair), grab a helmet for 1,500 HUF (5,000 HUF deposit), or add seal floats for kids at 1,000 HUF for 30 minutes (5,000 HUF deposit). Lessons are available for 1,500 HUF per person right on-site. Tickets and passes from this season remain valid until the very last day, so if you can’t make it, pass them on—they’re not personalized.
Pro Tips Before Your Last Spin
Always check the official website or social media for real-time updates, as weather can tweak hours—recent posts confirm the push to stay open as long as possible thanks to chilly temps. Note occasional closures like private events, such as the one on February 21 afternoon. Pair your visit with a stroll through City Park to see the Millennium Underground station or grab chimney cake nearby. It’s the quintessential Budapest winter bucket-list item—don’t let the season slip away without it.
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