Hidden near Andrássy Avenue, Hunyadi Square has always been one of the most atmospheric meeting places of downtown Pest’s District VI, but lately it is becoming a defining point of community life. This is where we can find one of the city’s best farmer’s markets, and some great cafés and restaurants opened nearby recently – and with the arrival of winter there is now another reason to visit this urban oasis: a brand-new ice-skating rink which opened here on November 30th, freely welcoming local residents for frosty frolicking.

This year we will not be able to skate at Eiffel Square, or on top of WestEnd, since neither of these places opened their ice rinks – but while classic spots like the City Park Ice Rink or the skating rink at the Advent fair in front of Basilica are operating again, residents of Pest’s District VI do not have to go that far, since they can now skate at Hunyadi Square, as well.

The rink opened primarily for the district’s children, so its basketball-court size is small but generally sufficient. On weekdays, children of the local kindergartens and schools can use the rink from 8am to 2pm, while the district’s residents can glide on from 2pm to 8pm. Those who do not have their own skates can rent a pair for 1,000 forints (800 forints for students) at the log cabin set up at the square.

While there is no charge for local residents to use this the ice rink, unfortunately, only those who have a District VI residence card are allowed to join the free fun for now, but the local government plans on expanding access to others, as well. Nonetheless, whether we step on the ice or not, Hunyadi Square is definitely worth a wintertime visit to experience the renovated park’s atmosphere – it’s always nice to drop by the historic market hall, to have a healthy meal at the Kozmosz Vegan Restaurant, or to stop into the ever-tempting ChocoDeli on the corner of Csengery Street for a divine coffee-and-cake combo.