12 best skating rinks in Budapest

This rink is set on the terrace of the building on the side of Nehru part. Here you are greeted by a gorgeous view of the Danube and Buda – and you can skate for free with no time limit. Size: 450 m². Admission: free. Skate rental: yes. Type: uncovered. More info here

Until the end of February, residents of Újbuda can enjoy a free skate as part of the Advent market. The ice rink here is quite large, surrounded by vendors' stalls. Those who can't skate can find a smaller play park. Size: 760 m². Admission: 1,000 forints (free for District XI residents). Skate rental: yes. Type: uncovered. More info here (Hungarian-only)

Here you can enjoy skating indoors on weekday afternoons and weekends, while on Saturdays, DJ Lotters plays a few tunes Added to this, there is also a cosy Advent market and celebrity musicians entertain the crowd with revered Christmas songs. Size: 450 m². Admission: 1,400 forints (HUF 700 for District XVIII residents). Skate rental: yes. Type: indoor. More info here (Hungarian-only)

Until now, you could only see ice at nightspot Budapest Park in the cubes cooling your drinks, but now you can use the whole large dance floor for skating with a separate children's section and an ice corridor as well. Decorated with dazzling lights, the fairy-tale wonderland gives an atmospheric experience with a special winter food and drink selection – plus cool music at weekends, of course. Size: 1,300 m². Admission: Mon-Thur 1,499 forints. Fri-Sun & hols 1,999 forints (HUF 749 and HUF 999 for District IX residents and under-10s). Skate rental: yes. Type: outdoor. More info here

You can have an unusual skating experience on the former industrial island of Csepel. The skating rink, a replica of Vienna’s bigger version, has been expanded with a special ice trail in recent years and a separate space for beginners. All is an easy 15 minutes from Boráros tér by suburban railway HÉV. Size: 2,200 m². Admission: 1,200 forints (for District XXI residents HUF 700). Skate rental: yes. Type: outdoor + ice trail. More info here

Hello Buda first opened in the summer but since November it has been transformed into a magical winter land, with festive dishes, skating rink and rental, winter activities and much more. The rink is tiny, but you can choose from great food and winter drinks if you don’t feel like skating but still want to enjoy the joys of winter. Size: 250 m². Admission: 1,000 forints. Skate rental: yes. Type: outdoor. More info here

You can enjoy the joys of winter in the heart of Terézváros, near Oktogon. Until the end of February, there is a small artificial ice rink at Hunyadi tér, open to visitors on weekday afternoons and weekends. Admission is free but due to the artificial rink, it’s recommended to rent skates there instead of using your own. Size: 211 m². Admission: free. Skate rental: yes. Type: outdoor. More info here

Even in bad weather, you can enjoy skating here at the Marczibányi tér Recreational Centre, and while part of the family is skating, the other members can try out various spa facilities. Size: 800 m². Admission: 1,900 forints. Skate rental: yes. Type: indoor. More info here

Until 27 February, you can enjoy the Müpa ice rink, with live music, a wonderful panorama of the Danube, the special tunes of Sena DagaDub, MYGL and Ian O’Sullivan. The Müpa Tent next to the ice rink will once again feature magical shows as in recent years. The enchanting story of Kristály performed by cirque danse troupe Recirquel. Music will also be performed live. Size: 300 m². Admission: free. Skate rental: yes. Type: indoor. More info here

In recent years, it has become a usual thing to skate aroud the main square of Óbuda in peaceful winter atmosphere. This season, two free ice rinks await, at Szentlélek tér and Csobánka tér in Békásmegyer, with hot drinks and delicious food. Sizes: 375 m²/200 m². Admission: free. Skate rental: yes. Type: outdoor. More info here (Hungarian-only) 

The largest and oldest ice rink in Budapest sits by an ornate building and a wonderful view of Vajdahunyad Castle. It’s fully geared for skaters, the ice rink is large and everything is family-friendly. Size: 12, 070 m². Admission: Holiday period 2,000 forints, 2nd week Jan-Feb 1,500 forints. Skate rental: yes. Type: outdoor. More info here

After the summer activities, the Westend roof now awaits visitors until the end of the year. An ice rink, a market, roast chestnuts, chimney cakes and a carousel entertain the little ones and the adults alike. Organised by Eötvös10, you can expect more activities atop the city at weekends. Size: 450 m². Admission: 1,500 forints (available at Westend). Skate rental: yes. Type: outdoor. More info here