5+1 things to do in Budapest in winter

Winter is here and Budapest offers numerous opportunities for those who aim to make the most of this season. From tasting traditional Hungarian winter snacks to discovering the capital’s most panoramic ice rinks, Budapest awaits you with many fun things to do.

Nothing beats ice skating in winter

Ice skating is always a good idea in winter. Fortunately, there are many ice skating spots in Budapest where winter sports enthusiasts can indulge in their favorite hobby. Here are 5 cozy ice skating spots: Budapest Park, Westend Winter Wonderland, Csepel Ice Park, Újpest Ice Rink and Hello Buda Winterland. In addition to ice skating, you can also enjoy a hot cup of tea or mulled wine while watching the ice skaters spin and jump on the rink.

Read also: PHOTOS: Beautiful Hungary wrapped in a white snow blanket

Visit the Budapest Christmas markets

The two most famous Christmas markets in Budapest can be found in Vörösmarty Square and in front of Saint Stephen’s Basilica. Budapest’s Advent Basilica has won the online title of ‘Europe’s best Christmas fair’ with a record-breaking number of votes, so it is worth paying a visit to this market. However, you should prepare for horror prices! The prices of the main courses range between HUF 4,500 (EUR 11,10) and HUF 8,500 (EUR 20,96).

Soak your worries away in a hot thermal bath

Escape the cold weather and treat yourself to a warm bath in one of Budapest’s famous spas! Have a visit to the historical Széchenyi, Gellért or Rudas thermal baths and pick your favourite at the end. In the Széchenyi Thermal Bath and Gellért Thermal Bath, tickets cost HUF 7,100 (EUR 17,02) on weekdays, and HUF 8,200 (EUR 19,65) on Fridays and weekends. In Rudas Spa, a regular weekday ticket costs HUF 6,500 (EUR 15,58), while the bath charges visitors HUF 9,200 (EUR 22,05) on Fridays and weekends.

Read also: PHOTOS: 7 fabulous winter destinations in Hungary

Savour traditional Hungarian winter food at the Great Central Market in Budapest

Vásárcsarnok (the Great Market) awaits tourists with a wide range of Hungarian gastronomic specialties. Not only can you taste Hungarian classics, but you can also immerse yourself in the magical Christmas atmosphere. You will be stunned by the mouthwatering selection of stuffed cabbages, various sausages, strudels and roasted chestnuts. As for drinks, you can warm yourself up with a mug of mulled wine or punch or a cup of fruit tea.

See a play at the Hungarian State Opera

After almost five years of reconstruction, on March 12, 2022, the Hungarian State Opera reopened its doors. The three-story auditorium with the chandelier designed by Miklós Ybl provides a spectacular experience. Every winter, thousands of people flock to the Opera to see Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, performed by the country’s greatest ballet dancers. If you happen to be in Budapest this winter, you should not miss out on this breathtaking performance!

Read also: The most important Hungarian winter traditions – PART II.

Andrássy Avenue and Fashion Street

If you are in for an unforgettable shopping experience in Budapest in winter, you might want to take a stroll on Andrássy Avenue and Fashion Street. While admiring the festive Christmas lights, you can browse in the shops on the capital’s two popular boulevards. Among others, you can pop in some luxury boutiques such as Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Louis Vuitton and Burberry and check out their latest collections.