8 Reasons to visit Budapest in winter

What is one of the perfect things about Budapest is that the capital shows its different side depending on which season you decide to visit? The Hungarian capital has so much to offer no matter when you make up your mind to finally visit. Wheretogoin.net collected the top reasons to visit Budapest in winter. The city shows its cosiest, Christmassy side this time of the year which is definitely worth seeing.

Christmas fairs

The first and probably the main reason is apparently the many magical Christmas fairs all around the city. During this time of the year, the city is entirely lit up with all the festive decorations you can imagine. The wooden cottages with loads of celebratory drinks and food and other kinds of goodies are capable of getting even the biggest Grinches into the Christmas spirit. It does not matter if you visit the most significant markets at Vörösmarty square or in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica or if you just pop into one of the smallest fairs accidentally, the magical festive atmosphere is the same everywhere.

Try chimney cake

Once you are already at one of the Christmas fairs, you should try Hungarian chimney cake. Although you can purchase a chimney cake all year round, somehow it is still associated with Christmas time. Probably because it is really nice to stand next to the warm charcoal oven while it is being made, and it is also seasoned with festive spices such as cinnamon. Chimney cake is a sweet, spiral-shaped pastry from Transylvania. It is made with wooden spits and a charcoal oven.

Amazing ice rinks

Budapest has probably the coolest ice rinks. There is even one literally above the city with a panorama view of the most popular sights in the capital. Even the more traditional ones are really cosy such as the ice rink in the City Park where you can enjoy this winter sport while gazing at the beautiful Vajdahunyad Castle next door. You can also check out Heroes’ square on your way to the ice rink to kill two birds with one stone.

Go sled riding, the real winter fun

Normafa is a 20-minute car ride away from Budapest. The town has an excellent hill. This might not seem that interesting at this point, but still, the hill turns into a real winter wonderland when it snows. People grab their sleds and head straight to the hill for some old-school winter fun time. It does not matter if you are 6 or 60, sled riding never stops to be fun. Plus, the view of Budapest is impressive from the top of the hill.