While Budapest can drop to as low as -20°C (-4°F) during winter, the city doesn’t grind to a halt. There’s still plenty to do and see during the colder months, and since there are fewer tourists at this time it’s the perfect opportunity to come and enjoy the Hungarian capital.
Go ice skating at Europe’s largest rink
This is perhaps the number one reason to visit Budapest over all others during winter, and commonly the most recommended thing to do while here for the winter months. Once the icy cold has truly settled in, the City Park’s boating lake is frozen over and turned into Europe’s largest ice skating rink. That, in itself, is a treat, but the grandeur of the surrounding architecture – from the fairytale-like Vajdahunyad Castle to the baroque styled Városliget Café – is a sight to behold as you whiz by on your blades.
Mulled wine at the Christmas markets
If you’re visiting any European city during December then the chances are you’re going to find it tough to avoid the Christmas markets. Budapest has a wide number of options available in that regard, splattered throughout the city both on the Buda side and in Pest. They’re suitably festive and ornate, and are perfect spots for buying handcrafted gifts for friends and family. But since you’ll be battling with the icy temperatures, they’re also fantastic waypoints for a warming cup mulled wine (or better yet, Hungarian pálinka) as you work your way around the city.
Watch the light show at the Basilica
Over the last couple of years, as the popularity of Budapest’s Christmas fairs have started to grow, St Stephen’s Basilica has decided to get on board. A laser show has been set up on the facade of the epic structure, displaying animations and cartoons as well as a depiction of the Feast of St Stephen. For 2017 it’s been enhanced even further, using technology to allow for those with special 3D glasses to see the animations appear to jump off the face of the building.
Take the winter tram
During the winter months, Budapest’s trams are often covered in fairy lights, making for a rather pleasing sight as it rattles through the streets. The most populated tram lines are taken over by these glowing lights, but it’s definitely worth taking one for a ride along the side of the Danube on tram line 2.
Eat a chimney cake
It is said that kurtoskalács, or ‘chimney cake’, was the very first cake. Whether that’s true or not, it’s a Hungarian treat that is an icon of the country. A sweet strip of bread dough is wrapped around a spit and slowly cooked over a fire, then coated with sugar, cinnamon and other sweet flavourings. You’ll find these at any number of Christmas markets, but there are so many stalls dotted throughout the city that you’ll regularly have to battle temptation of the sweet smell.
Bathe in a thermal spa
If you’re really struggling to warm up then head to one of Budapest’s many thermal spas. Széchenyi and Gellért are the more popular ones, and while it might seem crazy to head outside in the freezing temperatures in just your swimwear, that’s not such an unusual idea to Hungarians. The warmth of the waters will stave off the biting cold, making for a truly unique experience.
Sled down Normafa
If there’s enough snow during the winter – and that’s usually not an issue – then many people will head up to the hills of Buda to ride up and down the natural slides. There’s a chairlift to help you get back up, but either way it’ll be a whole day of thrills with a view of Budapest in the distance. Some people even take their skis and snowboards!
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