Top Ten Winter Attractions

I love winter in Budapest, as compared to England it is what I would call a „proper” winter! That means that the likelihood of snow is high, and Budapest has many of those beautiful, clear days where it is freezing but the sky is blue. Another bonus is that Hungarians know how to heat interiors (unlike Brits!). It is rarely less than 25C anywhere indoors, and in many places anything more than a T-shirt is too much.....

My Top Ten Winter Attractions would include:

1) Ice-skating in the Város Liget or City Park. This takes place on a giant ice-rink in a location where there is a gorgeous view of the Vajdahunyad Castle. If you are a bit rubbish at ice-skating like me, then it helps to have a few mulled wines before you start! In winter 2010/2011 the rink may be closed due to renovation, in which case try the smaller ice rink on the top of WestEnd shopping centre.

2) Hanging out in the cosy cafés. I generally prefer the old-style Cukrászda like Central, Europa, Müvész, but I also like Farger, Déryné and Duna Park. The only problem in winter is that there isn’t a non-smoking ban in Hungary, so the smoke can be irritating.

3) Walking and sledging in the area known as the Kopaszi Gát which is a regenerated half island next to the Lágymányosi híd. There are a couple of cafés, childrens‘ playground, riverside beaches and lovely walkways.

4) The Budapest Christmas Market in Vörösmarty Tér (or Square). This seems to get better every year, with handcrafted goods, traditional Hungarian food and live performances

5) Sitting in the hot steaming waters of a spa. Széchenyi Fürdő is my particular favourite because of the beautiful buildings and the fact that you can sit outside surrounded by snow in your bikini!

6) Admiring the view of the whole city on a cold, clear day from the Castle area. If it gets too chilly, visitors can always pop in and visit the Labyrinth or head to the lovely old Ruszwurm café.

7) Indoor Playhouses for kids when it gets cold. There are so many great ones in Budapest, big and small. My favourite is the one between the zoo and the Circus (Állatkert Játszóház), but also good are Mazsola in Arany János Utca and the various Kölyök Parks in shopping centres (e.g. Mammut).

8) The Millenaris area behind Mammut. There is always something going on here in addition to the fantastic Palace of Miracles (Csodák Palotája), such as exhibitions and concerts. It’s best to check in magazines like Funzine for updated information.

9) Museums, but especially the Ludwig Museum and the adjoining Müpa (or Palace of Arts). In addition to modern art exhibitions and concerts, there is a nice café and restaurant, baby concerts every second Monday morning, and a brilliant and free family Sunday programme (10am-3pm) with music, dance and crafts.

10) Walking next to the Danube when it is frozen. It looks particularly spectacular from the Chain Bridge but also from the Margaret Island. If the river is not (too) frozen, then join a boat trip from Vigadó Tér.

by Melanie Smith