JÁNOS & VIRÁG'S WINTER WARMERS...
Although Budapest has a moderate climate, sometimes it happens that the weather circumstances
do not inspire tourists. But Budapest is not a dull place even at winter time! Next to the more than 200
museums, there are many other things to do in cold weather.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS
OUTDOOR ICE RINK
An outstanding winter
activity is certainly the
popular outdoor ice
rink in the City Park just
next to the splendid
Heroes Square. In the
neighborhood of the
more than 140 year old open air artificial ice rink
stands the Castle of Vajdahunyad, that provides
a scenic background for the skaters.
c Photo by Themightyquill
From mid-November
there are Christmas
markets all around
the city, with the
most famous one on
Vörösmarty
Square.
The aroma of special
culinary delights like kürtöskalács (a coneshaped sweet hollow pastry), strudels, töki
pompos (oven-baked dough), roasted chestnuts
and mulled wine will surely whet your appetite.
Enjoy the holiday mood and keep yourself
warm while lingering among the festively
decorated wooden market stands. The magical
atmosphere of the Budapest Christmas market
is a truly unforgettable experience.
CAVE SYSTEM
Many know about the
spas of Budapest but
just a few have heard
about the 120 km
long cave system that
stretches under the
residential
districts
of Budapest. Among the numerous caves
of Budapest only two can be visited without
previous caving experience. The museum-like
Szemlő-hegyi cave has a concrete path and it is
lit by artificial light. The Pál-völgyi cave system
offers two types of tours: The 45 minute long
easy walk is appropriate for anyone. The path
has an artificial footway and lighting. Also there
is a possibility for an adventurous climbingcrawling tour even for those who don't have any
prior experience just looking for a glamorous
activity. These tours are guided by qualified
caving guides. During the 2.5-3 hrs long tours
you will often have to climb on walls and crawl
through narrow passages so you have to be
prepared for adventure. Caving equipments
are provided but extra clothes are necessary to
change after the challenge.
THERMAL BATHS
Pamper
yourself
in
the open air Széchenyi
thermal baths, no more
than a 10 minute walk
from the City Park ice
rink. Walk in the snow
barefoot
and
then
submerge in the warm
water. You can stare at the stars after dark
while sitting in the healing water. Have you
heard about late-night dancing in the hot
water? Saturday night you can join the most
extravagant party in the city in Széchenyi
bath. You shouldn't miss this extraordinary
experience. The thermal bath pool parties are
real Hungarian specialties with spa waters,
music and party adding up as a ‘Sparty’.
Photo by Jo Peattie