Play football at Városliget Mini Arena, Budapest

Városliget Mini Arena is the PitchUp venue closest to central Pest. It is on Városligeti fasor, next to the City Park, and hosts 6v6 games on floodlit artificial turf. If you live in the V., VI., VII. or VIII. district, this is probably your nearest regular game. Here is what to expect and how to book a spot.

The pitch

• Address: Városligeti fasor, 1068 Budapest, VI. district (Terézváros), at the edge of the City Park.
• Surface: artificial turf. Bring turf shoes or short studs.
• Format: 6v6, the most common pickup format in Budapest.
• Floodlights: yes, so evening games work all year, including in winter.

Price and game length

Games here are among the cheapest on PitchUp. Most cost 2,000 Ft a spot, and one longer game has cost 2,500 Ft. The price is per player and includes the pitch. Games usually last 60 or 90 minutes. The match page always shows the exact price and length before you book.

Who it suits

It is the easiest regular game to reach from the centre of Pest, whether you live there or come straight from work. Players mix locals, students and expats, and many games are played in English. 6v6 keeps everyone involved, so it is a good format if you haven't played for a while.

How to join a game

• Open PitchUp in the Android app or your browser and look for Városliget Mini Arena.
• Check the match page for time, format, price and who has already joined.
• Reserve your spot in one tap. You get a reminder before kick-off.
• Pay the host in cash when you arrive. Card payments are coming soon.

Full game? Join the waitlist and you get the spot if someone cancels. If your plans change, cancel early. With 24 hours' notice or more you get a full refund, between 6 and 24 hours 50%, and under 6 hours none.

Free football nearby

The City Park also has a free court. It is at the south tip of the park, where Dózsa György út meets Ajtósi Dürer sor. It has a rubber surface, two metal football goals and lights, and it is open around the clock. There is no organiser, so you bring the players and the ball. It is a good place for a kickabout, and the Mini Arena is the place for an organised game.

Tips

• Arrive ten minutes early, because games start on time.
• Dress for the weather: from November it is dark before 5 pm and cold, so bring layers for the warm-up.
• Bring a light and a dark shirt in case there are no bibs.
• Bring cash in forints for the host.

Common questions

Is Városliget Mini Arena indoor?

No. It is an outdoor artificial-turf pitch with floodlights, so games run in the evening and through the winter.

Do I need a team?

No. You book one spot and the teams are made on the day. Most players come on their own or with a friend.

Can I book the whole pitch for my group?

Yes, through PitchUp: one person applies to host, posts a game here and makes it private. Only people with the invite link or code can book.