Free football at Óhegy Park, Kőbánya

Óhegy Park in Kőbánya is a good find if you want to play football for free on the Pest side. Instead of one court, it has several. Here is what is published about them and where to find an organised game when you need more players.

What's in the park

• Courts: several concrete cages of different sizes.
• Use: football or basketball.
• Price: free.
• Hours and lights: not posted; check on site.

With more than one cage, you are less likely to wait for a free court. The smaller cages suit two or three a side, which is fast and tiring in the best way.

How a free pitch works

There is no organiser, no booking and no list of players. Whoever turns up plays, and nobody guarantees a game. That makes free pitches great for a kickabout with friends, but hard if you are on your own.

• Bring a ball: there are goals, but nobody hands out equipment.
• Bring your own players: four or five friends are enough for a small-sided game.
• Share the court: if others are waiting, play short games and swap.
• Take your rubbish home and keep the noise down later in the evening.

What to wear on concrete

Studs are the wrong choice on a hard court. Wear trainers or turf shoes with a flat rubber sole, which grip better and are kinder to your knees. Keep tackles on your feet, because a fall on a hard surface hurts.

From November it is dark before 5 pm, so check whether there is enough light before you plan an evening game.

Want an organised game instead?

If you can't gather enough friends, book a spot in a PitchUp pickup game. A host books the pitch and the teams are made on the day, so you can come alone. The nearest regular option is Ludovika: 5v5 and 6v6 games on artificial turf at the Ludovika Campus, Diószegi Sámuel utca 23 (VIII.), usually 1,500 to 2,500 Ft.

• Price: usually 2,000 to 3,000 Ft per player, paid to the host in cash at the venue.
• Formats: 5v5, 6v6 and 11v11, depending on the venue.
• Booking: one tap in the Android app or web app, with a waitlist when a game is full.

Common questions

What is a dühöngő?

It is the Hungarian name for a small fenced court, usually concrete, where the ball stays in play off the fence.

Is Óhegy Park good for a big group?

For a big group, a booked pitch is easier. Book a private PitchUp game: one person applies to host and shares an invite link.