Crowd at Magyarország-Svájc football match on Hungária Road in 1918

Hidegkuti Nándor Stadion

Hidegkuti Nándor Stadion: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Complete Travel Guide to Budapest’s Historic Football Landmark

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Hidegkuti Nándor Stadion is a beacon of Hungarian football and a celebrated Budapest historical site. Located in the lively Józsefváros district, it serves as the home ground of MTK Budapest FC, one of Hungary’s oldest and most successful football clubs. Originally opened in 1912, the stadium has been continuously intertwined with the nation’s sporting triumphs, architectural evolution, and cultural milestones. Its latest incarnation, inaugurated in 2016, blends state-of-the-art design with a rich football legacy, offering an immersive experience for fans, history lovers, and travelers alike.

This detailed guide covers the stadium’s storied history, architectural highlights, practical visiting information, ticketing, accessibility, nearby attractions, and travel tips. Whether you are planning to cheer at an MTK match, take a guided tour, or simply explore Budapest’s football heritage, this article will help you make the most of your visit.

Stadium History and Heritage
Architectural Evolution
MTK Budapest FC and the Hidegkuti Legacy
The Modern Hidegkuti Nándor Stadion: Features and Facilities
Visiting Information
Nearby Attractions and Accommodation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Summary and Final Visitor Tips
References

Fogl Károly Hungarian football captain, Erwin Braun Austrian referee, and Karel Pešek Czech football captain before coin toss at MTK stadium

Portrait of Fogl Károly Hungarian footballer in 1927

Hidegkuti Nándor Stadium viewed from Hungária körút

Stadium History and Heritage

Hidegkuti Nándor Stadion’s origins date back to 1912, when MTK Budapest, inspired by the football boom in Hungary, constructed their home ground at the intersection of Temető dűlő and Hungária körút. The stadium quickly became a focal point for Hungarian football, hosting domestic league matches and international fixtures. Its capacity and facilities reflected the ambitions of MTK and the rising prominence of football in Hungary (hu.wikipedia, stadiumdb.com).

During World War II, the stadium suffered severe damage, leading to years of reconstruction. By 1947, it was restored and expanded, with a grandstand, improved terraces, and enhanced amenities. The golden era of Hungarian football in the 1950s-1980s saw the stadium reach peak attendances, including a record 37,028 spectators in 1963, and host historic national team matches. The venue also paid tribute to club legends, such as Gyula Orth and, eventually, Nándor Hidegkuti.

Despite modernization challenges in the 1990s and early 2000s, including reduced capacity and outdated infrastructure, the stadium remained central to Budapest’s football culture. In 2002, it was renamed to honor Nándor Hidegkuti, the legendary forward of Hungary’s “Golden Team” (en.wikipedia). By 2014, recognizing the need for a modern facility, MTK Budapest and the Hungarian government initiated a complete reconstruction project.

Architectural Evolution

Early Design and Post-War Growth

The original 1912 stadium featured a grass pitch, athletics track, and multi-sport facilities, reflecting early 20th-century sporting architecture. Post-war reconstruction brought a two-story covered grandstand and raised terraces, accommodating thousands of spectators (stadiumdb.com).

Modernization and the New Stadium (2016)

The new stadium, designed by BORD Architectural Studio, opened in October 2016. Built on the original site, it incorporates a “football capsule” concept: two parallel stands along the pitch’s long sides, creating an intimate, acoustically optimized environment. The 5,322-seat capacity ensures every fan is close to the action. The façade features blue and white club colors and modern lighting, enhancing Budapest’s nightscape (bordstudio.hu, architizer.com).

MTK Budapest FC and the Hidegkuti Legacy

MTK Budapest FC, established in 1888, is one of Hungary’s most decorated clubs, boasting 23 national championships and 12 Hungarian Cups (ultimatebudapest.com). The club has produced legendary talents, contributed to tactical innovations, and played a key role in Hungarian football’s international reputation.

The stadium’s namesake, Nándor Hidegkuti, was a linchpin of the 1950s “Golden Team.” His hat-trick at Wembley in the 1953 “Match of the Century” is a defining moment in football history, cementing both his legacy and the stadium’s symbolic importance (travel-buddies.com).

The Modern Hidegkuti Nándor Stadion: Features and Facilities

Capacity: 5,322 seats, including 33 hospitality boxes and 4 technical boxes
Pitch: Hybrid Desso GrassMaster, combining natural grass with synthetic fibers for durability—shared by elite venues like Anfield and Old Trafford
Lighting: 214 Schreder-Tungsram LED fixtures, pioneering hybrid pitch and full-LED lighting in Hungary (veronikasadventure.com)
Accessibility: Wheelchair ramps, reserved seating, accessible restrooms
Amenities: Modern seating, refreshment kiosks, business and VIP facilities, family-friendly areas, and clean restrooms
Sustainability: Energy-efficient lighting and a low-maintenance pitch
Community Spaces: Integrated bars, restaurants, and a public square accessible from Salgótarjáni Street (bordstudio.hu)

Visiting Information

Location and Accessibility

Address: Brüll Alfréd utca 2 or Salgótarjáni út 12-14, 1087 Budapest (mtk.hu)
Public Transport:
- Metro: II. János Pál pápa tér (Metro Line 4)
- Tram/Bus: Lines 4, 6, 7, and 37; stops along Hungária körút and Salgótarjáni út
Parking: Limited; public transport is recommended

Visiting Hours and Tour Schedule

Guided Tours: Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:00 and 14:00; duration approx. 60 minutes
Matchday Hours: Vary by event; arrive 30–45 minutes before kickoff
Note: Tours are not available on match days

Ticketing and Entry

MTK Matches: 5–15 EUR (approx. 2,000–6,000 HUF), based on seating and event
Stadium Tours:
- Adults: 4,900 HUF (~12.5 EUR)
- Students: 4,500 HUF (~11.5 EUR)
- Children (0–6): 3,500 HUF (~9 EUR)
- Groups (5–14): 24,990 HUF; (15–25): 39,990 HUF
Purchase Options:
- Official MTK Budapest website
- Stadium ticket office or authorized resellers
- Advance booking is advised
Payment: Credit cards accepted

Facilities and Amenities

Seating: Comfortable with excellent sightlines
Accessibility: Wheelchair seating, accessible bathrooms
Family-Friendly: Safe for children and families
Refreshments: Multiple kiosks, local and international options
Photography: Permitted on tours (no flash in certain areas)
Language: Tours in Hungarian and English (other languages on request)
Security: Standard bag and item checks

Matchday Experience

Enjoy the energy of MTK supporters in an intimate, acoustically enhanced setting. Besides MTK Budapest games, the stadium often hosts matches for other Budapest clubs, youth and women’s national teams, and European qualifiers.

Special Events and Group Visits

Packages are available for birthdays, corporate events, school outings, and more, often including tours and exclusive hospitality (mtkbudapest.hu).

Nearby Attractions and Accommodation

Népliget Park: Budapest’s largest green space, perfect for relaxation
Hungarian National Museum: A 15-minute walk, rich in history and culture
Blaha Lujza tér: Nearby square with vibrant shops and cafes
Erkel Theatre: Renowned for cultural performances
Accommodation: Options range from hotels to apartments, such as Aparthotel Prater Residence

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are Hidegkuti Nándor Stadion’s visiting hours?
A: Tours are on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:00 and 14:00; matchday hours vary by event.

Q: How can I buy tickets for matches or tours?
A: Online via the official MTK Budapest website, at the ticket office, or through resellers.

Q: Is the stadium wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes; dedicated seating and facilities are available.

Q: Can I take photos during my visit?
A: Photography is permitted on tours, but flash may be restricted in some areas.

Q: Is parking available?
A: Parking is limited; public transport is recommended.

Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Assistance dogs are welcome; other pets are not permitted.

Summary and Final Visitor Tips

Hidegkuti Nándor Stadion stands as a pillar of Budapest’s sporting and cultural landscape, chronicling over a century of Hungarian football excellence. From its early days and wartime resilience to its modern transformation, it remains a proud symbol of local community and national pride. With its blend of historical reverence and contemporary amenities—including a hybrid pitch, advanced LED lighting, and inclusive design—the stadium offers an authentic Hungarian football experience.