I visited the free Berceni Arena ice rink in Sector 4. Here’s how to book a session and how was the experience
By Bucharest Team
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The Berceni Arena ice rink in Bucharest’s Sector 4 has become, this winter, one of the most popular free leisure options in the city. While information spreads quickly online, real-life experience matters most, so I decided to visit the rink myself during a weekend session to see how the access system works and what the atmosphere is like on site.
I attended an evening session scheduled between 8:00 p.m. and 9:15 p.m., a time slot usually considered busy. The experience, however, was more balanced than I had expected.
How to book a session at Berceni Arena
Access to the ice rink is granted exclusively through online booking, via the official platform:
👉 https://berceniarena.ro/rezervari-sesiuni-agrement/
The booking process is fairly straightforward: you select the date, choose an available time slot, and fill in the required details. At the end, you receive a booking code, usually in the form of a QR code, which must be presented at the entrance.
In theory, the system is clear. In practice, minor technical issues can occur, but based on my experience, they do not prevent access.
Entrance experience and first impressions
At the entrance, there was no long queue. The flow of visitors was well organized, and reservations were checked quickly. An employee scanned the access codes, and in my case, although my booking codes did not work properly, the situation was handled calmly.
The staff member took a photo of the codes, said the issue would be reported further, and allowed me to enter without any complications or unnecessary discussion. This approach created a positive first impression, especially in a context where strict rules can sometimes generate tension.
Atmosphere inside and crowd levels
Even though it was a weekend evening session, the rink was not overcrowded. There was no sense of chaos or overcrowding, and the space allowed for comfortable skating, including for less experienced skaters.
I would describe the atmosphere as balanced and manageable, without excess. There were children, adults, groups of friends, and individuals skating on their own. Noise levels and general activity felt appropriate for a public leisure space.
Ice quality and safety rules
From my perspective, the ice was in very good condition. The surface was well maintained, with no visible uneven areas or damaged spots—an essential factor for both comfort and safety.
Another important aspect is the constant presence of supervisors. They:
- prevent excessive speed;
- intervene when someone attempts dangerous maneuvers;
- periodically announce changes in skating direction to avoid collisions.
Rules are enforced firmly but politely, and interventions are preventive rather than punitive. This contributes to a safe experience, including for children and first-time skaters.
Parking and access to the area
Regarding car access, I found parking spaces on nearby side streets without major difficulty. According to information available on site, there is also a paid parking lot, located not far from the rink, costing approximately 1 leu per hour.
The area is also accessible by public transport, making the rink a practical option not only for Sector 4 residents, but for visitors from other parts of the city as well.
We recommend:
Ice rinks in Bucharest: indoor and outdoor options
Final thoughts on the Berceni Arena experience
Overall, my experience at the free Berceni Arena ice rink was a positive one. The booking system appears to work reasonably well, access is organized, and the atmosphere is calm and civilized, with no visible incidents or frustrations.
It is not a spectacular or exclusive venue, but it fulfills its purpose very well: offering a free, safe, and accessible leisure option in a well-supervised environment. For a relaxed weekend outing without high expectations, it is a fair and balanced choice.
