Budapest, Hungary, is known as the city of thermal baths, with a long history of therapeutic waters and spa culture. The city has a plethora of thermal spas, ranging from centuries-old Turkish baths to modern, cutting-edge spa facilities.
Budapest’s thermal baths provide a unique mixture of history, culture, and relaxation, making them a must-see experience for anybody visiting Hungary.
Enjoy yourself in the therapeutic waters of thermal baths such as the famous Gellert Thermal Baths, which have been in operation since the 20th century, or the magnificent Széchenyi Bath, Europe’s largest thermal bath complex. If you are like us you most probably have a lot of questions about the thermal bath in Budapest. For that reason, we gathered the most frequent questions at the end of the article. Of course, if you have more questions don’t hesitate to ask in the comments below 🙂
Soooo, get your towels, swimsuits, and flip-flops, and let’s go to explore the rich thermal bath culture of the city!
To enjoy the thermal baths, you’ll need a swimsuit, a towel, and a waterproof bag. It’s also a good idea to bring flip-flops because the area around the pools can be slippery. Although most thermal baths rent or sell these items, it is preferable to bring your own if possible. Swimmers in the lap pools must wear swimming caps. When you enter, you are given a watch-shaped smart bracelet that serves as a key to a locker or cabin where your items can be stored. Pack soap, shampoo, and any other personal cleaning supplies you normally use after swimming. Each thermal bath has its own set of personal item rules and guidelines, so please be sure to check them out before visiting.
We’ve been to Budapest several times, and let me tell you, the thermal baths are a genuine show-stopper! Every time we travel, we try to visit a different bath to see which one is the greatest. We’ve seen quite a few of them so far, but there are still many more to discover. If you enjoy relaxing in warm, mineral-rich waters while being surrounded by beautiful buildings, Budapest is the place for you. Now, get ready to discover which thermal baths in Budapest are definitely worth your time!
After Szécheny, these art nouveau baths at the base of Gellért Hill are Budapest’s second most popular. Gellért Thermal Bath is one of Budapest’s most instagrammable attractions. The Gellért Baths and Spa offers a diverse selection of pools, each with its own distinct features and benefits. There are 8 indoor and 2 outdoor pools, each with a distinct temperature and massage jets and water currents, so you may pick the perfect one for you. Gellért Baths and Spa is ideal for unwinding with a warm water bath or indulging in a full-body massage. You can indulge yourself at the spa, which provides a variety of treatments and services.
Baths:
The tickets to Gellért Baths cost: 24€ – 28€ depending on the day.
Open every day of the week, from Monday to Sunday: 6 am – 8 pm
Fast Track Ticket Check-in Hours: 9 am – 6 pm
Opening hours are affected by National Holidays and Bank Holidays.
For more info visit the official site.
The Széchenyi Baths in City Park are by far Budapest’s most famous thermal bath complex, and one of the largest in Europe and it is located in the heart of Budapest’s city park. It is one of Budapest’s oldest thermal spas, dating from the early 20th century. The bathhouses have traditional Neo-baroque architecture, and the yellow structures are city landmarks. The Széchenyi Baths offer a wide range of indoor and outdoor pools, with 18 pools, 3 saunas, and 10 steam cabins. There are 15 indoor and 3 large outdoor pools, allowing visitors to enjoy the hot thermal waters regardless of the weather.
Baths:
Weekdays: from 7 am to 7 pm.
Weekends: from 9 am to 8 pm.
Saunas and hot air chambers:
Weekdays: from 9 am to 6 pm
Weekends: from 10 am to 7 pm
Rudas Baths is one of Budapest, Hungary’s oldest thermal baths, dating back to the 16th century. This lovely complex is divided into three sections: an Ottoman-era steam bath, a swimming pool, and a newly renovated spa center. With its Turkish-style domed roof and octagonal pools, you can expect a unique and historic bathing experience. The thermal baths have indoor and outdoor pools, as well as a rooftop pool with a panoramic view over Budapest. Rudas, in addition to thermal baths, provides a variety of wellness services such as massages and saunas. It’s a must-see for everyone interested in the traditional and cultural aspects of Budapest’s hot baths.
Baths:
Daily ticket to all zones:
Weekdays 22€, Weekends: 31€
Daily Turkish bath ticket:
Weekdays 15€
Lukács Baths is on our list because the visitors are mostly from the local area and it is rarely crowded. Another reason is that it is clean and gives you the impression that you are bathing in a medieval castle. The Lukács Bath may not be as large as the Széchenyi or Gellért, but it has its own charm. Lukács Bath is not as well-known as some of the other baths on the list among tourists.
Baths:
Ticket for adults with locker usage: from 10€
Ticket for adults with cabin usage: from 13€
Király Baths is a famous thermal bath from the 16th century. Király, which is half Ottoman and part 19th century, is the smallest and coziest bath on this list. The Turkish pasha had it built away from its water source and within the city, walls using underground pipes to ensure that bathing could continue uninterrupted even if there was a conflict. Visit the small indoor garden, which has a wooden hot tub and many cots. Please note that Király is now closed for renovations until 2023.
Opening Hours: Kiraly Bath is open every day 9 am to 9 pm
Baths:
Morning ticket: cabin: 4.10€, locker: 3.3€
All-day ticket: with cabin use: 6.9€ , locker: 6.1€
Dandár is housed in an art deco structure from the 1930s and situated a little beyond the city center. It comes closest to providing a fully immersive authentic Budapest experience because it primarily attracts locals. The best time to use the heated outdoor pool is on gloomy winter evenings. Since very few tourists are aware that it exists, most of the people using the bath are locals. For those who like to avoid crowds, this bath is the ideal option.
Baths:
Opening Hours: From 9:00 to 19:00
ALL IN ticket for adults:
Weekday: 8.7 €, Weekend: 8.9€
Thermal ticket for adults (only indoor pools):
Weekday: 6.9€, Weekend: 7.1€
The Palatinus Baths, located on Margaret Island in Budapest, opened in 1919 as the city’s first outdoor bath. A dozen pools, including gigantic slides, a wave pool, hot baths, thermal baths, and saunas, are available at the baths. If you are traveling to Budapest with children, they are an excellent choice. Adults can also have a good time here.
Because the complex is outside, it is only open throughout the summer, from June to mid-September.
Opening Hours: Every day from 9:00 to 16:00
Adult: Weekdays 7.4€, Weekends: 8.7€
2-hour ticket: Weekdays: 5.3€ Weekends: 5.9€
The Hotel Császár Budapest houses the Veli Bej Baths. The baths are a “hidden place” in Budapest and receive significantly fewer visitors than the two large bath complexes, Gellert & Széchenyi. This Turkish bath complex is older than Rudas and Király, having been built in the 16th century. The dome and stone arches are still present, but the interior is clean and boasts beautiful salmon-pink walls. Due to its non-profit status, Veli Bej Baths are more affordable than other Budapest hot springs.
Baths:
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 06.00 – 12.00 and 15.00 – 21.00
Monday – Thursday: 3-hour morning ticket: 5.7€, 3-hour afternoon ticket: 7.1€,
Evening ticket (19.00-21.00): 5.7€,
Fri: 3-h morning ticket: 5.7€, afternoon & evening: 7.1€,
Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays (3-hour stay): 7.1€ all day.
Now that we have all the necessary information, it’s time to start planning your trip! To help you get started, we’ve compiled some helpful resources. By using our links to make purchases, you’ll be supporting us at no extra cost to you.
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