Your Guide to Most Incredible Budapest Thermal Baths

Budapest, the “City of Spas,” is renowned for its remarkable thermal baths. With over a hundred natural hot springs supplying the city, Budapest boasts a bathing culture spanning centuries. From Ottoman-era bathhouses to grand Neo-Baroque palaces, these thermal baths offer a unique blend of history, architecture, and wellness that draws visitors from all corners of the globe and locals alike! Visiting a thermal bath is an absolute must when in Budapest but when you’ve got a limited timeframe, the number of options can be overwhelming so I’ve created the below guide to help you decide just where best to soak yourself!

Széchenyi Thermal Baths

This is by far the largest of the thermal baths in Budapest and one of the largest in Europe! Its vibrant yellow Neo-Baroque architecture, built in 1913 is a stunning backdrop to the relaxating pools. The three outdoor pools are the main attraction, each offering a different temperature, mineral-rich water. Indoors, fifteen additional thermal pools, saunas, and steam rooms provide ample options for ways to relax. You can even book a beer bath! This unconventional spa treatment involves soaking in a tub filled with thermal water and beer ingredients, believed to have skin-conditioning benefits. Whatever floats your boat! I visited the Széchenyi baths on my recent Budapest visit and can say from experience that it did not disappoint!

Location: The bath is situated in City Park (Városliget), near Heroes’ Square and Vajdahunyad Castle, on the Pest side of Budapest.

Price: €28 for a full day pass including a locker or changing cabin.

Website: Széchenyi Thermal Bath – [Official website] (szechenyibath.hu)

Gellért Thermal Bath

Gellért Thermal Bath features a variety of thermal pools with water ranging in temperature. The thermal waters are believed to have therapeutic properties and are sourced from the Gellért Hill’s natural hot springs. Additionally, the bath offers various saunas, steam rooms, and plunge pools for visitors to enjoy. In addition to the thermal pools, Gellért Thermal Bath provides a range of spa and wellness services, including massages, mud treatments, and other therapeutic treatments. The bath also has an outdoor wave pool, which is a popular attraction, especially during the warmer months

Location: Gellért Thermal Bath is situated on the Buda side of Budapest, near the Gellért Hill and the Liberty Bridge. Its address is Kelenhegyi út 4, 1118 Budapest, Hungary.

Price:
Monday to Thursday (Entry with Locker): €26.50 per person
Friday to Sunday (Entry with Locker): €30.00 per person
Holidays (Entry with Locker): €33.00 per person

Website:

Book the Best Gellert Thermal Bath Tickets 2024 | Best Deals & Offers (budapest-baths.com)

Rudas Bath

For those seeking a more traditional Turkish bath experience, Rudas Baths, dating back to the 16th century during the Ottoman rule, is a perfect choice. The centerpiece is a magnificent octagonal pool under a stunning domed ceiling. The rooftop pool offers panoramic views of the Danube and the city. If you really want to push the boat out, you can even book the panorama pool privately between 8 and 9 pm on weekdays. This will set you back around €177 for 2 people but it does look like a really special experience, plus they throw in Hungarian sparkling wine!

Location: The bath is situated at the foot of Gellért Hill, near the Danube River, on the Buda side of Budapest.

Price: €23:50 (Adult ticket including the usage of the pools and saunas, use of a locker on weekdays, or a cabin on the weekends.)

Website: Rudas Thermal Bath – [Official website] (rudasfurdo.hu)

Lukács Baths

Nestled in the Buda hills, Lukács Baths is a favorite among locals. The thermal waters here are thought to have particularly potent healing properties. The complex also features a drinking hall where visitors can sample the medicinal waters believed to aid digestion and metabolism. With its tranquil atmosphere and lush garden surroundings, Lukács is an oasis of serenity in a historic setting.

Location: Lukács Baths are situated on the Buda side of Budapest, near Margaret Bridge and the Danube River.

Price:
Weekdays €12
Weekends: €13

Website: Lukács Thermal Bath – Prices [Official website] (lukacsfurdo.hu)

Király Baths

A hidden gem from the Turkish era, Király Baths maintains its original 16th-century charm. The thermal waters here are said to be especially beneficial for skin conditions. While smaller and less opulent than some of the other baths, Király offers an authentic and intimate bathing experience. The main pool is set under a domed roof with small, round windows that let in natural light for a truly ethereal experience. These baths are currently closed for renovations which began in 2020. A date for re-opening is yet to be announced but this could be a contender once renovated!

Location: Király Baths are located on the Buda side of Budapest, near Gellért Hill and the Danube River.

Price: Unknown

Website: Király Gyógyfürdő – [Hivatalos honlap] (kiralyfurdo.hu)

Ultimately, the best thermal bath for you depends on your preferences and what you’re looking to experience. Some people enjoy the grandeur of Széchenyi or Gellért, while others prefer the historical charm of Rudas or Király. If you do have time, it’s worth exploring a couple of them to find the one that resonates most with you. From personal experience, visiting the Széchenyi baths was a huge highlight of my trip! Honestly, it is not just a bath—it’s a soothing world of relaxation and pure, unadulterated bliss. Happy bathing!

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