The 6 Best Thermal Baths in Budapest
Published: July 3rd, 2019Known as the “City of Baths,” as the city sits on a patchwork of hot springs that spout mineral-rich healing waters into numerous thermal baths, many of them dating back centuries. Immerse yourself in the thermal water spots that will soak up your stresses and leave you feeling refreshed. Whichever haven of health you choose is completely up to you – here is a little guide to the best.
Everything you need to know
Before you dive in, here are a few things to keep in mind: bathers are expected to wear a swimsuit at all times in Budapest’s baths, and swim caps are mandatory accessories when swimming in the lap pools. Finally, bring flip flops! They’re useful when walking between the indoor and outdoor pools.
In Budapest’s baths, don’t stay in the hot thermal pools for longer than 20 minutes; don’t swim in the thermal pools if you’re under 14; and don’t smoke. Smoking is not permitted in any of the thermal baths, including the open-air spots. Upon entering you get a watch-shaped electronic bracelet that serves as a key to a locker or a cabin where you can store your belongings.
1. Gellért Baths
Photo: We Love Budapest
With its mosaic walls and floors, stained glass windows and Roman-style columns, Gellért Baths is Budapest’s most beautiful bathing destination. The temperature of the pools ranges from 26 C (79 F) to 40 C (104 F), and you’ll also find dry and steam saunas, treatment rooms for medicinal massages, a carbonic acid bathtub (for cardiovascular issues and high blood pressure), and small thermal baths that can be booked privately by couples. The wave pool outside was the world’s first and the warmer pool also has attractive features.
District XI. Kelenhegyi út 4
Open: Daily 6am-8pm
2. Palatinus Baths
Photo: Palatinus Baths
The Palatinus (Strand in Hungarian) is one of the most beautiful outdoor baths in the World according to the readers of the British daily, The Guardian. At this spa on Margaret Island, you can even sweat in the geothermal sauna, but you should also enjoy the sunshine outside on the giant slides or in the swimming, adventure and wave pools.
District XIII. Margaret Island
Open: Daily 8am-8pm
3. Lukács Baths
Photo: Lukács Baths
The waters at the Lukács are meant to have the strongest healing powers, and this is certainly Budapest’s most versatile spa. The baths are popular with locals and those seeking treatment for various ailments. Facilities include an infrared sauna, a steam bath, a Himalayan salt wall (to ease respiratory problems), and a weight bath (to treat spinal injuries).
District II. Frankel Leó út 25-29
Open: Daily 6am-10pm
4. Dagály Baths
Photo: We Love Budapest
Set by the Danube, the Dagály remains a firm family favourite. The 25 m length swimming pool, with its water filter and circulation system and a tent (canvas) roof was opened in 1983. At the moment, there are 10 pools of various forms and temperatures in the facility’s pleasant, picturesque surroundings.
District XIII. Népfürdő utca 36
Open: Daily 6am-8pm
5. Széchenyi Baths
Photo: Széchenyi Thermal Baths
Housed in a neo-Baroque palace in Budapest’s City Park, Széchenyi is Budapest’s largest thermal bath complex. Thanks to its large windows, the indoor section of the Széchenyi is brighter than most thermal baths, and houses 11 thermal pools, as well as steam rooms and showers. Below the two staircases leading inside, a huge sauna with a relaxation area and plunge pools await. Two of the outdoor pools are 32-34°C, while the one at 26°C can be used with a swim cap for doing laps.
6. Csillaghegy Baths
Photo: nlc.hu
Surrounded by a park of ancient trees, the most beautifully located bath in Budapest is this one at Csillaghegy. It features indoor and outdoor areas, some of which only open in summer.
District III. Pusztakúti út 2-6
Open: Pool Daily 6-8pm. Spa, children’s zone & sauna world Daily 8am-8pm