Despite being landlocked, Budapest has been known for its thermal baths for as long as the city has been around. In fact, it was officially named City of Spas in 1934.
Budapest has over 120 natural hot springs that feed healing mineral water to spas throughout the city. It’s one of the reasons that Budapest is located where it is.
These baths have been around for hundreds of years, most prominently during the time of the Ottoman Turks in the 16th century. Some of their spas are still in use today!
Budapest’s thermal baths are not just an indulgence- they’re a way of life! I’m not a spa person myself, but I’ll admit that it’s worth going to a few for the history and the stunning architecture alone.
There are so many thermal baths, you can sort of select based on your preferred tourism level.
Syéchenyi Thermal Baths
Syéchenyi Thermal Baths are the most iconic and most touristy option of the bunch. This baths complex offers 18 pool, three of which are outside. The bright yellow neo-Baroque buildings are an iconic backdrop for its huge outdoor pools.
These baths tend to be extremely busy, especially in the summer, and can be quite rowdy given its organized spa parties, and beer spa.
Gellért Baths
Gellért Baths was my favorite of the two thermal baths I visited on my trip. Much quieter than the Syéchenyi baths, this spa offers ten different pools. It’s the coup de grâce is its indoor lap pool surrounded by tall columns and lit from above with a glass roof.
The Art Nouveau architecture and stained glass make for a really luxurious experience in the historic mineral waters.
Unfortunately, these baths are closed until 2028, but keep an eye out for its reopening! It’s worth the visit!
Rudas Thermal Bath
Rudas Thermal Bath was recommended to me by tourists and locals alike.
This 16th century spa is styled in the Ottoman-era it belongs to and is most popular for its iconic rooftop pool offering panoramic views of the city over the Danube.
These baths offer late night availability on Friday and Saturdays for visitors to take advantage of the panoramic view at night as well as during the day.
Rudas also offers several hours that are exclusively reserved for men or women respectively. Make sure to check the timing of your booking- or otherwise keep to the coed hours!
Lukacs Thermal Bath
Lukacs Thermal Bath dates back to the 12th century, and were used by the Knights of St John, the Ottomans, and the modern day tourist alike!
These baths are much smaller than its compatriots with only five pools in the complex. Of course, it also tends to be much less crowded- so it balances out.
Know Before You Go
Most spas have don’t allow children under the age of 14 into their spas.
It is expected that guests rinse off before hopping into the spas. Not everyone does this, especially in Syéchenyi, which I expect contributes to the milky waters.
For the quietest experience at the spas, go earlier! Most tourists aren’t waking up before 9am on their vacations, so between opening time and 11 is typically the least popular times to be at the baths.
Make sure to stay hydrated- the water is warm, and you sweat more than you think!
What Do I Bring?
When heading to one of Budapest’s Baths, make sure to bring the following:
- Bathing suit
- Flip flops
- Change of clothes
- Form of payment (for drinks/snacks)
- Towel (to save on a towel rental fee)
- Swimming cap (to swim in the lap pool)
Where Do I Store My Items?
Most tickets include locker access with the price of admission. These lockers are linked to an RFID wristband provided at check in.
All of the lockers I used were spacious, with plenty of room for me to store a bag with the essentials.
For more privacy, consider renting a changing cabin at an addition cost.
What Do I Wear?
Most of Budapest’s Spas are coed- so make sure to wear a swimsuit that covers the essentials. It’s a good idea to bring a change of clothes and a dry bag to transport your wet swimsuit after enjoying the spa.
Since most of the more popular pools are exposed to the sun, it’s a good idea to wear sun protection and sunscreen accordingly.
Some type of footwear is required to be worn between swims- make sure to pack some flip flops!
If you plan on swimming in the lap pool, swimming caps are required- and trust me, they take this seriously. Caps are typically not required in other pools.
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