An almost complete list of the best bath in Budapest
Visit one of the 13 stunningly beautiful spas in Budapest and dip in the healing waves of the hot thermal springs.
Budapest is the city of thermal baths for a good reason: with 13 baths operating in town all year, those longing to treat themselves in the healing waves are spoiled for choice. We had our own countdowns where we’ve listed the top 9 pools of the capital and the top 8 beaches as well. Now it’s time give an enumeration of the thermal spas in Budapest.
1. The Turkish Quartette
Let’s start with the most obvious grouping: Lukács, Rudas, Király, and Veli Bej. These four Turkish-era thermal baths have been around for centuries, but what sets them apart?
Lukács, the bath of gratitude
The thermal springs of Lukács bath were discovered over 800 hundred years ago, and locals have used it as a place for healing ever since. Its healing waves and professional medical services have garnered a reputation Europe-wide: you can marvel at the tablets of gratitude from all kinds of people who have come and healed while staying at the bath. For more info, visit their website here.
Fun fact: Lukács also happened to be adored by literary giants: the likes of Géza Ottlik, Zoltán Zelk, or István Örkény all enjoyed chilling at the spa.
Rudas, the spa with a view
For many reasons, Rudas is no extraordinary bath: its pools, services, and architecture is on par with its contemporaries. However, there’s one category Rudas beats the competition: its stunning view. Dip in the warm panorama pool atop Rudas, and witness the beauty of Budapest by day or night. And to learn more, visit their website here.
Fun fact: Rudas was referred to as the “bath with the green columns”. Although the columns aren’t in place anymore, it’s suggested that there were once stunning green columns supporting the ceiling of the bath.
Király, the Ottoman gem
Built by a Turkish pasha in the 16th century, Király feels eclectic from the outside but is one of the most well-preserved Turkish baths in the country. Naturally, its architecture isn’t the only reason you should visit: with 4 different pools, steam cabins, and wellness services, Király pampers visitors with its Ottoman-era riches. Visit Király’s website for more info here.
Fun fact: Pasha Aslan built Király so that he could bathe somewhere even during the event of a siege.
Veli Bej, the Queen of Turkish baths
What else can Veli Bej boast that others cannot? How about the largest pool in a Turkish Bath in Europe? With its octagonal pools, splendid interiors, and an array of both wellness and medical services, Veli Bej offers visitors the luxurious care only sultans could enjoy. If you’re game, why not visit their website for more info?
Fun fact: While most baths use chlorine to keep their water clean, Veli Bej is known for not using the chemical for cleaning purposes.
2. Downtown luxury
Our second grouping is a duo of baths that are probably most known to the visitors of Budapest. Széchenyi and Gellért are at the top of every list – but what makes them so special?
Széchenyi, the one that rules them all
So, why is Széchenyi Bath worth visiting in Budapest? For starters, it’s the largest medicinal bath in Europe. That’s right: with 3 outdoor and 15 indoor pools, it’s estimated that a whopping 4,5 million tourists visit Széchenyi each year. Certain estimates indicate that the spa has been visited by over 100 million people since its foundation! So, go ahead, check their website and make sure you don’t miss the greatest spa in the Hungarian capital during your visit.
Fun fact: It is said that the neighboring Zoo is linked to Széchenyi’s thermal springs – that’s why, allegedly, is hippos’ skin at the zoo appear so smooth and shiny!
Gellért and the pools of luxury
While its thermal springs were discovered over millennia before, Gellért opened its doors to the public only a century ago. The hotel and the bath within were amongst the first luxury complexes of its time, and its splendor has not tarnished over the years. It might be the priciest thermal spa in the city, but it’s totally worth the premium: go and see their website for yourself, and pay a visit while you’re staying in Budapest.
Fun fact: Gellért is hooked up with a railway with neighboring Rác Bath (which is currently closed). It’s not open to public, but just imagine the convenience of riding an underground train from one bath to another!
3. A proper beach experience
While Budapest is far off the coast of the Mediterranean, you have plenty of options for having an almost beach-like experience. The following entries offer huge open pools and a vast area for sunbathing, doing sports, or just relaxing.
Palatinus, the beach of the capital
If you’re in for a downtown getaway, Palatinus is a sure bet. Located on the gorgeous island of Margit-sziget, Palatinus spans across 8 hectares – no wonder there’s enough space for over 10 open-air pools. Palatinus is also a popular spot for training: if you’re lucky, you might catch the national water polo team during your visit. Check out Palatinus’ website for more info!
Fun fact: If you happen to visit, be sure you dip in the rare wave pool, an absolute favorite of the locals.
Csillaghegy, the spa of swimmers
The good thing about outdoor thermal pools is that you can visit any time all year. What’s more, Csillaghegy spa is a more modest entry in the bunch, which means you’ll get to enjoy the silence and relax perhaps more than in baths like Széchenyi or Gellért. Check out their full range of services and more here.
Fun fact: Olympic champion Johnny Weismüller (also known for playing the titular role in the movie “Tarzan”) swam against Hungarian swimmer Dr. István Bárány in this pool back in the 1930s (both of them were Hungarian nationals).
Rómaifürdő, the most ancient bath
The Romans first discovered the thermal springs at Római beach over two millennia ago: ever since, Rómaifürdő has been a go-to spot for locals to get away from the bustling city center. With its 5 hectares, its large outdoor pools filled with hot thermal water, and century-old trees offering shade, Római is a must-visit, especially during summer. Check out their site to get more info here.
Fun fact: Rómaifürdő is the only entry on our list that has water park features: with its water slides, the spa offers leisure time for the whole family.
Pünkösdfürdő, the island of peace
Rose pergolas, large, green areas, thermal water: three reasons why Pünkösdfürdő (lit. “Bath of Pentecost) is one of the most romantic outdoor spas in town. Thanks to its more popular neighbor, Rómaifürdő, Pünkösdfürdő offers a similar yet more peaceful time for those who visit. You can read more about the spa here.
Fun fact: The first drops of thermal water were found on the day of Pentecost, which then later became the name of the spa as well.
4. Urban getaways
Our last category has all the hidden gems: these baths are harder to access but bear a lot of promise. If you want to avoid crowded spas, visit one of the following three!
Dandár, the award-winner
Built around 70 years ago, Dandár was first commissioned to be a sanitary bath. After heavily damaged during World War 2, it opened its doors again, and following a renovation in 1978, it finally received the label “thermal bath”. Today it offers a wide range of services and a pair of outdoor pools for the visitors – make sure you get every detail right before visiting in person here.
Fun fact: Dandár received the Grand Prize from the jury in the annual Hungarian Products contest.
Paskál, the youngest
It’s often the most hidden baths that offer the most surprises: Paskál, tucked in the outskirts of Budapest, is a rapidly expanding spa in Budapest. It opened with a mere two pools, and then it quickly added 8 more to the mix, alongside with saunas, steam cabins, and a rich selection of wellness and medical services. Be sure to check their page here!
Fun fact: As stated above, Paskál doesn’t have a rich history to boast about as it opened its gates in 1989.
Pesterzsébet, the odd one out
This spa might be a beach in its own right: located right at the bank of Danube, it was originally built to offer a spot for bathing in the river. Today, Pesterzsébet Bath doesn’t have access to the Danube, but it virtually has everything else: 7 different pools, wellness services, saunas, and a dedicated canteen make sure your stay is as comfy and relaxing as possible. Visit Pesterzsébet Bath’s site for more info here.
Fun fact: Its rare iodine-salty water can only be found in the 20th district in Budapest, making the bath quite a special place as well.
Q & A
- How many baths are there in Budapest?
- There are currently 13 functional baths and spas in Budapest.
- Are baths expensive in Budapest?
- The single ticket for baths varies between 2000-6000 HUF.
- Are baths crowded in Budapest?
- The more popular baths like Széchenyi and Gellért are more crowded, but baths like Paskál have fewer visitors.
Related Articles
-
Top 100 things you can’t miss in Budapest
-
Pesterzsébet Bath – Reviving the iodine-salt thermal waters in Budapest
-
Dandár Bath – A hidden thermal spa with backyard charm
-
Csillaghegyi Bath and Swimming Pool – Hillside romance outside, modern wellness inside
-
Budapest’s famous spa parties – where wellness and fun collide
-
Rudas Baths
Your experience is important.
Anything you have not found?
Ask a Question
Please log in to write a review.
There is no review yet.