Lukacs thermal bath, the bath of gratitude

The thermal springs of Lukacs baths 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 bath, 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. Rudas is also on the Buda side, close to River Danube.

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 16^th 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.

This bath is closed indefinitely for renovation at the time of our article update, but it’s worth keeping an eye on the news for its reopening.

Fun fact: Pasha Aslan built Király so that he could bathe somewhere even during the event of a siege. 

Veli Bej baths, 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 – right here in Hungary? 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.

Szechenyi bath, the one that rules them all

Here we are with the most famous of all thermal baths in Budapest. 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.

Tip 1: before or after visiting the Széchenyi thermal bath, take a walk in the City Park.

Tip 2: The Széchenyi Bath features a unique palm house on its second floor, offering a tropical relaxation area surrounded by exotic plants and palm trees. Visitors can enjoy comfortable loungers, hammocks, and refreshments in this serene oasis, creating a perfect escape within the thermal bath complex.

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!

Can Szechenyi be the best bath in Budapest? Hmmm… let’s check the others!

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 on the Buda side of the city. 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. Gellért offers you a unique bath experience.

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!

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.

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 20^th district in Budapest, making the bath quite a special place as well.