Budapest is the city of thermal baths
Budapest is the city of thermal baths

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.

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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

Lukács Bath
Lukács Bath

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. 

Summary of
Lukács Baths

Opening hours
Every Day
07:00:00 – 20:00:00
Price Range
$$$
Web Address
Social Media
Address
Budapest, Lukacs Baths, Frankel Leó Way, Hungary

Rudas, the spa with a view

The stunning view from the panorama pool at Rudas
The stunning view from the panorama pool at Rudas

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.

Summary of
Rudas Baths

Opening hours
Every Day
06:00:00 – 20:00:00
Price Range
$$$
Web Address
Social Media
Address
Budapest, Rudas Baths, Döbrentei tér, Hungary

Király, the Ottoman gem

Király’s Ottoman interior was preserved throughout the centuries
Király’s Ottoman interior was preserved throughout the centuries

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. 

Summary of
Király Baths

Opening hours
Closed Temporary
Price Range
$$$
Web Address
Social Media
Address
1027 Budapest, Fő u. 84.

Veli Bej, the Queen of Turkish baths

Veli Bej’s octagonal pool is the largest in Europe
Veli Bej’s octagonal pool is the largest in Europe

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.

Summary of
Veli Bej Baths

Opening hours
Closed Temporary
Price Range
$$
Web Address
Social Media
Address
1023 Budapest, Árpád fejedelem útja 7.

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

The majestic outdoor pools of Széchenyi Baths
The majestic outdoor pools of Széchenyi Baths

So, why is Széchenyi The Bath to Visit 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!

Summary of
Széchenyi Baths

Opening hours
Every Day
Price Range
$$$
Web Address
Address
1146 Budapest, u00c1llatkerti ku00f6ru00fat 9-11.

Gellért and the pools of luxury

Nothing really compares to the luxury of Gellért bath
Nothing really compares to the luxury of Gellért bath

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!

Summary of
Gellért Baths

Opening hours
Every Day
09:00:00 – 19:00:00
Price Range
$$$
Web Address
Social Media

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

The wave pool of Palatinus is often crowded during hot summer days
The wave pool of Palatinus is often crowded during hot summer days

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.

Summary of
Palatinus Beach

Opening hours
Every Day
09:00:00 – 19:00:00
Price Range
$$$
Web Address
Social Media
Address
1007 Budapest, Margitsziget

Csillaghegy, the spa of swimmers

The vast indoor swimming pool at Csillaghegy spa
The vast indoor swimming pool at Csillaghegy spa

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). 

Summary of
Csillaghegyi Beach

Opening hours
Every Day
06:00:00 – 19:00:00
Price Range
$$
Web Address
Social Media
Address
1038 Budapest, Pusztakúti út 2-6.

Rómaifürdő, the most ancient bath

The large outdoor pools and water slide park at Rómaifürdő offer plenty of fun for visitors
The large outdoor pools and water slide park at Rómaifürdő offer plenty of fun for visitors

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.

Summary of
Római Beach

Opening hours
Closed Temporary
Price Range
$$
Web Address
Social Media
Address
1031 Budapest, Rozgonyi Piroska u. 2.

Pünkösdfürdő,  the island of peace

The picturesque setting at Pünkösdfürdő offers a getaway for locals and tourists alike
The picturesque setting at Pünkösdfürdő offers a getaway for locals and tourists alike

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.

Summary of
Pünkösdfürdői Beach

Opening hours
Closed Temporary
Price Range
$$
Web Address
Social Media
Address
1039 Budapest, Királyok útja 272.

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

Dandár is a hidden – and young – bath in the outskirts of Budapest
Dandár is a hidden – and young – bath in the outskirts of Budapest

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.

Summary of
Dandár Bath

Opening hours
Every Day
09:00:00 – 19:00:00
Price Range
$$
Web Address
Social Media
Address
1095 Budapest, Dandár u. 3.

Paskál, the youngest

Bigger than you think: Paskál has 10 pools and a large green space for visitors
Bigger than you think: Paskál has 10 pools and a large green space for visitors

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.

Summary of
Paskál Beach

Opening hours
monday 09:00:00 – 20:00:00
tuesday 09:00:00 – 20:00:00
wednesday 09:00:00 – 20:00:00
thursday 09:00:00 – 20:00:00
friday 09:00:00 – 20:00:00
saturday 08:00:00 – 20:00:00
sunday 08:00:00 – 20:00:00
Price Range
$
Web Address
Social Media
Address
1141 Budapest, Egressy út 178 f.

Pesterzsébet, the odd one out

The modern interior of Pesterzsébet Bath is a beauty to behold
The modern interior of Pesterzsébet Bath is a beauty to behold

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.

Summary of
Pesterzsébet Beach

Opening hours
Every Day
08:00:00 – 20:00:00
Price Range
$$
Web Address
Social Media
Address
1203 Budapest, Vízisport u. 2.

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.
Your experience is important.
Anything you have not found?

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