Dandár Bath – A hidden thermal spa with backyard charm

The lesser known Dandár Bath is perfect for those looking for a smaller, less crowded, and more affordable thermal bath in Budapest.

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No matter which season you visit the Hungarian capital, you cannot go home without spending at least one day soaking in the healing waters of the Budapest thermal baths. Fueled by the hot springs running under the city, Budapest claims the title ‘spa city’ in Europe. Started during the Roman times and accelerated during the Ottoman occupation of Hungary during the 16th century, spa culture is flourishing in Budapest more than ever today. 

The most popular spas of the city, such as Széchenyi Baths, Rudas Baths, Gellért Baths, or Király Baths need no introduction to tourists, but for those interested in smaller, cozier, and more affordable options, Budapest can offer a few hidden gems. While the unique Turkish nook, Veli Bej, and the newly reopened Pesterzsébet Bath with its exceptional iodine-salt waters are getting more and more noticed by tourist guides, Dandár Bath is still relatively hidden from international eyes. Let’s take a closer look at it!

The outdoor pools in the closed inner courtyard of Dandár thermal bath in Budapest
The outdoor pools in the closed inner courtyard of Dandár thermal bath in Budapest

A small, cozy, and affordable spa experience

As much as the grandiose looks and various facilities of the most popular thermal baths in Budapest are inviting, seeing the long queues at the entrance, the high prices, and the always crowded pools, the excitement can quickly wear off for some. The lesser-known Dandár Bath offers just the opposite. Hidden in one of the back-streets of the 9th district, Dandár is just outside the main tourist routes but is still in within walking distance from the inner city of Budapest. The former industrial area also houses the House of Unicum, the Hungarian herbal liqueur factory and storehouse, which stands right next to the thermal bath. To fit the characteristics of the neighborhood, Dandár’s façade, built in 1930, features brick architecture and art deco elements, which are partly visible in the interior as well.

The main entrance and facade of Dandár thermal bath in Budapest, Hungary
The main entrance and facade of Dandár thermal bath in Budapest, Hungary

The true charm of Dandár Bath lies in its small size and homey atmosphere. Soaking in the outdoor pools of the closed inner courtyard, you will quickly feel like you’re in a cozy backyard pool. We recommend visiting it during autumn or winter evenings when the steam rising from the pools turns the atmosphere even more unique. If you’re lucky enough to visit when it is snowing, you hit the jackpot for the perfect Dandár spa vibes.

You will hardly hear English chatter here (but don’t worry, the staff at the cashier speaks English), as Dandár is still mostly visited by locals, which keeps the prices lower than at other Budapest baths. If you’re on a tight budget but still would like to experience the local spa culture, it’s the perfect choice for you. For just 2,800 HUF on weekdays, and 2,900HUF on weekends (that is, for approx. 8 euros), you will get an all-in adult ticket that includes access to all 5 pools (2 indoor thermal pools, 2 outdoor wellness pools, and 1 dive pool), the wellness unit with saunas and a steam cabin, as well as a locker.

You can find the complete price list here.

The outdoor pools of Dandár Bath in Budapest by night
The outdoor pools of Dandár Bath in Budapest by night

Pools and wellness facilities at Dandár Bath

Originally built as a sanitary bath, Dandár Bath first opened in 1930. At that time, the thermal water got transported there from Széchenyi Baths, and later from Paskál Bath. Since then, it went through quite a few renovations and upgrades, especially since it got slightly damaged during World War II. Its sauna and wellness facilities were added in the 1970s, and since then it fully operates as a thermal bath. Since 2005, it has its own well, fueling the bath with the thermal waters of the area.

Today, Dandár Bath operates with 5 pools, two of which are outdoor wellness pools equipped with back and waist massagers, neck showers, and even chess tables. Indoors, you can find 2 thermal pools, while the building’s basement operates as the wellness unit with a sauna, a steam cabin, a diving pool.

https://www.dandarfurdo.hu/static/baths/3/images/4/78-b.jpg
https://www.dandarfurdo.hu/static/baths/3/images/4/78-b.jpg

Pools:

  • 2 indoor medical pools with water temperature: 36oC and 38oC
  • 2 outdoor wellness leisure pools with water temperature: 36oC and 38oC

Wellness unit:

  • Indoor and outdoor Finnish saunas (up to 12 people)
  • Aroma steam cabin
  • Cold water diving pool
  • Relaxation area with sun loungers

Other wellness services:

  • Refreshing and aroma massages
  • Medical pedicure
The outdoor wellness pools of Dandár thermal bath in Budapest
The outdoor wellness pools of Dandár thermal bath in Budapest

Dandár Baths

1095 Budapest, Dandár utca 3.

+36 1 / 215 7085 

You can find more information about the Dandár Bath here.

Opening hours

Mon-Fri: 6.00-21.00

Sat-Sun: 8.00-21.00

(Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Dandár Bath is closed from 11 November 2020 until further notice.)

How to get there

Located in the 9th district, walking distance from Boráros tér, Dandár Bath is still within easy reach from all parts of downtown Budapest. If you are coming by public transportation, you can take tram nr. 2 or 24, or bus nr. 23 or 54.

Once you’re in the neighborhood, you should definitely check out the House of Unicum, which is right next to Dandár Bath. It has its own museum, showcasing the colorful history of the brand and you can even taste the herbal spirit in its authentic form. Or if that’s not your cup of tea, then check out the pálinka or wine tasting options the city has to offer.

Inside the entrance of Dandár thermal bath in Budapest
Inside the entrance of Dandár thermal bath in Budapest

Q & A

What are the main services of Dandár Bath?
Dandár thermal bath in Budapest has a total of 5 pools: 2 indoor medical thermal pools, 2 outdoor thermal wellness pools, and a dive pool at the wellness unit. Besides the pools with healing waters, Dandár Bath also operates a mini sauna world with an indoor and an outdoor Finnish sauna, as well as an aroma steam cabin. Being a smaller spa complex, it has cheaper prices and is lesser known among tourists, which gives it a more relaxed and homely atmosphere.
Where is Dandár Bath in Budapest?
Dandár thermal bath is located in the former industrial area of the 9th district of Budapest. It is right next to the House of Unicum, the Hungarian herbal liqueur factory, and within walking distance from Boráros tér. Using public transport, you can get there by tram nr. 2 or 24, or bus nr. 23 or 54.
What are the entrance fees of Dandár Bath?
Thanks to its small size and location just outside the inner city, the prices of Dandár thermal bath are lower than that of the most popular baths in Budapest. The all-in adult ticket is 2,800HUF on weekdays and 2,900HUF on weekends (approx. 8 euros), which includes access to all 5 pools, the wellness unit, and a locker.
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