The cozy Kiraly Bath is one of the four Turkish baths in Budapest. The building itself shows the Hungarian history in its every part, and by reaching the pool area we can go back centuries. If you like Turkish baths, be sure to visit Kiraly, because here you will find a real atmosphere of the 1500s: domes, semicircular arches, steam cabins, saunas, and 4 indoor thermal pools.

History of Kiraly Baths

More than 450 years ago, it was Pasha Arslan’s idea to build up a bath, so that a thermal bath could be available within the city wall even in the case of an eventual  siege. The building was finally completed by Sokoli Mustafa, and then at the end of the 18th century it became the property of König Family. They rebuilt the spa to its present form, preserving its monumental character, and the bath also got its Hungarian name after the family (Kiraly=König=King)

The specialty of the bath is that it never had and up to this day has not direct hot water base necessary for its operation. The water is provided by the thermal water wells of Lukacs Baths.

Kiraly is a truly authentic Turkish bath with walls conjuring the old times. It is true that the spa, last renovated in 1950, really needs a thorough renovation both inside and outside. Nevertheless, the bath has everything that is worth coming here for: medicinal pools, hot air chambers, a steam bath and a jacuzzi.

My experiences in Kiraly Bath

I usually start in the largest pool in the middle, with the 36 degree water. When I look up here, I can see a mysterious dome with natural light, and I immediately imagine myself in the shoes of a Turkish pasha. I usually soak myself here for 15-20 minutes and then go over to the smaller pools on either side of the large pool: one is a 40 degree and the other is a 26 degree plunge pool.

Delicate chamomile-scented steam flows from the 3-seated steam baths. Here, steam worshipers are guaranteed to sweat.

My personal favourite is the sunbathing yard in the inner garden and the wooden vat for six people, as I experienced that the best conversations take place here, in this romantic, unique milieu.

The atmosphere can only be enhanced by the buffet services as you just have to ring the bell if you would like to order anything from beyond the grid.

What shall you take with you to the baths?

 What you should pack in your bag: slippers, towel, swimwear. I always take shower gel with me so I can have a shower at the end of the day, and also put in a hair dryer so as not to have to line up for that. It’s also worth putting a bottle of mineral water, juice or some cans of beer.

Kiraly Baths tickets

Though there are more popular thermal baths (e.g. Szechenyi Baths, Rudas Baths) in Budapest, prepare for the long lines at the box offices here, too. So if you don’t want to waste a lot of time in the lines, or would like to get an appointment for a professional massage, it is better if you buy your ticket online.

If you got in, just enjoy the royal atmosphere!

Kiraly opens at 9 a.m. If coming to the bath is intended to be a morning program, then buy a morning ticket, firstly because it’s cheaper and secondly I think a 3 hour-long stay is enough to enjoy this tiny but really agreeable bath.

Cabins can be found on the first floor and you can open and close the lockers with the watch that you get at the box offices.

When buying the ticket you have to decide if you want to change your clothes in a cabin or a locker is enough for you. If you read my article „Cabin vs lockers”, you’ll get some very useful tips which will help with your decision.

Cabin:

Locker:

Kiraly Baths water composition

Thermal spring with natrium, calcium-magnesium-bicarbonate, sulphate-chloride, and a significant fluoride content.

Units of Kiraly Thermal Baths

Plunge pool (water temperature 26 °C, water surface 8 nm),

Medicinal pool 1 (water temperature 32 °C, water surface 10 nm),

Medicinal pool 2 (water temperature 36 °C, water surface 68 nm),

Medicinal pool 3 (water temperature 40 °C, water surface 4 nm),

Jacuzzi (water temperature 32-36 °C, number of seats: 5)

Contact

Taxi: The bath is located on a busy one-way road, so I don’t think it is the fastest way to get there by car. If the driver knows the area, it’s better to get off in a nearby street and walk a few minutes.

Tram: Perhaps this is the simpliest way, as from the stop of tram 4 or 6 you only have to walk about 5 minutes.

Other public transport vehicles: bus 9 or 109, tram 19 and the suburb train from Szentendre is a good choice, too.

Opening hours

Every day: 09 a.m. – 21 p.m.
The box office closes at 20 p.m.
The box office closes one hour before the bath closes.

1027 Budapest, Fő street 84.
Tel: +36-1-202-3688
web: www.kiralyfurdo.hu

Sights near to the baths

Batthyány square, view to the Parliament on the Danube-side, Buda Castle, Greek Catholic Temple, and the Grave of Gül baba are all in the catchment area of Kiraly Thermal Baths, so that’s a great program to visit them.