Top 9 sport and swimming pools in Budapest
Trying to find the best swimming pool in Budapest? We collected the top 9 for you.
Apart from being the city of baths, Budapest could easily be baptized as the city of swimming pools as well. With over 20 major pools and countless small ones, choosing one that fits your needs might seem daunting at first. Take a plunge with us as we enumerate the top swimming pools in Budapest!
1. BVSC Swimming Pool
Situated right next to Városliget, BVSC is a swimming pool for professionals and amateurs alike. If you’re visiting during summer, you’ll find the outdoor pool open, however, it is usually too crowded for proper swimming, so you’d better stick with one of the indoor pools.
Did you know?
BVSC stands for Budapesti Vasutas Sport Club and was founded in 1911. Athletes donning the yellow-dark blue jerseys can compete in 13 different sports, including wrestling, cycling or handball.
Pool size: 50 and 25 meters
Extras: Sauna, tanning salon
2. Császár-Komjádi Sports Swimming Pool
Now here’s a massive entry on our list: Császár-Komjádi (or just Komjádi, as locals call it) can welcome up to 1800 visitors at the same time. With 5 swimming pools and recently renovated facilities, Komjádi is the preferred training grounds for professionals as well: the water polo team Vasas as well as Olympic swimmers regularly show up here.
Did you know?
Although not part of Komjádi anymore, Veli Bej bath is a perfect spot for the lovers of thermal water and is just around the corner.
Pool size: 50 and 25 meters
Extras: Komjádi doubles as a hotel as well, so if you’re here for a brief stay but can’t live without swimming, be sure to book a room as close to the pool as possible.
3. Hajós Alfréd National Aquatics Complex
Named after the very first Hungarian Olympic medalist, Hajós Alfréd, this swimming pool is a state-of-the-art facility. With 8 indoor and outdoor pools covering over 80.000 square meters, it’s no wonder Hajós Alfréd has been home to the European Water Polo Championship (2001) and the LEN European Aquatics Championship (2006 and 2010).
Did you know?
Hajós is the heart of aquatic sports. Apart from swimming and water polo, many other athletes (divers, synchronized swimmers, triathletes, pentathletes) train here every day.
Pool size: 50, 33, 25 meters
Extras: 2 saunas
4. Paskál Bath
As old (or young) as the modern Hungarian Republic, Paskál bath is a truly refreshing entry on our list. It’s somewhere between a classic swimming pool and a full-on thermal bath: with facilities both catering the needs of those who prefer to swim and those who’d rather relax, Paskál is a versatile choice if you’re up for something different than the bigger pools like Komjádi or Hajós.
Did you know?
You can take a virtual tour before visiting.
Pool size: 33 meters
Extras: Thermal, plunge, leisure, relax and children’s pools, saunas, aquafitness, massages, and a steam chamber.
5. Palatinus Strand Baths
Palatinus is most well-known for its beach, and then it’s loved for its swimming pool. With Komjádi just across the Danube, Palatinus might not be the first choice for swimmers, but thanks to its location and awesome facilities, it’s a must-try on our list of Top 9 pools of Budapest.
Did you know?
Palatinus is located on Margaret island, which is completely free of traffic and is one of the favorite spots of locals to chill and relax.
Pool size: 40 meters
Extras: 15 different indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, massage.
6. Tüskecsarnok Swimming Pool
Tüskecsarnok (The Hall of Thorns – the name comes from its spiky roof design) is one of the newest swimming pools in the capital. Tüskecsarnok is a multi-functional facility: multiple sport events have been held since its opening, so if you don’t feel like swimming, you can catch a basketball or hockey match and cheer with a crowd of 2500 people.
Did you know?
Tüskecsarnok was scheduled to be built for the ’95 Austro-Hungarian world expo but was only finished in 2014.
Pool size: 25 and 50 meters
Extras: Wellness, fitness, squash, gym.
7. MOM Swimming Pool and Sports Center
One of the marvels of shopping centers is that you can do everything in one place. Swimming pools haven’t really been part of that offering, but then MoM Park was built. With 3 swimming pools, wellness options and fully-equipped facilities, MoM Sport is a perfect option for swimming – right in the heart of Buda.
Did you know?
MoM Sport maintenance uses less chlorine for cleaning the water of their pools: they’re using UV light instead, earning a 5-star rating from the Hungarian Bath Association.
Pool size: 15, 25, 33 meters
Extras: Sauna, steam cabin, aquafitness, jacuzzi.
8. Nyéki Imre Swimming Pool
If you’re willing to take a longer trip towards the outskirts of the city, Nyéki Imre is a rewarding choice for swimmers. Its beautiful architecture is a treat to the eyes both inside and outside, plus its recently opened outdoor area gives extra options for swimming and leisure alike.
Did you know?
Nyéki was called Kondorosi not long ago, so locals still use the two names interchangeably.
Pool size: 25 and 33 meters
Extras: jacuzzi, children’s pool, aquafitness.
9. Mányoki úti Swimming Pool
As tiny as it is, Mányoki is an adorable addition to the capital’s broad selection of swimming pools. Located just a 5-minute walk from Gellért tér, Mányoki is a hidden gem for swimmers. To make sure your time is undisturbed, check their reservation board here.
Did you know?
You can take a quick stroll and dip into the thermal waters of Gellért Bath – it’s just a few blocks away from Mányoki.
Pool size: 25 meters
Extras: swimming instruction, sports hall, sauna.
Prefer driving to public transport?
Some of the venues we listed may be a little more difficult to reach by public transportation than others. If you’re interested in car rental, click here for more info.
Q & A
- Does Budapest have good swimming pools?
- Budapest has a lot of great swimming pools scattered all around the city that suit both professional and hobby swimmers.
- What are the best swimming pools in Budapest?
- The best swimming pools in Budapest include BVSC, Császár Komjádi, and Hajós Alfréd.
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