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

Veli Bej Bath – the queen of Turkish baths in Budapest

Soothe yourself in the calming waves of the oldest and largest Turkish bath in Budapest – visit Veli Bej today.

TOC
T
O
C

5 pools filled with thermal water, wellness facilities including saunas and steam cabins, plus a plethora of services including underwater pressure massage: this is but a glimpse of what Veli Bej has to offer.

The city of thermal baths

Budapest is the city of thermal baths for a good reason: with 12 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 – but now our focus is on a hidden gem from the Ottoman era.

The interior of Veli Bej
The interior of Veli Bej

While thermal springs are aplenty, Turkish baths are a rare treat in Budapest. There are four fully operational Turkish baths in Budapest today: Rudas (with an amazing rooftop view – see our article about it here), Király (soon to be renovated, you can read about it here), Rác (closed due to legal dispute), and finally, Veli Bej. The latter is probably the least known even for locals, so get ready to learn more on the oldest and largest Turkish bath of the capital.

The history of Veli Bej

Veli bej (Veli Bey, with “bey” meaning “chieftain” in Turkish) was built all the way back in 1574 during the Ottoman occupation of Hungary. Just like many other Turkish baths in the country, such as the ones in Eger or Pécs, Veli bej remained intact even after the Ottoman rule, and served as a place for treatment and pastime alike. In the early 19th century, Veli bej was gifted to the Order of the Brothers Hospitallers and have been part of the Catholic order’s hospital facilities ever since.

The spa area of ​​the bath
The spa area of ​​the bath

Turkish thermal pools

So, what to expect for those looking for an authentic Turkish bath experience? Veli bej has 5 different pools with its largest being the largest in Central Europe. Thanks to a steady flow of thermal water, every pool is constantly filled with fresh, healing water – and unlike some other baths, no chemicals are used in the process either. The biggest, octagonal pool and its four smaller siblings are all parts of the classic, Ottoman-era building, an architectural rarity in its own right.

Sauna, ice showers, and unique massages at Veli Bej

As you admire the Ottoman era decoration on the ceiling while the hot thermal water almost lulls you to sleep, remember that you still have plenty of things to discover in Veli bej. If you want to turn up the heat even more (the pools have an average temperature of 36-38), why not visit the Finnish sauna or the infrared sauna? Or just cleanse your respiratory system in one of the steam cabins: with various essential oils, you’ll be revitalized in a few minutes.

The domes of Veli Bej
The domes of Veli Bej

Looking for a cooling experience? Veli bej has showers boosted with ice generators: these massage showers will feel refreshing for sure (or at least that’s what we’ve heard – “ice cold” is not something this writer is particularly fond of).

As Veli bej is practically part of a hospital’s building complex, its healing waters and services are often used by those looking for treatment. Why’s that good news for you? Well, with a wide range of massages in Budapest, (not including erotic massage budapest) this Turkish bath surely covers your needs for relaxation. Apart from usual massage types (relaxation, refreshing, sports), you can try unique ones as well. Tangentor (underwater jet) massage uses underwater jets to massage your body as you lie for 15 minutes in neutral temperature water – it’s great for relaxing tense muscles in your body. Or try the Hydroxeur bath, which might sound fancy but it’s basically an upgraded jacuzzi: the bath uses bubbles to create steady streams of water that massages the entirety of your body.

Very good opportunity to relax with your friends
Very good opportunity to relax with your friends

Go for a refreshing swim in Veli Bej’s outside pool

And if you’ve grown tired of relaxing under the majestic Turkish dome, you can take a plunge and swim outdoors in Veli bej’s swimming pool as well. Since the bath house used to be part of the Császár-Komjádi pool  (that’s why locals still call Veli bej “Császár” sometimes), it only takes a few steps to swim in a pro-ready, recently renovated swimming facility. And if that wasn’t enough, 3-star Császár Hotel offers accommodation for thermal bath lovers – needless to say, it’s within walking distance from Veli bej and Komjádi as well.

the Császár-Komjádi pool
The Császár-Komjádi pool

The flipside

Veli bej is full of splendor for sure, but it’s also relatively small. Be sure to show up a few minutes before open hours: the bath’s maximum capacity stops at 80 people, and you can’t expect any leniency from the staff. Bottom line: get there early and don’t refrain from standing in line a bit.

Did you know?

Veli bej is now part of a much larger building complex, which was designed by József Hild. Have you heard that name before? Well, some of the greatest landmarks in the country came to life from his plans: Esztergom Basilica, St. Stephen’s Basilica or the Cathedral Basilica of Eger, just to name a few.

Q&A

Are there any thermal baths in Budapest?
Often dubbed as the “city of baths”, Budapest has 12 thermal baths to offer for those looking to relax in the healing waves.
Are there any Turkish baths in Budapest?
Budapest has four fully operational Turkish baths in Budapest: Rudas, Király, Rác, and Veli Bej – the latter being the oldest and largest.
How old is Veli Bej?
The largest Turkish bath of Budapest, Veli bej was built all the way back in 1574 during the Ottoman occupation of Hungary.
Your experience is important.
Anything you have not found?

Ask a Question

    Please log in to write a review.

    There is no review yet.