The unfiltered truth about Budapest’s thermal baths

Welcome to Budapest, often dubbed the “World’s Spa Capital.” In this enchanting and cultured city, there's nothing quite as soothing as immersing yourself in a thermal pool, letting the warm, mineral-rich waters melt away your stress and worries.

A landlocked nation with an enduring passion for water, Hungary is home to naturally heated springs that bubble up from deep underground. With its renowned elegant bathhouses, Budapest offers a haven for those in search of relaxation, healing, and a touch of quirky local culture.

These are not just ordinary baths – they are architectural wonders, gateways to history, wellness sanctuaries, social hubs, and an essential aspect of the Budapest experience. Whether you're aiming to heal your ailments or simply wish to soak in the local lifestyle, here’s everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Budapest’s thermal baths, but were too shy to ask!

The evolution of bathing in Budapest over the centuries

Hungary is rich in thermal springs – there are over 1,000 across the country, with more than 100 located in Budapest alone, generating approximately 40,000 square meters of warm, mineral-rich water daily. Prior to the Roman conquest, the area that is now Budapest was home to a Celtic tribe known as the Eravisci, who referred to this land as Ak-ink (Abundant Water).

The Romans established the regional capital ofAquincum and quickly began to utilize Hungary’s thermal springs, as shown by the remains of Roman bathhouses scattered around the borders of the country. The most prominent spa in Aquincum was the Thermae Maiores (Great Bath) near Flórián tér in Óbuda, featuring luxuries like hot and cold piped water and underfloor heating.

However, it was during the Ottoman Occupation in the 16th and 17th centuries that bathing became a vital part of Hungarian culture. The Ottomans constructed elegant hammam-style baths featuring octagonal pools with soaring domed ceilings adorned with glass inlays, allowing shafts of light to penetrate and dance on the water's surface.

Among the historic bathhouses, the Rudas Baths and Veli Bej Baths continue to welcome guests today, while most of Budapest’s other iconic spas, like Széchenyi Baths and Gellért Baths, were established in the 19th and 20th centuries during Budapest's era as the second capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Relax or refresh? The therapeutic benefits of Budapest's waters

Numerous bathhouses in Budapest proudly highlight the healing qualities of their waters. These springs emerge from a labyrinth of underground caves, and their warm waters are abundant in minerals such as calcium, hydrogen carbonate, magnesium, sodium, sulfate chlorides, and metaboric acid. Enjoying a mineral bath is not merely indulgent and relaxing; it also provides therapeutic benefits.

Research indicates that soaking in mineral-rich waters can alleviate various health issues, including arthritis, muscle soreness, herniated discs, circulatory problems, nerve pain, respiratory conditions, orthopedic challenges, and even hangovers—trust us, we can vouch for that last one!

It's not just your muscles and joints that reap the rewards of these mineral-rich waters. Consuming the spa water is believed to enhance health from within, a claim locals wholeheartedly support. If you're curious to try this liquid remedy, check out the ivókút (drinking halls) at Széchenyi, Lukács, and Rudas Baths. All three offer drinkable spa water for a small fee, but it's wise to bring your own bottle.

Get ready for your visit: Essential tips before you go

Best Time to Visit: Budapest’s baths welcome visitors year-round and are enjoyable in every season. However, experiencing the magic of soaking outdoors in winter, watching steam rise as snowflakes fall, is truly enchanting. Weekends and holiday periods see larger crowds, so for a more serene experience, aim for weekdays or early morning visits.

Hours of Operation: Hours vary by bathhouse and day, with some now offering nighttime access on weekends. For detailed information, the collective website www.spasbudapest.com is very helpful. Many baths also feature good restaurants or cafeterias, allowing you to spend an entire day enjoying the facilities.

Family Guidelines: To ensure safety, children must be at least 14 to use thermal baths, as high water temperatures can impact their cardiovascular health. Pregnant women are also advised against using these waters. For family-friendly options, consider one of the city’s many open-air swimming pools instead.

Single-Sex Days: Rudas Baths offer single-sex days in their Turkish bath section during the week (men only at specific times on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays; women only on Tuesdays), while all guests are welcome during peak season—check the website for exact timings.

Nudity Policy: Nudity is prohibited in public areas of all thermal baths in Budapest. On single-sex days, men are provided with drawstring loincloths, while some women opt for special apron-like garments, although most choose to wear swimsuits instead.

Inside the Baths: Most bathhouses in Budapest feature a variety of indoor thermal pools that range from pleasantly warm to scalding hot, alongside cooler pools suitable for swimming laps. Additional facilities include saunas, steam rooms, invigorating ice plunge pools, and luxurious spa treatments like massages.

Outdoor Areas: With the exception of Veli Bej, all baths provide outdoor spaces equipped with water fountains, whirlpools, and wave machines. Be sure to specify the services you require upon entry, as admission fees can vary. It's wise to book in advance for any additional spa treatments.

Exciting Additions: Interested in a beer bath, private session, a spa party or a nighttime dip? Some baths provide unique and entertaining experiences, so check their websites for special offerings.

What to Pack: Must-Haves for the Budapest Bathhouse Experience

Be sure to bring your swimwear, a towel, and flip-flops since the floors can be quite slippery. Swimming caps are required in the lap pools. While bathing essentials are available for rent or purchase, it’s usually more economical to bring your own. Showers and hair dryers are provided, so don’t forget to pack soap, shampoo, and other personal hygiene items.

When you enter a bathhouse, you’ll receive a wristband that acts as a key for a szekrény (locker) or kabin (cabin) – the latter being a more private but costlier option for changing. Some baths will assign you a specific number, but typically, you can choose any available one. Attendants are on hand to assist if needed. At Széchenyi, the outdoor pools also provide smaller lockers for those wishing to keep their valuables nearby.

Guidelines of (pruney) thumb: Understand the Local Spa Etiquette

Be sure to shower before entering the warm pools and tie back long hair to avoid any reprimands from staff. Keep noise levels down, as it can be quite echoey within. Remember, these baths are not like lidos or water parks—some guests come here for healing, so anything beyond soft conversation is discouraged. Outdoor areas with waves and whirlpools, however, do allow for a more laid-back atmosphere.

Limit your time in the warm waters to avoid feeling light-headed. You'll find signs near the pools indicating the water temperature and suggesting optimal soaking times—typically around 20 minutes per session. Don’t forget to hydrate; while drinking fountains are available in most baths, consuming food and drinks in the pools is prohibited.

The Top Baths to Experience

Your choice of bath to visit is subjective, but here are some of our top recommendations. 

Gellért Baths

If you’re seeking a true Art Nouveau gem, Gellért is the place to be. The walls are adorned with vibrant tiles and intricate mosaics, while stunning stained-glass windows and marble columns create an awe-inspiring atmosphere, making your bathing experience feel nothing short of regal.

Overview

Location: On the Buda side, adjacent to Gellért Hill.

Atmosphere: Chic and historic.

Highlights: The stunning Art Nouveau architecture.

Night hoursNo, it closes at 7pm or 8pm during peak season.

Pro tip: Arrive early or consider booking a private bathing session.

Széchenyi Baths

Széchenyi stands as one of Europe's largest spa complexes and is arguably the most beloved in Budapest. Envision vibrant sunflower-yellow walls encasing steaming outdoor pools, accompanied by the charming sight of elderly men engaged in chess games while submerged. If you’re feeling adventurous, regulars are eager to challenge newcomers!

Overview

Where to find it: City Park (Városliget).

The atmosphere: Impressive and vibrant.

Highlights: Charming outdoor pools and the unique beer bath section.

Evening hours? No, the baths shut at 7pm or 8pm during peak season, but a ticketed spa party with DJs, light displays, and drinks is held here most Saturdays.

Pro tip: Arrive early to avoid the crowds, or consider spending a bit more to enjoy a quieter experience in the upstairs Palm House.

Rudas Baths

Rudas has a rich history dating back to the Turkish conquest of Hungary but has been beautifully modernized. Its standout feature is a rooftop hot tub that offers stunning views of the Pest skyline. This is the only bathhouse that still provides single-sex days in its Turkish bath area.

Overview

Location: On the Buda side, right at the base of the Elizabeth Bridge.

Atmosphere: Combining Ottoman-era elegance with modern flair.

Highlights: The stunning rooftop hot tub.

Evening hours? Yes, open on Fridays and Saturdays.

Insider tip: Allocate enough time to enjoy the saunas, steam rooms, and pools; keep in mind that the rooftop hot tub can get busy during peak times..

Lukács Baths

Lukács provides a serene and authentic thermal bath experience, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of tourist hotspots. Its healing waters are celebrated with marble plaques in the nearby park, expressing gratitude in multiple languages to the facility and its medical team for their therapeutic contributions.

Overview

Location: On the Buda side, near Margaret Island.

The atmosphere: Welcoming and serene.

Key feature: A genuine sanctuary for wellness.

Available at night? No, it closes at 7pm or 8pm during peak season.

Our recommendation: Lukács features a beer bath and a drinking hall where you can sample the healing waters drawn from a special well.

Veli Bej Baths

Less frequented than the more popular baths, Veli Bej offers a delightful blend of historical elegance and contemporary amenities. Established in the 16th century, it was the most stunning bath of its era, and remnants of the original walls and pipes are still visible within the modern structure, though outdoor pools are not available.

Overview

Location: On the Buda side, close to Margaret Island..

The atmosphere: Serene and cozy.

Highlights: Rich Ottoman history paired with modern amenities..

Nighttime hours: No, it closes at 9pm..

Tip: Be sure to verify the opening times; the bath typically has a technical pause from noon to 3pm on weekends and reopens at 3pm on weekdays.