Top 10 spas and bathhouses in Budapest

Budapest is not only one of the most picturesque cities in Europe, but it also stands out as a haven of relaxation, with a hidden treasure lying beneath its stunning architecture.

Flowing through the city's limestone base are 118 natural thermal springs, pouring out 70 million liters of healing waters each day.

It's no surprise the city has earned the title 'City of Spas.'

Budapest's Turkish baths are a timeless legacy of the Ottoman Empire, offering both relaxation and therapeutic benefits, and have earned global recognition for their soothing qualities.

Budapest is home to numerous thermal spas, and its outdoor swimming pools make both summer and winter visits a truly enjoyable experience.

Here are 10 must-visit spa and swimming destinations to explore when you’re in Budapest:

Rudas Baths

Situated at the foot of Gellért Hill along the Danube River, Rudas Baths is a beloved thermal spa in Budapest.

Founded in 1550, Rudas Baths exudes the charm of a traditional Turkish bath from the Ottoman era, offering a truly historic experience.

At the heart of the spa is a large octagonal plunge pool, surrounded by five smaller thermal pools, along with a sauna, steam room, and massage areas.

The spa also features modern annex buildings, a spacious swimming pool, and a rooftop hot tub that is popular year-round, especially in summer and winter.

Rudas Baths, Budapest, Döbrentei tér 9, 1013 Hungary; +36 1 356 1010

Széchenyi Baths

Opened in 1913, Széchenyi Baths is one of Budapest's iconic landmarks and continues to attract travelers from all over the world.

Located in the center of City Park, Széchenyi Baths is one of the largest in Europe and the only thermal spa on the Pest side of Budapest.

Its expansive outdoor pools are open all year, making it a perfect spot for sunbathing during the warmer months.

Winter brings its own unique experience, as you can plunge from one of the 10 indoor pools to the outdoor bathing area, an invigorating experience.

Inside, the spa offers numerous saunas, steam rooms, and massage areas, with a variety of treatments available on request.

Széchenyi Baths, Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 9-11, 1146 Hungary; +36 1 363 3210

Gellért Baths

Housed within the iconic Gellért Hotel, which opened in 1918, the Gellért Baths are a remarkable example of Hungary’s Art Nouveau architecture from the early 20th century.

Nestled at the base of Gellért Hill, the Gellért Baths are famous across Hungary and have appeared in numerous local and international films.

In 1927, the bathhouse complex was expanded to include an outdoor pool with a wave machine, adding a fun new feature to the spa experience.

The facilities include a steam room, sauna, sun terrace, thermal baths, and massage rooms, creating a welcoming pool area no matter the season or weather.

Gellért Baths, Budapest, Kelenhegyi út 4, 1118 Hungary; +36 1 466 6166. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Király Baths

As one of the city’s oldest spas, Király Baths is located in one of the rare buildings in Budapest from the Ottoman era.

Built in 1565, its standout feature is the impressive cupola-topped pool, though the bathhouse also offers a thermal pool, massage rooms, sauna, and steam room.

A recent addition to the facilities is a Finnish sauna, complete with a cold plunge pool, which has quickly become a favorite among locals.

Király Baths, Budapest, Fő u. 84, 1027 Hungary; +36 1 202 3688

Lukács Baths

Located on the Buda side of Budapest, the thermal springs at Lukács Baths have been used since the 12th century.

The bathhouse became a therapeutic spa and treatment center at the end of the 19th century, with its inner courtyard adorned with marble plaques commemorating those who were healed here.

Lukács Baths underwent its most recent renovation in 2012 and now features four warm thermal pools, a cold plunge pool, and several massage and treatment rooms.

Lukács Baths, Budapest, Frankel Leó út 25-29, 1023 Hungary; +36 1 326 1695

The Royal Spa at the Corinthia Hotel Budapest

Since its opening in 1886, the Royal Spa at the Corinthia Hotel has remained one of Budapest's most luxurious spa retreats.

The highlight of the Royal Spa is its stunning 15-meter swimming pool, which is set in an elegant, architectural wonder.

Visitors can also enjoy relaxation rooms, saunas, a steam bath, Jacuzzis, and a selection of ESPA treatments, including soothing facials and body massages.

The Royal Spa at the Corinthia Hotel, Budapest, Erzsébet krt. 43-49, 1073 Hungary; +36 1 479 4000

The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest

Located in the prestigious Gresham Palace, Four Seasons Budapest is renowned as one of the city's top five-star hotels.

The in-house spa is a true gem, offering panoramic views of the city from its elevated position.

Equipped with a relaxation pool, sauna, gender-segregated steam rooms, and a whirlpool, the spa provides an ideal space to unwind and rejuvenate for hours on end.

The spa also features private rooms offering sensual massages, as well as Vichy shower treatment rooms for a unique experience.

The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest, Széchenyi István tér 5-6, 1051 Budapest; +36 1 268 6000

Veli Bej (also known as Császár Baths)

Veli Bej (also known as Császár Baths) was originally commissioned by Ottoman statesman Szokullu Musztafa and was considered the most exquisite bathhouse of its time when it was constructed in the 16th century.

Recently renovated in 2017, the bathhouse features a grand octagonal hot water pool, surrounded by four smaller pools as its central highlight.

The beautifully restored building also includes a modern swimming pool, steam baths, sauna, Jacuzzi, and a special hydrotherapy bathtub for therapeutic treatments.

Veli Bej, Budapest, Árpád fejedelem útja 7, 1023 Hungary; +36 1 438 8587

Danubius Health Spa Resort Margitsziget, Margaret Island

Located in the heart of Budapest, Margaret Island is famously known as the 'Spa Island' of the city.

While the island offers thermal water experiences in various locations, Danubius Health Spa Resort Margitsziget stands out as one of the premier destinations.

The hotel’s thermal bath and pools, both indoor and outdoor, are filled with water from three natural springs, alongside hydrotherapy treatments, saunas, and steam and aroma baths.

Danubius Health Spa Resort Margitsziget, Margaret Island, Budapest-Margitsziget, 1007 Budapest, Hungary; +36 1 889 4700

Palatinus Baths, located on Margaret Island

Palatinus Baths was the first spa in Hungary to offer outdoor bathing to its visitors.

Palatinus Baths has become a popular destination for both locals and tourists, especially in the summer, when visitors flock here to bask in the sun and enjoy its 11 different pools.

In addition to its thermal baths and mineral-rich waters from the island's natural springs, Palatinus features large water slides and a wave pool for added excitement.

A new wellness center, featuring a Finnish sauna, geothermal sauna, and steam room, was introduced in 2017 to enhance the spa experience.

The combination of cold and hot plunge pools makes Palatinus Baths one of the most popular summer destinations in the city.

Palatinus Baths, H-1007 Budapest, Margaret Island; +36 1 340 4500