Soaking in a thermal bath is one of the best things to do in Budapest, and there are several to choose from. Here is how the main ones compare, and how to avoid the common mistakes.
Széchenyi: the classic
A huge yellow building in City Park, Széchenyi has outdoor pools heated to about 38°C, and a large complex of indoor pools. It is the most famous, and so the busiest. Go on a weekday morning, and visit in winter for the steam rising from the outdoor pool.
- Széchenyi
- Biggest, outdoor
- Gellért
- Art Nouveau, indoor
- Rudas
- Ottoman dome
- Bring
- Swimsuit, towel, flip-flops
- Best time
- Weekday morning
- Time
- 2–3 hours
Gellért and Rudas
Gellért has an Art Nouveau hall with mosaics and columns, a grand indoor pool and a wave pool outside in summer. It is elegant and popular with photographers. Rudas is a 16th-century Ottoman bath with a domed central pool, and a rooftop pool with views over the Danube. Rudas has set days for men, women or mixed, so check before you go.
How tickets and lockers work
- 1Buy a ticket online or at the entrance, choosing a locker or a private cabin.
- 2Collect a wristband and go to the changing area.
- 3Store your belongings in the locker, and keep the wristband on.
- 4Shower, then enter the pools, starting with the milder ones.
- 5Return the wristband on exit, and settle any extras.
Watch out: Do not stay in the hottest pools for too long, and drink water. Anyone with heart conditions should check with a doctor first.
The party baths
On Saturday nights in some seasons, Széchenyi and other baths host 'sparties', with DJs, lights and drinks in the pool. They are fun, loud and not the quiet soak you might expect, so choose accordingly.
What to expect when you arrive
Entry works like a mix of a swimming pool and a spa. You buy a ticket and receive a wristband that opens a locker or cabin. Changing rooms are often shared, with cabins for privacy. Bring swimwear (some baths require it in certain areas), a towel (or rent one), flip-flops and a swimming cap if you want to use lap pools.
The pools have different temperatures, from cool plunge pools to hot baths at 38 to 40°C. Start with the warmer pools and move around. Saunas and steam rooms are included in some tickets, and many baths have massage and treatment options at extra cost. Allow two to three hours.
The health side and etiquette
Thermal water in Budapest is rich in minerals and is said to help with joint pain and circulation. Locals visit for health reasons, and you will see older men playing chess in the water at Széchenyi. It is a wonderful way to feel part of daily life.
- Hydrate: drink water before and after.
- Take breaks: limit time in the hottest pools.
- Check medical advice: if you are pregnant or have a health condition, consult a doctor.
- Shower before entering, and respect other bathers.
- Be quiet in the more tranquil indoor pools.
Plan a bath day
A good day starts with a morning visit to the bath, followed by lunch at a nearby café, and a stroll in City Park to see Heroes' Square and Vajdahunyad Castle. In the evening, take a Danube cruise to see the Parliament lit up. Alternatively, finish the day with a visit to a ruin bar such as Szimpla Kert.
Check whether your hotel has a spa or access to a bath, as some do. Visiting in winter is magical, but dress warmly for the walk between the pool and the changing room. See our Prague guide, the Vienna guide and the Budapest guide.
Combine it with other sights
Pair a morning soak with the Hungarian Parliament, a Danube cruise and a ruin bar in the evening. Our Budapest guide has an itinerary. See also our Prague guide for a Central European trip.
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Budapest: your questions answered
Which Budapest bath is best?
Széchenyi for the classic, Gellért for architecture, Rudas for history and views.
Do I need to bring a towel?
Yes, or rent one at the bath.
Are the baths open in winter?
Yes, and the steam on a cold day is magical.
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