Relax in Budapest's thermal baths

Looking for something different from the usual European city break? Alongside sights such as Fisherman's Bastion, St. Stephen's Basilica and the banks of the Danube, Budapest’s thermal baths are worth a visit. Their warm, almost 40-degree mineral water comes from natural hot springs beneath the city.

Soak your muscles in mineral water

Budapest's largest and most famous spa is the Széchenyi Baths, located in the Pest district near Heroes' Square, which was completed in 1913. It has three large outdoor pools, where you can, among other things, play chess on the water and drift along a small countercurrent.

It’s also a popular spot for Instagram-worthy travel photos. The indoor area has 13 pools at slightly different temperatures, plus salt and steam saunas. Spa treatments are available for an extra fee.

The art deco Gellért Spa, on the Buda side, opened in 1918. It has both indoor and outdoor pools, and one of them has a wave machine that runs once an hour. You can also enjoy relaxing massages and spa services. If you are on vacation with your partner, you can book a one-and-a-half-hour spa experience for two in one of the private rooms.

The Turkish Rudas Bath, in use since the 1500s, and the Lukács Bath, built in the 1800s, are both known for their health benefits. The water in their pools is particularly rich in sulphur and nutrients. You can also buy spring water to drink at Lukács.

The mineral content of spa waters varies by location. Soaking in the warm pools is said to ease muscle aches and stiffness, improve circulation and boost metabolism. Bathing in hot springs is also said to be good for the skin.

Pack a towel, sandals and a hat for winter

Admission to the main spas costs around 20-25 euros. You'll pay extra if you forget your towel and sandals at the hotel. Some spas offer rentals, but not all. A spa-shop towel costs around 20 euros and flip-flops 10-20 euros.

Remember to bring a swim cap or a hair tie if you have long hair, as you’re not allowed to enter the pools with your hair flying around.

If you head to the outdoor pools at Széchenyi in winter, bring a beanie. On a warm summer day, a sun hat works well if you plan to lounge by the outdoor pools.

You can leave your belongings in the changing room lockers and wear a wristband with the key around your arm.

Check the age limits and opening hours

Usually, there are separate changing rooms and showers for men and women, but pool areas are shared. Swimsuits are required. The baths are mainly for those over 14. At Széchenyi, for example, under-14s can only use the outdoor pools, but their ticket costs the same as an adult's. Bathing is not recommended for babies and toddlers, but if you really want to take your small child swimming, remember to use swim diapers.

Pools are regularly maintained, and some may be closed during work. The baths post updates on their websites and social media, so it's worth checking before you go. Weekends fill up with locals, so visit on a weekday if you can.

With kids: head to Margaret Island

Most of Budapest's thermal baths are designed for adults, but Palatinus Strand Baths on Margaret Island welcomes families. It has a wave pool, water slides and shallow pools for younger swimmers. The outdoor pools are open in summer and the indoor ones year-round. 

There's plenty else for kids on Margaret Island too. The island also has several playgrounds. Trams 4 and 6 stop at Margaret Bridge, a short walk from the island's southern entrance.

Respect the silence

In the pools, people relax quietly. Even friends and couples bathing together keep their voices down. Loud laughter or conversation isn’t appreciated, and Hungarians don’t hesitate to show their displeasure with an icy glare. Fortunately, tourists' slip-ups are usually met with an understanding smile.

One exception is Széchenyi Baths, which hosts adult pool parties on Saturday nights. Electronic dance music plays over the pools and colourful neon lights wash the water.

Give the spa its own day

A spa day is one of the simplest ways to slow down a city break, and it's easy to fit into a Budapest trip. Tickets to the main baths can be booked online in advance, and the warm water takes care of the rest.