Guide to the Best Thermal Baths in Budapest

Golden lions spouting water into a pool at Gallert Baths in Budapest, with matching golden columns behind them

Budapest’s location atop natural hot springs has made it a hotspot for thermal baths. These mineral-rich waters boast unique therapeutic properties, attracting visitors from all over seeking relaxation and healing. Their historic architecture makes them a magnet for traveling aesthetes as well. Don’t know where to start? Fear not! We’ve put together a comprehensive guide for the best thermal baths in Budapest.

History of the Budapest baths

How did Budapest become the spa capital of the world? It all boils down to the luck of the geographic draw. Hungary is home to more than 1,000 thermal spas, with 100 in Budapest alone. The country is situated atop a network of underground watery caves, where the waters soak up minerals such as calcium, hydrogen carbonate, magnesium, sodium, sulfate chlorides and metaboric acid. The first settlers of Hungary, a Celtic tribe, took note of these unique features and called the land “Abundant Water.”

Budapest bathing culture goes all the way back to Roman times, with Roman rulers building private baths around discovered hot springs. The tradition continued even as the Empire made its retreat from Hungarian lands, but bathing culture didn’t really catch on until the arrival of the Ottomans in the early modern period. The Turks introduced their own bathing and relaxation rituals to the region, turning these baths into certifiable spas. While older baths have been laid to ruin, there remain some Ottoman-era baths in use today, such as Rudas and Veli Bej.

Black-and-white drawing of the Turkish baths in Rudas Baths, Budapest

Budapest’s best known thermal baths were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when rapid urban development hastened the construction of new baths. The predecessor to Széchenyi Baths, Artesian Baths, opened in the 1890s, and the design for Széchenyi Baths debuted at the Hungarian National Exhibition in 1896. The baths were so popular after opening in 1913 that expansion plans were quickly put in place. Gellért Baths, opened along with the Gellért Hotel in 1918, was built atop former Turkish baths.

While many Budapest baths were gender-segregated in the past, with separate sections, days and times for men and women, today most are open to all genders during opening hours. Rudas Baths remains the most traditional Budapest bath, with gender-segregated opening hours for some facilities.

The science of Budapest baths

Budapest’s baths have been studied since at least the 19th century, when scientific interest in spas grew, and it seems the waters’ healing properties aren’t just hype. Multiple studies have found that Budapest’s thermal mineral-rich waters help ease a variety of ailments, including joint and muscle pain, nerve pain, respiratory illnesses, and even hangovers.

Best Thermal Baths in Budapest

Budapest is home to many thermal baths, with dozens set up across the city. Many date back at least 100 years, with beautiful historic architecture to admire while you soak in the healing power of its thermal waters. But which ones are really worth visiting? We break down the best thermal baths in Budapest below.

The outdoor thermal baths at Szechenyi in Budapest, Hungary, with people bathing in the water with vapor rising in the cool air. — ID 107090291 © Izabela 23 | Dreamstime.com

Széchenyi Baths

Széchenyi is the most popular of the Budapest thermal baths, with the largest outdoor thermal baths in Budapest. Located in City Park, these baths are best known for its large outdoor thermal pool spanning 675 square meters, with views of the distinct Baroque Revival architecture and expansive space to relax, even during the busiest hours.

But Széchenyi has much more than its Instagrammable outdoor pools. The bathing complex contains a labyrinth of 15 indoor pools, salt rooms, saunas, and a spa. If it’s your first time trying a thermal bath in Budapest and you’re not sure which one to choose, you can’t go wrong with Széchenyi.

Opening hours: Monday-Friday 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Saturday, Sunday 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM

While usually not open at night, Széchenyi also hosts weekly “sparties” on Saturday nights, with drinks, DJs, and light shows that last well into the night.

Price: 12,500 Ft weekdays

14,000 Ft weekends

People bathing in Gellert thermal baths in Budapest, Hungary, with art nouveau tile work and turquoise blue water — ID: 288750072 © Stefano Ember | Dreamstime.com

Gellért Baths*

Part of the historic Gellért Hotel, the Gellert baths are an Art Nouveau gem, with colorful ceramic tiles creating distinct shapes and further brightening the skylit indoor baths. Outdoors, you can take in the Buda Hills skyline as you relax. While the Gellért Baths are unfortunately closed for the moment, we look forward to their grand reopening in the next few years.

The Gellért Baths contain eight indoor baths and 2 outdoor baths. Thanks to its distinct and breathtaking Art Nouveau architecture, the Gellért Baths are among the most popular baths to visit in Budapest, so expect crowds if you visit on the weekend. The best time to visit the Gellért Baths are weekday mornings, when you’re least likely to settle into crowded baths. Gellért also allows private bathing for two people at 90-minute intervals, in case you’d rather be left alone during your bathing time.

*CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR RENOVATIONS; REOPENING IN 2028

Want to explore more of Budapest’s stunning Art Nouveau architecture, and the cultural and historical factors that influenced the motifs? Take our Art Nouveau tour, where a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide will show you some of Budapest’s most notable Art Nouveau buildings, including Gresham Palace and the Thonet House, which boasts some of the same intricate tile work you can find at Gellért. Contact us and get to know your Budapest guide today.

The rooftop bath in Rudas thermal Baths in Budapest, Hungary, with a view of Pest in the distance — ID: 163679647 Copyright Vladwitty | Dreamstime.com

Rudas Baths

Located at the foot of Buda Hill at the edge of the Danube, Rudas Baths is one of the oldest and most distinct baths in Budapest. The dimly lit octagonal chamber that serves as centerpiece was built by Ottoman pasha Sokollu Mustafa in the 16th century. The newest wing of the baths boasts its own unique feature: an outdoor hot tub with sweeping views of the city (pictured above).

The Rudas Baths contains Turkish baths with limited mixed-gender hours, six thermal pools, a swimming pool, and sauna and spa. The sauna has more limited hours than the baths.

Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Men only: Monday/Wednesday all day, Thursday 6:00 AM – 12:45 PM, Friday 6:00 AM – 10:45 AM

Women only: Tuesday all day

Night bathing: Friday and Saturday, 10:00 PM – 3:00 AM

Price: 11,000 Ft weekdays

14,000 Ft weekends

15,000 Ft public holidays

Lukács Baths

View of the outdoor baths at Lukacs baths in Budapest at night, with a kneeling statue in the foreground — Lukacs Bath in Budapest by Christo, Wikimedia Commons

A more low-key but still striking bath complex, Lukács Baths enjoy fewer crowds than its larger, more popular counterparts. Lukács also bears the distinction of being frequently visited by prominent Hungarian intellectuals, who have waxed poetic about the healing powers of the baths’ thermal waters over the years.

Lukács Baths contains four indoor and two outdoor pools, with a sunbathing terrace perfect for the summer.

Opening hours: Daily, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Tuesdays 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Price: 6,000 Ft weekdays, 7,000 Ft weekends

Black-and-white image of a pool in Dandar Baths, Budapest, Hungary — Dandár Baths by FORTEPAN / Ferencvárosi Helytörténeti Gyűjtemény, via Wikimedia Commons

Dandár Baths

While not quite as ornate as Budapest’s most frequented baths, Dandár boasts its own aesthetic charm with Art Deco designs. Originally built to provide baths for locals who lacked baths in their homes, Dandár was converted into a thermal spa in 1978. Drawing many more locals than tourists, Dandár is a great spot for those who seek a quieter, more local bathing experience, with a price point to match.

Opening hours: Daily, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Thursdays 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Price: 3,000 Ft weekdays, 3,500 Ft weekends

Veli Bej Baths

The domed roof of Veli Bej Thermal Baths in Budapest — Veli Bej Baths by Christo, via Wikimedia Commons

First built during the twilight years of Ottoman rule, the Veli Bej Baths are among the oldest in Budapest. Recent restorations have seamlessly blended the old (dating back up to 500 years) with the new, with distinct sand-colored arches contrasting nicely with the bright blue of the indoor pools’ waters. With seven indoor pools and limited opening hours compared to its more popular counterparts, Veli Bej is sure to offer a more intimate, relaxing atmosphere. Its location on the Buda side, in view of Margaret Island, makes it rather convenient for visitors.

The Veli Bej Baths are managed as a non-profit by a Roman Catholic order, making prices much more affordable to locals compared to the more popular options. All seven of the complex’s pools are indoor, but it does mean all facilities are easily accessible all year round.

Opening hours: Daily 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Price: 4,500 Ft weekday mornings, 5,500 Ft afternoons, 6,000 weekends

The Best time to visit Budapest Baths

The best time to visit any baths in Budapest is weekday mornings, when crowds are sparse and you’re more likely to meet local die-hard bathing enthusiasts than tourists. Of course, there’s also something to be said for the communality of a bath full of people, if you prefer a populated ambience.

All baths in Budapest, including outdoor pools, are open all year round. The thermal waters offer a special warming feeling in the winter to contrast with the sharp chill in the air, and in the summer the same waters have a cooling effect on the skin if you give it enough time. So whether you want a soothing city break in the colder months, or a place to take a dip and sunbathe in the summer, the Budapest baths have got you covered.

What to bring to Budapest Baths

Definitely don’t forget to bring your swimsuit when heading for any Budapest baths! Rules may vary for gender-segregated baths, but wearing a swimsuit is standard protocol in Hungarian spas.

Other items you may want to bring include:

Towel
Flip-flops
Swim cap and goggles, if you plan to use the swimming pool

You can also rent towels and robes. Robes are highly recommended for visiting during the winter months, as the warm waters can’t do much to keep the cold air away when you’re not in the water.

Lockers to store your possessions are included in the ticket price, or if you want a bit more privacy, you can rent a cabin all to yourself.

A young woman with her long hair tied up dressed in a robe and flipflops walking through a brightly hall in Szechenyi Thermal Baths in Budapest, Hungary — ID 119042171 © Rosshelen | Dreamstime.com

Budapest baths etiquette

When visiting the Budapest thermal baths, make sure to do as the locals do. Here are our tips for best practices to follow to avoid offending fellow bathers or drawing ire from staff.

Shower before entering the baths. Just like with swimming pools, showering helps avoid contamination and keep things hygienic for everyone.
Tie back long hair to prevent too much hair from clogging up the drains.
Keep your voice low – Budapest thermal baths are places of healing and not places to get rowdy.

Soaking in the thermal waters may have a soothing, therapeutic effect, but take care not to overindulge, as you may start feeling light-headed. Temperatures range from 30 to 40 degrees Celsius, so make sure to get out of the water roughly once every 20 minutes.

Note that children under the age of 14 are not permitted to enter most baths, so arrange another activity for the kids if you go!

If you’re looking to learn more about the magnificent architecture of the Hungarian capital, take a tour with us at Insight Cities. Our Art Nouveau tour explores the particular chapter at the turn of the 20th Century, when new ideas and aesthetics were taking hold across Europe in unique ways. Your expert guide not only knows the particular meaning behind each design and the politics that moved the Hungarian Art Nouveau movement, but also approaches the topic with infectious enthusiasm that’ll leave you wanting to learn even more. Contact us today and we’ll set you up with your guide without delay.