Dubbed the ‘City of Baths’ or the “Spa City”, Budapest is a city rich with 120 thermal springs, many of them dating way back to the 16th century. A haven for spa and wellness lovers, ‘taking the waters’ is as routine as buying groceries. No trip to Budapest is complete without a visit to the historical baths, but the important question is “Which Bath?”. Here’s our take on each of the Baths in Budapest and we hope that after going through your options, you can make an informed choice.
Battle of the Baths - Top Baths in Budapest
Amongst the 120 thermal baths, we have narrowed down the Top 6 Baths in Budapest.
1
Gellért Baths
USP - Most Famous & Popular in Budapest
The Gellért Bath is the most grandiose of all the baths in Budapest and is a part of the famous Hotel Gellért on the Buda side of Danube. It is a perfect blend of Art Nouveau architecture and healing thermal spa making your time there not just relaxing but a visually appealing retreat. Despite the high ticket prices, tourists flock to this bath hence be prepared to stand in queues unless you grab the skip the line tickets.
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4 Kelenhegyi Way, 1118 Budapest
Number of Pools and Baths
8 thermal baths
2 outdoor pools
1 indoor pool
1 wave pool
Facilities available
Steam-bath, Finnish sauna, underwater water jet massage, refreshing, medical, aroma and foot massage, hot stone massage, classic thai massage, pedicure wellness services, herbal bath, Cleopatra bath ritual, red wine bath, private bathing for couples with a separate sauna
Nature of Bath
Co-ed
Opening Hours
- Indoor pools – 365 days (even on public holidays like Christmas/New Year, Easter) Monday – Sunday: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Outdoor wave pool (May - October) Monday – Sunday: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
2
Széchenyi Baths
USP - Sparties ( Spa-parties)
Széchenyi Bath is the largest medicinal bath in Europe with 15 lavish thermal baths and 3 swimming pools supplied by two thermal springs. A whirlpool of activity, locals are seen playing chess on floating boards even while it is snowing and their Sparties ( spa- parties) every Saturday are amongst the most popular parties in town. Sparties go on till 3 AM and feature film screenings along with dance parties and laser shows.
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9–11 Állatkerti krt, 1146 Budapest
Number of Pools and Baths
11 indoor thermal pools
1 indoor swimming pool
1 outdoor adventure pool
4 additional indoor pools
Facilities available
Saunas, massages, swimming lessons, fitness center.
Nature of Bath
Co-ed
Opening Hours
Open 365 days
- Thermal & Steam pools Monday to Sunday 6.00 AM – 7.00 PM
- Outdoor swimming pools Monday to Sunday 6.00 AM – 10.00 PM
3
Rudas Baths
USP - Rooftop pool with overlooking splendid views
The Rudas Baths is a Turkish style bath built in 1560 during the Turkish Era. It is one of the oldest and most beautiful baths in the city and retains many of the key elements of a Turkish bath, exemplified by its dome and octagonal pool. The bath's thermal water is known for its healing powers making it a popular choice amongst tourists. In the past, Rudas Bath was exclusively for men, but today, it is open to both sexes on the weekend and there is a women-only day during the week as well.
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9 Döbrentei Square, 1013 Budapest
Number of Pools and Baths
6 thermal pools
5 wellness pools
1 swimming pool
1 rooftop pool
Facilities available
Sauna World and Wellness area, massage, including skin firming, medical, deep nourishing massage, underwater jet massage, pedicure
Nature of Bath
- Men only days: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
- Women only days: Tuesdays
- Saturdays and Sundays: co-ed
Opening Hours
- Swimming pool and wellness section (co-ed) Monday - Sunday: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Thermal pools Monday - Sunday: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Friday & Saturday: 10:00 PM to 4:00 AM
Friday & Saturday: 10:00 PM to 4:00 PM
4
Veli Bej Baths
USP - Oldest Turkish Bath in Budapest
Formerly known as Császár Bath, Veli Bej is one of the Oldest Turkish Bath in the city. Oozing with an old world charm yet equipped with 21st century spa facilities, this spa is the less touristy than other Baths in Budapest making it a popular choice for those who want to stay away from tourist hordes and enjoy some quiet time bathing away the cares of the world. Veli bej was recently renovated, hence it is in excellent shape. Moreover, they do not allow over 80 people inside at a time, hence if the bath is full, you are put on a waiting list.
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7 Árpád Fejedelm Way, 1023 Budapest
Number of Pools and Baths
1 big central pool
4 small pools
1 indoor swimming pool
Facilities available
Finnish, infra and steam saunas, kneipp bath, jacuzzi, massage
Nature of Bath
Co-ed
Opening Hours
Open year round except on closed over the Easter Weekend and Pentecost.
- Thermal Pools Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM– 11.45 PM and 3:30PM – 8:45 PM
- Massages Monday – Sunday: 9:00 AM– 11.45 PM and 3:30PM – 8:45 PM
5
Lukács Baths
USP - Bustling with locals
Lukács Thermal Bath is the most popular bath amongst the locals, so if you’re looking to mingle with locals, this is where you ought to head. If you have a Budapest Card, you gain free entry here. It is a popular choice amongst the literary circle as you see many writers and artists lounging here. The Sauna World here is said to be the best sauna in town too. You also have the party goers as they host fabulous DJ nights and laser shows on Saturday nights from October - December.
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25–29 Frankel Leó Way, 1023 Budapest
Number of Pools and Baths
4 thermal pools
2 outdoor swimming pools
1 outdoor adventure pool
1 wave pool
Facilities available
Sauna World with Finnish, infra, steam, naturist and salt saunas, Himalaya salt wall, igloo, tepidarium, heated roman seats, mud treatment, massage, including aroma, refreshing, medical and under water jet massage, private bathing for couples.
Nature of Bath
Co-ed
Opening Hours
- Baths Monday to Sunday 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sauna Monday: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM & Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Drinking fountain Monday to Friday 10:00 AM – 6.00 PM
6
Király Baths
USP - Secluded bath with most affordable tickets
Yet another Turkish Bath that dates back to the 16th century, Király Bath is painfully authentic, nestled in an old world charm . With 4 baths of varying temperatures, it is a co-ed bath throughout the year. The main pool is situated under a classic Ottoman dome dotted with skylights making it the most beautiful part of the baths. The tickets for this bath is the cheapest compared to all others in Budapest making it an affordable choice.
Get Directions
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24 Fő Street, 1024 Budapest
Number of Pools and Baths
4 thermal baths
Facilities available
Finnish sauna, massage, including medical, refreshing massages, foot massages and underwater jet massage
Nature of Bath
Co-ed
Opening Hours
- Monday - Sunday 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Budapest Bath Tickets
Széchenyi Spa Skip The line Tickets with Locker
- Medicinal natural hot spring waters in the 18 pools
- Skip the Line entrance through Hungaria Koncert
- Optional massages and spa
- Private cabin usage
- 10 saunas / steam cabins
Gellért Spa Skip The Line Tickets with Locker
- Skip the line access to Gellért Spa
- Full day spa access
- Private cabin access
- Optional massage
Széchenyi Spa: 50 Minute VIP Massage for Couples
- 50 minute harmony massage for 2 people
- 2 tickets to the spa
- Private cabin access
Gellért Spa: Couple's Private Bath
- Private bath for 3 hours
- Fruit bowl
- Bottle of sparkling wine
Gellért Spa: 50 Minute VIP Massage for Couples
- Skip the line access to Gellért Spa
- Private cabin access
- Harmony Aroma Massage (50 min)
Battle of the Best Baths - Széchenyi Baths & Gellért Baths
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Széchenyi Baths
from €18
Book Now
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Gellért Baths
from €19
Book Now
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| Ticket Inclusions |
A skip the line access to the Gellért Baths with a full day access to the spa, optional massages and private cabin + Private Locker
Learn More
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A skip the line access to the Széchenyi Baths with a full day access to the spa, optional massages and private cabin + Private Locker
Learn More
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| The Good |
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| The Bad |
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Verdict - Which Budapest Bath should I go for?
This decision depends 2 things:
The kind of experience you are looking forIf you’re looking to experience a Turkish bath, then you have the Rudas and Veli Bej . If you’re looking for a good outdoor bath, then Gellért, Széchenyi or Lukács are your best options. If you’re interested in sauna, we would suggest Lukács as it has the a great complex called the Sauna World. If you’re looking to mingle with the locals and experience the baths like they do, then Lukács is your calling. If you’re want to bathe in a pictursque location, Gellért Baths are hands down the most beautiful of them all. For a traditional and more authentic experience, you can head to the ancient and untouched Király or Veli Bej.
The season of your visitIf you’re in Budapest during summer, you should choose places with the outdoor pools as it is a popular choice. Gellért, Széchenyi or Lukács have big outdoor pools. Rudas too has an outdoor pool but it is smaller in size.
If you’re in Budapest during winter, indoor pools are a better choice and since most of the baths have indoor pools, you can pick any from the lot. Veli Bej has the maximum indoor pools, so if you’re looking to spend time in alternating temperatures, Veli Bej would be a good choice. The outdoor pool at Széchenyi is open year round, so if you want to experience an outdoor pool during your visit in winter, you can head here.
Know Before You Go To The Budapest Baths - Practical Tips
- As of now, online tickets are available only for Széchenyi and Gellért Baths. For the rest of the baths, you are required to purchase a ticket at the venue.
- A general admission ticket on HeadOut covers entrance to the bath along with a locker + private cabin and massage option. Tickets bought at the counter are inclusive of admission only.
- It so happens that the ticket options with lockers are cheaper, hence opt for them as you will anyway need the locker to store your belongings. Cabins are a great option if you have a lot of belongings and if you need privacy while changing. Not all baths have cabins though.
- Don’t leave your flip flops in the locker as you will need them to walk around. If it’s summer, the stones will be hot and if it’s winter, the stones will be icy cold. To avoid discomfort while walking from one pool to the other, keep your flip flops on.
- Most baths provide extra services like massages, saunas, jacuzzi, kneipp bath, etc. Some of these are chargeable.
- Most baths are equipped with a cafe or restaurant, hence you can grab a quite bite without moving too far.
- The baths attract a mix of locals and tourists. Most locals are here to relax or to make benefit of the healing powers of the thermal water. Do respect others space and maintain decorum while using the baths. Splashing water and diving into the pools are not usually appreciated.
- If you’re pregnant, do check with your doctor before visiting the baths.
- In certain pools, bathing caps are compulsory. Do carry one and if you have forgotten, you can buy one at the bath
- Towels are a required accessory too, however if you forget yours, you can buy one. There is no rental system.
- Children below 14 years of age are not allowed into thermal baths.
- Considering that most saunas are co-ed, you are required to wear modest swimwear.
- During the sauna, you are required to slip out of your swimwear and wrap towels around. Make sure you are adequately prepared.
- Water is available in water fountains all around the baths. You can refill your bottles here.
- Consumption of alcohol or cigarettes is strictly prohibited in all the baths and pools.
- Bring your toiletries as you cannot buy or rent them. Blow Dryers are however available in certain baths.
- Photography is not allowed in certain areas of the baths. Do respect this and refrain from clicking pictures.
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