People are flocking to Budapest from all over the world to see the grand architecture, taste goulash and langos, and revel in the history. But arguably one of the best things to do is to indulge as the locals do, with a hot soak in one of the city’s many thermal springs. But choosing which Budapest bath to visit can be a difficult choice to make.
In our opinion, the best answer is – all of them! We sadly only managed to visit one, but we challenge you to visit as many as you can. There are 125 thermal springs that pour out from the hills along the Danube, and over the course of the past 2000 years, local residents have made a point to build baths and take advantage of these medicinal waters. But, unless you live in Budapest or plan on staying for a long while, you’ll probably have to decide on just one or two. So which one is right for you?
Which Budapest Bath You Should Visit?
Every bath has something to offer, whether it be history and architecture, fun and leisure, or rest and relaxation. The real question to ask, when deciding which Budapest bath to visit, is what are you looking for out of your experience. There is a lot of variety and not all are created the same. We’ve gathered some of the top baths the ‘City of Spas’ has to offer and will lay it all out for you.
Map of Budapest Baths
Below is a map of the baths we discuss in this post so you can find locations that work with the rest of your itinerary!
Dagaly Baths
Photo courtesy of: Cristo CC BY-SA 4.0
Opened in 1948, Dagaly Baths receives its water from the same source as Szechenyi Baths, which is mineral rich and has excellent therapeutic properties. Since then, Dagaly has continually expanded its offerings and has plenty to keep everyone occupied and having fun. You can relax in a lazy-river or enjoy the neck fountains, have fun in the adventure pool or wave pool, and even keep kids occupied with the children’s pool. There really is something for everyone here and it is not often visited by tourists, so you’ll be spending a bit more time with the locals than you might at some of the other baths.
- Located: 1138 Budapest, Népfürdő u. 36
- Hours: 6 am – 8 pm
- Cost: Tickets begin at 2700 Ft.
- Additional: Massages, sunbathing, lazy-river, wave-pool, children’s pool, Co-ed baths
- Best For: Medicinal soaks, local experience, families, fun
Dandar Baths
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Photo courtesy of: Misibacsi at Hungarian Wikipedia CC BY-SA 2.5
Looking to get away from the hordes of tourists and relax like a local? Then Dandar might be the place you want to check out. With a total of 5 baths, 2 of which are outdoors, you can soak in the medicinal waters in peace. Built in 1936, these baths lack the history that others boast, and are not quite as grand as others on this list, but these are authentically Hungarian.
- Located: Budapest, Dandár u. 7, 1095 Hungary
- Hours: 6 am – 9 pm
- Cost: Tickets begin at 1600 Ft for 2 hours.
- Additional: Massages, saunas, and sundeck are available. Co-ed baths.
- Best For: Medicinal soaks, local experience, bathers on a budget
Gellert Baths
Photo courtesy of: Joe Mabel CC BY-SA 3.0
Though the current baths, built in 1912 may not be ancient, the site has been in use since the days of the Romans. Today, Gellert is arguably the most opulent of Budapest’s offerings and is sure to wow any and all swimmers and bathers. However, it is also one of the most touristy baths in the city, so be prepared to share the water with plenty of others. Because there are so many visitors, the baths are geared towards accommodating everyone, so families can rest assured that children will be welcome as well.
- Located: H-1118 Budapest, Kelenhegy út 4
- Hours: 6 am – 8 pm
- Cost: Tickets begins at 5900 Ft.
- Additional: Massages, saunas, and sundeck are available. Co-ed baths. There is a wave pool in operation during the summer season.
- Best For: Architecture, fun, and families
Király Baths
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Photo courtesy of: Christo CC BY-SA 4.0
Constructed in 1565, Király is one of the oldest baths still operating within Budapest. Sharing its water with Lukács, this small Turkish style bath is sure to impress with its ancient charm. Originally built for the royalty residing within the castle walls, the waters are mineral rich and are reportedly therapeutic for multiple ailments.
The baths are not fancy like Gellert, and some may even consider it a little rough around the edges, but it is this old charm that gives it its defining character. Its small size also means that there are no casual swimming pools here, so be aware that young children will not be allowed at all. Here, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
- Located: H-1027 Budapest, Fo u. 84
- Hours: 9 am – 9 pm
- Cost: Tickets start at 2900 Ft.
- Additional: Children under 14 not permitted. Massages available.
- Best For: Old charm, Turkish style bathing, medicinal bathing, adults seeking quiet relaxation
Lukács Baths
Photo courtesy of: Christo CC BY-SA 4.0
Used as early as the 12 century as monastery baths, the springs were made into public baths in the 1880s and has continued to expand the number of baths offered ever since. Despite its age, it has managed to remain relatively off the tourist radar, and is still mostly visited by locals. Although it doesn’t aim for opulence, these Budapest baths are fully modern. It has recently been renovated and has a connected hospital for special treatments such as mud baths.
- Located: Budapest, Frankel Leó út 25-29, 1023 Hungary
- Hours: 6 am – 10 pm
- Cost: Tickets start at 3700 Ft.
- Additional: Massages available. Dry and wet sauna available. Gymnastics pool. Mud treatment. Drinking Hall
- Best For: Medicinal baths and serious spa enthusiasts
Palatinus Baths
Photo courtesy of: www.heatheronhertravels.com/
Holding the title of the first Hungarian bath to open its doors to outside bathing, Palatinus is also the only bath located on Margaret Island in the Danube. The baths are a popular summer location with 11 pools, water slides, and a wave pool. Those who are wanting more relaxation than excitement will be pleased to find a wellness center, a Finnish sauna, and a steam chamber. The location of Palatinus makes it a great option for a full day trip, as Margaret Island is essentially a city park with plenty to do once you’ve finished with your soak – or perhaps you’d like to finish off with a dip?
- Located: H-1007 Budapest, Margaret Island
- Hours: 8 am – 8 pm
- Cost: Tickets start at 2500 Ft.
- Additional: Wave pools and waterslides. Family friendly. Indoor and outdoor bathing.
- Best For: Families, summer bathing, excitement
Rudas Baths
Photo courtesy of: Christo CC BY-SA 4.0
Situated underneath Gellert Hill, you find one of Budapest’s oldest baths dating back to 1550. The bath is designed in the traditional Turkish style of Ottoman rule. A large octagonal plunge pool lies in the center, surrounded by five smaller thermal pools, saunas, and massage rooms. T
he baths also boast a regular swimming pool and a rooftop hot tub. Due to its popularity, you’ll find yourself with plenty of company.
Rudas is also the only Budapest bath to operate in the old way – separated by sex. This means that nude bathing is the norm during the week, when the baths are male only. Women can have their day on Tuesdays. For those with families, mixed company, or on the shy side, be sure to visit on the weekends where co-ed bathing is allowed and bathing suits are required.
- Located: Budapest, Döbrentei tér 9, 1013 Hungary
- Hours: 6 am – 4 am
- Cost: Tickets start at 3000 Ft.
- Additional: Weekdays are men only. Tuesday is ladies only. Nude bathing is an option. Weekends are co-ed and bathing suits mandatory. No children.
- Best For: Turkish style baths, architecture, history, adults
Szechenyi Baths
Located in the beautiful Vajdahunyad Park, this is a can’t miss bath if only due to the over the top architecture and design. But grandeur aside, the baths offer 3 outdoor pools and 10 indoor pools of varying temperatures. As one of the most popular spots, you’ll be sharing with tourist and locals alike. But don’t worry, the immense size will allow you to relax in peace even if the crowds are present.
For those looking for a bit of fun, there are late-night spa parties throughout the year that you can attend. These parties are geared towards the electronic dance culture and can get a bit wild – so leave the kids at home for these.
We spent an entire afternoon and evening soaking in the spa in late November. The majority of the time, we stayed in the outside pool as the near-freezing temperatures of the air made the water that much better. Still, we made a point to visit (almost) every pool that Szechenyi had to offer. Each pool was a slightly different temperature and had a different vibe which made it really fun to explore.
- Located: Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 9-11, 1146 Hungary
- Hours: 6 am – 10 pm
- Cost: Tickets start at 5200 Ft. / 3000 Ft. for visitor passes
- Additional: Massages. Generally family friendly. Late night spa parties begin at 10 pm select nights throughout the year.
- Best For: Architecture, families & groups, fun
Veli Bej
Photo courtesy of: Christo CC BY-SA 4.0
Also known as the Császár baths, Veli Bej was commissioned by the Ottomans in the 16th century and was considered the most beautiful bath of its time and currently the oldest. Today, it has recently been renovated and in the tradition of the Turkish style bath, consists of a large octagonal pool surrounded by smaller pools. The waters, like many Budapest baths, have beneficial minerals and are great for therapeutic soaks.
Located inside a hotel, it can be difficult to find, but that means you’re less likely to bothered by tourist crowds. We had attempted to visit Veli Bej towards the end of our stay in Budapest, but we weren’t allowed in. The number of patrons allowed in at any given time is limited so curb crowding and there is always a few spots set aside for locals. You can reserve a time slot to visit or take your chances and just show up. For us, the wait was going to be a little over an hour.
- Located: Budapest, Árpád fejedelem útja 7, 1023 Hungary
- Hours: 6 am – 9 pm
- Cost: Tickets start at 2800 FT for 3 hours.
- Additional: Massages, Sauna
- Best For: Turkish style baths, architecture, history, relaxation, local immersion
Before You Go
I’m sure you’re eager to jump in and take a dip now that you have an idea about which Budapest bath to visit, but before you go there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.
- Dehydration happens quickly when you’re soaking away in the hot waters. Water and drinks are typically available – for a price – so you may want to just bring your own water that you can carry with you as meander through the pools. Collapsible Water Bottles
- Baths will also rent towels and other such items, but it is cheaper to just bring your own.
- Needless to say, the nature of baths will have you walking through puddles of water, so bring along a pair of waterproof flip flops. We recommend these.
- Baths typically offer lockers and stalls for rent. If you need to change in privacy, or you have a lot of stuff (perhaps you’re a family) you may want to rent a stall. Lockers should suffice for simple backpacks.
- Most baths have full-day tickets but may also operate with mixed hours. Cheaper options may allow for a few hours, morning sessions, or later sessions
- No one under the age of 14 is allowed in any thermal Budapest bath. If you have young children, be sure to visit one of the baths with regular pools for them to enjoy.
- For those that are shy, rest assured that nudity is not allowed in any mixed pools. Rudas Bath is the only one in which nude bathing is the norm.
- The dress code at all baths is for regular swimwear and ‘decent’ suits. Speedos and bikinis are fine, but nothing should be see-through or revealing.
- For those attending the late-night spa party, be aware that the dress code is much more relaxed, and while nudity is still not condoned, far more risqué choices will be present. Needless to say, it is not a child-friendly event.
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