Budapest is the spa capital of the world with 123 thermal hot springs in the city. Many of the spas have proven healing properties from dissolved minerals. In fact, locals head to the baths regularly as part of their health regimes.
There is just something about braving the cold air to soak in a hot tub that soothes you so you can’t say you been to Budapest until you’ve been to at least one of these!
Széchenyi Thermal Bath
This is the largest and most iconic, neo-baroque bath in Budapest. Over 100 years old, it features both indoor and outdoor pools. They also have saunas, massages, and fitness programs. With prescriptions, you can request mud treatments, jet massages, underwater gymnastics, and even carbon dioxide baths.
The pools have jets at the bottom and there is a lazy pool if you want to be tugged along with the current. Locals take their time to enjoy the baths with a game of chess in the water.
Address: Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 9-11, 1146 Hungary
Phone: +36 1 363 3210
Gellert Bath
Renowned for its Art Noveau architecture, Gellert Bath opened in 1918. It has 8 geothermal pools filled with natural spring waters and has a terrace with views of Gellert Hill. Many enjoy the massage, saunas, and alcohol which they can consume on-premises.
Do visit this ‘palace of baths’ (which is part of a hotel, so you can stay overnight), especially its wave pool. It is also wheelchair accessible to ensure that anyone can get the healing they need from the baths.
Address: Budapest, Kelenhegyi út 4, 1118 Hungary
Phone: +36 1 466 6166
Lukacs Thermal Baths
My fellow budding athletes, you will not want to leave this bath. This bath will help you to heal all your sports injuries and more. Stone plaques with thank you notes testify that the Bath has helped to relieve strained backs, respiratory problems, and many other ailments.
It was first used by St John’s knights in the 12th century, followed by Turkish, before becoming a water hospital specializing in physiotherapy for locomotive diseases. Indeed, your body will be grateful for the soak.
But, this bath ain’t just for healing. They host some of the best spa-parties, also called sparties, with flashing lights and jets to pump the energy high at night.
Address: Budapest, Frankel Leó út 25-29, 1023 Hungary
Phone: +36 1 326 1695
Király Thermal Baths
While not as fancy as the pools I have already mentioned, Király Thermal Baths is charmingly authentic with its Turkish architecture, constructed during Ottoman rule. Being one of the oldest, it has naturally dimmed lighting from holes in its dome ceiling, adding to its restful atmosphere.
Entry tickets start from $11.50 SGD (2700 HUF) for mornings on weekdays with additional charges for massages, sauna, and toiletries.
Address: Budapest, Fő u. 84, 1027 Hungary
Phone: +36 1 202 3688
Rudas Baths
Last, but not least, we cannot leave out the Rudas Baths which is one of the most instagram-worthy baths due to its view of the river and bridge from its outdoor terraces and pools.
Like the Kiraly Thermal Baths, it was built during the Ottoman rule with tiles imported from Turkey. It also features Turkish saunas and spring water is provided for consumption as a drinking cure.
Address: Budapest, Döbrentei tér 9, 1013 Hungary
Phone: +36 20 321 4568
Whether you visit Budapest just for the baths or decide to take a soothing dip after long, weary days of sightseeing, it is undeniably a big part of the city’s culture that you don’t want to miss out on.
