The Best Spas in Budapest

The first thing that comes to mind when I think back on my experience at the Budapest spas is that, until then, I didn't know what a real spa was. In fact, I haven't visited any other spa or spa-like facility since. The most popular in the city is the Széchenyi Spa, which offers the best value for money. Find out more:

With tickets to the Széchenyi Thermal Bath in Budapest, you'll have quick access to one of the largest thermal bath complexes in Europe, where you can enjoy up to 18 pools, three of which are outdoor, massage jets, saunas and steam baths. A paradise for spa and relaxation lovers.

In addition, with the same ticket you will have the opportunity to visit the Palinka Museum with an expert guide, who will explain the process of making this traditional Hungarian drink. And of course you can taste a little of this brandy or, if you prefer, another non-alcoholic drink.

Recommended if... You don't want to miss out on the authentic Budapest spa experience in one of the best-known complexes, with modern and varied facilities at a very reasonable price.

What does admission to the Széchenyi Thermal Baths in Budapest include?

These are the most famous baths in the city, both for tourists and locals, and also the cheapest. You've probably seen different photos of its huge yellow façade and outdoor pools with chessboards. The luxurious Széchenyi, with its neoclassical décor, has a total of 15 pools, 3 of which are outdoor, including jacuzzis, steam rooms and saunas.

Prices for additional services

The total price you will pay for your full-day ticket to the Széchenyi Baths is around £37 and includes:

Opening

The Széchenyi Spa is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. (although the indoor pools usually close at 7 p.m.). It can be visited in both winter and summer, but the experience in winter is unique, as you can enjoy the outdoor hot pools without feeling cold at all, even when the temperature outside is below zero, which is unusual in other parts of the world.

Availability

The Széchenyi Baths are considered the largest thermal spa complex in Europe, so their large capacity means that tickets are rarely sold out, except on dates such as Easter and public holidays. However, it is best to book in advance to avoid queues.

Széchenyi Spa with dinner and cruise: a perfect plan in Budapest

This experience with spa, dinner and cruise is undoubtedly one of the most special ways to end a day in Budapest. First, a few hours of complete relaxation at the Széchenyi Baths, among outdoor thermal pools, steam rooms and a classic atmosphere that seems to have been taken from another era. Then, as evening falls, embark on a cruise along the Danube with dinner included while the city lights up around you.

The contrast between the warmth of the spa and the river breeze, the live music, the views of the Parliament from the water... It all adds up. If you want a different experience, more complete than just visiting the baths, this plan has it all: relaxation, dinner and postcard views.

The second most famous spa in Budapest is the Art Nouveau-style Gellért Baths. It is part of the hotel of the same name and is located on the Buda side of the river next to the Citadel. The style is different from Széchenyi and you could say that these baths have a more "exclusive" or luxurious feel.

Demand is usually a little higher, so we recommend buying tickets for the Gellert Spa in advance to avoid waiting and queuing. The baths at the Gellert Hotel have been in operation since 1918 and are one of the most renowned in Hungary.

What you will see inside

Special services available

With 13 pools, including steam rooms and saunas, there are also services you can add to your ticket, such as:

This package includes admission to the Géllert spa and a hotel pick-up service. A private vehicle will pick you up at your hotel on the day and time of your visit and take you to the spa in comfort so you don't have to worry about a thing.

Opening

One very important thing to know about the Gellért Baths is that they are closed on weekends. During the rest of the week, they are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., although these hours are subject to change at certain times of the year. In any case, when you book your tickets online, you will be informed of any dates when the baths are closed.

If you have already visited the two most important baths in Budapest, Széchenyi and Gellert, and would like to add a few more to your visit, you also have other options. These are smaller baths where you can enjoy a more intimate experience.

Lukács

I recommend going on a Saturday, as this is when authentic parties known as "spartys" are held at this bath, which used the thermal waters of a 12th-century monastery. You can also go any other day of the week to relax, but it is smaller than the other options in the city.

Important: if you purchase the Budapest Card tourist pass, in addition to discounts on many attractions, unlimited use of public transport and much more, you will have free entry to the thermal baths and swimming pool at Lukács.

Rudas Baths

With a decorative style dating back to the 16th century, these baths are very popular in Budapest. They are located on Gellert Hill opposite the Danube (don't forget to take a look around before you go in) and feature an octagonal central bath with a 10-metre diameter dome. When you buy your ticket, you can choose to visit only in the morning, which will save you money.

Császár Baths

This is the best option if you are looking for a smaller spa where you can relax without being surrounded by people. It only has five pools, so it is best to book your ticket in advance to secure your place.

Király Thermal Bath

Don't expect large structures at these baths, as their décor is quite rustic, which, on the other hand, makes them the most authentic option of all those available in Budapest. These Turkish baths date back to the 16th century and are not usually very crowded, especially if you go during the week.

How to get there

Although there are spas such as Széchenyi further away from the centre, everything in Budapest is accessible either on foot (depending on where your hotel is) or by taxi (prices are quite affordable). Remember that you can also buy tickets with hotel pick-up included for a small supplement, but the return journey is at your own expense.

Where to eat

If you are going to spend a whole day at the Budapest baths, you will probably want to know where to eat. Most of the baths with full-day admission have restaurants or cafés inside, which are slightly more expensive than the restaurants in the city centre but still quite affordable.

Many of them also allow you to bring your own food and store it in your locker or cabin so you can enjoy it when you get out of the water. In any case, don't rule out going out for lunch or a stroll around the area in the middle of the day; if you let reception know, you can return with your wristband at any time of day, at least in most spas.

When to go

The spas in Budapest are open all year round and the experience is worthwhile in both summer and winter. In winter, you'll be quite cold when you go from one pool to another, but it'll be worth it in exchange for being in a hot pool when the temperature outside drops below zero.

Avoid public holidays such as Easter if you don't want the baths to be crowded with tourists and locals. At night, the magic of the pools is amazing, so try to be there when the sun goes down, even if only for a while.

Hygiene

Although all these pools are well maintained, the number of people who use them every day means that it is advisable to take some precautions. Above all, bring your own flip-flops or rent them there and wear them whenever you are out of the water. Although swimming caps are not compulsory, it is advisable to wear one to avoid leaving hair in the pools.

Health

In any of the spas you can visit in Budapest, you will encounter significant changes in temperature. This is very good for circulation, but if you have a specific medical condition that you think may affect you, consult your doctor or the spa staff before using the facilities. Also, make sure you stay hydrated during your visit.

There are many cities that lend themselves to visiting a spa or health resort during your trip, but in Budapest this goes even further. Visiting the city's spas is practically a must for visitors, just like visiting the Parliament or crossing any of the bridges over the Danube that connect the two banks of the city.

While in other countries these types of facilities are used as a place to relax, in Central Europe they are recommended for their medicinal properties. This is why the healthcare systems of countries such as Hungary promote and fund balneotherapy in baths such as these.

Budapest's spas are not just an attraction for tourists, however, even though they are highly recommended during your trip. Hungarians themselves use these facilities as they did in the past: as a form of medical therapy. This tradition has been around for centuries, which is why many of the city's baths are decorated in keeping with the period in which they were built and are worth seeing in their own right.

Finally, if you are wondering why the city of Budapest in particular has so many spas, perhaps it will help to know that there are more than 100 thermal springs in the city that are used to supply these baths.

Visiting the city's spas is undoubtedly one of the most authentic experiences you can have on this trip. If you don't have much time, at least go to the baths one afternoon (most of them close quite late, so you won't have to rush your visit to fit in other tourist activities) and save the morning for a cruise on the Danube, for example. Here are some of the best cruises: Cruises and Boat Rides in Budapest

The tour along the river that runs through the city is also a relaxing and authentic experience where you can see the city's main monuments and learn about its culture from the guide. If you only have one day in Budapest, with the cruise and a visit to the baths, you will leave the city feeling that you have made the most of your time.