8 Best Thermal Baths in Budapest 2025 (Local's Guide)

Q: Are thermal baths safe in Budapest?

Yes — every thermal bath is safe for all genders. The 'Sparty' in Széchenyi Thermal Bath has negative reviews from women.

Q: Are thermal baths in Budapest free?

No — none of the thermal baths are free. However, entrance to Rudas is free if you have the Budapest card.

Q: Are the Szechenyi baths worth it?

Yes — Széchenyi is the #1 most popular thermal bath in Hungary. However, some travelers are annoyed by the crowds and how touristy it is. The solution is to go before noon when it's emptier.

Q: Do you need flip-flops for Budapest baths?

Yes — You must bring flip flops, towels, and a swimsuit (nude bathing is not allowed in any bath). You can buy the latter two at the entrance, but they are expensive.

Q: Which is the best bath to visit in Budapest?

Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Gellért Thermal Bath, Rudas Thermal Bath, Király Thermal Bath, Lukács Thermal Bath, Veli Bej Thermal Bath, Dandár Thermal Bath, Palatinus Baths.

If you're planning a trip to Budapest, you'll definitely want to make time to visit one of the city's amazing thermal baths.

‍They're not just agreat place to relax, but also acultural experiencethat you don't want to miss.

I've researched and visited many of the baths in this guide, and put together a list of theeight best thermal baths and spas to visit in 2023to help you decide which one would be right for you.

Certainly some thermal bathsare more luxurious, expensive and/or touristy than others, so I made sure to highlightdifferent aspectsof each bath.

Отказ от ответственности: Этот сайт использует партнерские ссылки. Я получаю небольшую комиссию, если вы покупаете что-либо по моим ссылкам. Это ничего вам не стоит и делает мою работу по созданию высококачественных статей финансово устойчивой. Ура!

Map

Why Visit a Thermal Bath in Budapest?

Relaxation and rejuvenation

Visiting a thermal spa in Budapest is an excellent way to unwind and relaxafter (or before!) a long day of sightseeing.

The warm waters, saunas, and massage services offered at the baths provide the perfect environment for relaxing your body and mind.

Cultural experience

Thermal spas have been a part of Hungarian culture for centuries, and visiting one is a great way toexperience a unique aspect of the local culture.

Each spa has its unique history, architecture, and atmosphere, making it a memorable experience.

Indeed, Hungarians generally don't visit the most famous thermal baths often (like Széchenyi or Gellért) - likely due to the high entrance fees. However, don't let this deter you — the "touristy" baths are a visit-worthy too, even if you go just once.

Health benefits

Although the science is inconclusive,thermal spas are sought for their therapeutic properties,which can help with everything from muscle pain and stiffness to stress and tension.

The warm, mineral-rich waters in the thermal baths have been used for centuries to improve health and wellness. Additionally, many spas offer additional treatments and therapies like massage, hydrotherapy, and sauna that can positively impact overall well-being.

1. Széchenyi Thermal Baths

4.0/5 +33.000 reviews (Tripadvisor)

4.4/5 +42.000 reviews (Google)

A large swimming pool in front of a yellow building

Visiting Széchenyi Thermal Baths

Széchenyi is the #1 most visited thermal bath in Budapest.The popularity is well-deserved, but the flip side is that you can't have the placeallfor yourself.

Yes, many peopledovisit here, but Széchenyi's guest capacity is high - they receive almost 2 million visitors annually.

Ever been to a fifty-meter-long sauna? 🙂

The best advice I can giveto avoid the crowdsis arrive early (7-10am), come on weekdays and outside of peak season.

Location

An aerial view of a large building with a swimming pool

Thequickest and most convenient wayto reach Széchenyi Baths is by takingMetro 1.
Upon arrival, it only takes a brief2-minute walkto reach the entrance.

What to Bring With You

A pair of slippers and a towel on the floor

‍Bring a pair of flip-flops, towels, and a swimsuit with you. Swimcaps are not mandatory, except in the lap swimming pool.‍
‍You will receive aplastic watchupon entry that you can use to open your locker.‍

Tickets

A woman in a purple coat is standing in front of a store

Buying tickets in person is fine, no need to book online.Queues are managableand tickets don't run out (unlike in theParliament).
You can pay for food and drinks with a bank or top-up card.Load the top-up card with funds and get a refund for unused funds when you leave.

Online Tickets

A black and white checkered floor in a building

You can alsobuy tickets onlinedirectlyor onother platforms.Third-party platformsdo tend to bepricierthan purchasing direct.
Upon entry, you canvalidate online ticketsat theself-service machine.

Cabins

A hallway with a checkered floor and wooden doors

Private dressing cabinsare available for 1000HUF, but they aren't mandatory.

A black and white checkered floor in a bathroom

Lockers

If you buy a regular ticket without the cabin add-on, you will have access to aregular lockers.

Outdoor Pools

A sign is posted on a fence near a swimming pool

There arethree outdoor poolsavailable. One of them is acolder lap swimming pool (26°C)which requires mandatory caps, while the othertwo are warm thermal pools (38°C).
The warm pool with the famouswhirlpoolis a lot of fun to enjoy.

A group of people in a large swimming pool

Indoor Pools

A group of people sitting in a swimming pool

There are15 indoormedical, leisure, and plunge pools available, each with different temperatures (18-40°C).

Saunas & Steam Rooms

A wooden door with a sign on the side of it

There aresix types of saunas (55-100°C) and steam rooms (45-55°C)available, including Finnish, Volcanic, Aroma Sauna, Wet Steam Room, Salt Inhalation Room, and Thermal Cascade Hot Air Chamber.
Scheduled sauna sessionsare offered for convenience.

💡 These might also interest you:Get aSzéchenyi bath ticket with Pálinka Tour, soak in a tub of beer at theBeer Spa(with full day bath ticket) or try out the (in)famousSparty, held every week on Saturday.

ЗАГРУЗИТЬ БОЛЬШЕ →

Quick Info — Széchenyi Thermal Baths

Tourist-to-local ratio:90-10%
Price:9400HUF (Mon-Thu), 10.900HUF (Fri-Sun and holidays)
Opening hours:7 am - 7 pm (Mon-Fri), 9 am - 8 pm (Sat-Sun)
Location:Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 9-11, 1146 Hungary (map)
Website:Szechenyifurdo.hu
Facilities:18 pools (3 outdoors, 15 indoors), saunas, steam rooms (details)
Virtual tour:Available

2. Gellért Thermal Baths

3.5/5 +11.000 reviews (Tripadvisor)

4.3/5 +20.000 reviews (Google)

A large indoor swimming pool in a building

Visiting Gellért Thermal Baths

Gellért is the #2 most popular thermal bath in Budapest,located in the Gellért Hotel on the Buda side of the city.

It was built in 1918 and features Art Nouveau architecture and design, with mosaics, statues, and frescoes adorning the interior— perfect for photo shoots. It's not far from the Central Market Hall and Gellért Hill, and it's easily approachable via the 47/49 tram or metro 4.

The bath has many indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and steam rooms.Don't forget to bring a pair of flip-flops, towels, and a swimsuit with you, like in Széchenyi. Swimming caps are only required for the main swimming pool.