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Last updated on June 24th, 2025 at 03:08 pm
If soaking in the warm waters of a plunge pool or swimming to your heart’s content in a large outdoor or indoor pool sound appealing to you, this guide to the best thermal baths in Budapest is sure to make you book your flights to the Hungarian capital soon!
Often dubbed the Spa Capital of the World, it’s no wonder Budapest has some of the best thermal baths in Europe. Budapest and its surroundings have been known for their thermal springs since ancient times.
Spas in Budapest are part of the local culture and they are intertwined with the local lifestyle.
Hungarians visit the best Budapest spas either for leisure or for medicinal purposes. For us, travellers, exploring the city’s spa culture is one of the best things to do in Budapest.
There are several thermal spas in Budapest and we hope to visit each and every one of them someday. For now, here’s everything you need to know about the 4 best thermal baths in Budapest!
A Brief History of Budapest Spas
Although Hungary is a landlocked country, Budapest boasts over 100 hot springs, thanks to a geological fault along the Danube River. The Ancient Romans were the first to make the most of Budapest’s underground wealth when they founded Aquincum, an ancient Roman city in the Obuda district.
At the archaeological site of Aquincum, you can still see the remains of the old baths and learn how they managed to build a thermal bath system back then.
In the 16th century, Budapest became part of the Ottoman Empire. As a result, the Ottomans built more hammam-style baths in Budapest, such as the Rudas and Kiraly Baths. In later years, the Hungarians continued the city’s spa tradition by building more thermal baths in Budapest.
At the beginning of the 20th century, popular spas like the Gellért and Széchenyi Baths were built. With so many amazing spas in Budapest, it comes as no surprise that one of the city’s nicknames up to this day is the City of Spas.
Watch our YouTube video about the best thermal baths in Budapest!
Why Visit The Best Spas in Budapest
One of the best places to add to your Budapest itinerary is one of the city’s thermal baths. Here are some of the reasons that make us want to visit the best Budapest spas over and over again.
The Architecture
From the Neo-Baroque Szechenyi Baths to the Art-Nouveau Gellert Baths, the ornate thermal baths of Budapest are built in different architectural styles, each of them promising a unique experience.
Some of them, such as the Rudas and Kiraly Baths, even boast a historic Turkish Bath area, built by the Ottomans in the 16th century.
The Sparties
In other words, spa parties. Apart from visiting a spa complex during the day, some Budapest thermal baths offer night parties too.
Soaking in the warm waters of the Rudas Baths rooftop pool while taking in the night views is one of our best travel tips for Budapest. However, the real sparty is held at the largest spa in Budapest, the Szechenyi Bath.
The Wellness
The obvious reason to visit a thermal bath in Budapest is for the medical benefits involved. The hot water coming from the natural Budapest hot springs contains various minerals that are overall good for your health.
However, always consult your doctor before visiting a thermal spa in Budapest, especially if you’re pregnant or have a chronic condition.
What To Bring To a Thermal Bath in Budapest
There are some essentials things to pack if you plan to visit a thermal bath in Budapest, as they are not included in your ticket:
- Swimsuit. Obviously, a swimsuit is necessary as you are not allowed to swim in the pools naked.
- Towel. A compact microfibre towel is handy when you go from one pool to another but also to wrap around you in the showers.
- Flip flops. They’re essential if you want to wander around from pool to pool in the thermal bath. Not only do flip-flops keep you from slipping over wet floor tiles, but you also avoid bacteria infections by wearing them.
- Swimming Cap. Although it’s not required in thermal plunge pools, wearing a swim cap is mandatory in large swimming pools.
- Water Bottle. As you’ll be spending quite a few hours at the Budapest’s baths, probably in and out of saunas too, you’ll need to stay hydrated. So, don’t forget to pack your reusable water bottle.
However, you can always buy any of those items as well as miniature shampoo and shower-gel bottles at the on-site shops you can find in most of the best baths in Budapest.
FAQ’s About Visiting a Thermal Bath in Budapest
How long do you need at the thermal baths in Budapest?
The tickets to Budapest’s thermal baths are valid for a full day which means that you can spend as much time as you want. Keep in mind you need at least two to three hours to fully enjoy your time in a Budapest spa.
Can you take your phone into thermal baths in Budapest?
Yes, you are allowed to take your phone with you in a thermal bath.
Which thermal bath is free with Budapest Card?
The entrance to Lukacs Thermal Bath is free if you buy any kind of Budapest Card.
What is the best time to visit thermal baths in Budapest?
Budapest’s thermal baths offer both indoor and outdoor pools, making them ideal for year-round enjoyment.
Is thermal water drinkable?
No, at the Budapest Baths, you can’t drink the thermal water as you do at the thermal springs in Karlovy Vary for instance.
What is the water temperature in a thermal bath in Budapest?
Before you enter any pool check the water temperature first. It’s always displayed near the pool or steam room/sauna. Usually it ranges from 26°C to 40°C.
Which is the most popular thermal bath in Budapest?
The Szechenyi Baths are the most popular baths in Budapest and can get really crowded, especially at the weekends. Therefore, it’s best to book your tickets in advance.
Is there a bar at thermal baths in Budapest?
Most thermal baths in Budapest have an on-site café if you want to grab something to eat or drink. That said, eating is not allowed in the pools or near them.
Are there changing rooms in Budapest Thermal Baths?
Every spa in Budapest has women-only and men-only changing rooms with lockers and showers. If you prefer, you can pay a small extra fee for a spacious private cabin with your own storage room.
Do thermal baths provide shampoo or shower gel?
Shower rooms are equipped with hairdryers but there isn’t any shampoo or shower gel available. You can buy small bottles of those at the on-site shops you’ll find at most of the best thermal baths in Budapest.
The 4 Best Thermal Baths in Budapest
1. Szechenyi Baths
Undoubtedly, the Szechenyi Baths are the most famous baths in Budapest. Opened in early 20th century, the Neo-Baroque Szechenyi spa complex is the largest thermal bath in Budapest.
It has 15 indoor and three outdoor pools. There is also a gym, saunas, steam rooms and massage rooms.
Although the Szechenyi Baths complex is massive, it can feel crowded and overwhelming. But, don’t worry. There are maps and signs everywhere and you can’t get lost.
Make sure to buy your Szechenyi Ticket in advance as it’s the most popular thermal bath in Budapest and sell out quickly. Access to the locker rooms is included in your ticket. The lockers are tiny compared to other thermal baths in Budapest. For a spacious cabin, consider paying the extra fee.
Although most of the indoor pools are not that impressive, the baroque setting of the steaming outdoor pools will fascinate you. There’s a large swimming pool for avid swimmers and two warm-water pools.
One of them has a built-in whirlpool for endless moments of fun. The other warm pool has a more relaxed vibe. So much so that you’ll see locals play chess in the pool.
The fun never ends at the Széchenyi Thermal Bath. You can even enjoy a beer spa in the complex. Soaking in a wooden tub and drinking as much beer as you want from the beer tap next to your tub doesn’t sound bad, does it?
What’s more, you can visit the Szechenyi Baths at night. Sparties (spa parties) are held at the Szechenyi Baths on Saturday nights throughout the year in any weather conditions.
The Szechenyi Baths complex is located in Budapest’s City Park near Heroes Square on the Pest side. You can get to the Szechenyi Baths from Budapest city centre by riding the historic metro line M1 and getting off at the Szechenyi Furdo metro station.
2. Gellert Baths
Similar to the Szechenyi Baths, the Gellert Baths opened at the beginning of the 20th century. Housed in the same building as Gellert Hotel, the Géllert Spa complex stands out for its Art Nouveau architecture.
The Gellert Baths were constantly in operation, even during the Second World War, until a bomb destroyed the formerly women-only section.
As opposed to the original elaborate men’s section, the women’s section was rebuilt with a simpler design. Nowadays, the two sections are available to both men and women.
Yet, the true highlight of the Gellert Bath is the gorgeous indoor swimming pool, built in Art Nouveau style. Outdoors, you can have fun in the wave pool, which is open in the summer, or relax at the thermal pool with a sauna.
With its ten thermal pools, the Gellert Baths complex is big enough to spend a few hours. We appreciated the fact that it was not as packed as the Szechenyi Baths. Prefer buying a ticket with private cabin for more space in the changing rooms.
The Gellert Spa complex is located on the Buda side of Budapest, near Gellert Hill, and you can get there by tram. The spa’s entrance is on the side of the building and not on the facade that looks on the Danube River.
3. Rudas Baths
Located at the foot of Gellert Hill on the Buda side of the city, the Rudas Baths are among the most historic baths in Budapest.
Built in the 16th century by the Ottomans, the Rudas Baths complex is famous for housing one of the most stunning historic Turkish baths in Budapest. The Turkish Bath section is open on different days for men and women.
Besides the historic Turkish Bath, the Rudas Baths complex is equipped with modern wellness and spa facilities, among which the indoor swimming pool stands out.
However, the reason you should visit the Rudas Thermal Bath is the rooftop thermal pool offering panoramic views of Budapest and the Danube River.
The rooftop plunge pool is not as big as we would expect, but we had some of the best moments on our Budapest thermal bath hopping adventure there.
What we love about the Rudas Baths is that you can buy night tickets and enjoy fantastic night views of Budapest while soaking in the rooftop thermal pool under the stars. Or you can buy a ticket with a 3-course meal to spend a relaxing afternoon.
4. Lukacs Baths
Housed in a gorgeous spa hotel, the Lukács Baths used to be the locals’ spa in Budapest.
Lukacs is also one of the most historical baths in Budapest. The first who used its hot springs, before the Ottomans, were the Knights of The Order of Saint John in the 12th century.
On the walls before you enter the spa, you can see marble tablets placed by people who wanted to express their gratitude for being cured at the spa.
The highlight of the Lukacs Baths is one of its outdoor thermal pools, set in the heart of a beautiful courtyard. However, don’t miss out on plunging in the small interior pools with a unique vibe. Moreover, you can enjoy a beer spa for a more fun experience.
The Lukacs Baths complex is located on the Buda side of the city, near Margaret Bridge.
If you hold a Budapest Card, the entrance to Lukacs Baths is free.
Spending a relaxing day at one of the best thermal baths in Budapest is one of the most unique ways to remember your trip to the Hungarian capital. Have you ever visited any of the best spas in Budapest? Let us know in the comments!
WORDS & IMAGES: Katerina
EDITING: Maria