Rudas Baths
Replenish your senses at Budapest's Rudas Baths, famous for their Ottoman-era ambiance and healing mineral waters. Secure your full-day entry tickets to this thermal spa for a revitalizing experience.Pro tips to help you make a pick
Carry essentials like flip-flops to walk between the pools, towels, reusable bottles to fill up at drinking fountains, and a waterproof bag to carry your swimwear. It is not a nude bath and bathing suits are compulsory. Swimming caps are also mandatory at the swimming pool.
Given it is a public bathing complex, maintain hygiene by showering and washing your feet in the small foot baths before entering the thermal pools.
If you have any medical conditions or concerns, consult a doctor before using the thermal baths as the mineral-rich water needn’t be suitable for everyone. Thermal pools can dehydrate you, so keep drinking water. Tread carefully as the pool area can be slippery.
Try contrast bathing, if you do not have any underlying medical conditions. Contrast bathing means quick dipping in cold and hot waters alternatively. It can help with circulation and immunity and leave you feeling great.
The Rudas Baths can be a bit of a maze, so take pictures from the maps installed around to navigate easily. At the entrance, you will get a bracelet which is your key to everything in Rudas Baths. Put them on your wrists and give them back at the end of your immaculate bath.
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About Rudas Baths
Embark on a journey of renewal in the 16th-century setting of the Rudas Baths. The healing embrace of the thermal pools in this Turkish Bath is complemented by a range of wellness services like saunas, and massages. Be part of the age-old tradition of soaking and rejuvenate your senses at Rudas Baths.
The Ottomans built the Rudas Baths after conquering Hungary in the 16th century. Their superior architectural skills are reflected in the Hammam’s construction and can be seen in the Turkish Bath even today. Sokollu Mustafa, the pasha of Buda, rebuilt the bathhouse between 1566 and 1572 and is the foremost name associated with the Bath’s construction.
The Bath underwent multiple renovations over the centuries due to neglect and World War Two damage. The Turkish Bath with its Islamic architecture remained the core of the complex but modern amenities kept being added. The swimming pool and sauna were built in 1896. The latest addition was the rooftop pool in 2014.
The medicinal thermal waters of Rudas Baths are from three springs - Hungaria, Attila, and Juventus. Minerals like sulfate, magnesium, sodium, calcium, and fluoride ions are the reason for the water’s healing properties believed to treat joint issues, calcium deficiency, spinal cord issues, and neuralgia. You can also drink it from the water fountains.
For the longest time, the Rudas Baths were for men only. Today, the Turkish Bath within the complex has separate men-only, women-only, and co-ed days. It is not a nude bath and a swimsuit is compulsory, unlike other European baths.
The Rudas Baths featured in the opening scene of the 1988 movie Red Heat, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and James Belushi.
Why visit Rudas Baths?
Highlights
Plan your visit
Main entrance
There is just one main entrance to Rudas Baths. However, the Rudas Bistro, the restaurant inside the Baths, has a separate entrance from the street. Bath users can access it from within the Baths as well.
Lockers are available to store away your belongings.
Rudas Bistro on the first floor is an upscale dining outlet within the Bath. A small snack bar can also be found near the entrance.
Toilets are available across the Bath. There are also disabled-friendly toilets.
First aid services are available in the Rudas Baths.
You can take showers before and after your soaks in the many shower rooms.
Changing rooms are available inside Rudas Baths.
There is an elevator to access the first floor inside the Rudas Baths.
Most of Rudas Baths is wheelchair accessible.