The city also saw the presence of the Ottoman Empire for nearly 150 years. Their arrival revived the bathculture in Budapest, as they began to establish bathhouses again. While back then, it was only open to men, and was often used for political meetings, debates and for the military, today, anyone can use them. The Turkish legacy can be seen in the presence of the still-standing and functioning spas such as the Kir\u00e1ly<\/a>, the oldest of them all, and Rudas Baths<\/a>. <\/p>\n Even after the Ottomans were defeated in 1699 and Hungary was ceded to the Habsburgs, the city continued to maintain these spas and build new ones. In 1934, the title of “City of Spas” was officially bestowed upon Budapest and these baths continue to draw thousands of tourists over the year.<\/p>\n The thermal baths are water from the geothermal springs in the city. They have a chemical composition, largely of fluoride, calcium and sulfates along with other minerals, and are historically known for healing certain muscle degenerative conditions. If nothing, they are simply an excellent place to unwind and relax, far from the daily hustle and bustle. Amongst the 120 thermal baths, we have narrowed down the Best 6 Baths in Budapest, based on the facilities offered and different kinds of experiences each of them can bring to your visit. <\/p>\n Sz\u00e9chenyi Bath<\/a> is the largest medicinal bath in Europe with 15 lavish thermal baths and 3 swimming pools supplied by two thermal springs. Built in the Neo-Baroque style, these baths costs approximately 3.9 million Austro-Hungarian Krona. Covering an area of 6220 square meters, the bath lies in the City Park, the biggest green park of of Budapest and is supplied by two thermal springs. A whirlpool of activity, locals are seen playing chess on floating boards even while it is snowing and their Sparties ( spa- parties) every Saturday are amongst the most popular parties in town. Sparties go on till 3 AM and feature film screenings along with dance parties and laser shows. <\/p>\n Best Time to VisitIn the morning, before 10 TimingsDaily, 7 AM to 7 PM Why Visit?About the BathPlaces to See Nearby<\/p>\n These happen on most Saturday evenings in the summer, and last almost until 2 or 3 a.m. into the night. Tickets can be purchased in advanced, and the Duo Tickets are some of the most popular.<\/p>\n A one of a kind therapy that uses seawater in treatments, the Sz\u00e9chenyi Baths offer a variety of packages for you to make use of.<\/p>\n The water in these baths is sourced naturally from thermal springs, drawn from almost 1256 metres below the ground’s surface. And so, of course, these waters are rich in minerals like sulfate, calcium, bicarbonate and fluoride, among the many others.<\/p>\n No matter the season, the water in the pools are always warm because their natural temperature is a staggering 77 degree celsius. They are of course cooled to sustain the human body, but these pools are warm even when it’s snowing!<\/p>\n 11 indoor thermal pools, 1 indoor swimming pool, 1 outdoor adventure pool, 4 additional indoor pools<\/p>\n Saunas, massages, swimming lessons, fitness center.<\/p>\n Co-ed.<\/p>\n Get Directions<\/b>View Map <\/a>\u00c1llatkerti krt. 9-11, 1146, Budapest, Hungary<\/p>\n The City Park, spread over 302 acres in the centre of Budapest, not only houses the baths itself but also the Vajdahunyad Castle, which is only a 5 minute walk from the baths. The beauty of the castle is that the architect, Ign\u00e1c Alp\u00e1r, designed so that it features several of Budapest’s iconic landmarks, including that of the Hunyad Castle, then part of the empire, now in Romania. <\/p>\n Also a 5 minute walk from the baths, is the Budapest Zoo<\/a>, famed for it’s Elephant House. It’s one of the oldest in the world and is home to over 10000 animals from across 1072 species.<\/p>\n 7 minutes away from the baths, the Museum of Fine Arts<\/a> houses over 100,000 artworks. Among some of the must-see pieces in the museum are studies by da Vinci for his painting, Battle of Anghiari, and 15 drawings by Rembrandt. The second largest collection of Egyptian art in central Europe is also on display here.<\/p>\n The Gell\u00e9rt Bath<\/a> is more than a century old, and is one of the most grandiose of all the baths in Budapest. It is a part of the famous Hotel Gell\u00e9rt on the Buda side of Danube and is constructed in the Art Nouveau architectural style. The construction style makes it a relaxing and visually appealing retreat. Healing properties about the water in this region have been referred to since as early as the 13th century. Despite the high ticket prices, tourists flock to this bath hence be prepared to stand in queues unless you grab the skip the line tickets. <\/p>\n Best Time to VisitIn the morning, between 9 AM and 11 AM TimingsDaily, 9 AM to 7 PM Why Visit?About the BathPlaces to See Nearby<\/p>\n Over 200 square metres in size, the effervescent pools are quite comfortably warm. Can be a very relaxing experiencing given that it’ll be bubbling while you swim!<\/p>\n Segregated by gender, these plunge pools are perfect to lounge in on a summer day. <\/p>\n Part of a hotel, the Gell\u00e9rt Bath is the grandest of them all, with a spectacular fa\u00e7ade in the Art Nouveau style. <\/p>\n 8 thermal baths, 2 outdoor pools, 1 indoor pool, wave pool ( only open on sunny days from May and September )<\/p>\n Steam-bath, Finnish sauna, underwater water jet massage, aroma and foot massage, hot stone massage, classic thai massage, herbal bath, red wine bath, private bathing for couples with a separate sauna.<\/p>\n Co-ed.<\/p>\n Get Directions<\/b>View Map <\/a>Kelenhegyi \u00fat 4, 1118, Budapest, Hungary<\/p>\n The shortest bridge in the city, connecting Buda and Pest over the Danube. Built in 1896, it was originally built based off of plans created for a design competition in 1893 in the Art Nouveau style. Originally called the Francis Joseph Bridge after the ruling king, it was renamed to Liberty Bridge after reconstruction post World War II to mark the liberation of Hungary. You can walk over this bridge in a maximum of fifteen minutes and get to the Pest side of the city!<\/p>\n Only a 3-minute walk from the bath, these are a network of caves within the Gell\u00e9rt Hill, with a chapel on the inside! With a history connected to that of the thermal waters itself, the chapel inside the cave has seen the rule of the Soviet while Hungary was a vassal state, as well as the Nazi occupation before it. <\/p>\n Located on the other side of the Liberty Bridge at F\u00f6v\u00e1m Square, this 19th century market is the largest and oldest indoor market in Budapest. Spanning over 10,000 square meters, it is a three-storeyed market, with its ground floor selling items that tourists often buy, paprika, salami and Tokaji wine being amongst the most popular. <\/p>\n Ten minutes away from the baths, the Liberty Statue is a war memorial initially erected in thanks to the Soviet Army’s liberation of Hungary from the Nazis at the end of Second World War. But after the Soviet occupation, the inscription thanking the Red Army was modified to pay tribute to everyone who lost their lives to gain Hungary its independence. A minimalist structure on top the Gell\u00e9rt Hill, your uphill hike will also be treat in the form of amazing scenery of the city and the Danube.<\/p>\n The Rudas Baths<\/a> is a Turkish style bath built in 1550 during the Turkish Era. It is one of the oldest and most beautiful baths in the city and retains many of the key elements of a Turkish bath, exemplified by its dome and octagonal pool. The bath’s thermal water is known for its healing powers making it a popular choice amongst tourists. In the past, Rudas Bath was exclusively for men, but today, it is open to both sexes on the weekend and there is a women-only day during the week as well. <\/p>\n Best Time to VisitBetween 6 AM and 9 AM TimingsDaily, 6 AM to 8 PM; Night bathing on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 pm to 3 am Why Visit?About the BathPlaces to See Nearby<\/p>\n The main attraction of this bath, the rooftop thermal pools are located on the southern side of the roof. Patrons can view the Danube as they soak in the waters. <\/p>\n After the rooftop thermal baths, it’s ocatgonal pool with a Turkish dome overhead is it’s primary claim-to-fame. <\/p>\n At 29 degree celsius, Rudas is one of the warmest baths in the city, and a medicinal pool at 42 degree celsius, hottest in the city. It draws it’s waters from nearly 21 thermal springs located around it.<\/p>\n Almost 300 years old, this is one of the oldest functioning institutions not just in the city, but in the country! With mentions dating back to as early as 1292, these baths were known for their healing properties. The bath has seen Budapest exchange hands from the Archbishop, to the Ottomans, as well as the Nazis and Soviet rule. Some of the oldest elements of the baths still remain, like the arches, basins and green upholding the octagonal dome. <\/p>\n The opening scene of the 1988 movie Red Heat<\/em>, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and James Belushi was filmed here! <\/p>\n 6 thermal pools, 5 wellness pools, 1 swimming pool and 1 rooftop pool.<\/p>\n Sauna World and Wellness area, massage, including skin firming, medical, deep nourishing massage, underwater jet massage, pedicure<\/p>\n Attached Swimming Pool: Co-EdTurkish Bath (Men Only) Monday, Wednesday, Thursday all day and Friday until 12.45 PM Turkish Bath (Women Only): Tuesday Turkish Bath (Co-Ed): Friday from 1 PM, all of Saturday and Sunday.<\/p>\n Get Directions<\/b>View Map <\/a>9 D\u00f6brentei Square, 1013 Budapest<\/p>\n A fifteen minute walk from the baths, the V\u00e1rnegyed is known for still retaining its medieval, Baroque and neoclassical structures. Here, you will also be able to see the Baroque-style historical complex that housed the Hungarian kings – the Buda Castle. The castle now houses the Hungarian National Gallery and the Budapest History Museum. Apart from this, points of interest in the V\u00e1rnegyed are the Viennese Gate, the Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion.<\/p>\n Statue erected in honour of a 11th century monk on top of a hill with excellent views of the Danube. Gerard was the first Bishop of Csan\u00e1d in the kingdom of Hungary, he is considered one of the patron saints of Hungary for his role in introducing Christianity to the Greek-speaking diocese of Csan\u00e1d. It’s only two minutes away from the baths. <\/p>\n Eight minutes away from the baths, this is the birth place of the famous Hungarian physician, Ignaz Semmelweiss, a gynecologist who is known for pioneering antiseptic procedures. The museum itself houses innumerable medicinal artefacts, some even dating back to prehistoric times.<\/p>\n Read More<\/a>View Tickets<\/a><\/p>\n Formerly known as Cs\u00e1sz\u00e1r Bath, Veli Bej<\/a> is one of the oldest Turkish Baths in the city. Oozing with an old world charm yet equipped with 21st century spa facilities, this spa is the less touristy than other Baths in Budapest making it a popular choice for those who want to stay away from tourist hordes and enjoy some quiet time bathing away the cares of the world. Veli bej was recently renovated, hence it is in excellent shape. Moreover, they do not allow over 80 people inside at a time, hence if the bath is full, you are put on a waiting list. <\/p>\n Best Time to VisitBetween 6 AM and 11 AM, or between 7 PM and 9 PM Timings 6 AM to 12 PM and 3 PM to 9 PM Why Visit?About the BathPlaces to See Nearby<\/p>\n Commissioned by Pasha Szokullu Musztafa, this used to be one of the most beautiful baths of its time. The octagonal pool with skylights are one of its most lauded features. <\/p>\n Popular among the locals, it’s one of the more quieter baths in Hungary. It has a quiet, relaxing atmosphere. <\/p>\n 1 big central pool, 4 small pools, 1 indoor swimming pool<\/p>\n Finnish, infra and steam saunas, kneipp bath, jacuzzi, massage<\/p>\n Co-Ed.<\/p>\n Get Directions<\/b>View Map <\/a>7 \u00c1rp\u00e1d Fejedelm Way, 1023 Budapest <\/p>\n About 15-minutes away from the baths, is the mausoleum of G\u00fcl Baba, a member of the Bekt\u00e1s Dervish Order, who died in Ottoman Buda in 1541. He was posthumously awarded the title of the wali<\/em>, the patron saint, of the city when he died during the conquest of of Budapest by Suleiman the Magnificent. It is the northernmost Islamic pilgrimage site. In 1914, the mausoleum was declared a national museum.<\/p>\n An island on the Danube, it can be accessed by the Margaret Bridge, about five minutes away from the baths. The island itself has a lot of points of interest, like the Palatinus Baths, the Japanese Garden, the Margaret Island Water Tower that offers a spectacular view of the river and the cities of Buda and Pest, and the ruins of a Franciscan monastery. <\/p>\n Located at a twenty-minute walk from the baths, these ancient roman ruins of an amphitheatre offer a vast expanse of open green fields. The entry is free, and the site is quite popular with dog-owners. They’re the perfect location for a relaxed picnic with history!<\/p>\n These baths are neighbours to the Veli Bej, and the water from the wells of these baths are what the Veli Bej draws from!<\/p>\n Read More<\/a>View Tickets<\/a><\/p>\n Refurbished only in recent years, the Dand\u00e1r Bath<\/a> is among the least known baths in the city. It is located on the Pest side of the Danube, and has all the facilities that the best-known spas of Budapest are known for. The entry fee is also relatively cheaper, and it is one of the more recently constructed spas in the city. Not so popular with the tourists simply because of the existence of the other grander and busier spas, this is truly a hidden gem in the city. <\/p>\n Best Time to VisitAny time of the day! Timings 6 AM to 9 PM from Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 9 PM on weekends Why Visit?About the BathPlaces to See Nearby<\/p>\n Even on weekends, this quiet bath draws quite a few people. It has all the facilities of the most popular of the spas and none of that crowd! Likely because it’s not particularly got as rich a history as the others. So if all you’re looking for is a quiet, relaxing day, then this is the place to be!<\/p>\n One of it’s best features, the outdoor thermal pools make the bath suited for all times of the year. Fitted with waist and back massagers, and neck showers, complete relaxation in these pools is a guarantee.<\/p>\n 2 indoor pools, 2 outdoor thermal pools<\/p>\n Sauna, aroma massage, medical pedicures, steam room, plunge pool and a relaxation area<\/p>\n Co-Ed.<\/p>\n Get Directions<\/b>View Map <\/a>Dand\u00e1r u. 3, 1095, Budapest <\/p>\n Merely a minute’s walk away, the Zwack Museum showcases the history of the Zwack family, famous for their manufacture of the Zwack Liquer. You can also take a guided tour of the factory! <\/p>\n Dating back to 1802, this museum houses a mindblowing number of natural history artefacts. Though most of its botanical collections and paleontological collections suffered heavily during the Second World War and Soviet occupation, it’s Department of Anthropology, is one of the ten largest collections in Europe. It’s about 18 minutes walk away from the baths.<\/p>\n One of the twelve Ludwig Museums in the world, it is a museum of contemporary art, 10 minutes away from the baths. It is Hungary’s only museum dedicated to collection and display of modern art. <\/p>\n Read More<\/a>View Tickets<\/a><\/p>\n The Luk\u00e1cs Thermal Bath <\/a>is the most popular bath amongst the locals, so if you\u2019re looking to mingle with locals, this is where you ought to head. If you have a Budapest Card, you gain free entry here. It is a popular choice amongst the literary circle as you see many writers and artists lounging here. The Sauna World here is said to be the best sauna in town too. You also have the party goers as they host fabulous DJ nights and laser shows on Saturday nights from October – December. <\/p>\n Best Time to VisitBetween 7 AM and 10 AM Timings Daily 7 AM to 7 PM Why Visit?About the BathPlaces to See Nearby<\/p>\n A form of hydrotherapy involving hot and cold water that strengthens blood vessels and helps blood circulation.<\/p>\n A popular bath amongs the locals, if you want an insider’s opinion and advice about the city of Budapest, this is the place to be! <\/p>\n The use of these baths can be traced back to as early as the 12th century. The Knights Hospitaller, a Catholic military order, frequented these baths. It has also been found that one of the interior walls was once shared by an Ottoman powder mill, which used the hot spring water as a source of power.<\/p>\n This is said to cure respiratory illnesses.A device releases microscopic particles of the salt, which when inhaled, is said to help the respiratory system and even help with lung-related conditions like bronchitis and asthma. Also called Salt Therapy, thi is because these fine particles are said to absorb allergens, irritants and toxins from the lungs.<\/p>\n 4 thermal pools, 2 outdoor swimming pools, 1 outdoor adventure pool, 1 wave pool.<\/p>\n Sauna World with Finnish, infra, steam, naturist and salt saunas, Himalaya salt wall, igloo, tepidarium, heated roman seats, mud treatment, massage, including aroma, refreshing, medical and under water jet massage, private bathing for couples.<\/p>\n Co-Ed.<\/p>\n Get Directions<\/b>View Map <\/a>25\u201329 Frankel Le\u00f3 Way, 1023 Budapest<\/p>\n About 15-minutes away from the baths, is the mausoleum of G\u00fcl Baba, a member of the Bekt\u00e1s Dervish Order, who died in Ottoman Buda in 1541. He was posthumously awarded the title of the wali<\/em>, the patron saint, of the city when he died during the conquest of of Budapest by Suleiman the Magnificent. It is the northernmost Islamic pilgrimage site. In 1914, the mausoleum was declared a national museum.<\/p>\n An island on the Danube, it can be accessed by the Margaret Bridge, about five minutes away from the baths. The island itself has a lot of points of interest, like the Palatinus Baths, the Japanese Garden, the Margaret Island Water Tower that offers a spectacular view of the river and the cities of Buda and Pest, and the ruins of a Franciscan monastery. <\/p>\n Located at a twenty-minute walk from the baths, these ancient roman ruins of an amphitheatre offer a vast expanse of open green fields. The entry is free, and the site is quite popular with dog-owners. They’re the perfect location for a relaxed picnic with history!<\/p>\n If you’re up for walking for 25 minutes, across the Margaret Bridge is the Flipper Museum. Believe it or not, the museum houses a collection of more than 140 pinball machines and vintage arcade games dating from 1947. And the best part? You they’re all playable! You can also take the bus (#9) or trams (#4, #6) to the museum, if you would like to cut down your walking period significantly. <\/p>\n Read More<\/a>View Tickets<\/a><\/p>\n Save \u20ac6<\/strong> on your first booking with Headout when you use promo code ‘GOBUDA’<\/strong>!<\/p>\n6 Best Baths in Budapest<\/h2>\n
1<\/span>Sz\u00e9chenyi Baths<\/h2>\n
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Spa Parties<\/span> Largest Medicinal Baths in Europe<\/span>Heated Outdoor Pools All Year Round<\/span><\/p>\nSparties!<\/h3>\n
Thelasso Therapy<\/h3>\n
Mineral Rich Water<\/h3>\n
Heated pools throughout the year<\/h3>\n
Number of Pools and Baths<\/h3>\n
Facilities available<\/h3>\n
Nature of Bath<\/h3>\n
Vajdahunyad Castle<\/h3>\n
Budapest Zoo<\/h3>\n
Museum of Fine Arts<\/h3>\n
Recommended Sz\u00e9chenyi Spa Tickets <\/h3>\n
2<\/span>Gell\u00e9rt Baths<\/h2>\n
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Most Popular in Budapest<\/span> Plunge Pools<\/span><\/p>\nEffervescent Pools<\/h3>\n
Plunge Pools<\/h3>\n
Grandest of them all!<\/h3>\n
Number of Pools and Baths<\/h3>\n
Facilities available<\/h3>\n
Nature of Bath<\/h3>\n
Liberty Bridge<\/h3>\n
Gell\u00e9rt Hill Cave<\/h3>\n
Central Market Hall<\/h3>\n
The Liberty Statue<\/h3>\n
Recommended Gellert Spa Tickets <\/h3>\n
3<\/span>Rudas Baths<\/h2>\n
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Rooftop Thermal Baths<\/span> Warmest Thermal Bath in Budapest<\/span><\/p>\nRooftop Thermal Baths<\/h3>\n
Octagonal Pool<\/h3>\n
Warmest Thermal Bath in Budapest<\/h3>\n
Rich History<\/h3>\n
Location for Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Red Heat<\/h3>\n
Number of Pools and Baths<\/h3>\n
Facilities available<\/h3>\n
Nature of Bath<\/h3>\n
The V\u00e1rnegyed<\/h3>\n
Gerard of Csan\u00e1d Monument<\/h3>\n
Semmelweiss Museum<\/h3>\n
Recommended Rudas Spa Tickets <\/h3>\n
4<\/span>Veli Bej<\/h2>\n
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Quiet<\/span>Oldest Turkish Bath in Budapest<\/span><\/p>\nOldest Turkish Bath in Budapest<\/h3>\n
Less touristy<\/h3>\n
Number of Pools and Baths<\/h3>\n
Facilities available<\/h3>\n
Nature of Bath<\/h3>\n
G\u00fcl Baba T\u00fcrbe and Rosegarden<\/h3>\n
Margaret Island<\/h3>\n
Roman Amphitheatre Ruins<\/h3>\n
Luk\u00e1cs Baths<\/h3>\n
5<\/span>Dand\u00e1r Bath<\/h2>\n
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Hidden Gem<\/span>Bare Minimum Crowds<\/span>Outdoor Thermal Pools<\/span><\/p>\nMuch less crowded<\/h3>\n
Outdoor thermal pools<\/h3>\n
Number of Pools and Baths<\/h3>\n
Facilities available<\/h3>\n
Nature of Bath<\/h3>\n
Zwack Museum and the Unicum Factory<\/h3>\n
Hungarian Natural History Museum<\/h3>\n
The Ludwig Museum<\/h3>\n
6<\/span>Luk\u00e1cs Baths<\/h2>\n
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Best Spot to Mingle with the Locals<\/span><\/p>\nKneipp Pool<\/h3>\n
Mingle with the locals<\/h3>\n
Rich history!<\/h3>\n
The Himalayan Salt Chamber<\/h3>\n
Number of Pools and Baths<\/h3>\n
Facilities available<\/h3>\n
Nature of Bath<\/h3>\n
G\u00fcl Baba T\u00fcrbe and Rosegarden<\/h3>\n
Margaret Island<\/h3>\n
Roman Amphitheatre Ruins<\/h3>\n
Flipperm\u00fazeum<\/h3>\n
Budapest Bath Prices & Tickets<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Best Thermal Baths in Budapest – Sz\u00e9chenyi Baths & Gell\u00e9rt Baths<\/h2>\n
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