The thermal baths of Budapest are one of the capital city’s most renowned attractions, drawing visitors from all over.
This network of thermal waters is fed by approximately 118 natural springs.
This unique feature places Budapest in a truly distinctive geographic setting, making it one of the most visited European cities for those seeking its warm, mineral-rich waters.
Discover with us the top 5 baths in Budapest and explore what makes each one truly special!
Top Thermal Baths in Budapest
Budapest is a city that enchants every visitor. In addition to its stunning palaces, medieval castles, churches, and vibrant cultural centers for art and music, the city boasts several luxurious thermal baths.
Thanks to these facilities, Budapest has earned worldwide recognition as “The City of Spas,” and visiting a spa is a must if you’re exploring this city.
Many physiotherapy experts have confirmed that these baths are incredibly beneficial for rehabilitation treatments.
The thermal baths of Budapest are a popular spot for both locals and visitors alike. If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful city, we highly recommend that you make time to experience some of these remarkable baths.
Below, you’ll find a list of the best spas in Budapest, with details on what makes each location unique.
Gellert Bath
The Gellert Bath is one of the most famous thermal baths in Budapest. Opened in 1918, much of its original architecture has been preserved.
However, after its initial opening, a few additions were made, including an artificial wave pool and a bubble bath.
In 1927, this renowned European bath was reopened with these updates, solidifying its reputation as one of the most popular thermal destinations of its time.
The Gellert Bath still showcases the intricate details of Secessionist architecture. Additionally, it features exquisite pyrogranite murals crafted by the Zsolnay family around the pool area.
The dressing rooms have finely carved woodwork and unique leaded glass windows.
The thermal waters here originate from Gellert Hill and are rich in sulfate, magnesium, and calcium—ideal for various physiotherapy treatments.
The temperatures across the eight pools in this spa range between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius (95 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit).
The Gellert Bath offers a wide range of therapeutic services and professional medical assistance. It also has dedicated beauty treatment services and a spa where you can book massage sessions.
Here are a few convenient options for booking online to skip the lines (via Civitatis):
Széchenyi Thermal Bath
The Széchenyi Thermal Bath is not only one of the most beautiful in Budapest but also the city’s largest thermal bath.
Built in a distinctive Neo-Baroque style, it first opened its doors in 1913.
It includes 12 indoor pools, along with three outdoor pools, private baths, and steam bath rooms.
The waters that supply Széchenyi come from two artesian wells, reaching a maximum temperature of 77 degrees Celsius (170°F).
These mineral-rich waters are often used for therapeutic treatments, particularly to alleviate joint inflammation.
As a unique feature, it’s common to see elderly patrons playing chess in the water at Széchenyi.
This wellness space serves as both a medicinal retreat and a perfect place for relaxation and fun, making it one of the best spots in the city to unwind.
Like other popular sites, Széchenyi often has long ticket lines. The best way to save time is by purchasing tickets online through these links:
- Full-day Széchenyi Bath tour with optional Pálinka excursion
- Széchenyi Bath entry
- Széchenyi Bath with massage
Rudas Baths
Another popular attraction is Rudas Baths, set along the Danube in the scenic area of Buda.
This complex dates back to the 16th century, drawing its mineral waters from three artesian wells: Attila, Hungaria, and Juventus.
This historic thermal bath complex has seen various phases of construction and restoration:
- The first structure was inaugurated in 1550.
- Later, expansions were made, with further renovations completed in 1566.
- In 1986, modernization efforts took place, giving the bath a contemporary touch.
- More recently, Rudas Baths underwent additional restoration, finally reopening its doors in 2006.
Yet, the main highlight of Rudas Baths is its central hall.
This beautiful space features an octagonal pool surrounded by four side pools. It’s crowned by a dome approximately 10 meters in diameter, resting on eight majestic pillars.
Lukács Bath
Another well-known Budapest thermal bath near the Danube is Lukács Bath.
This location, rich with naturally warm waters, originally hosted monastery baths as far back as the 12th century.
However, in 1884, the property was acquired by Fülöp Palotay, who made renovations to convert it into a hotel. In fact, this was the first known accommodation to integrate thermal baths as part of its offerings.
Nearly a century later, the first renovation of this bath took place. The 1937 project included an expansion and introduced a new hall dedicated to the consumption of medicinal drinks.
In 1999, the pools were updated to create a modern setting that aligns with contemporary needs, adding features like moving water pools and additional services.
Today, this impressive complex is divided into three service areas:
- Sports area
- Leisure area
- Wellness space
It also offers two exclusive outdoor swimming pools, several steam baths, and sauna rooms.
The bath provides massage services, healing therapies, and beauty treatments.
You can conveniently book tickets online:
Király Bath
Király Bath was built during the Ottoman rule in the mid-16th century.
This Budapest thermal bath was not designed to be fed directly by a natural spring. Instead, arrangements were made for it to be supplied by the waters of Lukács Bath.
It includes two steam baths, a jacuzzi, a sauna, and four pools with maximum temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius (104°F).
Gellert or Széchenyi Bath? Which is Better?
Each of the Budapest baths mentioned above is spectacular and well worth visiting.
However, Gellert and Széchenyi Baths are the most famous and popular among visitors.
Yet, Széchenyi offers certain advantages:
- In terms of price-to-quality ratio, Gellert is less favorable, as it has one of the highest entry fees.
- Széchenyi’s facilities are more modern and receive regular maintenance, while Gellert’s structure can seem a bit dated and in need of updates.
- Additionally, Széchenyi’s layout is larger than Gellert’s, offering more space and variety.
That said, if you have the chance, visit both Budapest thermal baths to form your own opinion. Experiencing both is ideal if you have the time!
Here are some online booking options to skip the lines and avoid the daily wait times:
Tips for Visiting Budapest Baths
Keep the following in mind:
- Bring proper swimwear for the pools. Although shops sell bathing suits, it’s advisable to bring your own swimsuit, cap, and footwear to save on what could be an unnecessary expense.
- We also recommend adjusting to the environment in shared areas. Avoid shouting or jumping into the pools, as these spaces are meant for relaxation.
- For just 2 euros, you can secure your belongings in a locker. This option is safer, helping you avoid misplacing small yet important items.
History of Budapest’s Thermal Baths
Hungary’s capital is one of the country’s most iconic locations, largely because of the extensive network of thermal waters that flows throughout the city.
The warm waters here rise from a geological fault that cuts across this area.
However, thermal baths were first introduced by the Romans, who developed numerous complexes across the city.
The Romans were pioneers in harnessing these waters for therapeutic uses, creating spaces specifically for relaxation.
Thermal baths quickly became popular, serving as both leisure centers and sites for conventional medicine.
However, when the Christian army took control of Buda in 1686, many baths were abandoned, with some facilities even used for animal bathing.
The revival of these historic baths began in the early 19th century. Today, only about 20 thermal baths from the Roman period remain in Budapest.