Did you plan a holiday in the Hungarian capital? So don't miss visiting the Bains in Budapest!
The Baths of Budapest are certainly one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Hungarian capital. They are also an integral part of Hungarian daily life. There are many places to hold business, romantic and family meetings. Some even come to play chess! Visiting the Bains of Budapest will then be an opportunity to experience a unique experience in enchanting settings, while discovering a aspect of local life.
To help you in your quest for relaxation, we inform you in this article everything you need to know about the thermal baths of the Hungarian capital. You will then be able to choose your next place of relaxation and wonder in peace.
Also read: The 10 things to do in Budapest
History of the thermal baths in Budapest
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From the Bronze Age, people go to Budapest to swim in natural thermal waters. These waters are one of the reasons why the Romans established their regional capital in Aquincum, which is now part of Óbuda, in the north of Budapest. The ruins of these baths are still visible in the neighborhood.
However, the current baths are built during the Turkish period from 1541 to 1686. They served both for swimming and medicine. Some of them are still used today. Later, in 1934, Budapest consolidates its reputation and is officially ranked City of spas .
Today, the city continues to maintain this reputation and tradition. Its inhabitants regularly come for appointments or simply to relax. As for the medicinal properties of the Budapest baths, whether true or false, nothing is more pleasant and antistress than bathing in delicious hot water! In short, visiting the Budapest baths is relaxing and appreciated by all.
Our tips to visit the thermal baths in Budapest
Here are some practical tips to have in mind when you go to visit the Bains of Budapest.
- First: You will receive a key in the form of a plastic watch after purchasing your entry ticket. This electronic bracelet will allow you to cross the turnstiles and access the baths. You will also have access to a locker to store your personal effects.
- Second: You'll have to wash before and after the bath. Think about taking shower gel, soap from Marseille or Aleppo. This washing is obviously an essential hygiene measure to ensure clean water.
- Third: always think about taking your bath towel, flip flops and a bath cap if you have one. If you ever forget your towel, you can always rent one. The same applies to bath caps, which are sometimes mandatory in some swimming pools in Budapest.
When to go to the baths?
- If you want to avoid crowds, then we recommend visiting the Bains of Budapest to Morning.
- For a romantic and enchanting experience, we recommend coming at the end of the day or at night. Some baths are open late at night, or even squarely at night.
- Finally, the baths are usually very crowded over the weekend. We recommend you come over a week.
Are the baths mixed?
It is also important to know that all baths and baths are not accessible to both men and women all the time. Some establishments have days reserved for men or women only. Others have areas reserved for men and areas reserved for women.
If you visit the baths of Budapest in a mixed group, always make sure to check this kind of information in advance !
The different thermal baths in Budapest
The 130 sources operated today are mainly on the dock of Buda , near or on Marguerite Island and under Mount Gellert. The most interesting thermal baths in Budapest are: the Bains Gellert, the Bains Rudas, the Bains Szechenyi, the Bains Kiraly and the Bains Palatinus.
The Bains Gellert
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Address: Kelenhegyi út 4, 1118 Budapest
Timetable: 6h to 8h daily
Lockers: Yes
Massage: various massages, mud baths and other exceptional treatments
Access: non-mixed baths from Monday to Saturday except in swimming pool
If you can only visit one thermal bath in Budapest, then it should be the Gellert Baths! Unfortunately, if they are the most beautiful, they are also the most frequented .
Inside you will discover a beautiful tiled swimming pool where you can swim, as well as indoor and outdoor baths. In summer, a large outdoor wave pool will welcome you, as well as beautiful shaded terraces.
How to join the Bains Gellert? This hotel is easily accessible via Metro 4, trams 19, 41, 47, 49 and 56, as well as buses 7, 107, 109, 133 and 233. Stop at the Szent Gellért stops.
The Bains Rudas
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Address: Döbrentei tér 9, 1013 Budapest
Timetable: from 6am to 8pm for steam baths, from 6am to 10pm for pool
Lockers: Yes
Massage: various massages, aromatic or medical
Access: non-mixed baths in weekdays, mixed weekends, forbidden to under 14 years
The Bains Rudas are among the most authentic of the city with its Ottoman architecture of the sixteenth century. They're underneath Gellert Hill in the Buda area , offering them a superb setting.
The indoor pool is also a real work of art with its octagonal structure and turquoise waters lined with imposing columns. These baths finally offer nightlife every Friday and Saturday: enjoy it if you are looking for a romantic and quiet moment.
How to join the Bains Rudas? The hotel is easily accessible by buses 7, 8E, 110, 112, trams 19, 41, 56 and 56A, and night buses 907 and 973. Stop at Rudas Gyógyfürdő.
The Szechenyi Bains
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Address: Állatkerti krt. 9-11, 1146 Budapest
Timetable: 6h to 22h daily
Lockers: Yes
Massage: massages, mud baths and various treatments
Access: Mixed baths
Located in the heart of the city's main park , this vast neo-baroque complex is one of the most famous and known baths, especially thanks to its exceptional setting.
We especially recommend it to you summer , because of its three large outdoor swimming pools. If you want to relax, don’t hesitate to test the jacuzzi and the hot pool, where some come to play chess.
- Saturday night in summer: the baths turn into a giant dance floor and then host a Spa Party!
How to join the Szechenyi Bains? This hotel is easily accessible via the M1 metro or the trolleybus 72 at the Széchenyi fürdő stops.
The Bains Kiraly
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Address: Fő u. 84, 1027 Budapest
Timetable: 9h to 9h daily
Lockers: Yes
Massage: basic massages, care and pedicures
Access: Mixed baths, prohibited for under 14 years
These baths are among the oldest baths in Budapest and are also one of the smallest. Built by the Turks in the 16th century, they are perfect for those wishing to live a 100% local experience!
These picturesque thermal baths feature four thermal pools, as well as a steam bath and a sauna. Be careful, because they are small, better worth arrive early Baths to enjoy.
How to join the Kiraly Baths? You can access this property with tram 19 and 41 by stopping at Bem József tér.
The Palatinus Bains
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Address: Soó Rezső stny. 1, 1003 Budapest
Timetable: 8am to 10pm each day
Lockers: Yes
Massage: No.
Access: Mixed baths
Located on the island of Marguerite , this thermal complex is very popular with locals.
This exceptional place houses 7 swimming pools and hot springs. Its basins are also equipped with slides! It is therefore a perfect complex for both adults and children.
How to reach the Palatinus Baths? You can take the bus line 26 to the Palatinus fürdő stop to reach these exceptional baths.
How much does a ticket cost to the Bains in Budapest?
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Is it decided, will you visit the Bains of Budapest? So here are the prices of the baths mentioned above:
- Bains Gellert: from 17€
- Thermes Rudas : from 11€
- Széchenyi Bains: from 17,50€
- Thermes Király: from 8,64€
- Palatinus baths: from 9,50€
Most facilities also offer a complete range of massages and medical treatments, obviously requiring Pay a supplement.
Budapest Card
The Budapest Card is the official business card of the Budapest Tourist Office. Thanks to the latter, tourists will benefit for one, two or three days unlimited access to museums, baths, city public transport and a free ride to the hotel.
With regard to the thermal baths, the Budapest Card will allow lovers of hot baths to relax in a dozen spa establishments as well as in the famous baths of Lukacs, Gellért or Széchenyi.
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