The 6 Best Thermal Baths in Budapest (Tried & Tested by a Local)
I am originally from Budapest and relaxing in the thermal baths is one of the best things to do in the city! Budapest is also known as the “City of Spas” as there are so many thermal baths in the city.
Visiting the thermal baths is great if you need a break and want to recharge. They are open all year around, even in the winter, which is one of my favourite times to visit.
The thermal baths in Budapest have both indoor and outdoor pools, as well as warm and cold water pools. They also have saunas, steam rooms, spa, massage and beauty treatment services, so it is easy to spend a full day at the baths.
The most famous thermal bath in Budapest is the Széchenyi Thermal Baths. It is the biggest bath in Budapest and can get busy. For less touristy baths, check out the Veli Bej, Lukács or Dandár Thermal Baths, they are mostly visited by locals and the ticket prices are cheaper.
Are the Budapest Thermal Baths Worth It?
Yes, the Budapest thermal baths are definitely worth it! The thermal baths in Budapest are a great place to relax and recharge, and you get to enjoy the warm water baths, saunas, steam baths, or have a massage and beauty treatments.
It is easy to spend a whole day at the thermal baths, but if you are short on time, you can also make it in half a day. When we go to the thermal baths with my family, we usually stay for the whole day.
Most of the thermal baths have many different pools to choose from, and you get to enjoy it the most if you have the whole day for it. With one full day at the baths, you can fully relax and recharge to get the most out of the experience.
The Best Thermal Baths in Budapest
1. Széchenyi Thermal Baths
Highlights: 15 indoor pools, 3 outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms, and massage parlour
- Number of Pools: 18 pools (15 indoor pools, 3 outdoor pools)
- Price: USD 44-46
- Rating: 4.3/5 on 24,903 reviews on GetYourGuide (4.2 on 65,140 Google reviews)
- Opening Times: 9 am-7 pm on most days
- Amenities: saunas, steam rooms, massage parlour, beauty salon, aqua fitness
- What to Bring: swimwear, towel, flip flops, swimming cap
- What’s included: Full day ticket to Széchenyi Thermal Baths + entry to the GastroCellar for tasting Hungarian alcohol.
- Things to Consider: The Széchenyi Thermal Baths is the biggest, most popular thermal baths in Budapest so it can get crowded. You may be able to visit at a quieter time if you go in the morning on a weekday.
The Széchenyi Thermal Baths is the biggest and most famous thermal bath in Budapest. It has 18 pools (both indoor and outdoor), as well as amenities such as saunas and massage parlours.
There is a special 1 day ticket to the Széchenyi Baths which also include an entry ticket to the Hungarian GastroCellar. At the GastroCellar, you can taste Hungarian alcohol (wine, pálinka) which is all included in your ticket!
When visiting the thermal baths, a practical recommendation is to bring your own swimwear and towel. It is not possible to rent towels but they have a shop where you can buy a towel if needed.
It is also compulsory to wear flip flops/slippers in the premises of the baths, except when you go into the pools. The flip flops are required to be worn due to hygiene reasons, and if you don’t have your own, you can buy one at the Széchenyi Baths.
The swimming cap is optional, as there is only 1 pool where it is mandatory to wear a swimming cap. If you don’t mind to skip that one pool, then there is no need to bring a swim cap.
There are also spa parties in Budapest, and the Széchenyi Baths holds the Sparty nights on Saturdays from 9:30 pm – 2 am. They have regular tickets, or premium tickets that also include some drinks.
Due to its popularity, the Széchenyi Baths is the busiest and most touristy baths, so if you want to avoid the crowds, it is best to check out some of the less touristy baths, like Veli Bej or Lukacs Baths.
Address: Széchenyi Thermal Baths, 9-11 Allatkerti korut, Budapest, District 14.
➡️ Book a full day ticket for the Széchenyi Thermal Baths & chill in Budapest’s biggest thermal bath!
2. Gellért Thermal Baths
Important: The Gellért Thermal Baths is currently closed due to renovation works. It is planned to reopen in 2028. Check here for current updates.
Highlights: swimming pool, thermal pool, wave pool, outdoor thermal pool, medical pool
- Number of Pools: 13
- Price: USD 44-46
- Rating: 4.2/5 on 3,017 reviews on GetYourGuide (4.2 on 28,000 Google reviews)
- Opening Times: 9 am-7 pm on most days
- Amenities: pools, saunas, steam rooms
- What to Bring: swimwear, towel, flip flops, swimming cap
- What’s included: Full day ticket to the Gellért Thermal Baths
The Gellért Thermal Baths is the second most famous thermal bath in Budapest. It was built in 1918 but there are records of hot springs in its location dating back to 15th century.
After its opening in 1918, the baths were expanded and additional pools were added over the years.
In present, the Gellért Thermal Baths has 12 pools in total, including a swimming pool, thermal pool, wave pool, an outdoor thermal pool, as well as medical pools.
The Gellért Baths is known for its beautiful architecture. I really like this thermal bath as you can relax in the pools and see its beautiful architecture at the same time!
Address: Gellért Thermal Baths, 4 Kelenhegyi út, Budapest, District 11.
3. Rudas Thermal Baths
Highlights: Spa, views of Budapest, (optional: 3-course meal)
- Number of Pools: 7
- Price: USD 82-105
- Rating: 4.1/5 on 1,190 reviews on GetYourGuide (4.3 on 12,000 Google reviews)
- Opening Times: 9 am-7 pm on most days
- Amenities: spa, 3-course meal, drinks, views of Budapest
- What to Bring: swimwear, towel, flip flops, swimming cap
The Rudas Thermal Baths was built 450 years ago but there are mentions of hot springs in its location as far back as 13th century.
What I like about the Rudas Baths the most is that it is more like a local bath, and not so touristy. So, if you prefer to visit a thermal bath that is mostly favoured by locals, then the Rudas Baths is a great choice!
It is located right next to the River Danube, and if you go to its outdoor pool, then you get a really nice view of the city. Although the outdoor pool is a little bit small, it is a great experience.
Apart from the general entry ticket, there is also a ticket that includes spa and dinner. The dinner is a 3-course meal and some drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic).
Address: Rudas Thermal Baths, 9 Döbrentei tér, Budapest, District 1.
➡️ Book the Rudas Thermal Baths & enjoy the views of Budapest from the rooftop pool!
4. Lukács Thermal Baths
Highlights: thermal pools, massage, saunas, less touristy bath
- Number of Pools: 5
- Price: USD 32
- Rating: 3.9/5 on 235 reviews on GetYourGuide (4.3 on 12,367 Google reviews)
- Opening Times: 9 am-7 pm on most days
- Amenities: indoor and outdoor pools, thermal pools, saunas, massage
- What to Bring: swimwear, towel, flip flops, swimming cap
- What’s included: Full day ticket
The Lukács Thermal Baths is smaller than other baths in Budapest and it is mostly visited by locals. It is a great place if you don’t want to go to a touristy place, but still enjoy the baths in Budapest.
As it is mostly visited by locals, so it also means that the tickets are not as expensive. The Lukacs Baths is good if you are looking for a budget-friendly thermal baths in Budapest.
The Lukács Thermal Baths have 5 pools, including indoor and outdoor pools, as well as saunas and massage parlours. It is not fancy like the other touristy baths, but it is still a relaxing and nice experience.
You can also get a Budapest Card, which includes free entry tickets to museums and attractions, including the Lukács Thermal Baths.
Address: Lukács Thermal Baths, 25-29 Frankel Leó út, Budapest, District 2.
➡️ Check prices and availability for Lukács Thermal Baths here!
5. Veli Bej Thermal Baths
Highlights: steam baths, sauna, massage, jacuzzi, swimming pool
- Number of Pools: 5
- Price: USD 18-23
- Rating: 4.5 on 3,309 Google reviews
- Opening Times: 6 am-12 pm, 3-9 pm every day (closed on Monday and Tuesday mornings). Closed between 12-3 pm every day.
- Amenities: massage, sauna, steam baths
- What to Bring: swimwear, towel, flip flops, swimming cap
The Veli Bej Thermal Baths is one of the thermal baths that is frequented mainly by locals. It is a little bit smaller than other baths, but it is a great experience if you want to escape the tourists.
It has 5 thermal pools, saunas, steam baths, jacuzzi, and they also provide massage services.
One thing to keep in mind is that they close for 3 hours between 12-3 pm in the afternoon, so it is best to eaither visit it early morning or in the afternoon.
You should bring your own swimwear, flip flops and swimming cap, but if you need, towels can be rented for around USD 4.
Address: Veli Bej Thermal Baths, 7 Árpád fejedelem útja, Budapest, District 2.
➡️ More information for visiting the Veli Bej Thermal Baths here!
6. Dandár Thermal Baths
Highlights: indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms, massage and beauty treatments
- Number of Pools: 5
- Price: USD 8-12
- Rating: 4.3 on 1,241 Google reviews
- Opening Times: 9 am-7 pm on most days
- Amenities: pools, saunas, steam rooms, massage
- What to Bring: swimwear, towel, flip flops, swimming cap
The Dandár Thermal Baths is one of the lesser known thermal baths in Budapest, so if you are looking for a thermal bath off the beaten path, this is the right one for you!
As it is mostly visited by locals, the ticket prices are the cheapest here, with ticket prices between USD 6-8. It is really a great value and it is also not so full of tourists like other baths.
As it is smaller, it does not have as many pools as bigger baths, like Széchenyi or Gellért Baths.
Nevertheless, it has 5 pools, including indoor and outdoor pools, thermal baths, saunas, steam rooms, and massage treatment is also available.
The Dandár Baths is like a hidden gem in Budapest, and you can still enjoy the famous thermal baths in Budapest even if you are on a budget!
Address: Dandár Thermal Baths, 3 Dandár utca, Budapest, District 9.
➡️ More information for the Dandár Thermal Baths here!
Other Baths and Spas Worth Checking Out
There are some other baths and spas that offer a relaxing experience in Budapest. If you have more time in Budapest, the below places are also worth checking out:
- Mandala Spa
- Palatinus Beach and Thermal Baths (best in the summer)
- Dagály Baths
- Római Beach Baths
How to Plan Your Visit
What Do You Wear at the Budapest Thermal Baths?
You have to bring your own swimsuit to the Budapest thermal baths, so make sure to pack it ahead of your trip.
Do I Need to Bring a Towel to the Thermal Baths in Budapest?
Yes, you need to bring your own towel to the thermal baths in Budapest. In most thermal baths, towels are not available to rent, but if you need one, you can buy one.
In 2020, most of the thermal baths stopped offering towels for renting, so it is best if you can bring your own.
Do You Need Flip Flops for the Thermal Baths in Budapest?
Yes, you need flip flops or slippers for the thermal baths in Budapest.
It is required for all guests to wear slippers at the thermal baths for hygiene reasons, except when you go into the pools.
If you don’t have your own slippers, then it is possible to buy them at the thermal baths. Renting slippers is not available, so you’ll have to bring your own or buy one.
What is the Best Time to Go to the Thermal Baths in Budapest?
The best time to go to the thermal baths is in the mornings on weekdays if you want to avoid crowds.
For Széchenyi Thermal Baths and Gellért Thermal Baths, the summers and weekends are the busiest, due to the summer being peak tourist season in Budapest.
If you want to visit less touristy baths, check out Veli Bej Baths or Lukács Baths.
Budapest Thermal Baths Tickets
The ticket price for the Budapest thermal baths range from USD 6-80. The price varies between the thermal baths.
The bigger and more popular thermal baths (Széchenyi or Gellért Bath) costs USD 44-46, while local thermal baths costs USD 6-26. You can also buy extra packages that include dinner or spa that increases the price.
FAQs: The Best Thermal Baths in Budapest
Which is the best thermal baths to visit in Budapest?
The best thermal bath in Budapest is the Széchenyi Thermal Baths. It is the biggest thermal bath in Budapest and have 18 pools, including indoor and outdoor pools.
How much time do you need at the Széchenyi Thermal Baths?
You need at least 4-5 hours at the Széchenyi Baths, but if you have more time, it is easy to spend the whole day at the baths.
It has 18 pools, saunas, steam baths and wellness treatments, so there are many things to do in a day.
Are there showers at the thermal baths in Budapest?
Yes, there are showers and changing rooms in the thermal baths in Budapest. It is best if you bring your own towel, soap and shampoo as these may not be available at the thermal baths.
How are the Budapest thermal baths in the winter?
The thermal baths in Budapest are open in winter, and it is one of the best times to visit the thermal baths. The thermal baths in Budapest have both indoor and outdoor pools, as well as warm and cold water pools. I love spending a cold winter day in Budapest at the thermal baths and warm up in the warm thermal water.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Budapest is also known as the “City of Spas” due to its many thermal baths, so you should not miss out on it while you are in Budapest.
Visiting the thermal baths in Budapest is great if you need a break and want to recharge. The baths are open all year around, even in the winter, which is one of the best times to visit.
The thermal baths in Budapest have both indoor and outdoor pools, as well as warm and cold water pools. They also have saunas, steam rooms, spa, massage and beauty treatment services, so it is easy to spend a full day at the baths.
The two most famous thermal baths in Budapest are the Széchenyi Thermal Baths and Gellért Thermal Baths. They are the biggest baths in Budapest but as they are very famous, they can also get crowded sometimes.
If you are looking for less touristy baths, the Veli Bej, Lukacs, and Dandár Thermal Baths are mostly visited by locals and the ticket prices are also much cheaper!
➡️ Book a Day Ticket to the Széchenyi Thermal Baths: Budapest’s biggest thermal bath!
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