7 Thermal Spas in Budapest

The capital of Hungary, Budapest, is a beautiful, comfortable, and affordable city. But compared to other European capitals, it has an unexpected ace up its sleeve that “beats” everything else — its spa centers. And these aren’t just tiny establishments, as one might initially think, but opulent, monumental, and magnificent resorts in every detail. Sometimes, they are also architectural masterpieces. You’ll want to see them, and visiting them is simply a must. Plus, it’s beneficial!

The city is famous for its thermal springs, numbering over a hundred. Six of Budapest’s eleven thermal baths have centuries of history. They preserve the traditional way of life in the capital and introduce new generations to it. It looks like this: people meet here to socialize, much like residents of other cities arrange meetings in cafes or parks. So, thermal baths in Budapest are not just entertainment, but an important part of daily life. As a bonus, they also offer a complex of beneficial (and sometimes trendy) activities, including massage, saunas, cold water bathing, swimming in pools, and relaxing in cafes. There are even “spa-parties”!

Széchenyi Thermal Bath

If you have limited time in Budapest and only enough for one thing, we recommend choosing the Széchenyi Baths. But it’s better to spend a whole day there to get the most out of the experience. These thermal baths, located in a magnificent Neo-Baroque building, are the largest, most beautiful, and most multifunctional bath complex in Budapest. There are about 20 pools alone! Plus, there are saunas, steam baths, and aromatic baths. In summer, after 10 PM, one of the city’s most famous parties is held at the bath, and in winter, the steam rising above the water creates a magical atmosphere. So, Széchenyi Baths are always an excellent choice, regardless of the season. There can be long queues at the entrance, so it’s wise to buy your ticket online in advance.

Important

• from August 1, 2025, the baths only admit visitors over 14 years old;
• it’s better to bring your own swimsuit, towel, bathrobe, and slippers, as they are not included in the basic fare;
• there are three types of tickets: basic (Mon-Thu 12,500 HUF, Fri-Sun 14,000 HUF), premium (Mon-Thu 27,000 HUF, Fri-Sun 34,000 HUF), luxury (superior room 38,500 HUF, deluxe room 44,000 HUF).

Gellért Baths

Gellért Thermal Bath, built in 1918, is located in the Danubius Gellért Hotel at the foot of the eponymous hill. It is one of Budapest’s most famous spa complexes. The opulent Art Nouveau building houses warm and cold pools, both indoor and outdoor. A wide range of spa treatments is also available. Although this bath is a bit more modest than Széchenyi, the experience of visiting it is just as vivid. Decorative mosaics, marble terraces, and sunbeams pouring through the glass roof create a relaxing and romantic atmosphere for a spa weekend. Gellért Bath features a wave pool and a hydromassage pool with a temperature of about 40 degrees Celsius. You can also book a bath for two and add a champagne dinner.

Important

• there are separate sections for men and women;
• opening hours: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Saturdays 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM;
• children under 14 years old can only visit the thermal pool with a doctor’s prescription. Children under 6 and children under 14 who cannot swim may only use the pool under adult supervision;
• ticket prices: Mon-Fri 11,000 HUF, Fri-Sun 12,500 HUF, holidays, peak season 13,500 HUF.

Lukács Thermal Bath

Lukács Thermal Bath, like many other spa resorts in Budapest, has a rich history. For centuries, it has been famous for its healing properties and beautiful architecture. Lukács is among Budapest’s best thermal baths, and after a major renovation, it has transformed into a modern urban spa center. The uniqueness of this bath lies in the high concentration of various salts and minerals in its thermal spring. Thanks to this composition, its water is much richer in nutrients than in other Budapest thermal baths. There are two regular pools and several warm ones, as well as a wide range of wellness treatments such as mud baths and massages.

Important

• ticket prices: Mon-Thu 6,000 HUF, Fri-Sun, holidays 7,000 HUF;
• an additional discount can be obtained with a Budapest Card;
• there is a spa shop at the bath selling soaps with macadamia, lemongrass, or avocado oils.

Rudas Thermal Bath

The thermal complex Rudas was built in the 16th century. It is one of Hungary’s oldest public thermal complexes, and its architecture vividly reflects Eastern motifs. The central part is dedicated to Turkish baths: here, under a ten-meter dome supported by eight columns, lies an octagonal pool. Since 1936, this area has been exclusively open to men, but, for example, in August 2025, it will be accessible to women for a couple of weeks. Today, it is one of Budapest’s most modern and well-known thermal complexes. Besides relaxing in the warm springs, you can enjoy aromatherapy and a relaxing massage, and conclude your visit with dinner at the complex’s bistro. The pool offers a fantastic view of the Danube, which is especially magnificent in the evenings. In the drinking hall, it’s worth trying the water from the “Hungaria,” “Attila,” and “Juventus” springs for medicinal purposes.

Important

• 14 years is the minimum age for visiting the thermal baths;
• on Fridays and Saturdays, night bathing is available from 10:00 PM to 3:00 AM;
• ticket prices for all bath zones start from 9,800 HUF.

Palatinus Thermal Bath

The open-air swimming pool Palatinus, operating since 1919, is located on Margaret Island. It is Budapest’s first thermal complex to feature open-air pools. Thanks to its slides, wave generator, and fountains, it is especially popular with children, though adults also love it. As you may have noticed, many baths in Budapest do not admit children under 14. So, if you are traveling with family and want to visit a spa that suits everyone, Palatinus is the best option. The complex includes thermal and children’s pools, a sauna, Kneipp pools, sports grounds, and sun loungers. But even without water treatments, Margaret Island deserves your attention. It is a peaceful corner in the heart of the capital, a vast green area with a network of walking paths, the ruins of a Dominican monastery, a musical fountain, and numerous restaurants.

Important

• opening hours: daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Ticket offices close one hour before closing. Pools and surrounding areas must be vacated 20 minutes before closing;
• entrance ticket price: for adults on weekdays 5,300 HUF, on weekends 5,800 HUF; for children (3–14 years) and students on weekdays 4,100 HUF, on weekends 4,500 HUF;
• towels, swimming caps, slippers, and bathrobes must be paid for separately.

Veli Bej Thermal Bath

All the previous baths are well-known, large, and popular. But perhaps you don’t want to spend the day among crowds of people? Then it’s better to choose the Veli Bej spa center at the Csaszar Budapest Hotel. This is one of Budapest’s oldest Turkish baths, and in such an atmospheric building, the change of centuries and the course of history are felt perfectly. The complex was recently renovated, so the service here is top-notch. The complex includes a large octagonal thermal pool with hot water, surrounded by four smaller pools with different temperatures. In addition to thermal baths, there are Finnish and infrared saunas, a jacuzzi, and Sebastian Kneipp hydrotherapy. Veli Bej is a rather modest spa center by Budapest standards. However, the number of visitors is limited to 80 at a time. So we recommend buying tickets in advance and arriving early.

Important

• children are not allowed in the spa area;
• changing rooms at Veli Bej are shared for men and women;
• ticket prices start from 2,800 HUF.

Royal Spa

Royal Spa, located at the luxurious Corinthia Hotel, is undoubtedly one of Budapest’s most impressive spa centers. Its history dates back to the Art Deco heyday in 1886. In recent years, the complex has undergone renovation, restoring its former splendor. Despite all modern innovations, the charm of bygone eras is still felt here. At Royal Spa, you can swim in a 15-meter pool, visit various saunas, and relax in the lounge. The staff speak English, which is not always the case in other city spas.

Important

• children under 16 are allowed only when accompanied by a swimming adult;
• children under 16 are allowed to use the pool only from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM;
• the cosmetic partner of the spa and Corinthia Hotel is the Hungarian brand Omorovicza, known for using mineral-rich thermal waters and innovative formulas.