Every major city has something that is typical and characteristic of it—something it excels at. In Budapest’s case, it is clearly its spas. The local spa tradition has lasted for many centuries, resulting in an unparalleled and unrivaled concentration of spa “domes,” thermal baths, and other similar facilities. This has also led to a very strong spa culture. But with so many options, which spa should you visit when you’re in Budapest? Our article will help you choose by highlighting the ten best spas in Budapest.
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Best thermal baths to visit in Budapest
1. Széchenyi Thermal Baths
The Széchenyi Thermal Baths are truly significant and famous Budapest spas. They are the largest traditional spa complex not only in this city but also in all of Europe, which alone makes them worth a visit. The setting within the extensive Városliget Park (the second-largest urban park in the city) will enchant you with its beautiful, distinctly spa-like atmosphere. You will completely forget that you are in the heart of a bustling metropolis.
The baths themselves have a classicist style and feel historical, noble, and nonchalant. They feature ornate colonnades with many amazing artistic statues and fountains. Despite their almost ancient appearance, the complex is relatively recent, built between 1909 and 1913—the discovery of the healing springs in this location dates back to the second half of the 19th century. Therefore, the baths are quite young compared to others (like Rudas, Király, etc.).
The local healing water is rich in calcium, sulfur, and bicarbonates and is primarily used to treat various musculoskeletal problems and diseases, as well as digestive issues, gynecological disorders, and more.
You can look forward to 15 indoor and 3 outdoor pools, saunas, steam baths, and a swimming pool.
Where to stay nearby: Alice Hotel | D50 Hotel | Benczur Hotel
Opening hours
Weekdays: 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Weekends: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Admission fees
Daily pass (weekdays/weekend): 9,400/10,900 HUF
2. Gellért Thermal Baths
The Gellért Thermal Baths are arguably the second most important spas in Budapest. They are located at the foot of the green-covered hill of the same name, on the bank of the Danube, with the Budapest Citadel perched on its top. This is another very spacious spa, designed in a classic style. The surroundings feel luxurious and are sure to leave a strong impression.
The history of a spa at this location dates back to the 13th century. Despite a virtually continuous, centuries-long tradition, the current appearance of the baths is relatively modern—the building was completed after World War I. There is a large number of both indoor and outdoor pools (6 indoor and 2 outdoor pools) that are used for recreation and relaxation, as well as an indoor swimming pool in a large atrium and various types of saunas.
The water in the pools has a temperature ranging from 26 to 40°C and is sourced from thermal, healing springs with a high content of sodium, sulfates, and fluorides. It is again very beneficial, especially for the musculoskeletal system. It is used to treat arthritis, spinal, disc, and joint diseases, as well as vascular problems, asthma, and more.
Where to stay near the baths: Bohem Art Hotel | Alta Moda Fashion Hotel | Boutique Hotel Budapest | – all these hotels are on the opposite bank of the Danube.
Opening hours
Every day: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Saunas and steam rooms: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Admission Fees
Daily pass (weekdays/weekend): 9,400/10,900 HUF
3. Rudas Thermal Baths
The Rudas Baths are considered one of the oldest and still partially preserved baths in Budapest. Some parts date back to the period of Turkish rule in the second half of the 16th century. The typical Ottoman dome with an octagonal pool underneath it is reminiscent of a Turkish hammam. There are a total of seven pools here, one of which is a swimming pool and the rest are therapeutic. The temperature in some of them reaches up to 42°C, making for a very hot bath.
The baths are located only about 600 meters along the Danube from the aforementioned Gellért Baths. The water here is saturated with calcium, magnesium, and sulfates and is used to treat patients with degenerative joint or spinal diseases, calcium absorption disorders, and other problems. They are definitely one of the most typical and famous baths in Budapest and are well worth a visit. Of course, in addition to the pools, there are also saunas and other wellness facilities.
Where to stay near the baths: Hotel Vision | Matild Palace | La Prima Fashion Hotel Budapest
Opening hours
Mon – Thu: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Sun: 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Night bathing (Fri, Sat): 10:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Admission Fees
Daily pass (weekdays/weekend): 8,600/12,200 HUF
4. Lukács Thermal Baths
These famous baths, with a tradition reportedly dating back to the 12th century, are located on the bank of the majestic Danube, opposite the well-known Margaret Island, which is itself home to several spas. Lukács Baths also directly neighbors the Veli Bej Baths (see below).
It is a somewhat smaller bath complex, but still excellently equipped. There are five pools here, both for swimming and recreation, indoor and outdoor. The temperature in some of them reaches up to 40°C. You can also look forward to a Finnish sauna, steam sauna, other types of saunas, Turkish and other massages, a Kneipp pool, and other wellness and spa facilities.
Lukács is a highly-rated and popular spa, so if you choose this option, you certainly won’t regret it. Plus, it is a bit cheaper than some of the largest spa complexes, like Gellért or Széchenyi.
Similar to other Budapest springs, the ones here are primarily rich in calcium, magnesium, sulfates, as well as fluoride ions and chlorides. Again, patients suffering from musculoskeletal disorders are the main visitors. Arthritis, spinal deformities, disc problems, hernias, neuralgia… these are some of the issues successfully treated here.
Where to stay near the baths: Budapest Csaszar Hotel | Novotel Budapest Danube
Opening hours
Every day from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Admission Fees
Daily pass (weekdays/weekend): 4 400/4 800 HUF
5. Palatinus Thermal Spa
Now we can move directly to the mentioned Margit-sziget, or Margaret Island on the Danube. The island is essentially a large and beautiful green park with ancient monuments, an open-air cinema and amphitheater, numerous sports fields, ornamental gardens, and also baths and the classic Palatinus outdoor lido. It’s worth noting that the lido’s setting is truly charming and refreshing thanks to the abundant greenery. If the weight of the ubiquitous hot stone, asphalt, and concrete in Budapest gets to you in the summer, Palatinus is a great place to relax and recharge.
The lido is well-equipped and very spacious. The main part consists of a huge, almost 200-meter-long pool that is divided into several sections for swimming, relaxation, and fun. The individual sections are up to 50 meters long, so there’s plenty of space for serious swimmers as well. The water labyrinth here is unique, and you can also look forward to several quite large waterslides, artificial waves, and other attractions.
The water in the pools is, of course, thermal and therapeutic, providing relief for joints and other ailments. The lido also includes playgrounds and sports fields for both adults and children.
Opening hours
Every day from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Admission Fees
Daily pass (weekdays/weekend): 3 200/3 500 HUF
Children and seniors: 2 200/2 400 HUF
6. Dagály Thermal Baths
On the eastern bank, a short distance from Margaret Island on the Danube, lies another excellent outdoor thermal lido. It is likely even larger than Palatinus in overall area and is often considered the largest city lido in Budapest. It is also completely competitive with Palatinus in terms of environment and aesthetics. There are extensive grassy areas with trees providing cool shade, a view of the mighty Danube, and green-covered hills rising on the other bank. A truly beautiful place with stunning panoramas.
Unlike most of the baths mentioned here, Dagály has a rather modern character, but it’s not like a trendy, attractive aquapark. The old tradition of Budapest’s spa culture is still very much present. There is an abundance of pools here. They are mostly small to medium-sized. There are even more relaxation areas. Overall, it is a very nice and pleasant city lido with thermal water.
Opening hours
Every day from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Admission Fees
Daily pass (weekdays/weekend): 3 400/3 7500 HUF
Children and seniors: 2 300/2 900 HUF
7. Dandár Thermal Baths
Do you prefer smaller, more intimate spas over large thermal lidos and spa complexes? If so, you might really enjoy the Dandár Thermal Baths. Although unassuming, they are truly pleasant. Located on the southern edge of the city center, they are housed in a stylish brick building that you might sooner expect to see in London.
Dandár Baths offer cozy indoor and outdoor spaces. The small, circular outdoor pool is tucked away in the courtyard, and the entire spa feels more like a larger private wellness center. Everything feels a bit more homey, and another advantage is that these baths are not overly crowded, so you can avoid the masses. And one more bonus—the low price. Dandár Baths are quite affordable, even by Budapest standards. There are a total of five pools, several saunas, a steam room, and you can also take advantage of various wellness and spa services.
Opening hours
Every day from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Saunas from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Admission Fees
Daily pass (weekdays/weekend): 3400/3500 HUF
8. Veli Bej Thermal Baths
We’ve already mentioned these baths, also called Császár Fürdo, in connection with the Lukács Baths, as the two are located right next to each other. The Veli Bej Baths combine very modern areas with several preserved and authentic historical parts that date back to the period of Turkish rule. This contrast is very interesting, and the baths are genuinely beautiful. At the same time, they are not as busy with tourists, so you can generally avoid significant crowds.
The Turkish section of the baths dates from the 16th century and consists of a set of classic Ottoman domes. In total, the baths have five pools filled with water rich in sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and chlorides. Here, too, you can treat aching joints or a sore back or replenish calcium if you have a deficiency. Some consider the Veli Bej Baths to be one of the most beautiful in the city. Therefore, you certainly won’t regret visiting them.
Opening hours
Every day from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Plus early morning swimming (Sat, Sun): 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Admission Fees
Daily pass (weekdays/weekend): 4 500/5 000 HUF
9. Aquincum Hotel Budapest
The Aquincum Hotel is one of Budapest’s very well-known, top-tier hotels. Inside this four-star establishment, a beautiful spa and wellness center are hidden away. Everything is decorated with a luxurious feel. While some traditional Budapest spas have a certain noble charm, they can also feel a bit “faded.” In this regard, Aquincum is closer to the modern wellness centers we know from the Czech Republic and other countries.
The spa features several types of saunas, a fitness center, and, of course, a variety of pools for different purposes. This place can definitely appeal to visitors with higher standards who want to enjoy a high level of luxury and comfort. Combined with a stay at the hotel, it can make for a truly wonderful, even romantic, vacation.
Opening hours
Every day from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Admission Fees
Daily pass (weekdays/weekend): 4 600/5 200 HUF
10. Király Thermal Baths
The Király Baths are truly very famous and almost iconic. They are generally considered possibly the oldest still-preserved baths in Budapest, and their origin can be traced back to the 16th century during the period of Turkish rule. Király offers a unique space and the atmosphere of a historic hammam.
However, we mention them at the end of the list for a simple reason… these baths have been closed for a long time, and it is not yet known when (or if) they will reopen.
