Not just an exotic land of paprika-spiced cuisine, pálinka and beautiful pottery, Hungary is also famous for its medicinal bath culture.
Of the country’s 160 thermal spas, Budapest is blessed with some of the best. Historic architecture and state-of-the-art facilities provide an ambience that offers entertainment and relaxation in equal measure. Introduced by the Romans some two millennia ago, and revived by the Ottomans, these spas offer a glimpse of the country’s chequered history as well as a rewarding experience of local culture. These are Budapest’s best thermal spas to try on your next trip.
Rudas Bath
The Rudas Bath is a 16th-century thermal bath with Turkish origins. Rudas is a great choice: its six thermal pools, swimming pool, and the wellness centre can be attractive to everyone. If you’re visiting in winter, save time for the rooftop pool, as nothing complements a dip quite like falling snowflakes.
Veli Bej Bath
The Veli Bej Bath Having re-opened its doors in 2011 after years of neglect, this chic little sanctuary has an appealing contemporary edge. Alongside some of Budapest’s best thermal spa pools, its slick infrared saunas and smart massage showers are available.
Széchenyi Bath
Nowhere else in the city can you play chess and sip a cold beer while immersed chest-deep in toasty thermal waters. The Széchenyi Bath has indoor and outdoor pools with variable temperatures, as well as a steam bath and sauna. There is a pool party on Saturday evenings, which guarantees special visual effects and electronic music.
Dandár Bath
For one of Budapest’s best ‘local’ thermal spas, Dandár Bath in the 9th District offers a quieter soak. The thermal department awaits those wishing to recover
and relax all year round with a 35 oC and a 38 oC spa pool, a Finnish sauna and a cold water plunge pool.
