The Hungarian capital is renowned as a spa city, with numerous hot springs and public baths. For many tourists, taking the waters at the hot springs of Budapest is one of the “must do” experiences. An experience that people have been enjoying since Roman times.
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Budapest The City Of Spas
Budapest has been known for its hot springs and mineral waters since the 2nd century, when the Romans established a settlement here. However it was not until the Turks occupied the city in the 16th century that the spa culture became fully established. Two of the baths from this period – the Rudas Baths and the Kiraly Bath – still exist. Another very ancient bath is Veli Bej, housed within the Hotel Császár.
With more than 100 springs, Budapest claims to have more thermal waters than any other capital city, and it was recognised as a Spa City in 1934. Today there are several public baths where you can enjoy the waters. Some hotels, such as The Corinthia Royal, have their own private spas.
Széchenyi Baths
One of the most popular hot springs in Budapest is the Széchenyi Baths. More than 100 years old, this is the largest thermal bath in Hungary, and one of the largest in the whole of Europe. Apart from the thermal waters (which are supposed to have healing properties), visitors can enjoy a range of wellness activities: the entrance ticket includes gym and sauna facilities.
The Széchenyi Baths have 21 pools, including three outdoor baths. The surroundings are particularly ornate, with classical style statues everywhere. It is clear that this is a popular meeting place as well as a health facility: apparently playing chess is a popular activity here! (Read more about visiting the Széchenyi Baths).
The Gellért Baths
Although nothing remains of the original building, the Gellért Baths date back to the 13th century. An increase in visitors led to the construction of a new building in 1894, but the current spa opened in 1918. It is remarkable for its Art Nouveau style architecture, featuring a glass domed main hall, sculptures and stained glass. Today’s visitors can enjoy a range of spa facilities, as well as steam rooms and outdoor bathing.
It is also possible to tour the building without using the spa. For a visit with a difference you can go beneath the baths to explore a secret passageway and see the source of the thermal springs. And, of course, enjoy a relaxing soak afterwards…
The Lukács Thermal Bath
The Lukács Baths go back to the days of the Knights Hospitaller. It was later used by Turkish occupiers, and you can still see the remains of an Ottoman building inside the baths. By the 19th century they had become a popular meeting place for writers and artists, and the whole complex was updated in 2012. The building is more modest than those of the Széchenyi or Gellért baths, but for this reason you are likely to find more locals and fewer tourists here.
A whole range of medicinal, therapeutic and leisure facilities are available. The Lukács Baths are also known for their bath parties (or “sparties”), which take place on Saturday nights during the summer and feature live music and entertainment!
Entrance to the Lukács Spa is free to Budapest Card holders.
Taking The Waters In Budapest
There are a few things you need to bear in mind when visiting a spa in Budapest:
- Nudity is not permitted in any of Budapest’s baths.
- Some baths may have single-sex days (or sessions) – make sure you check in advance.
- Children under the age of 14 are not permitted in the hot baths.
- Most places have both indoor and outdoor pools, and there may be different tickets for each.
- You can generally spend several hours, or even a whole day, in the baths, taking advantage of the different facilities, restaurants and cafés, etc. If you are looking for specific treatments it is advisable to book in advance.
1 thought on “The Hot Springs And Thermal Baths Of Budapest”
Hi Karen, hope you will have a chance to visit Szechenyi Baths next time, and share how you liked the pools.