Thermal baths — Know Before You Go

Two towels folded on top of each other

What to Bring and Wear

Thermal baths in Budapest require visitors to wear swimsuits and bring towels and a pair of flip-flops. They will charge you excessive prices if you buy them on the spot. You are not required to wear swimming caps for most baths except for lap swimming pools.

When to Visit

The thermal baths are open year-round, but it's the most enjoyable soaking in the warm waters in the winter season.

The more popular baths are often crowded, which can reduce the enjoyment factor of your visit. If you go on weekdays versus weekends and the early morning hours versus later in the day, you have higher odds of avoiding crowds.

Facilities and Services

Each thermal bath in Budapest offers different facilities and amenities, such as indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms, and various services like massages, pedicures, or other treatments.

How Long to Stay

3-4 hours is more than enough to try every pool, sauna, and point of interest in any thermal bath.

Water Temperature

Water temperature varies between 30 and 40 degrees Celcius (86 to 104 Fahrenheit). You can check the exact temperature on a sign near any pool.

Brief History of Thermal Baths in Budapest

A black and white photo of a man in a bathing suit

Budapest's thermal baths have a rich history dating back to the Roman Empire. The city's natural hot springs were discovered and used for therapeutic purposes by the Romans, who built the first public baths on the site.

The thermal baths continued to be used throughout the centuries by various cultures and empires that controlled the city, including the Ottomans, who built several grand bathhouses during their rule.

The thermal baths experienced a surge of popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when several grand bathhouses were built, such as the Széchenyi and Gellért baths, which are still in operation today.

Today, Budapest's thermal baths are a popular tourist attraction and a cultural heritage site - one of them (Gellért Baths) is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are thermal baths safe in Budapest?

Yes — every thermal bath is safe for all genders. The "Sparty" in Széchenyi Thermal Baths has negative reviews from women.

Are thermal baths in Budapest free?

No — none of the thermal baths are free. However, entrance to Rudas is free if you have the Budapest card.

Are the Szechenyi baths worth it?

Yes — Széchenyi is the #1 most popular thermal bath in Hungary. However, some travelers are annoyed by the crowds and how touristy it is. The solution is to go before noon when it's emptier.

Do you need flip-flops for Budapest baths?

Yes — You must bring flip flops, towels, and a swimsuit (nude bathing is not allowed in any bath). You can buy the latter two at the entrance, but they are expensive.

What do you wear to a thermal bath?

A normal swimsuit will do (nude bathing is not allowed in any bath).

Which is the best bath to visit in Budapest?

  1. Széchenyi Thermal Baths
  2. Gellért Thermal Baths
  3. Rudas Thermal Baths
  4. Palatinus Baths
  5. Király Thermal Baths
  6. Lukács Thermal Baths
  7. Veli Bej Thermal Baths
  8. Dandár Thermal Baths