If you’re unsure of how to choose, start with Szechenyi Bath—Budapest’s largest, grandest, and busiest thermal bath. I’m one of them. The Szechenyi Thermal Bath is the largest outdoor thermal bath in Europe and the first thermal bath of Pest. This plunge primer will dampen your fears about coed nudity, tipping, and mean masseuses. It has more thermal and medicinal water springs than any other capital city in the world so if you’re looking for a thermal bath… Budapest Houses of Parliament at night. And, ultimately, is it worth it? Give yourself time, move slowly, breathe deeply, float, unplug. Younger couples or friends meet at Gellért or Király, the latter of which has dark stone walls and skylights whose perforations look like stars (a long-overdue renovation and expansion of this Turkish-style bath is set to be complete in 2020). the best baths with little ones is perhaps off the city center of Budapest in the north of the city to be more precise, but is usually a huge fun for families: as April can be on the cool side it is a good choice to visit the water theme park in Budapest which has many child pools and slides (the name is Aqua World) Speaking is certainly not forbidden, but unless you’re in an outdoor area of a bathhouse complex, do keep conversations low. Take a dip in one of the leading natural hot spring spa baths in Budapest at Gellért Thermal Baths. A great way to pamper yourself and soothe your sore muscles after a day of exploring the city is to hit up one of the local baths and take a dip in their hot therapeutic waters. Why You Should Visit Budapest in Spring, Summer, and Fall How does it all work? Some Hungarians call the baths “water monasteries” for a reason. Planning Your Visit to Budapest's Baths. Aquaworld. The summer in Budapest is long and hot, fall crisp and bright, and spring generally sunny. Budapest Baths FAQ Answer 1 of 11: We are thinking of either visiting Gellert or Szchenyl baths when we visit Budapest in a couple of weeks time. There are so many things to do in Budapest, yet some people choose to spend most of their time in Szechenyi Baths, the best thermal spa in the city. We arrive from 29th December to 2nd january. Contains 18 different pools (thermal pools, steam baths, plunge pools, fitness pool, etc.). And never forget that, indeed, simply hanging out is what you’re here to do. Hidden inside a hospital just off the Danube, you’ll find the Veli Bej Baths. The baths open at 6AM and you’ll pretty much have the entire place to to yourselves (aside from a few locals here and there). If you only have time to visit one of the baths while in Budapest, I would recommend Széchenyi. With many thermal springs, Budapest is rich in thermal waters with healing qualities; visit the Széchenyi Fürdő – the largest medicinal bath in the world and one of Europe’s largest public baths – and soak in one of the 18 pools (15 have spring-fed water! This is the City of Baths after all, and the 123 geothermal springs bubbling in caves under its hills and vales have soothed and healed locals, visitors, even invaders since the Romans settled here nearly 2,000 years ago. Szechenyi Baths is a world famous and really popular spa, that makes it one of the most significant tourist destinations in the Hungarian capital.The bath is on the bucket list of every tourist visiting Hungary, so I cannot tell you a time when only a few people are there. So early morning is probably the best time to visit. Like it or not, nudity is no longer accepted. Hot Spring Baths in Budapest Szechenyi Baths are the biggest baths complex in Budapest and a must experience. However, my favourite time was around 1 hour before sunset. That gives you plenty of options to get your relaxation on. The Széchenyi baths is one of the largest natural thermal baths in Budapest. However, my favourite time was around 1 hour before sunset. Or go where the locals go: Less ornate baths like Lukács are where … #18 of 167 Spas & Wellness in Budapest. What to bring? My favorite thing about Budapest is its plethora of thermal baths. Whether you’re going for a full range of massages and wellness treatments, or just stopping in for a steam and a quick dip, there are baths throughout the city designed in a wide range of styles. I am staying on Fri, Sat and Sun at the end of May. My top picks are the Széchenyi Baths and Géllert Baths. Gellért Baths. Visit the Baths. 31,358 Views. Did you know that there are 118 mineral pools in Budapest? Visit the Baths. Bathers have submerged basked in the Budapest springs since the 16th century, when the Turkish occupation of Hungary established a bath culture around the thermal hotspots. You can avoid some of it by booking in advance: Some established baths now offer online tickets, which saves time waiting in lines, and the separate costs are spelled out a little more clearly. For more popular baths such as Széchenyi and Gellert, it’s suggested that you arrive as soon as the baths open in the morning to avoid the crowd. Budapest is well known for its stunning architecture, delicious food, and of course, thermal baths. Answer 1 of 6: Good afternoon all you Budapest experts!, A group of us will be visiting the glorious Hungarian capital for the first time over the Easter weekend! Do you want good weather for your trip? In the 12th century the Knights of St. John settled near the site of the present Lukacs Baths, using the thermal water to heal the sick. However, the real experience is pretty down-to-earth. Below, some answers: No, nudity is not required; in fact, Budapest’s baths no longer allow it, as most went coed within the past decade. When I read the reviews on trip advisor it seems to say they get very crowded and busy. The Thermal Baths Budapest was awarded the title of “spa city” in 1934 and rightfully so, with over 130 thermal springs pumping out 70 million liters of water daily. But they’re also there to shoot the breeze and famously play floating chess in the steaming outdoor pools. Answer 1 of 6: Good afternoon all you Budapest experts!, A group of us will be visiting the glorious Hungarian capital for the first time over the Easter weekend! We were initially swayed by the cheaper flights, but visiting Budapest in March offers many other benefits. Most baths are quiet zones. And of course that means you’ll have to contend with the crowds at this large, but undeniably picturesque, outdoor thermal bath. Often crowded - come early or late. In the main Thermal Baths of Budapest all days are mixed, so you don’t need to plan ahead for coed visits. You don’t want to be wandering around too much in the freezing cold in your swim suit! A visit to Budapest is not complete without a visit to this Budapest landmark. Whichever season you go, the mornings see the least crowds at Szechenyi. Verdict: Best Budapest thermal baths If you’re young and looking for a fun time, then I think that the best bath house Budapest has for you is Szechenyi. When I read the reviews on trip advisor it seems to say they get very crowded and busy. The layout of larger baths like Széchenyi and Gellért can be utterly labyrinthine and their price lists seem to follow the same baffling patterns—half- or full-day? It also happens to be the city’s first bath, dating back to 1913. What about tipping? However, with its sights spread all over the place, the city absorbs large influxes of tourists better than most. Whitsunday Opening Hours in Budapest Baths, Whitmonday Opening Hours in Budapest Baths. Skip the line and purchase tickets online. When I read the reviews on trip advisor it seems to say they get very crowded and busy. If you really want to feel the spirit of local traditions, you should visit the Széchenyi Thermal Baths in winter. It’s about community and tradition, wet and mostly undressed. Budapest attracts a lot of visitors at the height of summer. So plan to bring along the following: Shower before a bath session. Or go where the locals go: Less ornate baths like Lukács are where … This can kick a hangover, they say. Baths Budapest Best time to visit the Gellert Baths. Easy to get to by the subway. Mid and late afternoons are more popular with tourists, especially in the summer months (from June to September). You can try two other Ottoman baths in Budapest: the Rudas Spa is located between the Király and the Gellért Baths in district I. in Buda, The Rácz Bath and Thermal Hotel is next to it at the Buda end of Erzsébet Bridge, the Veli Bej is in the vicinity of the Lukács Bath in north Buda. However, summer means you can enjoy Széchenyi … Inside the complex, you can find 15 indoor pools, three huge outdoor pools, and saunas. ... One of the greatest pleasures of winter in Budapest must surely be the city’s spectacular thermal baths. So, if you want to pick the best time of the day, we recommend visiting the baths earlier in the day, either in the morning around 10am, or around noon, e.g. Often crowded - come early or late. October 11, 2016 Honestly, I think the best time to visit Budapest’s baths depends on you. Answer 1 of 11: We are thinking of either visiting Gellert or Szchenyl baths when we visit Budapest in a couple of weeks time. It would also be a refreshing start to the rest of your day if you head there early. The century-old tiles and vaulted ceiling of the Gellért baths and the distinctive wedding-cake yellow palaces of the Széchenyi baths date to the late Austro-Hungarian empire and are grandly Beaux-Arts and neo-baroque. That gives you plenty of options to get your relaxation on. Most baths have decent restaurants or a cafeteria, and it's possible to spend a whole day there. There are many different types of baths in the city and it's up to you to choose where to enjoy a relaxing thermal bath and spa. I spent a little over a week in Budapest and initially intended to visit every thermal spa within the city. The Best Thermal Bath For Night-Bathing. The Weather in Budapest If you want to experience the best thermal baths in the city, here are some of the hotspots that you can check out. For a long time it was only available in summer with open-air pools, but recently they opened an indoor section as well, and it is still not as crowded as some of the town baths. You get to see the spas in the day, during sunset and at night. Opening hours vary by bath, but most are open from early morning through early evening. Relax and cool off in between. Best time to visit the Thermal Baths in Budapest. You get to see the spas in the day, during sunset and at night. It’s the biggest thermal bath in the city and provides a complete bath-experience. Szechenyi and Gellert are among the best thermal baths in Budapest – visit at least one of them! Some people want to visit the popular baths in Budapest off peak hours, or when they are less touristy. Soon, the thermal baths in Budapest became a must-see. Work from medium-warm baths to hotter ones. If you’re looking to relax in hot water in incredibly beautiful surroundings, then I think that the best Budapest hot baths are … Some people want to visit the popular baths in Budapest off peak hours, or when they are less touristy. Budapest sits on a total of 123 thermal springs that pump out natural mineral-rich water. 118! ), Frequently asked questions and answers for Budapest baths – please follow our guide / FAQ …. Except for Rudas, all Budapest baths are coed and require a bathing suit. Dear Jo, Budapest is famous for its thermal spas, and so it’s no wonder that a visit to the Szechenyi Thermal Baths is arguably the most popular thing to do in Budapest. Photo: lbolya – Flickr / CC BY 2.0 Dating back to 1918, The Gellért Thermal Baths is part of the Danubius Hotel Gellért Budapest, a landmark in the Buda side of Budapest. Understand your body’s limits: If you feel dizzy, get out and cool down. This moment was also used to give the Széchenyi bath house a new look. Veli Bej Baths. It also happens to be the city’s first bath, dating back to 1913. Why Winter is the Best Time to Visit Budapest. I’ve asked 11 travel bloggers when they decided to visit Budapest and what the pros and cons of travelling to the city during that month of the year.. Don’t worry I’ve not missed a month out, I visited in January last year so I’ve included why I think January is the best time to visit! Avoid the tourist rush and go to the larger baths as early as you can, even at 6 a.m., when most open; or linger on Friday or Saturday nights at Rudas, which stays open past midnight. The Széchenyi baths were constructed at the end of the 19th century by drilling up natural water. Budapest, Fő u. However, Budapest has something to offer all year, even during the the hot summers and frigid winters. Széchenyi Thermal Baths. See details below on Rudas. Visiting Budapest in the winter, particularly around the Christmas season, is also lovely. It’s recommended to stay in a thermal bath for 20 minutes, then rest on a recliner. Think about it! Like Rudas … Opening times vary depending on the day of the week, and many baths now open at night on the weekends. TIP: If you want to avoid queuing, go in the early morning. Still, the best time to visit is probably early or late summer when the weather's not too hot to enjoy the thermal baths! Have a great time in Budapest. The original Roman baths remain only as archeological sites, but they kicked off centuries of soaking. Weekends are more crowded,too so to have some more personal space in the thermal spa baths, you may wish to schedule your bath visit for a weekday (any week day open, from Monday to Friday). 2 Comments 465 reviews. Dagaly Baths – child friendly lido in Budapest. Rudas Baths address: Budapest, Döbrentei tér 9, 1013 Hungary After pondering which was the best baths to visit in Budapest, I opted for Rudas Baths for my thermal bath experience. While the therapeutic effects of the calcium, magnesium, and bromine-laden waters might be medically disputable, floating weightless in hot water in a subdued atmosphere is simply relaxing. If you only have time to visit one of the baths while in Budapest, I would recommend Széchenyi. The baths are co-ed. There are few places in the world where thermal baths are as popular as in Budapest. Palatinus Thermal Baths. Guy groups spend the men’s days lounging at the atmospheric Rudas, under a domed and vaulted interior built in the 16th century by an Ottoman pasha and in continuous operation since the year 1572 (it was tastefully renovated in 2014). The heavily decorated, stunning façade of Szechenyi Baths gives a promise of luxurious spa treatment. In the vintage baths, especially Széchenyi, retirees often meet at dawn in the various saunas and springs to fulfill their “bath prescriptions.” (The water allegedly cures arthritis and other joint ailments, as well as pretty much everything else. But due to budget and an interest in seeing other aspects of the city, I only made it to one. Often crowded - come early or late. Baths Budapest: Budapest thermal bath guide with medicinal pools, spas, hot spring baths. Spa treatments abound and you should indulge; there’s nothing quite like a vigorous Hungarian massage, mud therapy, or soapy hammam session to literally beat or scrub the tension and toxins out of a weary body. The baths are less crowded in winter, and it’s pretty cool to soak outside in steaming hot water, while snowflakes fall around you. Home to HUGE Saturday night parties in the summer months. But winter has its offerings too, with sprinklings of snow only enhancing the city’s enchanting skyline. Answer 1 of 11: We are thinking of either visiting Gellert or Szchenyl baths when we visit Budapest in a couple of weeks time. Your email address will not be published. 1 pm. The stunning environment, the many thermal baths, saunas and steam cabins are definitely worth a visit. Plenty of picture opportunities – and it’s a surreal experience during sunset. Sz échenyi Fürdő: Budapest is known for its thermal baths. As a transitional season between winter festivities ending and Easter on the horizon, crowds were minimal. Balneology, the study of mineral hot springs and their medicinal effects, is an official thing.) Yes, tickets will be available only on the spot between 24th Dec 2019 and 7th Jan 2020. 84, 1027 Hungary. More like a water park than a thermal bath, Palatinus Strand Baths’ numerous outdoor pools make it an ideal spot to head to during summer. (Rudas Baths the only thermal Baths which offers men only and women only days on weekdays. Price: Admission starts at 2,400 HUF. Another lovely traditional bath that you should visit if you enjoy rich history and a well- equipped bath is … Thank you for your comment. If you’re unsure of how to choose, start with Szechenyi Bath—Budapest’s largest, grandest, and busiest thermal bath. For years, I’ve been thinking that winter was the best time to visit Budapest, to enjoy the outdoor thermal pools in Szechenyi. Should you want to choose the best time of the day, we suggest to visit the baths either in the morning at around 10 am, or around noon. So early morning is probably the best time to visit. Or, alternately, dip quickly into a cool pool or take a cold shower, both of which revive circulation and act as a “reset” for the next round. The one exception: Rudas bath, where men wear little aprons on men’s days, which are held every weekday but Tuesday, which is women’s day; weekends are for mixed crowds. Answer 1 of 6: Good afternoon all you Budapest experts!, A group of us will be visiting the glorious Hungarian capital for the first time over the Easter weekend! Budapest’s thermal baths are popular all year. It’s the biggest thermal bath in the city and provides a complete bath-experience. With cabin or without? Here are some highlights of Budapest Thermal Baths. Required fields are marked *. Should you want to choose the best time of the day, we suggest to visit the baths either in the morning at around 10 am, or around noon. For all the historical, architectural, and demographic differences in Budapest’s baths, a few universal questions plague the uninitiated. Otherwise, head there at nigh t for a cool experience. Web Visit website. The baths are less crowded in winter, and it’s pretty cool to soak outside in steaming hot water, while snowflakes fall around you. Budapest sits on around 125 thermal springs (70 million litres of thermal water a day) and its nickname, since 1934, has been ‘the city of baths’. (Remember that 37 degrees Celsius is body temperature; in many baths the temperature is marked, in Celsius, in tiles on the wall; the hottest is usually 40 degrees, or 104 degrees Fahrenheit.) The best time to visit Budapest is in the early fall (September and October) or late spring (May). If you really want to feel the spirit of local traditions, you should visit the Széchenyi Thermal Baths … Answer 1 of 11: We are thinking of either visiting Gellert or Szchenyl baths when we visit Budapest in a couple of weeks time. The thermal waters were first documented by the Romans in the 2nd century. Even if many have claimed it to be extremely touristy, it is definitely still a must-visit for first-timers to Budapest. Dramatic history, thermal baths, buzzy 'ruin' bars – an expert guide to Budapest ... Best time to go. These Budapest pool parks (lidos) are close to the city center, and have lots of fun pools specifically designed for kids of all ages, plus there are various baths with thermal water for parents too. While all these things are available to rent on site, lines can be long and dispensed towels can be more like bedsheets than absorbent terry. 118! And for Budapesters, communal baths have long been a place to both unwind and socialize; tales abound of communist-era whisper deals cut in a haze of thick, drippy fog. It is a Budapest thermal bath that the whole family can enjoy. Saunas and steam rooms are common, too. While it may not … Answer 1 of 3: I am staying at the Gellert hotel, so I will pay a visit to the baths. Easy to get to by the subway. Plenty of picture opportunities – and it’s a surreal experience during sunset. >>Next: Plan Your Trip With AFAR’s Ultimate Budapest Travel Guide, The United States Just Got a New National Park, All Travelers to U.S. Will Need Negative COVID Test, Americans Have Traveled to Mexico Throughout COVID, Sign up for the Daily Wander newsletter for expert travel inspiration and tips, Economy Just Got Some Major Upgrades on JetBlue’s Newest Plane, How to Win at Travel With Chase Ultimate Rewards, How to Earn, Redeem, and Maximize Marriott Bonvoy Points. the best baths with little ones is perhaps off the city center of Budapest in the north of the city to be more precise, but is usually a huge fun for families: as April can be on the cool side it is a good choice to visit the water theme park in Budapest which has many child pools and slides (the name is Aqua World) Hammam-style baths with octagonal main pools, like Rudas and Király, date to the 150-year Ottoman occupation era (1541–1699). The best time to visit baths are usually on weekdays; admission is usually slightly lower and the baths are far less crowded during this time. Listen to the lapping water and just think. the best time to visit I know it’s not fun to wake up early when you’re on vacation but if you can, I highly recommend visiting Szechenyi Baths early in the morning. The cultural experience of visiting Budapest’s grand spas, like Szechenyi, should not be missed. If you’re looking for a traditional Turkish bathhouse, Rudas Baths is the spot to visit. When I read the reviews on trip advisor it seems to say they get very crowded and busy. For most tourists, Spring, Summer and Fall are the best times to visit Budapest. Your email address will not be published. Several baths are situated within walking distance of metro stations. Széchenyi Medical Thermal Bath– One of the largest bathing complexes in all of Europe and certainly the most popular in Budapest. Best Thermal Baths in Budapest – Palatinus Thermal Baths – The One On the Island The ‘Pala’, as locals call it, is located in the heart of the Margaret Island, the green refuge of Budapest. As one of the tourists wrote in their Szechenyi Baths review on a travel forum “We were there today, arrived at 1.30pm, and by 3.30pm it was chock-full of tourists. Families with children are best to visit one of the open air lidos of Budapest, especially Palatinus Pools on Margaret Island and Dagaly Lido close to Arpad Bridge. Entrance to most of the older thermal baths in Budapest cost between 10 and 20 euros. Answer 1 of 6: Good afternoon all you Budapest experts!, A group of us will be visiting the glorious Hungarian capital for the first time over the Easter weekend! The Gellért Baths are an institution in Budapest for their Art Deco architecture and the … Best time to visit Szechenyi baths. May 1, 2019 - Szechenyi Baths are the best in Budapest, with thermal pools, saunas and everything else you need to feel like a Roman. Enjoy. Relax in the thermal pool at Rudas Baths, built in the 16th century © Sarah Coghill / Lonely Planet. Unfortunately, the original source got exhausted soon and a new drilling was made at the beginning of the 20th century. Beyond the obvious soothing qualities of hot water, there’s a strange intimacy and sense of tolerance and ritual to the Budapest bath experience, one that’s clearly endured for many centuries and won’t stop anytime soon. JayWay Travel Blog » Hungary » Budapest » Budapest’s Best Spas No visit to Budapest is complete without a leisurely soak at one of the city’s legendary baths. Honestly, I think the best time to visit Budapest’s baths depends on you. Hot Spring Baths in Budapest Szechenyi Baths are the biggest baths complex in Budapest and a must experience. As a rule of thumb, kids under 14 are prohibited to use the thermal baths (except for the 3 open air pools with constant parental supervision), while children over 14 can use the thermal baths for a limited time to avoid medical complications. The Király, the Irgalmasok Veli Bej, and the Rudas Medicinal Bath, for example, are all still in operation and welcome bathers in Budapest, while the Rác is set to reopen its doors in the future. Budapest baths have a past. Get directions. The Széchenyi complex was built in 1913 and worth seeing at the very least for its gorgeous neo-Baroque architecture and decoration. Two good towels—one to use during the bath and one to dry off with after the last shower, A swimming cap, if you intend to use a bath’s conventional swimming pool, Your own soap and hair products; there are no spa-style dispensers here, And lastly, a pair of flip-flops—floor tiles can be hot, and catching a foot fungus is no fun.