Budapest is also known as the city of spas . Here there are over one hundred thermal springs and the establishments are very popular with citizens and tourists, who flock them every day both in summer and in winter. All kinds of meetings take place at the Budapest spas, from business meetings to chess matches, from romantic dates to family celebrations. In short, going to the spa is a tradition that every self-respecting tourist must, at least once, experience personally. in this article we provide you with valuable tips for visiting the spas in Budapest , but also information on the best establishments, with info on prices, timetables and means to reach them.
SEE ALSO : What to see in Budapest
Useful tips for visiting the spas of Budapest
- They can be visited all year round : the thermal baths can be visited in any season.
- Night opening : some spas offer evening opening; therefore, especially in the case of short stays in Budapest, it is advisable to dedicate the mornings and afternoons to the exploration of museums and monuments, and the evenings to relax at the spa.
- What to bring : swimsuit, towel or bathrobe, slippers, and if you want to use the pools, a cap. It is possible to get the necessary directly inside the thermal baths, but it is not recommended due to the endless queues.
- Skip-the-line ticket : as already mentioned, queues are a real problem. Both the one for the entrance and the one for having towels etc. Therefore, the online purchase of a skip-the-line ticket is highly recommended.
- Spas without costume : some spas allow access to the sauna even without a costume, but only in areas / days exclusively dedicated to men or women (in mixed spas it is always mandatory to wear a costume).
The best spas in Budapest
Establishment Address Cost of ticket Szechenyi Allatkerti krt. 9-11 from 7,000 florins – approx. € 20.00
Gellert Kelenhegyi ut 4 from 5600 florins – approx. € 17.00
Lukacs Frankel Leo u. 25-29 of 3000 florins – approx. € 10.00
Kiraly Fo u. 84 from 2300 florins – approx. € 7.50
Rudas Dobrentei ter 9 from 2000 florins – approx. € 6.50
Dagaly Nepfurdo u. 36 of 2000 forints – approx. € 6.50
Dandar Dandar u. 5-7 of 2200 florins – approx. € 7.00
Veli Bej Arpad Fejedelem u. 7 of 2,800 forint – around € 8.00
Csillaghegy Pusztakuti u.2-6 of 1800 forint – around € 5.70
Danubius
Health Margitsziget Budapest-Margitsziget from 4900 forint – around € 16.00
1 – Szechenyian establishment very popular with both citizens and visitors to the city. The Szechenyi baths, in addition to being much loved, are also among the largest and oldest in all of Europe , in fact they have been in operation as an establishment open to the public since 1881. What makes them so popular
First of all it must be said that they are located in the Varosliget public park, and can count on a huge outdoor swimming pool that can be used all year round, even in the cold season. A bath during the winter, perhaps during a snowfall, is a truly rejuvenating experience, both for the body and for the mind. The spas are very active even during the night hours, parties are often organized where you can dance in the pool.
To not miss the Szechenyi thermal baths, you can stay at the Mamaison Andrassy Budapest Hotel.
SEE ALSO : Visit to the Szechenyi Baths – how to get there, prices, advice
- Address : Allatkerti krt. 9-11 (Get directions)
- How to get there: trolleybus 72 (Szechenyi Furdo M stop), metro line 1 (Szechenyi Furdo stop)
- Hours: every day from 6 to 22
- Ticket price: daily entrance with locker 7,000 HUF (€ 20.00)
- Recommended cards, tickets and tours: Szechenyi Baths: 1 day priority pass
2 – Gellert
A great choice if you are short on time and don’t mind dealing with crowds of tourists. This establishment is a beautiful example of Art Nouveau architecture and is located in the city center. The building is embellished with numerous and wonderful mosaics, decorative stained glass windows, ceramics and statues. There is also an outdoor swimming pool, ideal especially in summer to be able to relax while being in the heart of Budapest. The establishment carries out excellent marketing campaigns and offers additional services, including Thai massages and private baths . An accommodation near the Gellert thermal baths could be the Danubius Hotel Gellert, a short distance from the establishments.
- Address : Kelenhegyi ut 4 (Get Directions)
- How to get there: tram 18, 19, 47 and 49 (Szent Gellert ter stop) or bus 7, 7A and 86 (Szent Gellert ter stop)
- Hours: every day from 6 to 20
- Prices : between € 17.00 and € 18.00 (starting from 5600 florins, varies according to the day and the services requested)
3 – Lukacs
Photo of Christo. Originally used for the treatment of the sick (the properties of its thermal waters have been known since the 22nd century), today they represent one of the most popular wellness centers in Budapest, among citizens and tourists. Not just baths and beauty treatments: the mineral water of the Lukacs spa seems to have important beneficial effects on the digestive system , in particular on the stomach and intestines. The most comfortable hotel solutions to stay near these spas can be the Hotel Csaszar and the Hotel Regnum Residence.
- Address : Frankel Leo u. 25-29 (Get directions)
- How to get there: by bus 6, 60 and 86 (Margit hid stop), tram 4, 6 and 17 (Margit hid stop)
- Hours: every day from 6 to 22
- Prices : daily admission including locker costs 3,000 florins, approximately € 10.00. Those in possession of the Budapest Card enter for free.
4 – Kiraly
Photo of Christo. The name of these thermal baths in Hungarian means “king” and is also the surname of the family of German origins that took care of the restructuring of the rooms, which took place at the end of the eighteenth century. The Kiraly baths do not rise directly on a spring but receive the hot waters from the Lukacs baths through an aqueduct. Originally the entry of men and women was only allowed at different times, this rule is no longer in force, so you will be able to enjoy a little relaxation even in the company of your partner, even if a solitary spa experience could be equally beneficial. Those wishing to try the Kiraly spa can stay at the Novotel Budapest Danube Hotel and the Regnum Residence Hotel.
- Address : Fo u. 84 (Get Directions)
- How to get there: the plant is served by tram 19 and bus 60 and 86
- Hours: every day from 9 to 21
- Prices : daily admission including locker costs 2,300 florins, approximately € 7.50
5 – Rudas
Photo by Christo. Right on the banks of the Danube stands this spa, the one that offers the best view over the city. It is one of the original baths founded by the Turks , built in the sixteenth century, and offers a truly suggestive environment: when the sun enters the cracks in the dome overlooking the octagonal pool it creates an almost magical effect, making the bathrooms the ideal place for a break from everything. At these spas, men and women can access the pools on the same days, while for the Turkish bath there are dedicated days and times. During the weekend it is possible to relax at night as the pools are open until 4 in the morning.
- Address : Dobrentei ter 9 (Get directions)
- How to get there: by taking bus 5, 7, 8 and 86 or tram 18 and 19
- Hours: the pools are open every day from 6 to 22, the turkish bath is open every day from 6 to 20 (and accessible by women and men separately, women can access on Tuesday, men on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday It’s Friday)
- Prices : admissions from € 6.50 (200 florins) and can vary up to a maximum of € 20.00 (6200 florins).
- Recommended cards, tickets and tours: Visit to the Rudas Baths with gastronomic experience
6 – Dagaly
Photo of Christo. They are more modern spas that have been designed to look almost like a water park . Even children will find the Dagaly thermal baths fun, not only because there are 8 swimming pools, with water at different temperatures and in different shapes, but also for the themed areas dedicated to them.
- Address : Nepfurdo u. 36 (Get Directions)
- Phone : +36 1 452 4556
- How to get there: use Metro line 3, tram 1 or bus 15 and 115
- Hours: every day from 6 to 20
- Prices : daily admission costs 2000 florins, around € 6.50
7 – Dandar
Photo by Globetrotter19. These baths too were originally created and used for health and curative purposes. Today considered one of the best spas in Budapest , they represent an excellent place where you can dedicate yourself to your well-being, thanks to the waters rich in calcium, magnesium and other precious minerals.
- Address : Dandar u. 5-7 (Get directions)
- Phone : +36 1 215 7084
- How to get there: by tram 2 and 24 and bus 23 and 54
- Hours: Monday to Friday from 6 to 20, Saturday from 6 to 18, Sunday from 6 to 14
- Prices : daily entrance with locker costs 2200 forints, around € 7.00, and a 2-hour ticket for 1500 forints (€ 4.5) is also available
8 – Veli Bej
Photo by Christo. If you ask a citizen of Budapest for directions to reach the Veli Bej thermal baths, probably no one will be able to answer you, but if you ask about the Csaszar Furdo (Bagno dei Cesari) they can help you. These baths were built by the Turks and still retain their splendid majesty, moreover they are an excellent alternative to the most popular spas, they are in fact equally valid but certainly less crowded.
- Address : Arpad Fejedelem u. 7 (Get directions)
- Phone : +36 1 438 8641
- How to get there: take tram 4 or 6 to Margaret Bridge and then take bus 86, 109 or 160 towards Csaszar-Komjadi Uszoda
- Hours: every day from 6 to 12 and from 15 to 21
- Prices : daily admission costs 2800 forints, around € 8.00
9 – Csillaghegyi Strandfurdo
Photo of Christo. The waters of this establishment are not really thermal, but still worth a visit as they are the oldest baths in the whole city . It has 3 swimming pools which remain open even during the winter season.
- Address : Pusztakuti u.2-6 (Get Directions)
- How to get there: you can use the suburban train (HEV) or bus 42
- Hours: from Tuesday to Saturday from 8 to 20
- Prices : daily admission including locker costs 1800 florins, approximately € 5.70
10 – Danubius Health Spa Resort Margitsziget
Photo by Thaler Tamas. This spa is located within the Danubius Health Spa Resort Margitsziget. Throughout the complex you will find both indoor and outdoor pools , as well as jacuzzis, saunas and Turkish baths. You can also enjoy massages and various beauty treatments.
- Address : Budapest-Margitsziget (Get directions)
- How to get there: it is possible to use tram 4 or 6 to the Margaret Bridge, from Margaret Island it is possible to take bus 26
- Hours: every day from 6.30 to 21.30
- Prices : admission costs 4900 florins, approximately € 16.00. There are special offers for entries after 7pm and on Wednesdays.
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