Budapest is often called "The City of Spas", and for a good reason! With over 100 natural hot springs running beneath the city, it boasts some of the most famous and luxurious thermal baths in the world. Whether you’re looking to relax in historic pools, experience unique medicinal waters, or enjoy a lively spa party, Budapest has a bathhouse to suit every traveler’s needs.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll take you through the best thermal baths in Budapest, what makes each one special, and how to choose the right one for your visit.
🏛️ Why Does Budapest Have So Many Thermal Baths?
Budapest sits on a geological fault line, which allows mineral-rich thermal waters to flow naturally to the surface. The city’s spa culture dates back to Roman times, but it truly flourished under the Ottoman occupation (16th-17th centuries), when the Turks built some of the most beautiful bathhouses, many of which are still in use today.
💡 Benefits of Budapest’s Thermal Waters:
✔️ Rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and sulfates
✔️ Relieves muscle pain and joint stiffness
✔️ Improves circulation and promotes relaxation
✔️ Traditional healing therapies for arthritis and skin conditions
♨️ The 6 Best Thermal Baths in Budapest
1️⃣ Széchenyi Thermal Bath – The Iconic Yellow Palace
📍 Location: City Park (Városliget)
🏛️ Style: Neo-Baroque (built in 1913)
💧 Water Temperature: 27°C – 38°C (81°F – 100°F)
💡 Why Visit?
✔️ The largest thermal bath complex in Europe
✔️ Outdoor pools open year-round, even in winter
✔️ Famous for the "chess players" soaking in steaming water
✔️ Offers medicinal pools, saunas, and spa treatments
🔥 Best For: First-time visitors, social atmosphere, and outdoor relaxation
Pro Tip: Visit early in the morning or in the evening for fewer crowds. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a Sparty (spa party) on weekends, where the pools transform into a nightclub with DJs and light shows!
2️⃣ Gellért Thermal Bath – Art Nouveau Elegance
📍 Location: Gellért Hill
🏛️ Style: Art Nouveau (built in 1918)
💧 Water Temperature: 26°C – 40°C (79°F – 104°F)
💡 Why Visit?
✔️ One of the most beautiful thermal baths in the world
✔️ Stunning stained glass windows, mosaics, and marble columns
✔️ Indoor and outdoor pools with gentle wave therapy
✔️ Luxurious spa treatments available
🔥 Best For: Architecture lovers, couples, and a relaxing, upscale experience
Pro Tip: Unlike other baths, Gellért has separate men’s and women’s thermal sections on certain days. Check the schedule before visiting!
3️⃣ Rudas Thermal Bath – The Authentic Ottoman Experience
📍 Location: Buda side, near the Danube
🏛️ Style: Ottoman (built in the 16th century)
💧 Water Temperature: 16°C – 42°C (61°F – 108°F)
💡 Why Visit?
✔️ One of the oldest and most authentic Turkish baths in Budapest
✔️ Beautiful octagonal pool under a domed ceiling with colorful skylights
✔️ Offers a rooftop hot tub with stunning views over the Danube
✔️ Therapeutic thermal waters recommended for joint pain and arthritis
🔥 Best For: History lovers, solo travelers, and a truly traditional experience
Pro Tip: Men-only days (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday) and women-only days (Tuesday) are still in place for the thermal area. But the rooftop and wellness sections are open to both genders daily!
4️⃣ Lukács Thermal Bath – The Local’s Favorite
📍 Location: Buda side, near Margaret Bridge
🏛️ Style: Classical & Modern (built in the 19th century)
💧 Water Temperature: 22°C – 40°C (72°F – 104°F)
💡 Why Visit?
✔️ Less touristy, more local atmosphere
✔️ Known for its healing waters, used by monks for centuries
✔️ Outdoor pools, saunas, and salt therapy rooms
✔️ Offers a free drinking fountain with mineral-rich water
🔥 Best For: Budget travelers, wellness seekers, and avoiding tourist crowds
Pro Tip: If you buy a Budapest Card, entry to Lukács Bath is free!
5️⃣ Király Thermal Bath – Hidden Gem with Ottoman Charm
📍 Location: Buda side, near Batthyány Square
🏛️ Style: Ottoman (built in the 16th century)
💧 Water Temperature: 26°C – 40°C (79°F – 104°F)
💡 Why Visit?
✔️ One of Budapest’s smallest and most intimate baths
✔️ Dark, moody interior with historic Ottoman architecture
✔️ Perfect for those who prefer quiet, less crowded baths
🔥 Best For: Couples, history lovers, and a relaxing escape from busy tourist spots
Pro Tip: Unlike Rudas, Király does not have outdoor pools, so it's best suited for winter visits!
6️⃣ Palatinus Thermal Bath – Best Outdoor Pools
📍 Location: Margaret Island
🏛️ Style: Modern (originally built in 1919)
💧 Water Temperature: 26°C – 36°C (79°F – 97°F)
💡 Why Visit?
✔️ The best open-air thermal bath in Budapest
✔️ Wave pool and waterslides for families
✔️ Surrounded by greenery on peaceful Margaret Island
🔥 Best For: Summer visits, families, and outdoor relaxation
Pro Tip: Combine your bath visit with a walk or bike ride around Margaret Island!
💡 How to Choose the Right Thermal Bath for You
| Bath | Best For | Style | Crowds | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Széchenyi | First-timers, social vibes | Neo-Baroque | High | Largest bath, outdoor pools, spa parties |
| Gellért | Luxury, couples | Art Nouveau | Medium | Stunning interiors, wave pool |
| Rudas | History lovers, rooftop views | Ottoman | Medium | Traditional Turkish bath, panoramic rooftop |
| Lukács | Budget travelers, locals | Classical/Modern | Low | Free with Budapest Card, salt therapy |
| Király | Quiet, intimate experience | Ottoman | Low | Small, atmospheric, historic charm |
| Palatinus | Families, outdoor fun | Modern | Medium | Wave pool, summer-friendly |
✅ Final Thoughts
Budapest’s thermal baths are a must-visit experience! Whether you prefer historic Turkish baths, lively outdoor pools, or a luxurious spa retreat, there’s a bathhouse perfect for you.