For those of us lucky enough to live in Budapest, having a spa on our doorstep is one of the major plus points of living in Hungary’s capital. Our favourite might depend on proximity – the Rudas, the Lukács, the Veli Bej and the Gellért all line the Buda embankment, where the Ottomans established baths around thermal sources 450 years ago. Note that the historic Gellért is currently closed for renovation, due to reopen in 2028.
We may be regulars at the palatial, Habsburg-era Széchenyi, allowing us to invest in a season ticket and so avoid the steep one-day price and the queue of tourists at the entrance. Packing our towels, flip-flops, dressing gown in winter and bank card for drinks and snacks inside, we copy the routine of locals who have been doing this for generations, opening and closing the sauna door quickly, and leaving loud conversation for the nearest bar afterwards. Be it your first or hundrendth time in Budapest, the baths are a must. Here are the best spas in Budapest.
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Is it worth visiting thermal baths in Budapest?
Along with experiencing the city’s other signature attractions (namely its ruin bars, coffeehouses and escape rooms), visiting the thermal baths is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Budapest. The spas offer healthy relaxation, fed by the natural waters that the Romans and the Turks took advantage of over the last two millennia. Don’t worry, you won’t be thrashed by birch sticks and needn’t – in fact, shouldn’t – go naked. Just follow the easy protocol, soak, swim and let yourself go.
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