Budapest baths
Thermal baths to be enjoyed in Budapest
One of the most amazing things about Budapest is the prevalence of thermal springs right in the heart of this beautiful city. There are over 118 springs supplying the citys spas and baths with over 15 million gallons of water daily ranging in temperature from 70 degrees to 170 degrees Fahrenheit which is (21-78°C).
The Gellert Budapest
The Bathhouses are at the heartbeat of Budapest, come wallow in the adult equivalent of waterworld where the locals have developed a passion for their thermal baths, a love breed deeply over two thousand years when the Turk invaders established the original Turkish baths that have retained most of their original character to this day. To the Hungarians the baths are like the pubs to the Irish, people come here to strip off their glad rags, to come and chat to friends, read newspapers and play chess. Many of you might have seen the typical scenes in the Szchenyi baths were chess players brood over their next move. Pleasure or health choice either ways these baths are engrossing and delighful to visit. . The “modern” baths of Budapest with their refreshing and healing water have become a refuge for weary souls looking for some relaxing times and revitalizing treatments for both body and soul. The myths about the complicated Hungarian bathing procedures should not discourage you from having this unique experience. Mainly the problem is with English. Older Hungarians cant speak it! But that not a problem if you know how it works!
Visting the Budapest Baths and getting ready!
This is what you’ll need at the thermal baths of Budapest:
A bag / a towel - some money, (to eat and drink, bathroom) - shower gel - a cap (or rent it at the bath) some baths require it for some of the pools - a pair of slippers to stay away from feet infections.
Tickets to the Budapest Baths & Fees
The typical entry fees to the Budapest thermal baths cost usually between 1000-3000 ft €4-€12 Euros, The Gellert and Szécsény thermal baths are the most expensive. This is the base price for entrance to the pools and baths. Massages and therapies and other treatments are extra and you will have to purchase at the booths before you enter the baths. Here is how the entrance fee system works.
You pay the full amount upfront and if you leave within so many hours i.e
if you leave within 2 hours you get back more i.e. (say 400 ft).
if you leave within 3 hours you get back a lesser amount (say 200 ft).
if you spend more than 3 hours you get back 0.
The báci and furdöneni otherwise known as the uncle or bath auntie are commonly also referred to as keymasters
What is their role, not sure entirely however I think it is a throw back to Communist self justification. The main thing for you to know is that you will be relying on them should you wish to choose a locker or cabin. If you want them to look after your stuff and get a modicum of service it is a good idea to tip them about 200 ft or so. At some baths you will get your own key and the keymaster doublelocks the cabin with his key. After you get changed you go to them and they will close the locker or cabin behind you.
Words of advice
- Be careful as some of the steam baths are very hot.
- Chill out after you visit the baths as your body will take time to get back to normal.
- I suggest spending as much time in the baths as you can 2 hours minimal.
Rules and common courtesy
- Be quiet and act in a calm manner at all times.
- You have to take a shower and wash yourself with soap before entering the baths and pools.
- At some baths swimming caps are mandatory
The Bathhouses are at the heartbeat of this city, come wallow in the adult equivalent of waterworld where the locals have developed a passion for their thermal baths, a love breed deeply over two thousand years when the Turk invaders established the original Turkish baths that have retained most of their original character to this day. All of the Turkish baths are located on the Budaside of the city and are fairly easy to reach either by walking, tram or by taking a taxi which will cost €10.
The bathing culture of Budapest is ancient. It started with the Romans who built the first baths over the hot springs on the harsh lands of Pannonia. After the Roman occupation the Turks invaded Hungary in the early middleages and brought with them their bathing traditions and knowledge that are still present in the ever popular Turkish baths of Budapest. The best Turkish baths in Budapest for tourists looking for interesting sights and experiances are probably the Kiraly and Rudas Thermal Baths with lovely character. Beside the beautiful architecture these baths have managed to keep a historic touch and atmosphere, an experience you will carry with you a long time for sure!
Rudas Bath
Location: Döbrentei tér 9. (Budapeside) at the foot of the Buda bridgehead of the Elizabeth bridge.Trams: 18, 19. Buses 5, 7, 8 and 86.
Open for Ladies: Tue 06.00 a.m. - 08.00 p.m. Sat - Sun 09.00 a.m. - 05.00 p.m.
Open for Gentlemen: Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, 06.00 a.m. - 08.00 p.m. Sat 09.00 a.m. - 05.00 p.m.
Entrance fees: with cabin 2200 refund if shorter than 2 hours.
Observe: Popular place on the gay scene in Budapest!!
Király Bath
Location: fö u. 84 (Budaside)
Tram: 4,6 to Budapside of Margret bridge. Metro: Batthany tér. Buss: 60, 86
Open for Ladies: Mon, Wed, Fri 07.00 a.m. - 06.00 p.m.
Open for Gentlemen: Tue, Thu, Sat 09.00 a.m. - 08.00 p.m.
Entrance fees: with cabin 1300 for 2 hours.
Observe: Popular place on the gay scene in Budapest!!
Lukács Bath
Location: Frankl Leo ut 25-29 (Budaside)
Tram: 4,6 to Budapside of Margret bridge. Metro: Batthany tér. Buss: 60, 86
Entrance fees: Cabin 1900, refund 400ft if less than 2 hours visit.
Open: Mon-Fri 06.00 a.m. - 07.00 p.m. Sat-Sun 06.00 - 05.00
Szchenyi Baths Budapest Details
Location: Állatkerti Körút 11., City Park, XIV. district, trolley bus 72
Tel: (+36 1) 363 3210
Open: Mon-Sun: 6.00-19.00
Admission: with locker: 2400 HUF, with cabin 2800 HUF, 400 refund in case you leave withing 2 hours
Swimming pool ticket for families and groups: 2400 HUF with locker, 2800 HUF with cabin use.
Bath and spa-hotels in Budapest
Danubius Health Spa Resort Helia Hotel
Health Spa Resort Helia Hotel is a 4-star hotel built in Scandinavian style, located on the Budaside of the city on the embankment of the river Danube, facing beautiful Margaret Island.
Danubius Health Spa Resort Margitsziget
This elegant and modern spa hotel located in the center of the lovely Margitsziget on the Danube between Buda and Pest have a modern medical center with different treatment programmes including beauty, massage and therapy treatments. The Hotel have approximately 267 rooms. Health Spa Resort Margitsziget was the first of the luxury hotels built on Margret island in the beautiful surroundings. This has been recently renovated and lost much of its original baths appeal.
Danubius Gellert Hotel
Gellért Hotel truly deserves its title as a world-famous Gellért Spa. An old world decadent hotel which needs to be renovated but holds a lot of character. The hotel was originally built in art nouveau style opened in 1918. The hotel sits on the Buda side of the Danube facing the beautiful freedom bridge. (Szabadság bridge). The city centre is about a ten minute walk from the Bridge.