If you’re searching for the best thermal bath in Budapest, you won’t have to look far! Just a quick train ride from the city center is the famous Szechenyi Thermal Bath. Although there are many Budapest spas, this one is truly special for a multitude of reasons. The Szechenyi Thermal Bath in Budapest is complete with 18 swimming pools and 10 saunas. If that doesn’t make this a must see in Budapest, we’re not sure what will! In this post we breakdown everything from the history, what to expect, and tips for your visit to this amazing place.
History of Thermal Spas in Budapest
The Budapest spas are as big a part of the city as anything else, and are uniquely tied into its history. While baths have been in use since the Roman days in this region, it was really not until the Ottoman’s conquered these lands when they really became popular.
Once the Ottomans were expelled in the late 17th century, the thermal baths stayed and evolved into a social gathering place in Hungarian culture. These days, both locals and tourists share the pools, and they’re an absolute must see in Budapest on your visit!
The Makings of the Szechenyi Thermal Bath in Budapest
When it comes to building the best thermal bath in Budapest, know that it was no easy task! The Artesian Baths were first built nearby in the 1880’s and were so popular that the city eventually decided to build a nicer version.
Incredibly, it took the engineer Vilmos Zsigmondy 10 years to find the geothermal waters underneath the current Szechenyi Thermal Bath in City Park. It was built between 1909 and 1913, and is now the most visited thermal bath in the city.
10 Szechenyi Facts to Know Before you Go
1. Szechenyi Thermal Bath is the largest in Budapest, and one of the biggest spa complexes in all of Europe.
2. There’s 18 pools (both indoor and outdoor) and 10 different saunas.
3. It’s located in City Park, which is also the largest park in Budapest.
4. In 1963, the thermal baths were opened in the winter season as well.
5. Chess is popular at Szechenyi and it’s quite common to see old men playing as they soak in the water.
6. A 4,000 foot well sits deep beneath the pools to generate the thermal water.
7. The thermal pools have many minerals that are good for your health, and are also believed to be an aphrodisiac.
8. Beer baths are available if you’d prefer to soak in a tub of booze.
9. It’s estimated that over 100 Million people have now bathed at Szechenyi.
10. Every Saturday night the baths turn into a massive Budapest spa party!
Quick Tips for Szechenyi Thermal Bath Budapest
Since it’s such a must see in Budapest, you should get there as early as possible to opening time. It fills up quickly becoming fully packed around 11am in the late morning. In the summer, the baths are open from 6am to 10pm.
We booked the Full Day bath ticket with locker usage for 5,800 HUF ($20 USD) and had no problem getting our tickets when we arrived early. You can also pay extra for a private changing cabin if you’d like.
The closest train stop is Széchenyi tér, which drops you off right outside the baths and is only a few stops from the city center. It makes for the perfect morning activity before heading off to see Fisherman’s Bastion, the Buda Castle, and more of the best things to do in Budapest! We loved spending the early hours here in the winter and heading to the Budapest Christmas Market at night.
Men and women share all the pools at this thermal spa. This is different than other baths like Rudas that have assigned gender days during the week.
Unlike some other Budapest Spas, bathing suits are mandatory at Szechenyi. A swim cap is required if you want to go in the large outdoor lap pool.
Make sure to pack flip flips, a towel, and water bottle that can be filled up on site. You’ll also want to check out the famous Gellert Baths on the Buda side of the river once you’ve experienced Szechenyi.
Szechenyi Thermal Bath Outdoor Pools
From the moment you walk outside at Szechenyi Thermal Bath in Budapest you’ll be absolutely blown away by its beauty. We arrived early around 7:30am mid-July and it honestly felt like we’d been dropped into a different world. The pools were glimmering with the summer sunrise, and there were only a few other bathers there.
The outdoor pools are comprised of 3 different sections. Two circular thermal pools are on opposite ends of a long gorgeous lap pool stretching across the middle. They’re surrounded by Neo-Baroque architecture and bright yellow walls with many intricate white sculptures at every turn. It almost feels like you’re swimming on the inside of a massive palace!
Szechenyi Indoor Pools & Saunas
Once you step foot indoors you’ll see how big the Szechenyi Thermal Bath in Budapest really is. Explore the endless rooms with different designs while mixing in saunas when you please. There’s also a cold bath if you need an icy dunk in between pools.
We loved finding a quiet thermal bath that we could have all to ourselves! Even if there’s others around in the indoor area, it’s peaceful enough where you can still enjoy yourself. Take your time walking and soaking in the many thermal pools and see what makes this such a must see in Budapest.
Where do you think the best thermal bath in Budapest is? Let us know in the comments below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
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It looks awesome
Thank you for the tips. Noted for sure
Love your reviews
Thanks for reading! This place was the cherry on top to an amazing visit in Budapest. One of our new favorite cities in Europe for sure!