You might not realise that there are so many natural hot springs beneath Budapest that over the centuries many thermal baths have opened thanks to them. There are the Turkish baths or the iconic downtown spas where you can unwind after a long day. Wherever you head, it is guaranteed to satisfy all your Budapest spa and wellness needs!
Spa waters have a positive effect on both body and soul. Here are the spas worth to visit if Budapest is your destination!
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An unforgettable experience
Most of the thermal spas in Budapest have a long history dating back many centuries. So, if you're in Budapest, a visit to one of the spa complexes is a must. Even if you're not a big fan of public bathing, it's still worth putting aside your reservations about spas! Even if you're not a water lover, it's still worth visiting the iconic baths for the building alone: the Széchenyi Baths, for example, offer short 15-minute guided tours most days of the week. You can book a massage or simply enjoy personalised treatments, hydrotherapy, mud therapy and more.
It is no wonder that by the 21st century Budapest had become popular with tourists as a city of thermal waters and wonderful thermal baths. The Hungarian bathing culture is very lively, as it is not only water sports that are highly valued. Young and old alike enjoy the thermal waters and the fun spa complexes. Aquatic therapies are part of regular medical practice and are often prescribed by doctors for Hungarian patients.
What are the best Budapest Spa Complexes?
One of the most common questions asked by anyone visiting Budapest is: which is the best spa in Budapest? This of course depends on many things. It depends on what type of pools you prefer, how much time you have, whether you go with your partner or with the kids? It also depends on whether you want to use a spa service?
In any case, if you're staying more than 3 days in Budapest, we definitely recommend trying more spas! Each one has its own character and is worth visiting for its unique history.
Here are the best spas in Budapest, popular with both Hungarians and foreign tourists. Let's see!
1. Dagály Thermal Bath
In the North Pest complex, you can bathe in the surroundings of the last century. The Dagály has two large swimming pools, two thermal pools, a massage pool, a plunge pool, children's pools and swimming pools. This part of Budapest Spa also has a wonderful view of the Danube, so the setting is a given. If you are looking for a retro feel, this is the place to be!
Site location: 1138 Budapest, Népfürdő street 28-30.
GPS coordinates: 47.539349, 19.061800
Website: Click here
Google Photos: Click here
Budapest has more thermal springs than any other capital city in the world.
2. Gellért Thermal Bath
Located at the foot of Gellért Hill, next to the Gellért Hotel, the Art Nouveau spa captures the golden age of 20th century of Budapest with its gleaming blue-tiled thermal pools and exciting columns surrounding the indoor pool. Outside are smaller pools and a large swimming pool famous for its 1920s wave machine that runs every hour.
Site location: 1118 Budapest, Kelenhegyi street 4.
GPS coordinates: 47.484058, 19.053304
Website: https://www.gellertbath.hu/
Google Photos: Click here
3. Dandár Thermal Bath
Located next to the Zwack Unicum factory in Pest's post-industrial 11th district, the Dandar Spa is the best choice if you're on a tight budget. These 1930s baths are tucked away from the popular tourist spots, and although the decor is modest, you're guaranteed to meet locals here. The indoor baths are filled with therapeutic thermal water, while two heated pools are also available, making it an ideal choice for colder weather.
Site location: 1095 Budapest, Dandár street 7.
GPS coordinates: 47.476506, 19.071116
Website: https://en.dandarfurdo.hu/
Google Photos: Click here
4. Palatinus Baths
Did you know that Margaret Island has its own thermal springs? The first outdoor thermal bath of Budapest Spa and pool complex took advantage of this in 1921. This art deco style place is ideal for both winter and summer. Thanks to its covered section, you can even admire the snowfall from the building during the winter months.
Site location: 1003 Budapest, Soó Rezső promenade 1.
GPS coordinates: 47.527875, 19.047330
Website: https://en.palatinusstrand.hu/
Google Photos: Click here
5. The King of the Budapest Spa - Széchenyi Thermal Baths
One of the largest thermal bath complexes in Central Europe is the Széchenyi Thermal Baths, located in the City Park. The classical columns and canary yellow walls give it a patina-like appearance. It is a pleasure to spend a whole day here, with 13 indoor and three outdoor pools. On Saturday evenings in summer, special night pool programmes are also available. If you like a lively atmosphere and exclusive spas, this is not to be missed!
For more information on this Bath click here.
Site location: 1146 Budapest, Zoo boulevard (Állatkerti körút) 9-11.
GPS coordinates: 47.519106, 19.081593
Website: https://www.szechenyibath.hu/
Google Photos: Click here
6. Római Baths
The area around the Roman Coast on the Buda side is becoming increasingly popular for its trendy bars. The Roman Beach is a formal outdoor bathing complex, where pools are filled with lukewarm karst water, and where you can lie in the sun on deckchairs or have fun in the water slide park, recalling childhood memories. A great choice if you're in Budapest with kids and want to spend a day splashing around outdoors.
Site location: 1031 Budapest, Rozgonyi Piroska street 2.
GPS coordinates: 47.574769, 19.052197
Website: https://en.romaistrand.hu/
Google Photos: Click here
7. Veli Bej Baths
Hided in a hospital, right on the banks of the Danube, you'll find the Veli Bej spa. This Turkish bath complex also dates back to the 16th century. The interior is clean and has striking salmon-pink walls, but retains original features such as stone arches and a dome. The four side pools boast domed chambers heated to different temperatures. Remember that numbers are limited, so at peak times you may have to wait your turn!
Tips: while you're waiting, visit the Gül Baba's Turbe, a few minutes' walk from the Veli Bej Baths. Click here to find out all about this special attraction!
Site location: 1023 Budapest, Árpád fejedelem útja 7.
GPS coordinates: 47.519184, 19.037061
Website: Click here
Google Photos: Click here
8. Rudas Baths
This charming Budapest Spa complex consists of several parts. In the Rudas Spa you will find the Ottoman steam bath, the swimming pool and the recently opened wellness centre. The octagonal main pool of the domed Turkish baths dates back to the 16th century. Be sure to head up to the Jacuzzi on the terrace for a fantastic view!
Site location: 1013 Budapest, Döbrentei square 9.
GPS coordinates: 47.489350, 19.047809
Website: https://en.rudasfurdo.hu/
Google Photos: Click here
9. Budapest Spa Parties in Lukács Baths
These 19th-century baths near Buda may not be as grand as the Széchenyi or Gellért Baths, but believe me, they have their own old-world charm! The bath complex winds through a beautiful garden with plaques of former patients whose illnesses were cured by the water. Inside, you'll find a labyrinth of neoclassical thermal sections. Not to be missed!
Site location: 1023 Budapest, Frankel Leó út 25-29.
GPS coordinates: 47.517772, 19.036739
Website: https://en.lukacsfurdo.hu/
Google Photos: Click here
Relaxing and exciting baths in Budapest
How can these baths be both relaxing and exciting? Well, as you've seen, most spas in Budapest have several different types of pools, so you're sure to find one that appeals to you.
In Budapest, spas are mostly visited by people who want to feel the healing power of the water, use the jets in the pools for a water massage, play chess with old friends, chat with friends or just relax after a long day. Whatever your goal is, you're sure to enjoy the spas of Budapest!
How can you book in Budapest Spa?
Most spas offer a range of spa passes. All-day passes usually include use of all pools and facilities, but do not include other beauty/wellness services such as massages, manicures or hairdressing. If you are planning to spend a day in a Budapest spa, be sure to book the spa services in advance (pools do not need to be booked separately, but in high season the spas can get very crowded, so you can save about 45 minutes at the most famous spas, especially Széchenyi Spa, by buying your ticket in advance).
As you can see - Budapest has a lot of wonderful spas with a unique history.
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