Budapest the City of Spa Baths?

Believe it or not, Budapest itself has more than 10 baths, while the tiny country of Hungary has about 1300 spa springs and approximately 130 spa baths nationwide. What's more, Budapest was literally and officially chosen as the City of Baths ("City of Spas") in 1937 at the first World Federation of Hydrotherapy and Climatotherapy conference by 37 countries. FEMTEC is still active, and its very first president was a Hungarian (Jozsef Ferenc)

Out of the ten baths in Budapest, some are from the Turkish times going back to the 16th century and are still functional today with separate men and women days. However, the most popular baths are co-ed: Szechenyi, Gellert or Rudas can be visited by male and female bathers, and even kids, as the wave baths or whirlpools are usually quite enjoyable for children. Young people do not only visit Rudas Baths for splish-splashing in the thermal baths with great healing qualities but also for special night parties, called Cinetrip. In short, all the baths in Budapest have different characteristics and clientele - but one thing is common: going to baths is very very popular amongst Hungarians and tourists alike.

Budapest Baths FAQ

We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked Baths questions of travelers coming to Budapest.

How Much are Baths Entrance Fees?

Budapest Baths Ticket Prices are about 11 euros or 18 USD. Most Budapest Baths have a special refund system depending on the number of hours you stay at the baths. For instance, you can have a refund of 400 HUF (approx. 1.6 euros or 2.5 USD) if you only stay for 2 hours. Refund prices differ from baths to baths.

• Szechenyi Baths (mixed baths): Full entrance fee 2,400 HUF (with locker) or 2,800 HUF (with cabin). Refund for leaving within 2 hours is 400 HUF.
• Gellert Baths (mixed baths): Full entrance fee 2,800 HUF (with locker) or 3,100 HUF (with cabin). Refund for leaving within 2 hours is 400 HUF.
• Rudas Baths (mixed baths): Full entrance fee 2,200 HUF (with cabin). Refund for leaving within 2 hours is 400 HUF.
• Lukacs Baths (group thermal, but separate ladies' and men's pools): Full entrance fee 1,700 HUF (with locker) or 1,900 HUF (with cabin). Refund for leaving within 2 hours is 400 HUF.
• Kiraly Baths (ladies: odd days & men's even days): Full entrance fee 1,300 HUF (with locker) or 2,800 HUF (with cabin). Refund for leaving within 2 hours is 400 HUF.

Which are the Best Baths in Budapest?

While Budapest thermal baths are all diferent and unique in their own way, most Hungarians and fellow travelers would suggest Szechenyi Baths (15 pools) or Gellert Baths (13 pools) in the first place. Rudas Baths are pretty popular among younger people (especially the occasional all-night-long CineTrip parties, which offer soaking, clubbing, dancing, and strong audio-visual effects at the same time). Lukacs Baths have their own strong clientele (mostly Hungarians) - although Lukacs Furdo has less architectural charm than the art-deco Gellert Baths or the baroque Szechenyi Furdo, its prices are very attractive compared to average market fees. Kiraly Baths used to be highly popular especially among male bathers in the old days, now it's said to be more visited by women and men equally (on separate days). Rac Baths are very much expected to open their gates again - currently under reconstruction. Dandar Baths are quite smallish with three pools. Dagaly Baths and Swimming Pool is pretty big and very popular, all the more on hot summer days - mainly among local Hungarians as it's tiny bit off the city center (at about Forgach utca metro station on the blue line). The baths in Pesterzsebet (5 pools) are about an hour's journey from the city center. Csaszar Baths are closed for the general public.

What Healing Effects have Budapest Baths?

Most of the baths in Budapest have a mineral composition (calcium, magnesium, hydrogen-carbonate, sulphate-chloride, sodium, fluoride ions) that is recommended for damaged joints (for instance, worn knee joints), for degenerative diseases, for chronic and semi-acute arthritis, dislocation of the vertebral disc, neuralgia and also for low back pains or lumbago. The medicinal waters are also effective after accidents as a post-traumatic therapy, and there are several drinking cures too. Not to mention the fantastic (and affordable) message therapies!

Which Baths are Mixed in Budapest?

Budapest Baths are either mixed (co-ed) or only for men/ only for women on certain days of the week.

• Szechenyi Baths: MIXED - both women and men can swim and soak at the same time. These baths are great for individuals, couples and families alike.
• Gellert Baths: MIXED - both women and men can swim and soak at the same time. These baths are great for individuals, couples and families alike.
• Rudas Baths : MIXED - both women and men can swim and soak at the same time. These baths are great for individuals, couples and families alike.
• Lukacs Baths (group thermal, but separate ladies' and men's pools): semi-MIXED - both women and men can use the group thermal baths at the same time, but swimming pools are separated for male and female visitors. These baths are great for individuals and couples.
• Kiraly Baths NOT MIXED Ladies can visit Kiraly spa baths on odd days (Mon, Wed, Fri) while men can soak in the thermal waters on even days (Tue, Thu, Sat). Kiraly Baths are out of the sight of many tourists, although these baths are worth a visit as truly authentic Turkish baths!

Which Baths are Turkish Baths in Budapest?

Turkish Baths in Budapest are not really similar to modern-day Turkish baths in Turkey, where it's apparently more about sitting in the steam on huge marble slabs, getting a strong and determined male massage, and buckets of water and bubble baths. Turkish Baths in Budapest Hungary are more water-based (steam too, but water baths get more emphasis). Due to the beautiful playful lights coming through the 16th century roof structures and cupolas, taking a Turkish bath in Budapest is also a nice historical journey. Count with separate male and female bathing times.

Turkish baths in Budapest (from about 1550-1600s): Kiraly Baths, Rudas Baths, Rac Baths, Csaszar Baths. If you are interested in the history of Turkish Baths in Hungary, we recommend Turkish Baths in Budapest: Kiraly, Rac, Rudas Furdo on Budapest Blog.

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