Budapest is often referred to as the “City of Spas”, as it has many thermal baths and a rich bathing culture. This tradition stems from a geological feature: Hungary sits on one of the world’s most significant geothermal and medicinal water resources.
It dates back to Roman times, continued through the Turkish occupation, and thrives today, offering historical tradition and modern wellness practices. Thermal baths are not just about relaxation; they have various health benefits, including improved circulation and relief from joint and muscle pain.
For students, these baths serve as a fantastic way to unwind, socialize, and experience a part of Hungarian culture. Services in baths range from thermal and medicinal pools to saunas, steam rooms, massages, and even beauty treatments.
A visit costs students between 2,200-13,000 HUF (approximately 5.6-30 EUR), depending on the day of the week and the specific bath. Tickets can be purchased online or directly at the bathhouses. Bathhouses welcome guests throughout the week, with extended hours on weekends.
The best times for visits are weekdays from Monday to Thursday (Friday is more expensive) to avoid crowds, especially outside peak tourist seasons. Or at the weekend, as close to the opening hour as possible. Entry tickets are more expensive on Fridays, and at the weekend. Ideal for Erasmus Students in Budapest, outside of university lecture times.
What is a Thermal Bath?
A thermal bath is a hot bath that utilizes naturally occurring hot water from beneath the Earth’s surface, which is typically rich in minerals. For a bath to qualify as “thermal”, its water must be naturally heated and contain at least one of several specific minerals in significant quantities.
Why Does Budapest Have Thermal Baths?
Budapest’s wealth of thermal baths is due to its geological position atop a thermal spring system, with over 120 hot springs feeding its baths. This unique feature, combined with historical influences from Roman and Turkish occupations, has made the city a longstanding spa destination. Budapest is home to more than a dozen major thermal baths, contributing to its fame as the “City of Spas”.
History of Budapest Thermal Baths
The history of Budapest’s thermal baths spans over two millennia, beginning with the Romans who first tapped into the area’s thermal springs in Aquincum.
After the Turkish conquest of Hungary in 1526, the introduction of Hamman-style baths (known as ilidzas) became more prevalent, including three that remain operational today: Rudas Baths, Király Baths, and Veli Bej Baths. Many of the city’s other well-known spas, such as the Széchenyi Baths and Gellért Baths, were constructed in the early 20th century.
The oldest bath is the Király Bath, dating back to the 16th century, while the newest addition to the city’s spa culture is the Dandár Bath, which opened in the 20th century.
Budapest is situated on a geological fault line, where the Buda Hills meet the Great Plain. This unique topographical encounter triggers the emergence of over 100 thermal springs, which spout upwards, discharging around 40,000 cubic metres of warm, mineral-enriched water daily.
Why Should I Go to a Thermal Bath in Budapest?
Beyond their health benefits, such as promoting relaxation and alleviating muscle stiffness, Budapest’s thermal baths offer a social and recreational haven for students. Budapest thermal baths are perfect for de-stressing, meeting new people, and experiencing an integral part of Hungarian culture through various activities, from spa parties to tranquil soaks under the stars.
In addition, these thermal baths offer numerous other health services you can enjoy during your spa.
What Services Do Budapest Thermal Baths Offer?
Budapest thermal baths typically offer the following services.
- Thermal and medicinal water pools
- Saunas and steam rooms
- Various types of massages
- Beauty and wellness treatments
- Aquafitness classes
These services are not included in the entry tickets and can be purchased separately at the venue or online.
How Much Do Budapest Thermal Baths Cost for Students?
Thermal baths in Budapest cost between 2,200-13,000 HUF (approximately 5.6-30 EUR) and in some baths 1,500-4,500 HUF (4-12 EUR) for students, with prices varying between weekdays and weekends.
Bear in mind that unfortunately, some thermal baths in Budapest don’t offer student discounts on entry tickets.
Where Can I Buy Entry Tickets to Budapest Thermal Baths?
Tickets can be purchased online on the respective bath’s website or at the venue.
What Are the Opening Hours of Budapest Thermal Baths?
Baths are usually open from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm on weekdays, with shorter opening hours on weekends. They are open all year round, with some offering nighttime bathing sessions.
When Should I Visit a Thermal Bath in Budapest?
You should visit a thermal bath in Budapest during weekday mornings. These times are ideal to avoid crowds, while summer and early autumn offer pleasant weather for outdoor pools. Avoid peak tourist seasons and weekends for a more relaxed experience.
The cheapest and least crowded times are from Mondays to Thursdays and before noon on the weekends.
What Are the Best Thermal Baths in Budapest?
The best thermal baths in Budapest are the following.
- Széchenyi Gyógyfürdő és Uszoda
- Gellért Gyógyfürdő
- Rudas Gyógyfürdő
- Dagály Fürdő
- Paskál Gyógy- és Strandfürdő
- Irgalmasok Veli Bej Fürdője
- Dandár Gyógyfürdő
- Pesterzsébeti Jódos, Sós-, Gyógy- és Strandfürdő
- Palatinus Gyógy-, Strand-, és Hullámfürdő
- Lukács Gyógyfürdő és Uszoda
Széchenyi Gyógyfürdő és Uszoda
As one of the largest and most iconic thermal baths in Europe, Széchenyi is famed for its grandiose architecture and vast outdoor pools. It’s a must-visit for students looking to experience the social heart of Budapest’s thermal bath culture, especially its renowned spa parties.
- Address: Állatkerti körút 9-11, 1146 Budapest
- How much do entry tickets cost on weekdays?: 10500 HUF (26.6 EUR), 12000 HUF on Fridays (30.5 EUR)
- How much do entry tickets cost on weekends?: 12000 HUF (30.5 EUR)
- Offers student discounts?: No
- Opening hours on weekdays: 7 am-8 pm
- Opening hours on weekends: 8 am-8 pm
Gellért Gyógyfürdő
Gellért Bath, with its stunning Art Nouveau architecture, offers a luxurious spa experience. It’s known for its impressive main hall and thermal bath, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and Instagram-worthy moments.
- Address: Kelenhegyi út 2., 1114 Budapest
- How much do entry tickets cost on weekdays?: 10500 HUF (26.6 EUR), 12000 HUF on Fridays (30.5 EUR)
- How much do entry tickets cost on weekends?: 12000 HUF (30.5 EUR)
- Offers student discounts?: No
- Opening hours on weekdays: 9 am-7 pm
- Opening hours on weekends: 9 am-7 pm
Rudas Gyógyfürdő
Rudas stands out for its authentic Turkish bathhouse ambiance and the panoramic view from its rooftop pool. It’s a historical gem that combines tradition with modern wellness trends, ideal for students seeking a unique spa experience.
This bath offers both women-only, men-only, and co-ed Turkish baths.
- Address: Döbrentei tér 9., 1013 Budapest
- How much do entry tickets cost on weekdays?: 10500 HUF (26.6 EUR), 12000 HUF on Fridays (30.5 EUR)
- How much do entry tickets cost on weekends?: 12000 HUF (30.5 EUR)
- Offers student discounts?: No
- Opening hours on weekdays: 6 am-8 pm, but vary depending on the specific days, and also vary for women-only and men-only baths
- Opening hours on weekends: 8 am-8 pm, only co-ed baths
Dagály Fürdő
Dagály Fürdő is a spacious thermal and swimming complex near the Danube that offers a mixture of modern and traditional spa experiences. Its large outdoor pools and extensive wellness facilities make it a favourite among locals, especially families. So if you are not a fan of grumpy parents and kids, you should go to another bath.
- Address: Népfürdő utca 28-30, 1138 Budapest
- How much do entry tickets cost on weekdays?: 3400 HUF (8.6 EUR)
- How much do entry tickets cost on weekends?: 3700 HUF (9.4 EUR)
- Offers student discounts?: Yes, 2300 HUF (5.8 EUR) on weekdays, 2900 HUF (7.3 EUR) on weekends
- Opening hours on weekdays: 6 am-8 pm
- Opening hours on weekends: 6 am-8 pm
Paskál Gyógy- és Strandfürdő
Paskál Gyógy- és Strandfürdő is a delightful combination of thermal bath and leisure pool. It’s a bit further away from the city centre, in the 14th district suburb. The bath has been renovated extensively, thus it provides a modern, family-friendly atmosphere with a variety of pools and wellness services.
- Address: Egressy út 178, 1141 Budapest
- How much do entry tickets cost on weekdays?: 3900 HUF (9.9 EUR)
- How much do entry tickets cost on weekends?: 4600 HUF (11.6 EUR)
- Offers student discounts?: Yes, 3500 HUF (8.9 EUR) on weekdays, 3900 HUF (9.9 EUR) on weekends
- Opening hours on weekdays: 9 am-8 pm
- Opening hours on weekends: 8 am-8 pm
Irgalmasok Veli Bej Fürdője
One of Budapest’s hidden treasures, Irgalmasok Veli Bej Fürdője is a historical Turkish bath that offers a quieter bathing experience. This Ottoman-era bath features beautifully restored architecture and soothing thermal waters.
- Address: Árpád fejedelem útja 7, 1023 Budapest
- How much do entry tickets cost on weekdays?: 4500 HUF (11.4 EUR), 5000 HUF on Fridays (12.7 EUR)
- How much do entry tickets cost on weekends?: 4500 HUF (11.4 EUR) before noon, 5000 HUF (12.7 EUR) in the afternoon
- Offers student discounts?: No
- Opening hours on weekdays: 7 am-8 pm
- Opening hours on weekends: 8 am-8 pm
Dandár Gyógyfürdő
Dandár Gyógyfürdő is a small, lesser-known bath in Budapest, ideal for those seeking relaxation without the crowds. The entry is more affordable and has multiple thermal pools to provide a simple, yet satisfying spa experience.
- Address: Dandár utca 3., 1095 Budapest
- How much do entry tickets cost on weekdays?: 2900 HUF (7.3 EUR)
- How much do entry tickets cost on weekends?: 3000 HUF (7.6 EUR)
- Offers student discounts?: Yes, 2200 HUF (5.6 EUR) on weekdays, 2500 HUF (6.3 EUR) on weekends
- Opening hours on weekdays: 9 am-7 pm
- Opening hours on weekends: 9 am-7 pm
Pesterzsébeti Jódos, Sós-, Gyógy- és Strandfürdő
Located in the southern part of the city, this bath is known for its iodine-saline waters that have therapeutic effects on the body. It combines the charm of traditional baths with modern recreational facilities.
However, it’s further away in the centre.
- Address: Vízisport utca 2., 1203 Budapest
- How much do entry tickets cost on weekdays?: 3900 HUF (7.6 EUR)
- How much do entry tickets cost on weekends?: 4600 HUF (11.6 EUR)
- Offers student discounts?: Yes, 4400 HUF (11.1 EUR) on weekdays, 4600 HUF (11.6 EUR) on weekends
- Opening hours on weekdays: 8 am-8 pm
- Opening hours on weekends: 8 am-8 pm
Palatinus Gyógy-, Strand-, és Hullámfürdő
Situated on Margaret Island, Palatinus Gyógy-, Strand-, és Hullámfürdő is famous for its open-air pools. This historic bath has been a popular spot since 1919, offering wave pools, slides, and thermal baths amidst lush greenery.
- Address: Margitsziget, 1007 Budapest
- How much do entry tickets cost on weekdays?: 3200 HUF (8.1 EUR)
- How much do entry tickets cost on weekends?: 3500 HUF (8.9 EUR)
- Offers student discounts?: Yes, 2200 HUF (5.6 EUR) on weekdays, 2400 HUF (6 EUR) on weekends
- Opening hours on weekdays: 9 am-7 pm
- Opening hours on weekends: 9 am-7 pm
Lukács Gyógyfürdő és Uszoda
A favourite among Hungarian writers and artists. Lukács Gyógyfürdő és Uszoda has a rich history of literary and cultural connections. It also has healing waters and classical architecture.
- Address: Frankel Leó út 25-29., 1023 Budapest
- How much do entry tickets cost on weekdays?: 4800 HUF (12 EUR)
- How much do entry tickets cost on weekends?: 5200 HUF (13.2 EUR)
- Offers student discounts?: Yes, 3400 HUF (8.6 EUR) on weekdays, 4500 HUF (11.4 EUR) on weekends
- Opening hours on weekdays: 7 am-7 pm, 7 am-8 pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
- Opening hours on weekends: 7 am-7 pm
What to Know About Budapest Thermal Baths Before You Visit?
Before visiting, remember the following points.
- The water contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, and sulphate.
- Temperatures range from 28°C to 38°C (82°F to 100°F).
- Bring a swimsuit, towel, and flip-flops.
- Payments are mostly cashless within the baths.
- Most facilities are wheelchair accessible.
Are Budapest Thermal Baths Clean?
Yes, strict hygiene standards are maintained to ensure cleanliness and safety for all visitors in Budapest thermal baths.
Are Budapest Thermal Baths Natural?
Yes, Budapest thermal baths are natural. Thermal waters are naturally heated and rich in minerals, offering a genuine balneotherapy experience.
What Natural Minerals Do Budapest Thermal Baths Contain?
Budapest thermal baths contain calcium, magnesium, sulphate, and bicarbonate.
How Hot Are the Thermal Baths in Budapest?
Water temperatures vary between 28°C to 38°C (82°F to 100°F) in Budapest thermal baths.
Are the Thermal Baths in Budapest Naturally Heated?
Yes, the geothermal activity naturally heats the water in Budapest thermal baths.
Do You Wear Clothes in Budapest Thermal Baths?
Yes, swimsuits (bikini, swimming shorts) are required in Budapest thermal baths.
What to Wear in Budapest Thermal Baths?
Wear a swimsuit (bikini, swimming shorts); swimming caps are optional but recommended for long hair and are compulsory in the swimming pools.
What to Bring to Budapest Thermal Baths?
Bring a swimsuit, towel, flip-flops, and a waterproof bag for personal items to Budapest thermal baths.
Where Can I Store My Possessions in Budapest Thermal Baths?
Lockers or cabin storage are available for securing your belongings in Budapest thermal baths.
What Types of Payment Methods Can I Use in Budapest Thermal Baths?
Electronic payments or card transactions are preferred; cash is often not accepted in Budapest thermal baths.
Are Budapest Thermal Baths Wheelchair Accessible?
Yes, many baths in Budapest offer facilities and accessibility for wheelchair users.
Can I Buy Mineral-Rich Water to Drink in Budapest Thermal Baths?
Yes, mineral-rich water is often available for purchase in Budapest thermal baths, highlighting the baths’ health benefits.
