Where to enjoy the thermal water during a stay in the Hungarian capital? To answer this question here is the list of the best baths in Budapest. Not a ranking, but rather a list of places to help you choose the baths that suit you best.
The Kiraly baths, authentic and historic
The interest of Kiraly thermal baths is that they are a testimony of the Ottoman presence. Indeed these baths were built especially for the first Pasha of Budapest. A pasha is the equivalent of a provincial governor. The enormous advantage of these thermal baths is that they are authentic and intimate and that they have remained in their original state. You can bathe under a dome as the inhabitants did in the 16th century, and when you get close to the showers and baths, you can smell the smell of sulphur. Proof that the water of the Kiraly baths is thermal water. The water comes from a spring near the Lukacs Baths and is fed through a larch aqueduct. 32-degree spa and two Finnish saunas can be found in Kiraly, at the entrance to the baths. Then you come to a beautiful large pool under a 29-degree dome with a tiny 40-degree pool next to it. Finally, in the third part, there is a very well regulated hammam and a “cold” pool at 25 degrees. Ninety-two square metres of pools are available in Kiraly.
The specificities of Kiraly’s thermal water
This thermal water contains calcium bicarbonate, magnesium bicarbonate, chlorides, sulphates and flower ions. This water is recommended for post-traumatic treatment and calcium deficiency of the bone system or deformation of the spine (scoliosis).
Address: Ulica Fö 84, Budapest. Open daily from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
The Széchenyi Baths, the best known in the world
These are the most famous baths in Budapest and the most popular with tourists. They are mixed and open every day. The Széchenyi Thermal Baths are among the largest in Europe. Széchenyi is also unique in that there is a zoo, a park and a small castle nearby. Another interesting point is the possibility to stay a whole day at the thermal baths. The Széchenyi Baths are particularly beautiful and worth a visit, as there are many cafés in the Széchenyi Baths where you can have a drink or a snack. They are extensive, unique and very complete.
Properties of Szechenyi thermal water
This water qualified as thermal water contains calcium bicarbonate, magnesium bicarbonate, alkalis, fluoride but also chlorides and sulphates. When the water from the Szechenyi spring reaches the surface, its temperature is around 75 degrees Celsius. This thermal water comes from the second largest well in Budapest. A “well” that goes down to 1246 meters deep.
Address: Allatkerti krt 11. Open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. for the hammam and thermal sections. Please note that the outdoor fountain section (where there are chess players) is open from 9 am to 5 pm.
The Rudas baths of the Ottoman period
Like the Kiraly Baths, the Rudas Baths were built when Hungary was under Turkish rule in the 16th century. There are thermal baths and a swimming pool here. The main bath is remarkable because columns surround it, and the distinctive feature of the Rudas Baths is that it has a historic lower part and a very modern outdoor extension. We especially like the outdoor pool, which offers a breathtaking view of the entire centre of Budapest. The total area of the Rudas Baths is about 505 square metres.
Properties of the water
The thermal water of Rudas contains calcium bicarbonate, magnesium bicarbonate, chlorides, but also sulphates, sodium and flower ions, which would be particularly beneficial for people suffering from degenerative joint diseases, chronic and subacute arthritis, herniated discs, neuralgia, but also calcium deficiency of the bone system.
Address: Dobrentei 9 ter, 1013 Budapest. Open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Open for men on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. For women, the reserved day is Tuesday. Saturdays and Sundays are mixed.
Gellèrt, Budapest’s most beautiful baths
These baths date from 1918. There is an outdoor part, including a wave pool that was recently rebuilt. The inside of the baths is fabulous; the blue and green mosaics give an unreal aspect and contribute to relaxation and well-being. These places are generally little frequented by tourists who prefer the Széchenyi baths typically.
Address: Kelenhegyi utca 4, 1118, Budapest. Opening hours from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
photo credits: Yann Vernerie