Historical Thermal Baths
Tel.: +36 1 466 6166
A thermal bath has existed in this area since the time of the Árpáds, the first Hungarian tribe to settle here in 896 AD. At the turn of the 20th century, celebrities, politicians, and even members of the royal family competed for the luxurious rooms of the Hotel Gellért. Even today, the bathhouse retains its aristocratic charm.
Built in the Art Nouveau style, the building’s stunning architecture captivates even the most discerning enthusiasts. Visitors can take a dip in the wave pool, relax in the open-air thermal bath, or, in winter, unwind in the heated indoor pool. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
Gellért Thermal Bath
Tel.: +36 1 326 1695
Built in a neo-classical style in the last century, these baths were originally used by the Ottomans and later extended. Set in a leafy courtyard next to the Institute for Rheumatology, the courtyard walls are adorned with numerous plaques bearing messages of gratitude from visitors in many languages for the cures they received here.
The complex also features two all-weather outdoor swimming pools, a sun terrace, and an old-fashioned marble drinking hall where you can sip on mineral-rich water, known for its health benefits despite its strong taste. All baths and pools are mixed.
Lukács Bath
Tel.: +36 1 363 3210
Inside the peaceful City Park, the Széchenyi Baths are popular with local families who come for the unisex outdoor pool and the floating chessboards. Visit Széchenyi Bath and discover the largest bath in Budapest—one of the largest in Europe—attracting two million visitors every year.
If you're here just to soak, you can relax in the larger pool, with water at 27°C (80°F), or in the smaller one at 38°C (100°F). You might even feel like joining the old men in an aquatic game of chess. To the left of the dome are the thermal bathtubs, where the thermal water is supplied by 74°C and 77°C (170°F) hot springs.
From an artistic perspective, the building blends two architectural styles. The thermal bath itself opened in 1913 and remains one of the best-preserved examples of turn-of-the-century architecture. Pay special attention to the mosaic tiling inside the dome. The northern wing, opened in 1927, features neo-Baroque decor.
The lobby is always bustling, but behind it lies a quieter, more intimate room—slightly worn but charming—where you can enjoy a view of the pools.