Tel.: +36 1 466 6166

 

There’s been a thermal bath in this general area since the time of the Árpáds, the first tribe of Hungarians to settle the area, all the way back in 896 AD. At the turn of the century celebrities, politicians, and members of the royal family all vied for the luxurious rooms of the Hotel Gellért. Even today, the aristocratic feel remains. The building was built in art nouveau style, and its splendour will convert even the most stodgy of architectural purists. You can dive into its wave pool, take an open-air bubble bath, or in winter, enjoy the heated indoor pool. It promises an experience that you’ll not be likely to soon forget

Tel.: +36 1 326 1695

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Built in a neo-classical style in the last century, these baths were actually used by the Ottomans but extended much later. Set in a leafy courtyard next to the Institute for Rheumatology, there are numerous plaques all over the courtyard walls bearing thanks from visitors in many languages for the cures they received here. There are also two all-weather outdoor swimming pools, a sun terrace, and an old-fashioned marble drinking hall where you can drink foul tasting, but health promoting water. All baths and pools are mixed.

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 chess boards. Go to Széchenyi Bath and discover the largest bath in Budapest - one of the largest in Europe - and visited by two million people every year. If you only want a bath, you can relax in the larger pool in 27°C (80°F) water, or in the smaller one at 38°C (100°F). Maybe you’ll 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 the 74 and 77°C (170°F) hot thermal spas. From an artistic point of view the building is reminiscent of two architectural styles. The thermal bath itself was opened in 1913 and is one of the best-preserved buildings of turn-of-the-century architecture. Take special note of the mosaic tiling of the dome interior. The northern wing of the building was opened in 1927 and is home to neo-baroque decor. The lobby is always busy, but behind it is a calmer and a quieter rundown but intimate room from which you can view the pools.