Best Thermal Baths in Budapest

Budapest is often called the City of Spas, and for good reason. The city sits on natural hot springs, and thermal bathing has been part of daily life here for centuries. Some baths feel lively and social, others calm and historic. Some are perfect for first-time visitors, while others are more local.

Here are the best Budapest's thermal baths!

Szechenyi Baths – the most iconic, with amazing outdoor pools

Széchenyi Thermal Bath is the most popular thermal bath in Budapest and a must for first-time visitors. Opened in 1913, it’s one of the largest thermal bath complexes in Europe and a true symbol of the city.

What makes the Széchenyi thermal bath special are its large outdoor pools, where people bathe year-round, even in winter. I visited in January and absolutely loved the steaming outdoor pools. The atmosphere is lively and social, with locals playing chess in the water and visitors moving between indoor and outdoor pools and steam rooms. In summer, it feels like an open-air thermal spa but can be very busy, especially in the afternoon.

Széchenyi Baths also feature a lap pool, so you can combine visiting Budapest's thermal baths with some exercise. Just note, to use that outdoor pool, you will need a swimming cap. Széchenyi baths also offer spa services and special offers.

• Location: City Park (Városliget)

• Opening hours: Open all year round from early morning to 8PM - open all year round, without holidays!

• Price: Mid-range to higher-end if you want extras like a private cabin for changing. I recommend booking tickets online in advance to avoid the queues.

Gellért Thermal Bath – the most beautiful Budapest's thermal baths

I added this bath to the list as it deserves the spot but unfortuantly at the moment it is closed. The re-opening is planned for 2028.

Gellért Thermal Bath is often considered the most beautiful thermal bath in the city. Located inside the historic Gellért Hotel, it opened in 1918 and is known for its Art Nouveau design, colorful tiles, and elegant indoor pools.

Gellért feels calmer and more refined than Széchenyi baths. It’s a great choice in winter, thanks to its stunning indoor spaces, and also works well in summer if you prefer a quieter, more relaxed Budapest bath experience.

• Location: Next to Gellért Hill Cave

• Opening hours: Currently closed. To reopen in 2028.

• Price: Higher-end

Rudas Thermal Bath – best for views

Rudas Bath dates back to the Ottoman period in the 1500s and is one of the oldest baths in Budapest. Its most famous feature is the rooftop thermal pool overlooking the Danube River, which is especially beautiful at sunset.

These Hungarian Baths combine history with a modern feel. In winter, the contrast between hot water and cold air makes it unforgettable. In warmer months, the rooftop pool is one of the best spots in the city.

Rudas Baths also offers spa treatments and a restaurant with a great outdoor terrace. I think this is a great option in summer when you want a full day experience.

• Location: Next to the Statue of Elizabeth Queen of Hungary by the Danube River

• Opening hours: Varies, check out the schedule 

• Price: Mid-range

Find out the 'Best Areas to Stay in Budapest'!

Lukács Bath – the local favorite

Lukács Thermal Bath is much less touristy and very popular with locals. It’s known for its healing properties and strong focus on wellness and treatments.

The atmosphere in Lukács Baths is calm and authentic rather than fancy. It’s a great option if you want to experience a thermal bath that feels like part of everyday life in Budapest.

• Location: A bit further out, in Felhévíz

• Opening hours: Open from Monday to Sunday, from 7AM to 7PM, with extended hours on Tuesdays, when the baths stay open until 10PM.

• Price: Lower range, around 20 Euros

Palatinus Strand – best for summer

Palatinus Strand is best visited in summer. Located on Margaret Island, it feels more like a thermal pool complex than a traditional bath. This will be a great option if you are traveling with kids, as it also features a water slide park. With large outdoor pools and open spaces, it’s ideal for warmer weather.

Location: Margaret Island

Opening hours: Every day from 9AM to 4PM

Price: Mid-range

How to spend a day in Budapest? Check out my Budapest 1 Day Itinerary!

Comparison of all the baths: best Budapest thermal baths

Thermal Bath	Standout Feature	Price
Széchenyi	Iconic baths with amazing outdoor pools and lively atmosphere. Great for first-time visitors.	$$
Gellért	Beautiful Art Nouveau design and calm atmosphere.	$$$
Rudas	Great views of Budapest and the rooftop pool.	$$
Lukács	Local feel and wellness benefits.	$
Palatinus	Outdoor pool complex.	$$

How is Budapest's baths even possible?

Budapest is one of the few capital cities in the world built directly on natural hot springs. Beneath the city lies a network of underground thermal waters heated naturally by geothermal energy. Rainwater seeps deep into the ground, warms up as it passes through layers of rock, and rises back to the surface as mineral-rich hot water.

There are over 100 natural hot springs under Budapest, producing millions of liters of thermal water every day. These waters are rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and sulfur, which is why thermal bathing has been part of life here since Roman times.

Visiting Budapest's thermal baths is one of the best things to do in winter, but they are just as enjoyable in summer. Definitely add it to your list when visiting Budapest to experience this part of Hungarian culture.