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Best thermal baths in Budapest

Heading to Hungary in search of thermal baths? Budapest’s got you covered.

If you’re planning a city break to Budapest, we’re hoping thermal baths are on your itinerary. The Hungarian city is known as ‘the city of spas’ for good reason – it’s full of traditional bathhouses built on abundant natural springs, and a visit to one (or several) of these steaming-hot pools is an absolute must while you’re here.

Some of the best thermal baths in Budapest include famous spots on the Pest side like Széchenyi – Europe’s biggest medicinal bath complex – and lesser-known gems on the Buda side, like Veli Bej. There are plenty more, so pack your swimmers and dive into our list – then see how many you can fit into your next trip.

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Best outdoor pool: Széchenyi Thermal Bath

One of the city’s most famous baths and Europe’s biggest, Széchenyi Thermal Bath takes pride of place in City Park on the Pest side, and it’s one of Budapest’s most recognisable landmarks. The complex is home to a total of 18 pools, although the huge outdoor leisure pool is the most well-known. By day, locals play chess in the steamy water surrounded by the building’s ornate Neo-Baroque architecture, which looks even more incredible in winter. And on Saturday nights, it hosts Sparty – a thermal bath party complete with a DJ, lasers and fire shows.
Szechenyi Thermal Bath

Best indoor pool: Gellert Thermal Bath

At the foot of Gellért Hill on the Buda side of the city, Gellert is another of Budapest's most famous historic baths. It’s the main indoor pool that’s the star of the show here thanks to its elaborate Art Nouveau architecture, colourful tiles and glass roof, and the whole place is currently undergoing a massive renovation. It’s set to be a showstopper when it’s back up and running, so if you’re planning a trip to Budapest in 2028 and beyond it’s worth keeping an eye on reopening dates.
Gellert Thermal Spa

Best rooftop pool: Rudas Thermal Bath

On the Buda side of the city, at the foot of Gellért Hill, Rudas combines a 16th-century Ottoman Turkish bath with a modern rooftop pool complete with panoramic views – so it’s a best of both affair. Men and women bathe separately on certain days of the week, so check before you visit, and there are mixed sessions on the weekends as well as late-night bookings. The place is open 365 days a year, so you can take a dip on Christmas Day if you want to. Just bear in mind that like many baths in Budapest, it’s open to over-14s only due to the water’s high temperature and mineral content.
Rudas Thermal Spa

Best for families: Palatinus Strand Baths

Taking the kids? Palatinus Strand is considered one of the best family-friendly baths in Budapest and has designated areas for little ones of all ages. It’s on Margaret Island in the middle of the Danube, and home to a mixture of thermal and swimming pools as well as water slides and a wave pool, plus medicinal pools for

adults only. Keep in mind that some of the outdoor pools are seasonal, so it’s a top pick for a summer trip.

Palatinus Strand Baths

Best hidden gem: Veli Bej Thermal Bath

Tucked away on the Buda side near Margaret Bridge, Veli Bej is a smaller, more intimate bath that’s more of a local secret than a guidebook headliner. It was built in 1574, making it one of the city’s oldest baths, and has a main thermal pool beneath a traditional central dome plus several smaller thermal pools. It closed for decades before a full renovation when lots of the facilities were refreshed, so you get an authentic experience with modern must-haves – and far smaller crowds than the bigger-name baths.

Best medicinal bath: Szent Lukacs Bath

Szent Lukacs is on the Buda side, near Margaret Bridge, and the covered thermal section here has three medicinal pools at different temperatures. The mineral-rich waters are considered so potent that this place became a ‘water hospital’ in the 1970s and some pools are still only accessible if you’ve got a medical prescription. Outside, the main pool is open to over-14s all year round and has bubble beds, neck massagers and a lazy river. And the collection of saunas includes everything from Finnish to naturist, so make sure you pick the right door.

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Take a look at our holidays to Hungary.

 

For more inspiration, discover the best things to do in Budapest, the highlights of a Danube river cruise or 7 Hungarian dishes and drinks to try.
 

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Author: Katie Gregory

 

Last updated: 30.09.2026

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