Best Thermal Baths in Budapest – A Local’s Guide

Rudas Baths are the best thermal baths in Budapest in my opinion, and I’m sure you’ll agree with me. Originally a Turkish bath, Rudas is almost 500 years old and has some stunning architecture throughout that you can admire for hours on end; I think it really sums up Budapest as a city. The best part of Rudas Baths is the rooftop pool featuring an unbeatable panorama of the city. You can float in the centre of the maze surrounded by the bright arches and a beautiful skyline; you won’t find this anywhere else. To top it all off, you can bathe here until 4 am! Is there a better way to end your day? One unique thing about Rudas baths is their certified medicinal water. Doctors throughout Budapest will prescribe a time for patients to soak in the water, so this is the best place to soothe your aches and pains! One thing you will need to check before you go is which days you can enter. Rudas Baths are some of the few in the city which has different days assigned to different genders. At the moment, the baths allow group use on Saturdays and Sundays and are open for women only on Tuesdays and men on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Be sure to check before you go to avoid disappointment, everyone needs to witness the sunset from the rooftop pool!

Paskál Baths are also really close to me and definitely one of the hidden gems of Budapest. Renovated in 2017, these are the newest state of the art thermal baths and offer a great alternative to the popular favourites. There is a special pool outside for children where they can splash around to their hearts’ content and three other ‘relax’ pools where you can let your hair down in peace. There is also a 33-metre swimming pool where you can do your laps before sinking into the ‘leisure’ pool. Being a 5-minute walk from City Park, Paskal is a great place to come if you don’t fancy the busyness of Szechenyi but still want an out-of-this-world bathing experience. Like a lot of the other places, what makes Paskal some of the best thermal baths in Budapest are the unique extras they have on offer. One of my favourite things about Paskal Baths is their saunas. The geothermal sauna is just what you need after a good soak and the panorama sauna has amazing views of the city as you relax; there really is no topping this one. As well as a steam chamber, there are lots of massages available including aromatherapy, head and leg massage and thermal massage; you can feel your worries melt away in this place. 

Gellért Baths are some of the most famous in Budapest but never as busy as Szeyenchi which gives them a chilled out and relaxed atmosphere. Opened in 1918, Gellert Baths have some of the most beautiful architecture in the whole of Budapest; the long rows of columns and ornate designs give you the feeling that you are royalty and that these are your personal chambers. Gellert Baths also have a number of medicinal water treatments available to soothe any aches or pains you may have in the luxury of a high-end spa, you can spend all day here exploring the different pools. No matter what the Budapest weather brings, the indoor nature of Gellert Baths allows you to relax and unwind in every season. This is the perfect place for couples; you have access to Thai massage, a couple’s massage and you can even rent out your own private thermal bath with sparkling wine on arrival! Nothing says romance like a shared soak in the spa capital of the world. Located next to the freedom bridge, you could easily spend a day relaxing here before heading to the ruin bars for a casual drink. Gellert truly is some of the best thermal baths in Budapest and ideal for anyone looking for a calm retreat.