International

Budapest Thermal Baths: Széchenyi, Gellért, Rudas and More

Last updated October 22, 2026 · 2 min read

Budapest sits on more than a hundred thermal springs and has been called the City of Spas. The Romans bathed here, the Ottomans built domed baths in the 1500s and the 20th century added grand palaces of water.

Széchenyi

Széchenyi Thermal Bath in City Park opened in 1913 and is one of the largest bath complexes in Europe. Its yellow neo-Baroque wings surround three outdoor pools that steam in winter, where locals famously play chess. Inside are more than a dozen thermal pools and saunas. It is busy; go early.

Gellért

Gellért Bath, in the Art Nouveau Hotel Gellért at the foot of Gellért Hill, is known for its mosaics, columned indoor pool and stained glass. It has faced renovation closures, so check before you go.

Rudas

Rudas, beside the Danube on the Buda side, has an octagonal pool under a 16th-century Ottoman dome and a rooftop pool with city views. Some days are reserved for men or women only in the historic section, with mixed days at weekends. Check the current schedule.

Király and Veli Bej

Király is a small Ottoman-era bath. Veli Bej, also from the Ottoman period, was beautifully restored and is one of the calmest baths in the city.

Lukács

Lukács is popular with locals and known for its drinking hall of mineral water.

Etiquette and tips

Bring swimwear, flip-flops and a towel, or rent them.
Lockers or cabins are included with tickets; keep your wristband on.
Shower before entering pools.
Respect sauna rules, such as no talking in some steam rooms.
Limit time in the hottest pools, often around 38°C (100°F).

Beyond Budapest

Lake Hévíz in western Hungary is described as the largest swimmable thermal lake in the world, warm enough to swim in during winter. Hungary has many more spa towns; see the Hungary map.

Springs in this guide

Listed Hungary hot springs

See all 54 Hungary springs on a map.

Hot spring	Water temp	Type	Nearest town
Irgalmasok Veli bej fürdője	97°F	Developed	Budapest (1 mi)
Dandár Gyógyfürdő	97°F	Developed	Budapest (2 mi)
Termálfürdő Tiszaújváros	Not recorded	Developed	Sajóörös (2 mi)
Balfi Gyógyfürdő	Not recorded	Developed	Nagycenk (4 mi)
Barlangfürdő	Not recorded	Developed	Miskolc (3 mi)
Gyógyfürdő	104°F	Developed	Nagyatád
Anna Fürdő	Not recorded	Developed	Szeged
Kabai Városi Gyógyfürdő	117°F	Developed	Kaba
Szarvasi Szent Klára Gyógyfürdő	Not recorded	Developed	Szarvas
Széchenyi Gyógyfürdő és Uszoda	Not recorded	Developed	Budapest (2 mi)
Szilva Termál és Wellnessfürdő	Not recorded	Developed	Vásárosnamény
Thermal Spa	Not recorded	Resort	Mosonmagyaróvár
Albertirsa Gyógy- és Strandfürdő	Not recorded	Developed	Albertirsa
Aquaticum Termálfürdő	Not recorded	Developed	Debrecen (1 mi)
Árpád Fürdő	Not recorded	Developed	Székesfehérvár
Dávodi Gyógy- és Strandfürdő	Not recorded	Developed	Dávod (1 mi)
Gyulai Várfürdő	Not recorded	Developed	Gyula
Nagyszénási parkfürdő	Not recorded	Developed	Nagyszénás (1 mi)
Tápiószentmártoni Strand és Termálfürdő	Not recorded	Developed	Farmos (3 mi)
Termálfürdő	Not recorded	Developed	Sásd (5 mi)
Árpád Gyógy-és Strandfürdő	Not recorded	Developed	Békéscsaba
Bánfürdő Termálfürdő és Kemping	Not recorded	Developed	Kaszaper (3 mi)
Barcsi Gyógyfürdő és Rekreációs Központ	Not recorded	Developed	Barcs
Bonyhádi Termálfürdő	Not recorded	Developed	Bonyhád
Csurgói Városi Uszoda	Not recorded	Developed	Csurgó

Frequently asked questions

Which Budapest bath is best for first-time visitors?

Széchenyi is the most popular choice, with large outdoor pools open year round. For a quieter, historic experience, try Rudas or Veli Bej, which have Ottoman-era domed pools.

Do I need a swimsuit at Budapest baths?

Yes. All the main baths require swimwear. Bring flip-flops and a towel, or rent them on site.

Is Lake Hévíz near Budapest?

Lake Hévíz is about two and a half hours southwest of Budapest by car, near the western end of Lake Balaton.