Introduction

You won’t find many activities as restorative as dipping into the steaming waters of Budapest’s thermal baths. The city of Budapest is celebrated as “The City of Spas,” thanks to its long history and a lot of warm springs. During the winter, visiting these baths becomes even more special and gives you a truly wonderful experience. Let’s explore which are the best thermal baths in Budapest so you can enjoy them even in the winter.

Budapest’s Strong Tradition of Thermal Baths

Due to the 120+ thermal springs that produce 70 million liters of water every day, Budapest is called a spa capital. Prices for baths range from 4,000–7,000 HUF (about £8.33–£14.58) per ticket, much less than the 50 euros you’d pay for most Reykjavik baths. Although the novel is about winter, the warm weather in May 2025 (from 15—25°C) is still ideal for using the city’s outdoor pools. Reddit’s r/budapest terms them “a break for health,” merging Roman, Ottoman and modern health traditions together.

How Budapest’s Thermal Baths Help You Enjoy Winter

It might not make sense to hop into warm water during winter, but it actually feels very invigorating. Visiting the thermal baths in Budapest during winter has a number of good reasons.

• Contrasting the Freeze: Enjoying how warm the baths are after being outside in the winter cold is very enjoyable. You can avoid cold days indoors and just relax.
• Thermal baths are popular because they are seen to help with pain, boost blood flow and relax muscles and joints. The stress and soreness of the winter months are reasons these benefits are much appreciated.
• In the Winter, There Are Less Tourists: Budapest’s thermal baths are always popular, but you’ll meet fewer people when you go during the winter. Because of this, visitors will find less crowding and more comfort to use the park’s diverse facilities.
• During May, sulfur helps heal skin problems and calcium is soothing for the joints, according to szechenyispabaths.com. In their article, The Guardian explains that hotels attract visitors all year.

Best Spas for Hot Baths in Budapest

You can find a variety of thermal baths in Budapest and each one offers something different. Look at these as a few examples of the most popular ones:

1. Széchenyi Spa Bath

Széchenyi is recognized as the city’s biggest and best-known thermal bath complex. It has a selection of indoor and outdoor pools heated to different temperatures, saunas, steam rooms and a spot to play chess beside an outdoor pool. Take time to soak in the thermal water while being surrounded by snow.

In District XIV at Állatkerti krt. 9–11, tickets are sold for 7,000 HUF (£14.58). From 6 AM to 10 PM, it’s open alongside M1 (Széchenyi fürdő). Many people on TripAdvisor (4.6/5) are impressed by the “Neo-Baroque charm” of the palace. You can really relax with a professional sauna or massage for 5,000 HUF, available for £10.42 each. May’s outdoor pools are the perfect choice as they are approximately 28–38°C.

2. Gellért Thermal Bath is located at…

The elegant and beautiful Art Nouveau design of Gellért Thermal Bath is widely recognized. There is something special about the indoor pools: they feature beautiful mosaics and expert decorations. You can also enjoy a wave pool outside, as these are unique in winter.

It costs 6,500 HUF (£13.54) to enter the property on Kelenhegyi út 4 in District XI. Hours are from 6 AM to 8 PM and it’s found near tram 19. The travel company Viator (4.5/5) appreciates its “Art Nouveau beauty.” The wave pool is ready to use in May and spa treatments there will be 5,000 HUF each.

3. Rudas Bath

Datable to the sixteenth century, Rudas Thermal Bath is one of the oldest in Budapest. You can appreciate this place more for its magnificent Ottoman buildings and beautiful octagonal pool. The winter creates a beautiful scene for the rooftop pool, with the entire city looking like it’s covered in snow.

Admission to Passage at Döbrentei tér 9 is 4,000 HUF (£8.33 in District I). From 6 AM until 8 PM, you can find it near tram 19. The community on r/budapest, Reddit’s subreddit for Budapest, certainly appreciates the views from rooftops there. You can enjoy the rooftop pool at 36°C starting in May and using the saunas is included.

Ways to Make the Most of Budapest Thermal Baths When it’s Cold

Pick the Perfect Timing

If you wish to avoid crowds, go to the thermal baths outside the main tourist season. It’s usually less crowded during the week and in the mornings. It’s important to look at the opening hours for each bath before planning your trip.

Dress Appropriately

Don’t leave without bringing your bathing attire, flip-flops and a hand towel. If the bath offers rentals, they aren’t as comfortable as the ones you own. When it’s winter, a robe and slippers can help you feel warm as you move between one pool and another.

Check out What Else is Offered

As well as thermal pools, thermal baths usually provide extra services, like saunas, steam rooms and massage. Spend some time checking out these spaces and make your relaxation even better.

Stay Hydrated

Since it can become warmer, be sure to fill up on water when you’re there. Almost all thermal baths have fountains or places you can visit for snacks or drinks.

Stick to the rules of bathing in the onsen.

Be sure to act according to the customs and regulations at each thermal bath. Before using the pools, take a shower, do not wear shoes indoors and pay attention to others’ space. If you’re unsure of what to do, ask the staff for advice.

Go to spartybooking.com to book Szechenyi. One towel is 1,000 HUF (£2.08) and a waterproof pouch is 500 HUF (£1.04). Bars offer fröccs for 1,000 HUF (£2.08). Visit at this time to take advantage of the calm surroundings.

Tips for a Productive May in 2025

• Tickets you can get at www.spartybooking.com for Szechenyi.
• M1/M4 on the metro is the best method and will cost you around 350 HUF (£0.73).
• Remember to bring some cash in HUF for the rental, it’s preferred.
• Don’t miss the Spa and Wellness week: festivals in May often add therapies and unique treatments, as reported on Budapest Info.
• Near Rudas is Buda Castle which you can visit without cost, as well as Heroes’ Square near Szechenyi (both free visits).
• Protecting Yourself: Lock what you don’t want stolen and remember to hydrate in the pool.

Why We Should Experience Thermal Baths

Enjoying Budapest’s baths gives you a chance for wellness and history, for just a budget amount compared to what you’d pay in Iceland. Having fun in the sun lets you swim and cool off by the outdoor pools, as well as go on a Parliament tour for 10,000 HUF (£20.83).

In Conclusion

Visiting Budapest’s thermal baths during winter is a unique and memorable experience. Not only do you get to enjoy the health benefits of the thermal waters, but you also have the opportunity to escape the cold and indulge in relaxation like never before. With a variety of baths to choose from and valuable tips to enhance your visit, you’re ready to embark on this extraordinary adventure. So, grab your swimsuit, pack your towel, and get ready for an unforgettable journey into Budapest’s winter wonderland!

Don’t miss out on this amazing experience. Plan your trip to Budapest’s thermal baths in winter and make memories that will last a lifetime!