Greetings from Budapest, the “City of Baths”! If you have visited this country before or you are making your first trip, be sure to put the thermal baths at the beginning of your list. The centuries-old baths are important to Budapest’s culture and give people a memorable and rejuvenating experience. We will look at the history and top baths in Budapest and tell you why you should definitely visit!

The Beginning of Budapest’s Thermal Baths

 There are more than 100 natural hot springs throughout the city of Budapest. Mineral bathing in Budapest has existed since the Roman Empire which makes its bath culture among the oldest in the world. Since Romans enjoyed savvy bathing practices, they took advantage of the beneficial hot springs and set up the first simple baths. They played a key role in forming the city’s long-lasting link with hot springs.

The Turkish occupation of the 16th century led the Ottomans to build beautiful bathhouses which helped form the base for Istanbul’s spa tourism. Ottoman baths brought dome, pool and steam room designs that are still famous in Budapest’s modern bath industry. As years passed, these baths were renovated and grew, using architecture influenced by Gothic and Art Nouveau, showing how the city’s tastes and style have changed over the years. Since there are different styles throughout the city’s baths, visiting them is both a chance to rest and a chance to admire various historical and artistic elements.

Things You Have to Try

Rudas Thermal Bath

 At the bottom of Gellért Hill sits Rudas Thermal Bath which is known to be one of the oldest and most famous baths in the city. The style of the Ottoman architecture and the big central dome give the church a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. The Turkish bath is most famous for its classic steam rooms and hot pools. Remember to take time to soak in the rooftop pool and see the beautiful surroundings overlooking the city. The area opens for a certain period each day and lets you float in the pool, admire the city’s architecture and take in the beautiful sunset.

Thermal Baths of Gellért

 Rudas Bath is just a short distance from the Gellért Thermal Bath which is a part of the Gellért Hotel. Because of its Art Nouveau design, Gellért Bath is known for having both indoor and outdoor pools as well as saunas, steam rooms and a variety of wellness therapies. The atmosphere in the bath is made special by its mosaics, colorful stained glass and lovely tiled walls. You can relax with a massage or swim in their famed wave pool for a fun afternoon. During summer, the wave pool lively closures the area and offers both joyful and diverse activities for every guest.

Szechenyi Relaxation Bath

 Szechenyi Thermal Bath is associated with Budapest as the leading and biggest thermal bath complex. The City Park has 18 pools, among them, outdoor thermal baths are located and edged by beautiful Neo-Baroque buildings. Lots of people love Szechenyi, both from Hungary and abroad, because of how grand it is. People say the bath parties held here in summer are unforgettable, since you get to listen to good music, enjoy refreshing drinks and chat with friends all the while treating yourself to wellness. The lure of these “sparties” is younger revelers and they have given thermal baths a new night partying reputation.

This expectant mom went to Kiraly Thermal Bath during her visit.

 Kiraly Thermal Bath is found quietly in the central part of the historical district of Buda. There is a medieval Turkish-style octagonal pool and dim-lighted small chambers at Kiraly Bath, so people wishing for a private, intimate experience will appreciate it. Many of the original structures from Ottoman times remain, so the bath provides a place for calm and quiet. Relax in an earlier era, amazed by walls of stone and peaceful lighting that call to mind the calm of ancient traditions.

Guide to Properly Enjoying Budapest’s Thermal Baths

• You can use your own towel or pay less by getting one at the bathhouse. If you bring your own towel, you never need to wonder about where to get a clean one.
• Wearing a swimsuit acts as a requirement in all or nearly all the baths, so plan to bring one. Some baths tell you to bring a swim cap, so it’s important to find out in advance.
• Try to get used to the chill in the ice-cold plunge pool – it will wake you up in a good way! Taking time to relax in hot water and steam, then jumping into the cold plunge pool helps improve circulation and perks you up.
• Try to arrange a massage or treatment at the spa before arriving to guarantee availability. A lot of baths offer packages that feature massages, facials and other treatments so you can add extra pampering to your day.
• Avoid the weekends if possible to keep the crowds at minimum. The quietest times on weekdays at the zoo are in the morning and late afternoon.
• Drink a lot of water while you are indoors to keep yourself hydrated. Hot thermal water can dehydrate you which is why it’s crucial to drink more water.
• Respect the particular rules at each bath to make sure it is pleasant for all users. Do not play music or shout when a quiet zone is in effect, bathe before getting into the water and follow the pool’s clothing policy.

In Conclusion

 You really shouldn’t leave Budapest without trying the incredible experience of thermal baths. These baths include a range of activities so that all sorts of visitors—those looking to relax, find rejuvenation or treasure the local history—can have a nice time. All the baths have their own unique charm and atmosphere such as the Rudas Bath in the Ottoman style and the splendid Szechenyi Bath. While people may go to the baths to relax, they also serve as places to see impressive architecture, old traditions and daily life in Budapest. Therefore, grab a towel and relax in Budapest’s thermal spas for a special experience!