The nicest and nicest bathhouses in Budapest
Budapest, aka 'the city of bathhouses'. You should not miss a visit to a bathhouse. Ideally, you should spend almost a day there (yes, in winter and summer). Where do those bathhouses come from? Ok then, a little bit of history: the Romans came up with mineral-rich thermal springs and they also became popular under the Ottomans in the 16th century. Many of the baths date from the 16th and 17th centuries, although there are also newer ones.
There are many baths in the city, so choosing where to spend the day/part of the day is not that easy. How do you choose them? Based on this list of course! These are the nicest and nicest bathhouses.
There is nothing wrong with the bathhouses that tourists manage to find: they are often much nicer, but also more expensive. Not all equally hygienic. Here they are:
- Széchenyi Bath: the most famous (from this photo) and the most visited by tourists. The bathhouse is located in a beautiful neo-baroque building and was built in 1913. In total there are 21 pools (three of them large outdoor pools) in different temperatures and saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs and an aqua fitness center. You will find the Ligt Széchenyi Bath in the garden behind Heroes' Square and the Metro1 stops in front of the door. It is also one of the most expensive in the city and on Saturdays you can go to Sparty (spa party) for seventy euros.
- Gellért: located on the Danube and is also touristy and pricey, but very beautiful. The Gellért Baths are located in the art nouveau Hotel Gellért and decorated with turquoise mosaics on the floors and walls, stained glass windows and Roman columns. It can be noisy because of the crowds, so you shouldn't go there for peace and quiet.
- Rudas: these baths are entirely in Turkish style and date back to the 16th century, when the city belonged to the Ottoman Empire. The spa overlooks the city and is especially beautiful around sunset. Many options in terms of baths and saunas, including the new part (2014), which looks more like a chic swimming pool.
The local bathhouses, gems in the city. Cheaper, not touristy and nice and quiet. Often a bit simpler. here you go:
- Palatinas: you will find this, we would rather call it a swimming paradise, on Margaret Island. Palatinas has a number of outdoor pools (including slides and a wave pool) and one large indoor pool with saunas and ice baths. Unlike the other tourist bathhouses, it is wonderful to relax here. The entrance costs you six euros per day. Ideal on days when it is sweltering in the city.
- Lukacs: save the best for last. It is much less busy and less expensive than the tourist baths, but also less extensive and architecturally impressive. There are beautiful outdoor pools between the buildings and the inside is typically Hungarian. We have to admit, it's a bit of a maze, but it's super relaxing. Prepare for a nice sulfur smell, but hey, that's part of it.
