The long tradition of thermal baths of Budapest begins many centuries ago. Under the modern city hides a whole network of hot springs, which gush out and offer joy and well-being to the inhabitants. For many people, baths are an important part of their daily lives, a meeting point, for entertainment and relaxation. Indoor and outdoor pools, spas and entire waterparks, give you countless options, both in winter and summer.
Nowadays most of the impressive facilities are occupied by tourists, therefore the locals usually hang out in smaller, quieter places like Dandár and Veli Bej. Prefer to visit the places on weekdays, as on the weekends in most cases crowding prevails. Also, don’t forget your swimsuit, towels and flip-flops!
The Budapest’s best baths:
1. Széchenyi Baths
The famous baths in the city, with over a million visitors a year. Their construction was completed in 1913. In this new-baroque palace, the visitor can choose between 18 pools, 10 saunas/steam cabins and other services. Here one can play chess at the pools or experience the impressive sparties (night parties in the thermal waters).
2. Gellért Baths- Gellert Baths
The Gellért baths, which have been in operation since 1918, are housed in an impressive art-nouveau style building with plenty of natural light, majestic balconies and columns. It is one of the most known spas in Budapest, the springs of which were once enjoyed by the knights of St. John in the 12th century.
3. Rudas Baths
Operating since the Ottoman Occupation (16th century), Rudas baths maintain many of the elements of the Turkish hammam. A thermal spring is hidden on the terrace, from where one can enjoy the view of Pest that appears on the horizon. It is important to note that there are days that the baths operate only for people of the same sex. There is also a night opening hours schedule from 10 p.m. until 4 p.m.
4. Lukács Thermal Baths – Lukats baths
Here the locals are more frequent and among them many intellectuals. If you are looking for a more authentic experience the Lukats are the right baths. The healing waters of this spa are of the most recognized and were used by the knights of Rhodes and Malta (they had built monasteries at the exact spot) before the Ottoman occupation.
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5. Palatinus Baths
Οne of the most expensive in Budapest but the best option for families. Ιn the Platinus baths one will find more than 10 external pools in various temperatures, including a swimming pool with waves. Τhe park area consists of many water slides and water games. At the basement are the indoor adult pools, a children’s pool and saunas.
Check also “How to have fun in Budapest“
In Budapest there are more than 125 underground hot springs waiting for you to enjoy, find the right spa for you and live a complete experience through the variety of services offered and why not a meal at the complex’s restaurant.
Article by Titina Stamou
Translated by Konstantinos Kapoutsis
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