Thermal baths

Budapest is richly endowed with natural springs of thermal waters possessing various medicinal properties, and it is these that supply the city’s many thermal baths. Not for nothing is it known as the City of Spas. Among its most precious treasures are its sixteenth century Turkish baths, as well as the Széchenyi, the Gellért and the Lukács Baths, and the Rác Baths, which are currently closed for renovation. All are known for the healing qualities of their waters.

Gellért Bath (XI. Kelenhegyi út 4-6): This must surely be one of the all-time favourites of visitors to Budapest. Its natural spring was known about as early as the thirteenth century, and its interior is a delight of original. Click here to see the short video of Gellért Bath!

Király Bath (II. Fő u. 82-84): Construction of this was begun under Arslan, Pasha of Buda in 1565. It is one of the finest extant buildings of the Turkish period, and gives the visitor even today an inspiring glimpse into the splendour of Ottoman bathing culture.

Lukács Bath (II. Frankel Leó u. 25-29): This is a bathing complex dating from the nineteenth century but whose roots go back to the Turkish period.

The sixteenth century Császár (Emperor) Bath is part of the complex, and b esides traditional Turkish baths there is also a very popular swimming pool.

The Rác Bath is currently closed for renovations.

Following the renovation of the landmark Turkish bathhouse, the Rudas Bath is reopened from 1st of December 2005.

Széchenyi Bath (XIV. Állatkerti út 11): The Széchenyi is one of the biggest bathing complexes anywhere in Europe, whose hot spring – both the city’s hottest and deepest – was discovered in 1879. The neo-baroque building containing the thermal baths dates from 1913 and the adjacent swimming pool opened in 1927. The water is so warm that the outdoor pools are popular with bathers even in the depths of winter!