What are the most popular thermal baths in Budapest?
You already know why they're so famous and why it's almost compulsory to visit them. However, as it has also been mentioned, there are many throughout Budapest. Therefore, you need to know first which are the most prominent. This way, it will be easier for you to decide. In addition, you will know the characteristics of each one, so that you can define which ones fit most to your preference.
Széchenyi Thermal Baths
First, we will talk about the Széchenyi Baths, which are an important part of the cultural and natural heritage of Budapest. Their history dates to 1913, which you can appreciate thanks to the preserved Neo-Renaissance and classical style of their architecture.
They are perfect for relaxing and disconnecting your mind while you feel like you have just made a short journey back to the past.
Gellért Baths
The Gellért Baths, or Gellér fürdo as they are also known, are never missing from the lists of Budapest´s bath houses, since they are a beautiful place, able to capture the sight of anyone, however insensitive they may be. Their construction dates to 1912, although it was completed in 1918 and has a marked modernist style.
They are part of the facilities of the Gellért Hotel. However, it will not be necessary to access it to enjoy the waters, as they have their own entrance. Therefore, if you want to know these baths, you should not consider it a constraint as far as hotel packages and experiences are concerned.
A prominent feature of this resort is that its mineral waters come from the warm springs of Mount Gellért (hence its name). Its healing properties have also been extensively studied, to the point that they have been known since the 17th century.
Despite being a rather old site, the decoration has aged like wine. You will be captivated by the interior tile and mosaic decorations. In addition, the place has been through adaptations that have improved it over the years. For example, in 1927 a swimming pool was added with its own wave generator.
It is worth mentioning that the water temperature varies between 27 and 40 degrees, which is channeled to be distributed among the 12 pools that make up the complex. In addition, it is one of the most famous bath houses in Budapest that gives the easiest access, as its privileged location allows you to reach it even by public transport.
Rudas Baths
Rudas fürdő, better known as the Rudas Baths, are other of the most iconic bathhouses you will be able to find within Budapest. They are located in the area of Buda, right on the banks of the Danube River, and feed from the three of the world's most famous springs: Hungary, Attila, and Juventus, along with fifteen other smaller springs.
These are Turkish baths that differ from others in the city because of their appearance which reminds of 16th-century Ottoman baths. This is how we can tell you that you will love to swim in its waters if you really enjoy relaxing in an environment of great beauty.
It is worth noting that this bath's specific aesthetics is not the product of modern architectural trends, but rather a representation of its Ottoman-era construction and all the historical significance it carries.
However, the most prominent area of the Baño Rudas is its main room, which is the most representative of it. Built in 1566, it features four side pools of different temperatures, an Ottoman octagonal pool and a ten-metre-long traditional Turkish dome.
It is worth mentioning that antiquity does not imply that this Turkish bathhouse is not adapted to modern amenities. As is typical of these sites, it is complemented by a variety of services dedicated to enriching the experience, among which there is a restaurant, pools, and saunas.
Lukács Baths
With its style pointing more to being a modern spa than a traditional one, the Lukács Gyógyfürdő Spa is another place of great historical impact and a well-known tourist attraction in Budapest. It is equipped with saunas, swimming pools, and even a massage centre. Everything you need to release any tension and give your body the most relaxed state possible.
Its waters are known worldwide for being rich in a large amount of minerals that can contribute positively to the well-being of the body. In addition, the spa has been renovated to improve its appearance, allowing it to go in tune with modern designs, but without losing its historical charm.
Királt Baths
Another of the oldest famous Budapest´s bath houses is the Király Spa. This began to be built in 1565 and so many years of history have sat quite well, as they bring a very peculiar charm to the place.
An interesting detail is that it is one of the smallest thermal baths in Budapest, but not one that has a lower quality. In fact, it is the favorite of many tourists because it is the one that best preserves the traditional atmosphere and elegance, features that enrich the experience of bathing in its waters.
This is because it is the bathhouse that can make you feel the most in the past. On the other hand, its waters from natural springs are also famous for their medicinal properties. And, far from what could be expected, environmental conservation does not mean that its services are not adapted to modernity, as it also offers saunas, pools and massages.
Veli Bej Baths
To close the list, only the Baths Veli Bej or Irgalmasok VeliBej Bath, as they are also known, are to be mentioned. This bathhouse was born in 1574 and has continued to provide its services to the present day.
It is one of Budapest's most famous thermal baths. It has a jacuzzi, four swimming pools and a large hot water pool. Each of these retains its historical and ancient essence but is adapted to modernity through subsequent restorations.