Budapest - Thermal baths
A History of the Baths
Budapest has more thermal baths than any other city in the world – meaning the Hungarian capital is awash with them – Roman baths, Turkish baths, swimming baths, healing baths, and spa baths – so whatever your needs there’s a body of water for everyone! And although bathing has been one of the best things to do in Budapest since Roman times, sadly, no original baths have survived from that era. Despite this, plenty of baths dating from the Turkish occupation in the sixteenth century are still in use.
How the Baths Work
Some Budapest thermal baths contain just a few thermal pools with possibly a sauna and steam room, while other Budapest thermal spas are gargantuan in comparison and include swimming pools, icy plunge pools and massage rooms. Not only can you wade around, you can also try an array of massage and therapies if you want to pamper yourself and secure a bit of extra attention.
More than 120 hot thermal springs bubble away underground, feeding the baths of Budapest. The waters are laden with any number of minerals including calcium, sulphate, potassium, fluoride and magnesium. These are said to help with circulation and respiratory and muscular problems.
Most of the major Budapest thermal baths were designed along the same lines: A series of indoor pools where the water temperature goes from warm to hot, allowing you to experience incremental temperature changes as you move from one to the other. And when you reach your maximum heat tolerance, you refresh yourself by jumping into an icy and invigorating plunge pool! After which you can start the process all over again.
The Most Popular Thermal Baths
Good to know
A few things to remember when visiting the thermal baths: Always buy your tickets in advance – most are time-specific offering sessions from 30 minutes to two hours. Swimsuits have to be worn in all mixed bathing areas, while swimming caps must be worn in swimming pools. You can hire a swimsuit, but it’s best to bring your own. Towels can be rented, but supplies often run out so bring your own if possible. Some baths have designated times for men and women while others offer mixed bathing. So when planning what to do in Budapest, be sure to read up on your chosen bath.
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