Széchenyi Thermal Bath on Postcard

"The most tourist-addled of the baths in Pest’s City Park, Széchenyi offers a stunning Baroque Revival edifice built in 1913 with 18 pools, including a sprawling outdoor pool with pulsating jets."

A Summer Wellness Getaway in Budapest's Storied Baths

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@travelleisure

"A large thermal bath complex with multiple indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and steam rooms, known for its size and stunning architecture." - Carole Rosenblat

I Visited Some of Europe's Most Charming Spa Towns by Train — Here's What It Was Like

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@afar

"It's an unforgettable experience: Getting up at the crack of dawn in mid-winter, walking through the large municipal park on the Pest side of town, checking in to the Széchenyi Thermal Bath (mostly with Hungarian pensioners because tourists usually arrive later), and slowly easing into one of its three large outdoor hot spring pools, surrounded by the golden yellow neo-Baroque palace—built in 1913 for the baths—while old men playing chess in the water. Then watch as the sun rises slowly, and your breath dissipates into the cold, crisp air. The spa has 15 indoor baths, too, as well as 10 saunas at various temperatures. This spa isn't about being posh, it's about easing into the kind of everyday self-care that Hungarians have known and avidly practiced for centuries. Just join them."

The Best Things to Do in Budapest

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Trajan Centers

Google

What an amazing bathhouse! We spent hours here on a chilly Tuesday morning enjoying the hot springs inside and out. There are over 15 pools inside, two large pools outside plus one pool specifically for swimming laps. There is plenty to do with steam rooms, hot baths, cold plunge pools, saunas, and a small cafe. Plus, the people watching is top notch! Lots of tourists from all over the world, but everyone was quiet and respectful the whole time. Such a great experience! I can't recommend it enough.

MsAllatt

Google

I had heard that this place was a must-visit, but unfortunately, it was a major disappointment. It’s best to buy tickets in advance, as the baths are usually very crowded, especially on weekends. A full-day ticket costs 33 euros for an adult. We arrived on Sunday around 9:30 a.m., and there were already a lot of people. The building itself is impressive in size and architecture, with a beautiful main entrance and hall. However, for some reason, we were directed to enter through the back with our tickets. This area was very plain and made it immediately clear how old and poorly maintained the building is. What shocked me most was that the changing area is in the basement without any private space for changing, except for the restroom. If you want a private changing room, you have to pay extra. The smell there was also unpleasant. The baths have one side with warm water at 28°C, then a pool, and on the other side, cooler water. The overall condition left a lot to be desired—I would have appreciated more cleanliness and better upkeep. We stayed for two hours and left, unfortunately feeling extremely disappointed.

Jason Woodward

Google

We booked in advance and paid for a private cabin. When we arrived there wasn't much guidance as to where to find the cabins, so we wandered around for a while before managing to find someone. It turns out the cabin is just a changing room except you can lock it and also use it as a locker. The actual baths were great, we had a lovely time. It was very busy but not overly and was enjoyable. Very good atmosphere and would definitely visit again. Felt very refreshed afterwards!

Diman Prrok

Google

Get there early to avoid the crowd! We arrived at 8:30am and it was very enjoyable as there were only a few people. The water temperature is perfect. There is one quieter side and the jacuzzi side with more animation (water bubble I mean). Good experience to try out, 1h more or less should be enough.

MM McD

Google

Absolutely fantastic day out for all the family. This place is a must visit. Booked via the official site. For €35 we had our private changing area - ours for the whole day! You can bring drinks /snacks and leave them there if you wish or visit the well stocked and good value bars or restaurant there. Yes it can be busy, however it’s very well organised and this did not detract from our day. Yes there are some areas indoors with questionable levels of cleaning but the staff there are inundated and work constantly to keep on top of it as best they can. Our favourite area was the outdoor pools and the large sauna and cold plunge area downstairs. If this place was in the UK it would be a complete rip off price wise. It’s such good value and they do it well. Highly recommend.

Sim K

Google

A popular thermal bath in Budapest with 15 pools perfect for the cold weather. It’s a great experience visiting the outdoor thermal pool, didn’t really visit the other pools at this place but the outdoor one was really soothing. If you plan on visiting slippers are mandatory so either pack some or buy some there, they price from 10€.

AHMAD HASSAN FAISAL

Google

Had an incredible experience at the thermal baths. Came early Friday morning (around 9 am) and there were no lines to enter. The baths weren’t nearly as crowded as I thought they would be. I was surprised by how clean and proper everything was. Loved how many indoor pools they had. Will definitely come back on my next visit to Budapest!

Natinho Lima

Google

It is an amazing beautiful building. The faded Grand Palatial space we can dream in visiting and here is possible. Best if you never been here, lockers are on the basement floor. Hundreds. If you, like myself and everyone coming in, stood around the reception locker areas awaiting someone to leave? I think one side is ladies, the other basement men only. Literally half the building. As for the pools, one is really hot. The fun one is the other one, but not so hot. I didn't go swimming at the middle Olympic one as you need a head cap. This experience is not cheap, considering I was there for 2 hours. But worth the visit any time. Opens 7am. Best time to see the steam flowing from the waters. Bring sandals, towels, and if in a hotel, a bath robe. Access to the middle pools is cold and windy. Bring a pool bag to keep it all together, have fun, and remember that mobile phone water protector for the selfies on the water. Enjoy

Trajan Centers

Google

What an amazing bathhouse! We spent hours here on a chilly Tuesday morning enjoying the hot springs inside and out. There are over 15 pools inside, two large pools outside plus one pool specifically for swimming laps. There is plenty to do with steam rooms, hot baths, cold plunge pools, saunas, and a small cafe. Plus, the people watching is top notch! Lots of tourists from all over the world, but everyone was quiet and respectful the whole time. Such a great experience! I can't recommend it enough.

MsAllatt

Google

I had heard that this place was a must-visit, but unfortunately, it was a major disappointment. It’s best to buy tickets in advance, as the baths are usually very crowded, especially on weekends. A full-day ticket costs 33 euros for an adult. We arrived on Sunday around 9:30 a.m., and there were already a lot of people. The building itself is impressive in size and architecture, with a beautiful main entrance and hall. However, for some reason, we were directed to enter through the back with our tickets. This area was very plain and made it immediately clear how old and poorly maintained the building is. What shocked me most was that the changing area is in the basement without any private space for changing, except for the restroom. If you want a private changing room, you have to pay extra. The smell there was also unpleasant. The baths have one side with warm water at 28°C, then a pool, and on the other side, cooler water. The overall condition left a lot to be desired—I would have appreciated more cleanliness and better upkeep. We stayed for two hours and left, unfortunately feeling extremely disappointed.

Jason Woodward

Google

We booked in advance and paid for a private cabin. When we arrived there wasn't much guidance as to where to find the cabins, so we wandered around for a while before managing to find someone. It turns out the cabin is just a changing room except you can lock it and also use it as a locker. The actual baths were great, we had a lovely time. It was very busy but not overly and was enjoyable. Very good atmosphere and would definitely visit again. Felt very refreshed afterwards!

Diman Prrok

Google

Get there early to avoid the crowd! We arrived at 8:30am and it was very enjoyable as there were only a few people. The water temperature is perfect. There is one quieter side and the jacuzzi side with more animation (water bubble I mean). Good experience to try out, 1h more or less should be enough.

MM McD

Google

Absolutely fantastic day out for all the family. This place is a must visit. Booked via the official site. For €35 we had our private changing area - ours for the whole day! You can bring drinks /snacks and leave them there if you wish or visit the well stocked and good value bars or restaurant there. Yes it can be busy, however it’s very well organised and this did not detract from our day. Yes there are some areas indoors with questionable levels of cleaning but the staff there are inundated and work constantly to keep on top of it as best they can. Our favourite area was the outdoor pools and the large sauna and cold plunge area downstairs. If this place was in the UK it would be a complete rip off price wise. It’s such good value and they do it well. Highly recommend.

Sim K

Google

A popular thermal bath in Budapest with 15 pools perfect for the cold weather. It’s a great experience visiting the outdoor thermal pool, didn’t really visit the other pools at this place but the outdoor one was really soothing. If you plan on visiting slippers are mandatory so either pack some or buy some there, they price from 10€.

AHMAD HASSAN FAISAL

Google

Had an incredible experience at the thermal baths. Came early Friday morning (around 9 am) and there were no lines to enter. The baths weren’t nearly as crowded as I thought they would be. I was surprised by how clean and proper everything was. Loved how many indoor pools they had. Will definitely come back on my next visit to Budapest!

Natinho Lima

Google

It is an amazing beautiful building. The faded Grand Palatial space we can dream in visiting and here is possible. Best if you never been here, lockers are on the basement floor. Hundreds. If you, like myself and everyone coming in, stood around the reception locker areas awaiting someone to leave? I think one side is ladies, the other basement men only. Literally half the building. As for the pools, one is really hot. The fun one is the other one, but not so hot. I didn't go swimming at the middle Olympic one as you need a head cap. This experience is not cheap, considering I was there for 2 hours. But worth the visit any time. Opens 7am. Best time to see the steam flowing from the waters. Bring sandals, towels, and if in a hotel, a bath robe. Access to the middle pools is cold and windy. Bring a pool bag to keep it all together, have fun, and remember that mobile phone water protector for the selfies on the water. Enjoy

Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Széchenyi Thermal Bath

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Highlights

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