Széchenyi Thermal Bath

We had an amazing time at the Széchenyi Thermal Bath – truly one of the highlights of our trip to Budapest! From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was relaxing and inviting. We spent time enjoying both the indoor and outdoor pools, and despite it being a popular attraction, it never felt overly crowded. The warm water was incredibly soothing, and the architecture added a unique charm to the experience. There’s a convenient bar for drinks and a spot for light food, but what we appreciated most is that you’re allowed to bring your own snacks – a nice touch for anyone planning to spend a few hours here. The absolute best part was the hot and cold plunge pools. Cycling between the 40°C hot pool and the invigorating 20°C cold pool was both refreshing and energizing – an experience not to be missed! Overall, Széchenyi Thermal Bath delivered everything we hoped for and more. Highly recommend this to anyone visiting Budapest!

Your visit to Budapest isn’t truly complete without a trip to Széchenyi Thermal Bath—a timeless experience that’s magical in all four seasons. Whether you’re soaking under the sun in summer or surrounded by steam in the crisp winter air, Széchenyi has its own unique atmosphere year-round. Set in City Park, it’s one of the largest medicinal bath complexes in Europe, built in 1913 and still fed by natural hot springs rich in minerals. The thermal pools, saunas, and neo-baroque architecture create an unforgettable blend of wellness and beauty. Locals and tourists alike come here to relax, socialize, and even play chess in the steaming outdoor pools—a tradition that gives the place an unmistakable character. It’s not just a spa, but a slice of Budapest’s culture. That said, the entry process can be confusing. The building has entrances on three different corners, depending on whether you’ve booked a VIP, online, or regular ticket. If it’s not too crowded, it’s often easiest to buy a standard ticket at the venue, avoiding the guesswork. A private booth is a nice upgrade, especially for comfort and privacy, but if you’re visiting with friends, one booth is enough—you can take turns and save money. On a tight budget? Some unused private changing rooms are left unlocked and can be used discreetly. No matter the weather or your budget, Széchenyi offers a deeply local and rejuvenating experience—an essential stop on your Budapest journey.

Very good experience. The outdoor pools feel more like a public swimming pool than a thermal spa, but! The indoor pools are much more relaxing. Some of them can get very noisy, but once you're in the hot water, you quickly forget about it. The saunas are excellent, with a wide variety to choose from. There's even a nudist sauna with a cold plunge pool if that’s your thing. The place is beautiful, clean, and massive. Whether you're a tourist or a local, it's definitely worth a visit! (I took the pictures when it was closed, do not think that it is that calm)

Stunning entry. So many details. Great welcoming staff. Many pools. But many also dirty. The area from the VIP to the outside pools was under maintenance so you have to walk around. The main center pool is still closed. Most of the facility could use an update. The VIP spa has some basic drinks. But can only be drank in the room. They are glass bottles that can’t be taken with. That is a bit frustrating. Even so it is still worth the experience. It also would be nice if they added the spin dryer for the bathing suits to the VIP area.

There was some renovation going on in one of the main outdoor pools but because there are so many pools, it wasn’t an issue. No work was done during open hours. Overall, it’s kept pretty clean considering how many guests visit it. We were worried about getting a ticket and booked with a local tour guide we saw on the street (cheaper than any online tickets we found), went around 3pm (no lines) and stayed until close. I saw some seasoned bathers who brought a little washcloth and a body brush for the steam baths which would be a good idea. If you’re into alternating temperatures, I recommend the steam bath and cold pool on the right side of the building and on the far left you’ll find the hottest pool right across from a cold bath. Bring all your own soap, shampoo, slippers to wear in the spa and towels. You can buy them there, but they are pricy. We were surprised at how big the lockers are. A regular size backpack fits as well as a shelf for shoes and other personal belongings. It’s free with the ticket. Spending an afternoon there reinvigorated us for another day of walking tours. I would go regularly if I lived here. Great way to recuperate.

One of the great thermal baths in Budapest. We rented the private changing room for the day and were happy we did. The indoor pools are ok, but the outside ones were the best. The staff was super helpful and kind but yet low key. Even though all the deck chairs were filled, it didn't feel overly crowded.

Széchenyi Baths – A Classic Budapest Experience with a Few Quirks - 28€ I recently visited the famous Széchenyi Thermal Baths in Budapest, and overall, it was an experience I’d recommend to anyone visiting the city. There are a few downsides worth mentioning, but they’re far outweighed by the uniqueness and atmosphere of the place. Let’s start with the pros: The Széchenyi Baths are one of the largest and most iconic thermal bath complexes in Europe, and the architecture alone is stunning. The neo-baroque design gives the place a historic charm, and it’s easy to imagine how people have enjoyed these waters for over a century. The variety of thermal pools, saunas, and wellness options is impressive. Whether you’re looking to relax in hot mineral-rich water, enjoy a massage, or sit in a steam room, there’s something for everyone. The whirlpool in one of the outdoor pools was definitely a highlight for me—it’s surprisingly strong and fun, especially if you’re going with friends or want a little playful moment during your visit. The warm outdoor pools are also magical in cooler weather; there’s something truly relaxing about sitting in hot water while breathing in crisp air. The baths are open year-round and are accessible in all seasons. The experience in winter is especially unique with the steam rising into the cold air, making it feel like you’re in a movie scene. A practical bonus: many of the staff and visitors speak English, which is very helpful for navigating the lockers, understanding spa options, or just asking for directions within the complex. It’s clearly a place that welcomes international visitors. That said, there were a few drawbacks during my visit. The indoor pool didn’t feel very clean—perhaps due to high traffic or maintenance cycles. Additionally, the central outdoor pool was under maintenance, which was unfortunate since it’s one of the most photographed parts of the complex. It’s worth checking their website or calling ahead if there’s a specific feature you want to experience. Also, the towel situation could be improved. There are hangers provided, but they’re not secure enough—if there’s even a slight breeze, your towel might end up on the floor. I’d recommend bringing a towel clip or just being extra cautious with where you leave your things. Despite these minor inconveniences, the Széchenyi Baths remain one of the must-do activities in Budapest. The atmosphere is both lively and relaxing, and it caters to solo travelers, couples, and groups alike. It’s easy to spend several hours there unwinding, soaking, and enjoying the surroundings. If you’re visiting Budapest and want to try something unique, culturally significant, and rejuvenating, Széchenyi Baths definitely deserves a spot on your itinerary. Just go prepared—with your own towel, flip-flops, and perhaps a lock for peace of mind—and enjoy a true Hungarian spa experience.

Worth visiting for the experience if you have a few hours to spare in Budapest. I arrived 8:30am on a weekday and there was no wait, definitely recommend coming early to avoid the crowds and have an hour or two of a nice experience. By 11am the place was really packed out. As many other reviews have stated, the place is pretty run down, there’s mold everywhere indoors, and the indoor pools are quite dirty with particles circling around. The main outdoor pool is under renovations too. I had the above in mind before deciding to come so overall would still rate it 4 stars, just set expectations!