Soaking in Budapest

My Favorite Thermal Baths & Why You Need to Go

There are two types of people in this world: those who know the magic of a thermal spa day and those who haven’t yet lived. Budapest? She is the epicenter of thermal baths. This city is literally bubbling with mineral-rich, healing waters, and trust me—if you don’t spend a multiple days soaking, sweating, and cold plunging your way to enlightenment, you’re missing out.

I did the dirty work for you (you’re welcome lol) and hit up three of the best spas in Budapest. Here’s the rundown, complete with my pro tips so you don’t end up shivering in a wet towel or warping your favorite pair of glasses in a steam room (yes, I did this).

A Little History

Budapest sits on over 120 natural hot springs. From the Romans to the Ottomans, civilizations have embraced these waters for their healing properties. Today, the baths combine historic charm with modern amenities, making them a must for any visitor.

Rudas: The One That Stole My Heart

If Dracula had a self-care routine, he’d be posted up at Rudas. This one is hands down my favorite—even though the rooftop hot tub and Turkish bath were closed when we went. And yes, I would absolutely go back just to see them.

First off, they have this deep red soaking tub that made me feel like I was about to be recruited into some elite vampire coven. Next to it? A super hot tub with a cold plunge right beside it, so obviously Barry and I were running back and forth like lunatics. But wait, it gets better. There’s an upstairs area that’s basically a sauna playground—steam rooms, a Finnish sauna, and even a snow machine that piles up fresh snow in a basin for you to throw on yourself before jumping back into the heat.

One weird mystery? A bright yellow shower circuit that looked cool but felt like an escape room challenge I wasn’t prepared for. If anyone figures out what it actually does, or the benefits, let me know. Because I was not getting it.

And the cherry on top? A sauna with a window overlooking the river, just sitting there like a little meditative dreamscape.

It is a bit of a maze to get around, trying to figure out what level your on and which staircase to take to get to the area your wanting to explore is an adventure to say the lease but, rudas, I love you.

Gellért Bath: It’s giving Wes Anderson

This place is just stunning. If you want to feel like you’re soaking in a Wes Anderson film, Gellért is for you. The arched ceilings, intricate mosaics, old-world elegance—ugh, perfection. It feels like time stands still here.

The steam rooms? No joke. I made the mistake of wearing my glasses on top of my head, and let’s just say they’ll never be the same again. (RIP, perfectly shaped frames.) They have a cold plunge conveniently right outside the steam rooms, so you can immediately recover from the steamy heat.

There’s also an outdoor pool, but it was not open during winter when we went. We did brave the winter air to make it up to the outdoor hot tub, though, and honestly? Worth it. I can only imagine how dreamy this place is in the summer.

Széchenyi Thermal Bath: The Pinterest Icon

If you’ve seen one of those classic Budapest spa photos, it was probably Széchenyi. This one is touristy, yes, but that doesn’t make it any less amazing. I first went in 2019 when it was snowing at night, and the whole thing felt straight out of a fairy tale. This time, we went early in the morning to beat the crowds, and it was still magic.

I saw so many TikToks warning that it had gotten gross and smelly, so I was bracing myself for disappointment, but I’m happy to report that those people were wrong. In my opinion. Sure, it’s got some wear and tear—it’s been around for over a century—but it still felt clean, well-kept, and completely worth it. The steam rooms? Top tier. Bouncing between the hot and cold pools? Elite. If you go, rent a robe. Trust me, you do not want to be walking around wet and shivering.

Pro Tips for a Spa Day in Budapest

Alright, now that I’ve convinced you to live your best thermal spa life, here’s what you need to know:

Bring your own quick-dry towel. The rentals are mid at best.
Rent a cabin locker. You’ll have a private space to change and keep your stuff safe.
Lotion, lotion, lotion. These waters will dry you out real quick.
No jewelry. Unless you want it to come out looking like it’s been through a war.
A little mirror = lifesaver. The spa mirrors are rare and always occupied.
Bring a brush. Your hair will be begging for it.
Pack your own body wash. You’ll want a good rinse-off post-soak.
Wear comfy, easy-to-change clothes. Think leggings and oversized sweaters.
Check schedules ahead of time. Some areas are only open on certain days, and the info can be confusing.
Bring your own flip flops – You do not want your dogs out on the floors, it is also mandatory in each thermal spa. You do not want to have to get stuck buying the over priced options they sell in the gift shop.

Last thoughts:

So, if you find yourself in Budapest, do yourself a favor and book one spa per day to soak, steam, and bliss out. This way you won’t feel rushed and will enjoy each space at your own pace. Your body, mind, and probably your soul will thank you. ✨