Budapest's thermal baths: a first-timer's guide
Locals have soaked in Budapest's hot springs for centuries. Here's how to pick a bath, what to bring, and the etiquette nobody explains.
By Ren Okafor · 2026-07-09
Budapest sits on more than a hundred hot springs, and its bath houses are where the city actually relaxes. A first visit is glorious — once you crack the unwritten rules.
Choosing your bath
- Széchenyi — the grand yellow classic; go for the outdoor pools in steam-cold weather.
- Gellért — art-nouveau tiles and a quieter, more elegant soak.
- Rudas — a 16th-century Ottoman dome, plus a rooftop pool over the Danube.
BringFlip-flops, a swim cap for lap pools, and a towel — renting costs more than buying. Book online to skip the queue and go on a weekday morning if you can.