The best thermal baths in Hungary

1. Széchenyi thermal bath

This one stands out from all of the other ones. From it’s stunning architecture to the many facilities it holds, the Széchenyi bath simply is the best in it’s category. It’s the largest medicinal bath in Europe and it’s water is supplied by two thermal springs. Medical studies even indicate these baths actually have healing powers when it comes to joint illness and inflammations.

The baths are open every day of the year, even on national holidays! I would advise you to take a full day pass, only between 6am and 8am you can choose a 2 hour early bird pass but this one is only valid in between those hours and only 1 euro cheaper than the regular day pass of 20 euros. You can choose to use either a locker or a cabin. I would advise you to definitely go for a cabin since they easily fit 2 people and are super cute as well! Do make sure to bring your own towel with you and a pair of slippers since they really overcharge on the towels and you can only buy them, not lend one out.

Once you’re outside you can choose between 3 pools. In the middle you have a swimming pool, which you can enter when wearing a swimming cap. So if you wish to do some laps don’t forget to bring one. Then there are two thermal pools which heat up to 38°C. So even if you visit Budapest during wintertime this place is perfect to relax and heat up a little.

At the edges of the pools you’ll typically find a couple of Hungarians playing a few games of chess. All of the pools inside and outside are open to men and women so don’t forget to bring your bathing suit either.

Inside you will find around 14 more pools, all with different temperatures and different individual qualities. You can try out the different steam rooms and sauna’s. I tried all of them myself expect for one which goes up to 70°C -80°C. My boyfriend did try however and even though most of the times he can last very long in a sauna this particular one was just a little too much.

If you are also visiting the indoor pools, please be reminded that you can’t start shouting. Lower your voice and respect the signs that say silence. The locals will thank you for it.

2. Gellert Thermal Bath

Ever since I went to Budapest I wanted to take a closer look at the impressive Gellert Hotel. and it’s world famous spa. I had been looking forward to it for several weeks but I have to be honest here… I was disappointed. The building itself and the architecture are absolutely fabulous and unique in it’s existence but the spa just didn’t live up to it’s expectations. The price is also 20 euros but you get way less options as in the Széchenyi. The nicest swimming pool is also only open for people wearing a swimming cap and besides this one you will find 4 thermal pools and a sauna. But since the area is way smaller, all of them feel a lot more crowded. So my advice to you is that if you only have time to visit one of them go for the Széchenyi.

3. Cave bath in Miskolctapolca

More to the north of Hungary you will find the little town of Miskolctapolca, right next to the city of Miskolc. Here you will find one of the most unique thermal baths I have ever seen and one that is definitely worth visiting. For 20 euros you can spend an entire day swimming in between the caves and relaxing in the wide variety of thermal baths. Every room is provided with fun little details so that nothing looks or feels the same. Here you’ll find a waterfall, yacuzzi and lit up caves accompanied by music. The thermal water (temperature: 30°C/86°F) is also known to reduce joint pain, and since it has a lower salt content than most thermal waters (around 1000 mg/liter), people can bathe in it for much longer, practically an unlimited amount of time. Whereas in other spa’s it’s not advised to stay in longer than 2 hours. The Cave Bath can be visited all year long, except for January.