(photo Flavio Spugna)

Széchenyi Baths
Bath House
(36)  1 – 363 3210
H-1146 Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 11
Budapest, Hungary

www.szechenyibath.com
MAP

Open Hours:
6:00am – 10:00pm Every Day

The Széchenyi Baths are the heart and soul of Budapest.  Here one hears children giggling,  lovers canoodling and old-men chatting.  Truly a local hangout where you can be a part of the city, as opposed to a visitor to the city.

The Széchenyi Baths are in an exceedingly large neo-Baroque building, located on the edge of Varosliget (City Park).  The same park of the Hősök tere (Heroes’ Square) and next to the Szepmuveszeti Museum (Museum) of Fine Arts and the Mucsarnok.  In winter there is also an Ice Rink!

There are 3 outdoor pools!  The one in the center is  large & relatively cool in temperature and  is used mostly for exercise (may people swimming laps).  The two smaller side pools are much warmer.  The far pool is quite fun and seems to be geared more towards youth, having a fast-jet spiral that draws raucus laughter out of those spinning through!  The nearer pool is geared more towards sedate conversation, chess and a slightly more introspective crowd- with large gatherings of people in conversation or huddled around gaming tables.  Of course there is plenty of cross-pollinating between all!

Inside, one can find Turkish-style thermal baths that contain heavy mineral spring water.  There is also the normal assortment of treatments and therapies available.  In summer, there is a rooftop deck open for sunbathing.

Bring swimsuit and flipflops with you.  And if you go in winter – be prepared for steaming water, frigid air and to stay in the warm water for hours! (bring a robe)

Széchenyi is certainly one of the places not to miss when you travel to Budapest.  Highest of our recommendations.

(above Left    photo  Elin B )
(above right photo Elin B)

(above Left photo Katherine Hala)
(above right photo Jon k )

(above Left photo  Ed Porras)
(above right photo brka)

(above Left photo Ed Porras)

Gellert Baths
Spa & bath House
(36) 1 – 466 6166
H-1118 Budapest, Kelenhegyi út 4
Budapest, Hungary

www.gellertbath.com.
MAP

Opening Hours:
6:00am – 7:00pm   Monday – Friday
6:00am – 6:00pm   Saturday & Sunday (between 30th of April and 30th of September)

The baths at the Hotel Gellert may be the most famous of the Budapest bath houses and it is certainly a good example of Hungarian Secession Art Nouveau being constructed between 1912 and 1918.

The Baths at the Gellert are delightful  from the entrance hall on.  Once you enter, your first stop is a large pool surrounded by columns surrounded by a Solarium overlooking from the second floor balcony.  Past the pool, there are the woman’s and  man’s thermal bath areas.  These baths are rich with mineral waters and are situated in magnificently high ceilinged tile rooms.  These areas are definitely a bit more interesting and relaxing.

In the warmer months there are three outdoor pools; unfortunately they were closed for our visit in winter.

As with all the bath houses, you can also enjoy a massage or any of the many treatments offered.  You can even join the local ladies with their Healing Aqua-Gymnastics class in the main pool; though while visually stunning the main pool was not large enough to accommodate the crowds the days we were there.  Perhaps in the summer when the outdoor pools can draw off a bit of the crowd.

The baths at the Hotel Gellert are truly astounding in their design and scope.  Yes they are a bit touristic, but they are also easy to visit and staffed with English speakers who are ready to hold your hand if needed.

Enjoy!

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(above Left photo Hamadryades in Lisbon)

Király Baths
Spa & bath House
(36) 1 – 202 3688
I. Fö u. 84, Budapest
Budapest, Hungary

www.kiralyfurdo.hu.
MAP

Opening Hours:
9:00am – 9:00pm   Monday, Wednesday, Friday
6:30am – 7:00pm   Tuestays & Thursdays
6:30am – 1:00pm   Saturday
there are different days for men and women

Built in 1563 by the The Pasha of Buda during the Ottoman occupation

As you settle into the main pool and tilt your head back, you gaze up at the octagonal domed roof  and the tiny circular windows that filter gentle rays of sunlight onto the stone and water.   If you ever saw the original 3d modeled video game MYST, you can imagine the lighting gives and its magical atmosphere.

The main pool is surrounded by smaller baths, each with different water temperatures.  The divine thermal water is piped directly from the Lukács Baths.  This is a truly relaxing bathhouse – with no crowds or stress.  400+ years of stress washed away.