Szechenyi Baths | Guide to the Thermal Bath. Dandar Thermal Baths. Chess players soaking in the warm outdoor pool of Szechenyi Bath Budapest – probably this is the most shot peculiarity of Szechenyi Bath. Szechenyi Spa Baths is in Városliget City Park. The waters are so rejuvenating, in fact, that there's actually a physiotherapy “hospital” on-site, offering up treatments and therapy for all sorts of ailments. Hence why I didn’t bother to seek them out! A splendid Neo-Baroque palace surrounds large outdoor bathing pools filled with hot water from thermal springs. The Szechenyi Baths are open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day in the summer. Challenge your stamina by soaking in the outdoor pools of Szechenyi Baths on a freezing winter day. I got in, and immediately got back out. Skip-the-Line Entrance to Széchenyi Spa in Budapest with Optional Massage, Budapest Super Saver: Széchenyi Spa with Optional Massage plus Danube River Dinner Cruise, Eger and the Valley of the Beautiful Women, 5 Cities in Europe You Can Actually Afford to Visit. It’s definitely an experience unlike anything we have here in America. Wow! Tickets: We purchased entry tickets plus locker usage for 2 persons from this website. A full-day ticket with a locker will cost you 5500 HUF ($22 USD) on a weekday, or 5700 HUF ($23 USD) on the weekend. Most attractions are on the Pest side, including the steamy Budapest Bath House Szechenyi Baths. Szechenyi Baths and Pool: Swimming in the rain... - See 32,124 traveller reviews, 15,857 candid photos, and great deals for Budapest, Hungary, at Tripadvisor. For example, the remains of the Roman-era public baths, Thermae Maiores, are still visible in today's northern Budapest. The Romans already realised that the spring water was full of beneficial minerals, and the Ottomans, who conquered the region in the 16th century, skilfully built a number of thermal baths. Located out on the eastern fringes of the centre, close to Heroes’ Square and the City Zoo , this really is the ultimate bathing experience in the capital, and, arguably, Europe – it is the largest medicinal bath on the continent. I know, right?? Soak in the Széchenyi Baths. Soaking in the Szechenyi Baths Budapest The Szechenyi Baths in Budapest The steam rising out of the drain cover caught my attention first. Szechenyi Baths, being the biggest and most popular baths in Budapest, are the first I made a bee-line for. It is true that the evening view of the hot steam coming out of the baths may be a different delight to watch altogether, however spending atleast 3-4 hours in the day time was just fine to fully enjoy the thermal effect! Yes, you should definitely go! The baths indoors were ofcourse connected to one another and were more private in nature. If you have some free time in Budapest (at any time of year), I highly suggest “taking the waters” at Szechenyi. Budapest's collection of thermal bath complexes, including the iconic Rudas baths and Szechenyi Spa Baths, have been closed since March. The Hungarian capital's thermal baths are some of the most famous in the world. I could have literally been there all day. […] at the Szechenyi Baths ($15-$20 for a whole day; less if you go in the afternoon on a […], […] in the world where you can experience traditional Turkish baths dating back to the 16th century. We paid 17 euros per person (35 euros total) and took a printout with us before departing. Probably would be a bit chilly if you wanted to get to the outdoor pools, but I think it would be so worth it! Also, some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). Szechenyi Baths are the biggest baths complex in Budapest and a must experience. The idea of thermal baths was popular with the Romans, who introduced them here. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Budapest is not just the capital of Hungary; this exciting European city also carries another official title- Spa City. ), here are some practical tips to consider: All in all, I was very happy to pay $15 to spend a few hours here, even on my own. Széchenyi Baths. For locals, it's a welcome return to normality and a chance to soak, relax and maybe swim a few laps, but mostly find respite from the heat, as temperatures head upwards in the Hungarian capital. My brain can’t quite figure out the contrast and realize that these are thermal pools, not chlorinated swimming pools. Wow, Amanda – I’m not sure what I would’ve loved more… the pools themselves or those gorgeous buildings surrounding them. What’s up with all that European nudity? Lovely photos! Such a picturesque place. While some prefer to keep it till the end, we preferred to spend half a day here on the 2nd day of our trip to Budapest to coincide with Tanusree’s birthday. Heroes Square + Szecehnyi is about as cool of a sightseeing day as you can have anywhere. It definitely looks more crowded in the summer, but I would imagine it’s a bit more pleasant. I would love to go back in the winter, just to see the difference! There's also a smaller pool with hot-tub-like jets and a true whirlpool, with a summer temperature between 89 and 93 degrees F (32-34 degrees C). In other words, the local tradition of soothing soaks is centuries strong. Szechenyi Baths opening times: The indoor and outdoor pools, steam cabins and saunas open at 6 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. every day of the week, though hours can change on national holidays. It was the perfect way to spend a warm afternoon, though I’m convinced you could enjoy this place in any kind of weather! You step onto the road, and, if you don't keep your feet, there's no telling where you might get swept off to." Visit also our main page about Budapest Baths. it is so beautiful. Easy to get to by the subway. Ahhh I loved the baths while I was in Budapest! This looks really cool Amanda! The indoor bits are the best part–I had so much fun going from hot to cold to hot and then people watching outside! The Széchenyi bathhouse, completed in the early 1900s, is the largest and one of the most beautiful in Budapest. Except on an even grander scale. To soak with the locals, head for the Szechényi bath complex — a big, yellow, copper-domed building in the middle of Budapest's City Park Szechenyi Baths and Pool: Afternoon soak - See 32,118 traveller reviews, 15,848 candid photos, and great deals for Budapest, Hungary, at Tripadvisor. Required fields are marked *. The bright yellow tiered building - looking a bit like a wedding cake - celebrated its 100th birthday in 2013. Visitors to Leukerbad get to enjoy a soak in a thermal bath, surrounded by and incredible backdrop of rugged Alpine peaks. The tour is indeed short, as the bath complex is not like a museum: there are actually 500-1,500 people swimming and soaking in the 18 baths and pools of the huge bath complex. Learn how your comment data is processed. Haha, yeah, it reminded me a bit of the Blue Lagoon in that respect. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Unfortunately I have no time to stay for one day in this nice Thermal Bath , Do they allow a visit to watch the facility for more or less 15 minutes during My Business Visit to Budapest , So next visit to Budapest will spend a day there during my personal Vacation ??? The Romans already realised that the spring water was full of beneficial minerals, and the Ottomans, who conquered the region in the 16th century, skilfully built a number of thermal baths. Thermal Baths in Budapest weren’t so popular amongst tourists up until a couple of decades ago but have been well known to the locals ever since the early 20 th century. Often crowded - come early or late. Cafe in the Szechenyi Spa Still peep in a cold day and you’ll see some local bathing fanatics sitting around a floating chess table in the steaming water playing and chatting. If you're a Midwesterner like me (or just anyone not from Europe, really), chances are you can't picture this scene. But I still loved it. There were total 18 pools outside and inside. Szechenyi Baths and Pool: Nice soak! There is almost always a series of indoor thermal pools with temperatures ranging from warm to hot. Definitely picking the Szechenyi Baths so I can admire that architecture — your photos are stunning! There’s a pool for those who wish to swim at 27 C (80 F), an adventure pool at 38 C (100 F) featuring a whirlpool (it’s really powerful so if you’re alone it’s like a lazy river!) Two of Budapest's baths — Széchenyi and Gellért — are the best known, most representative, and most convenient for first-timers. Step into a city trip of pure rest and relaxation in the heart of Budapest, the beautiful capital of Hungary. The best part about it is that most of the people there are locals. Which is perhaps why I was so taken with the idea of visiting the Szechenyi Baths and Spa while I was in Budapest. The bottoms are just painted that blue, I think. Picture this: Baroque-style baths, filled with thermally-heated water, that are outdoors and open year-round. Choose a 50-minute aroma massage or a more vigorous, 70-minute Swedish-style massage, and complement it with time to soak in Széchenyi's world-famous, naturally heated indoor and outdoor pools. Visiting a thermal bath and bathing in the hot spring water of Szechenyi Baths can be a great way of spending a relaxing and refreshing day for anyone in Budapest. I smile everytime I see pictures of this place. Szechenyi baths is a bucket list item for tourists to Budapest - there were 1.5 million visitors here last year. - JRR Tolkien. I think it’d be fun to go back to in the winter, when the outdoor pools are all steamy! Notify me of follow-up comments by email. No visit to Budapest is complete with taking a dip of the biggest bathhouse in Budapest. In 1928, the City Council ruled that every district in Budapest should have a public bath in order to provide facilities essential for the personal hygiene. Szechenyi Baths and Pool: A lovely soak - See 32,125 traveller reviews, 15,857 candid photos, and great deals for Budapest, Hungary, at Tripadvisor. Szechenyi Baths is Budapest’s largest medicinal bath located in the beautiful City Park. Location & Transport: On the north-east side of Budapest (Pest side), Szechenyi Baths is located slightly outside of the bustling city centre. It’s crazy. The Szechenyi Baths are open daily year-round, and the thermal waters mean that swimming in the outdoor pools is possible even in winter. The yellow buildings paired with the blue water were just amazing. You are not really in Budapest yet unless you have soaked in at the famous Szechenyi Baths (pronounced say-chan-yee). I remember you told a similar story about Iceland’s Blue Lagoon. Like at the Blue Lagoon, the waters in Szechenyi are said to have healing powers thanks to their mineral elements —fluoride, calcium, magnesium, hydro-carbonate, sodium, sulphate and more are in abundance here. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Very interesting! Photo: Christo – Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 The waters of the Lukács Baths in Budapest are said to cure just about everything, from spinal deformation and vertebral dislocation, to calcium deficiency. Sixty percent of Budapest's tourists pay a visit to one or more of the bath complexes. Sign up here to get exclusive travel tips, deals, and other inspiring goodies delivered to your inbox. Home » Europe » Hungary » Soaking at the Szechenyi Baths. Learn more about me here. Here's a detailed guide to clear all your confusion. Well done! So it was best just to soak in to enjoy the hot natural water coming right from the warm heart of the Earth! This is one of my favorite experiences in Europe. So pack your togs. The Szechenyi baths are in a Baroque palace that may be one of the most unique and photogenic places in all of Europe. Soak in the Szechenyi Baths. The Bath is located in City Park on the Pest side of Budapest, and is easily accessible. Visiting the Szechenyi Thermal Bath somewhat reminded us of  visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland back in 2016 except on an even grander scale. Once the bath was finished, I carefully climb out of the tub (three beers and a hot water soak should elicit caution). Until 1978, water was supplied from Szechenyi Baths but since that time the bath welled their own high-quality medicinal waters. The only thing better than a soak in a hot spring is a soak in a hot spring after a music festival. A Dangerous Business is a participant in several affiliate programs. I love the header art; it so aptly describes your travels. How funny that you went to beat the heat while we visited the baths to warm up a little! Because we simply don't have places like this at home. And yes, Hungary and Romania were both super easy to navigate only speaking English! There is a huge thermal bath culture in Budapest, and I always have a blast when I go to the Szechenyi Baths. However, it was just a comfortable 20-minute bus ride from our fantastic apartment in Budapest which dropped us right in front of the Baths. For years, Hungarians and foreigners alike have spent long hours soaking in the healing waters of Széchenyi. The Szechenyi Baths are the ones I’ve experienced a couple of years ago – it was a lot of fun, it wasn’t so warm (it was around Easter). Sounds like I should have checked out Gellert, too, just for fun! Enjoy a relaxing soak in Europe’s largest spa! Szechenyi Baths and Pool: The Szechenyi Baths and Pool - Soak It Up - See 32,124 traveller reviews, 15,864 candid photos, and great deals for Budapest, Hungary, at Tripadvisor. You can reach it using the yellow metro line (M1), or you can walk up Andrassy Boulevard like I did, making a pit stop at Heroes Square along the way. Did you feel it was easy to manage through the city without speaking the language? That is for sure. and another pool just for relaxing at 38 C (100 F). I’m just a small-town Ohio girl trying to balance a “normal” life with a desire to discover the world beyond my Midwest bubble. © 2021 A Dangerous Business. That, and because the neo-Baroque buildings (erected in the early 1900s) look like this: Yeah, I could definitely spend a few hours here. Though, I’ve heard the architecture at Gellert is also pretty amazing (but that one, I’m told, is more expensive and more touristy). This post brought back so many memories … from the maze, to the tip about the flip-flops! After arriving in Budapest with a nasty cold and spending the first day or so in my hotel room, the baths were a great way to feel normal again. Szechenyi Baths and Pool: Great soak - See 32,114 traveler reviews, 15,844 candid photos, and great deals for Budapest, Hungary, at Tripadvisor. Try to get there right when it opens, to enjoy the sunrise from the comfort of the steaming thermal pool. Szechenyi has 15 different pools, a mixture of both indoor and outdoor, hot and cool. Very cool indeed — literally! If you want a tub to yourself but visit with a friend, you can get two tubs next to each other as the tubs aren’t in private rooms. Széchenyi Baths . I spent an afternoon at these baths back in 2006. And the perfect blue sky helped too, I’m sure! Good to hear, Ruth. Your email address will not be published. Each tub can fit two people. It’s a much cooler place to visit than most people realize (I finding that to be true about a lot of Eastern Europe, actually!). Most of the thermal baths are private, although there are four public baths. It’s definitely one of the most expensive things to do in Budapest… Interesting architecturally… The Széchenyi bathhouse, completed in the early 1900s, is the largest and one of the most beautiful in Budapest. For thousands of years, locals have enjoyed the steaming, mineral-rich thermal water simmering beneath Budapest's surface. The Ottomans, after invading the city in the 16th century, were particularly fond of the hot springs of Buda and some of the hammams they … If you haven’t already, read more about where we stayed in Budapest here. The waters are so rejuvenating, in fact, that there’s actually a physiotherapy “hospital” on-site, offering various healing treatments and therapy for all sorts of ailments. Budapest’s natural thermal springs have been exploited since Roman times, when a sprawling bathing complex was a major landmark (these days, its ruins and stories can be found at the Aquincum Museum). For 45 minutes you soak in a wooden tub full of thermal waters and beer ingredients – malt, hops, yeast, and beer salt. You are not really in Budapest yet unless you have soaked in at the famous Szechenyi Baths (pronounced say-chan-yee). Required fields are marked *. Take a towel, thongs and a bathing cap. The baths outside seemed more appealing and vibrant, under the open sky, chill in the air, but warm water all around! The Bath is located in City Park on the Pest side of Budapest, and is easily accessible. The thermal pools operate throughout the year, so you can soak your body in the melting hot water in winter (if you’re not afraid of coming out to the chilly air). I personally recommend the Szechenyi Baths near Heroes’ Square — the beautiful 100-year-old bath house has 15 indoor baths and 3 […]. 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