Budapest earns its nickname “City of Spas” thanks to over 100 thermal springs bubbling beneath the surface, creating a haven for relaxation and healing. With around 17 notable thermal baths and spas, each offers unique architecture, mineral-rich waters (36-42°C), and atmospheres from lively social hubs to serene retreats.
This comprehensive guide covers every major one, comparing total pools, indoor/outdoor splits, mood, and wellness options like saunas, steam rooms, massages, and plunge pools. No prices here—just pure spa immersion. Data draws from official sites and visitor guides.
Table of Contents
Comprehensive Comparison Table
| Bath | Total Pools | Outdoor Pools | Indoor Pools | Mood | Wellness Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Széchenyi | 21 | 3 | 18 | Lively, social, majestic | 10+ (saunas, steam, jets, chess pools) |
| Gellért | 13 | 3 | 10 | Elegant, Art Nouveau | 5+ (steam rooms, wave pool, saunas) |
| Rudas | 10 | 1 (rooftop) | 8 | Historic, intimate | 6+ (Turkish sauna, plunge, panoramic) |
| Lukács | 12 | 2 | 10 | Therapeutic, local | 8+ (saunas, adventure pool, effervescence) |
| Király (closed/reno) | 6 | 0 | 6 | Ottoman, authentic | 3+ (traditional steam, basic saunas) |
| Palatinus (seasonal) | 10 | 8 | 2 | Fun, family beach | 4+ (wave pool, slides, basic saunas) |
| Dandár | 8 | 1 | 7 | Tranquil, medical | 5+ (mineral pools, saunas, cold plunges) |
| Paskál | 9 | 3 | 6 | Modern, family-friendly | 4+ (saunas, jets, renovated wellness) |
| Irgalmasok Veli Bej | 5 | 0 | 5 | Quiet, traditional | 3+ (Turkish-style steam, basic therapies) |
| Római | 4 | 1 | 3 | Relaxed, suburban | 2+ (simple saunas, outdoor tubs) |
| Dagály | 7 | 4 | 3 | Active, swimming-focused | 3+ (whirlpools, basic wellness) |
| Veli Bej Annex | 3 | 0 | 3 | Cozy, historic annex | 2+ (steam rooms only) |
Széchenyi: Europe’s Largest Spa Extravaganza
In City Park, neo-baroque Széchenyi reigns supreme with 21 pools—iconic outdoor trio for winter snow soaks amid crowds playing water chess. Eighteen indoor pools vary from cool laps to hot therapy. The vibrant, party-like mood suits groups, enhanced by 10+ wellness spots: Finnish saunas, ice plunges, and effervescent jets. A must for first-timers seeking grandeur.
Gellért: Timeless Art Nouveau Jewel (temporary closed)
Buda-side Gellért dazzles with Zsolnay mosaics, stained-glass, and marble columns. Three outdoor pools include a seasonal wave basin; ten indoors offer luxurious lounging. Elegant, romantic vibe perfect for couples, with steam rooms, saunas, and massages creating five-plus wellness havens. Hygiene-focused, it’s a palace-like escape.
Rudas: Ottoman Serenity with Views
Under a 16th-century dome, Rudas delivers moody intimacy on the Danube banks. Two outdoor highlights: a rooftop infinity tub overlooking Parliament. Eight indoors range hot-to-plunge. Calm, historic mood thrives for mixed/gendered days, boasting Turkish saunas and six-plus therapies. Views elevate the zen.
Lukács: Local’s Therapeutic Favorite
Buda Hills’ Lukács heals with potent waters praised by doctors. Two outdoors for sunny dips; ten indoors feature adventure elements. Relaxed, health-focused mood attracts regulars, with eight-plus options: drift corridors, neck showers, saunas. Einstein reportedly soaked here—pure authenticity.
Király: Authentic Ottoman Relic (temporary closed)
Currently closed for renovations, this 16th-century gem hides in Óbuda with six indoor-only pools echoing Turkish hammams. Dimly lit, adventurous mood for history buffs; basic three wellness features like steam caves await reopening. Compact and raw—timeless.
Palatinus: Margaret Island Funhouse
Seasonal (from 1st of May till end of September) on lush Margaret Island, Palatinus packs ten pools—eight outdoors with massive slides and waves. Family beach vibe buzzes with energy; two indoors for cooler days. Four-plus wellness includes whirlpools. Picnic-perfect for stag dos 🙂
Dandár: Hidden Medical Oasis
South Pest’s Dandár offers tranquil medical relief since 1930. One outdoor, seven indoors rich in minerals for joints/skin. Peaceful, understated mood; five-plus saunas and cold plunges. Locals’ secret for quiet healing.
Paskál: Youthful Modern Retreat
Northeast’s youngest (1989), Paskál blends nine pools—three outdoors post-2016 reno. Family-friendly, bright mood; four-plus jets and saunas. Fresh alternative to classics.
Irgalmasok Veli Bej: Quiet Turkish Echo
Buda annex with five indoors under historic arches. Serene, low-key mood; three steam-focused wellness. Niche for purists.
Római: Suburban Simplicity
Northwest riverside, four pools (one outdoor). Laid-back neighborhood feel; two basic saunas. Easygoing escape.
