Budapest Szechenyi Thermal Bath Outdoor Pool

Budapest is home to over a dozen thermal bath houses and spas — here are the ones to visit

Budapest, the so-called spa capital of the world

The capital of Hungary – Budapest – is a must-visit European destination for numerous reasons. Think the rich history of the old city and the Art Nouveau architecture, the cuisine served up in Instagram-worthy spots, and sunset against the skyline snaps you’ll capture…

But it might surprise you to discover that Budapest is the spa capital of the world, too. Book a trip and you’ll surely be recommended to thermal bath or two by well-traveled friends…

But why exactly has the city earned the title? Firstly, the city has over a dozen thermal spas, and some of these date back as far as the Ottoman empire which took over the land in the 1500 and 1600s. As the location, which is divided by the Danube River, sits onto as many as 100 plus hot thermal springs, it has been established as a healing spa location for as many as 2000 years.

It has to do with what lies beneath the city. Bubbling underneath the city is a massive reserve of spring water that produces 70 million liters of thermal water a day.

The settlers discovered that the waters were rich in dissolved minerals and could be used for relaxation and medicinal purposes. Bathing in or drinking the mineral well water provides an array of health benefits for joints, organs, and certain chronic illnesses depending on the type of minerals in the water.

With so many thermal baths around the city, the question is: Which one is for you? Here are some of the spas you need to book in with for some mental and physical healing…

Széchenyi

Built-in 1913, this is one of the most popular of the spas in the city escape. It’s the most frequented of them all and pulls in around 1.7 million visitors a year. Located in a particularly green region of Budapest, the medicinal natural hot springs hold 18 pools alongside ten saunas and steam rooms. Of course, traditional spa treatments are available, too.

Gellért Baths

This location is as aesthetically pleasing as it is Zen-inducing. Soak in the artistic layout of the mosaic floors and walls and stained-glass windows and you soak your stresses away. Opened in 1918, the century-old establishment features a selection of pools ranging in temperatures from 26-40 degrees Celsius as well as a carbonic acid bath alongside your expected spa offerings.

Lukács Baths

The thermal springs in this location are thought to date back as far as the 12th century, but it’s been operating as it is now since the 1880s. Particularly favorited by locals seeking remedies for ailments such as respiratory issues. As well as treatments such as reflexology and massages, guests can enjoy functions such as the Himalayan salt wall and weight bath

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