Irgalmasok Veli Bej Bath — Attraction in Budapest

Keep a close eye on your belongings while here. My swimwear - men's black and blue slimfit shorts by Bogner Fire & Ice - was stolen from the men's changing area. I was the last person to leave last night so it should be with lost property. So who took them? I'll withdraw this comment if it appears in lost property.

Other than that, the baths are quite pleasant but IMO not genuine mineral rich thermal baths. I've been to many such baths in Europe, including some in Budapest. At Veli Bej, few of the "thermal" baths seemed as warm as they ought to be. Moreover, the waters didnt seem mineral rich as they ought to be. In fact, i hardly noticed any mineral content in the baths but did suspect some chlorine type agent. The main bath and one of the small ones did seem thermal. There was no working drinking water fountain whereas at, say, Rudas' Turkish baths, you can taste the minerals and even see mineral deposits at the mineral rich fountain. Other than for the Turkish baths, my experience was that the facilities were compact and the options limited. It's better suited for intimate couples and people with mobility issues. The Turkish baths - the main attraction here - have lost their ancient character due to the ancient stone being plastered and painted over. I didnt get to try the Kneip bath due to the lack of time. The bathing areas were being closed 15 minutes before closing time - I thought the male staff was had a unfriendly tone and aggressive manner as he rushed people to leave.

In the open changing area, there was a lack of space - very compact lockers and benches. But the cabins (designed for wheelchairs?) were oversized with awkward doors and benches. There was a lack of hanging space in the shower area. This awkwardness and the rush to leave probably contributed to me forgetting my swim shorts.

There's a Germanic efficiency over time and managing the queue (they dont let many people in at once). The ticketing system is good but I really dont understand the 30 to 60 minutes queue. Other baths dont have this feature. In the evening, it leaves you with too little time to use the facilities before close.

Overall, i felt rushed, underwhelmed by the water and my overall experience was...

I love this place, not very crowded, relatively recently renovated, plenty of pools with different water temperatures. Hower, somehow each visit to the bath is ruined by some obnoxious foreigners doing some obnoxious things, so if you're a foreign tourist wanting to visit the bath, please consider the following:

RESPECT OTHER PEOPLE TAKING BATH! People come here to relax and heal, so please don't shout loudly(stone walls perfectly increase the echo btw), keep your noise to a minimum, don't splash the water, don't jump into the pools, don't get too "sensual" with your partner, and in general - BE RESPECTFUL! I can't believe I have to write this. This is common courtesy, not some cultural "thing".

USE COMMON SENSE! -No, you cannot go to the pool area in street shoes. Walking barefeet is also not ok. They can offer you spare slippers at the reception. If you think they might be eeky - you can buy yourself a pair at any Asian shop for like 5 euros. -No, you cannot bring some odd items with you to the pools. Leave your phone, your backpack and everything else in the locker and just enjoy the bath! (Btw, there is even a note about not bringing razors and glass items - that means, someone must have tried it before 😵‍💫 ) -Take shower before using the pool, tie long hair with a band or wear a swim cap, wear a swimsuit, don't bring food or drinks to the pool, don't consume alcohol. Latter one is a serious violation.

TIPS: -Odd opening hours of the bath are like this because it's used by the hospital patients. -Towel can be rented at the reception. You need a cash deposit for it. -Changing area is co-ed, but showers are separated. -Taps with drinking water are available inside.

Happy bathing...

Take tram to Komjadi Bela stop. You will see hotel Csazsar with international flags hanged around entrance. I stopped and asked for entrance to Veli Bej. It's not easy to find. In fact its located right next to historical Szent Lukacs Gyogyfurdo.You will walk around the building through outside corridor and bath is located in newly remodeled hospital centre on your left. It's all glass, modern building with cafeteria entrance. I was disappointed, expected old turkish bath feel . Not here. Very modern open spaces with large relaxing areas, lounges with beds and chairs scattered around. Lots of glass hallways, glass ceiling and l felt like walking through museum wearing a wet bathing suit ,shivering because place was too cold for me. Bath it self is nice, water is warm clean. Saunas are this tiny individual rooms for 2 Max 3 people. Steam rooms weren't warm enough for me. Changing room was chaos. In despite of signes it was coed. Even showers. Random man walked through women's showers.You get locker with magnetic key bracelet. Many Russian speakers. Place is open from 9-21 in 3h intervals. I paid around 3000huf for entrance. Bring bathing suits, wet shoes. Very few visitors...