Széchenyi Thermal Bath — Attraction in Budapest

Széchenyi Baths – A Classic Budapest Experience with a Few Quirks - 28€

I recently visited the famous Széchenyi Thermal Baths in Budapest, and overall, it was an experience I’d recommend to anyone visiting the city. There are a few downsides worth mentioning, but they’re far outweighed by the uniqueness and atmosphere of the place.

Let’s start with the pros: The Széchenyi Baths are one of the largest and most iconic thermal bath complexes in Europe, and the architecture alone is stunning. The neo-baroque design gives the place a historic charm, and it’s easy to imagine how people have enjoyed these waters for over a century. The variety of thermal pools, saunas, and wellness options is impressive. Whether you’re looking to relax in hot mineral-rich water, enjoy a massage, or sit in a steam room, there’s something for everyone.

The whirlpool in one of the outdoor pools was definitely a highlight for me—it’s surprisingly strong and fun, especially if you’re going with friends or want a little playful moment during your visit. The warm outdoor pools are also magical in cooler weather; there’s something truly relaxing about sitting in hot water while breathing in crisp air.

The baths are open year-round and are accessible in all seasons. The experience in winter is especially unique with the steam rising into the cold air, making it feel like you’re in a movie scene.

A practical bonus: many of the staff and visitors speak English, which is very helpful for navigating the lockers, understanding spa options, or just asking for directions within the complex. It’s clearly a place that welcomes international visitors.

That said, there were a few drawbacks during my visit. The indoor pool didn’t feel very clean—perhaps due to high traffic or maintenance cycles. Additionally, the central outdoor pool was under maintenance, which was unfortunate since it’s one of the most photographed parts of the complex. It’s worth checking their website or calling ahead if there’s a specific feature you want to experience.

Also, the towel situation could be improved. There are hangers provided, but they’re not secure enough—if there’s even a slight breeze, your towel might end up on the floor. I’d recommend bringing a towel clip or just being extra cautious with where you leave your things.

Despite these minor inconveniences, the Széchenyi Baths remain one of the must-do activities in Budapest. The atmosphere is both lively and relaxing, and it caters to solo travelers, couples, and groups alike. It’s easy to spend several hours there unwinding, soaking, and enjoying the surroundings.

If you’re visiting Budapest and want to try something unique, culturally significant, and rejuvenating, Széchenyi Baths definitely deserves a spot on your itinerary. Just go prepared—with your own towel, flip-flops, and perhaps a lock for peace of mind—and enjoy a true Hungarian...

“Mixed” would be a generous description.

My girlfriend and I visited the baths during a holiday in Budapest, we got a day ticket with an additional “Soak and Saver” offer which included a 3-course meal in the nearby restaurant.

Reception and service: Upon arrival, we were impressed by the interior - mosaics lined the walls and ceilings, much like a cathedral and it made quite the impression. We presented our tickets (bought online in advance) to one of three receptionists who informed us that the “Soak and Saver” meal required us to leave the baths, after which we would not be allowed to return. This was unclear when we booked the tickets and the receptionist was unwelcoming of our questions. Fortunately one of the other receptionists was far more helpful.

Thermal baths: Entering the baths themselves was a poor experience. The indoor baths are badly maintained: black mould lines many of the tiles, the grout between the tiles is peeling away to expose sharp edges, the water smells and immersing yourself in unknown floating debris is unavoidable (this was so off-putting that many people refused to enter some baths which were then left empty). Scaffolding was located very close to one of the baths and a whole wing of the building was closed off for renovation (this was not mentioned to us when booking). The outdoor pools seemed cleaner and offered a more pleasant experience.

Saunas: The saunas are also in disrepair, with some of the wooden doors being so badly chipped that heat easily escapes around the edges. Many visitors do not heed the sauna guidance and enter with footwear, without towels, and without showering beforehand.

Atmosphere: The interior at the entrance is great but this is not maintained throughout the rest of the building. Walls are either a barren white, have peeling paint, are covered in mould, or a combination of the three. There is no calming music and nothing to create a more relaxing atmosphere.

“Soak and Saver”: Entering the restaurant next door was also disappointing. The service was mixed as was the food. The beef goulash soup resembled the stew Eowyn gives to Aragorn in “Lord of the Rings: Return of the King”, the chicken main course was dry, but the sponge cake dessert saved this restaurant from appearing in the next Kitchen Nightmares episode. The atmosphere did not suit the restaurant either with semi-inappropriate music for the setting. Inattentive service makes it unsurprising that the restaurant was empty except from a few...

We came for the last day of our vacation, and it was probably one of the best experiences we had the whole trip.

We rented a private delux room, which has a different entrance than the day pass entrance. It came with a private shower, plenty of storage, complementary drinks and chocolate, and provided towels, robe, flip flops, and shower cap. It was nice to have access to a shower as well as not have to worry about the towels, but for the two of us, probably not needed. It would be great for a bigger group, though.I will say that if your hips are bigger than a size 18/20, the provided robe probably won't fit you. We were provided with XL robes, and they felt very small for our plussize American bodies. We tried to ask if they had larger ones available, but couldn't find staff to help us.

We also had a 45-minute massage. It was supposed to be the Thelasso treatment, but when we checked in, we were informed that there were issues with staffing, so we just asked to get a regular massage. We had to pay on-site, so we didn't lose out on any money, but that was the one minor annoying part.

The massage itself was probably one of the best I've ever had, despite its shortcomings: too short (45 mins, and I think that's the only time option), they only did my back/legs (did not flip me over), they played easy listening/calispo-esque covers of pop songs (that's all I could focus on at first), and they requested that I keep my underwear on (despite moving it around during the massage in such a way that I was basically naked anyway). All that being said, it was a great massage - they actually massaged my legs (I find this gets skipped a lot in massages) and found my known spots andy unknown spots.

As for the baths themselves, they were WONDERFUL. We were here in December, so walking out in the cold air to go into the warm water was refreshing. The surrounding buildings are beautiful, and it was just a great atmosphere. It's warm, not hot, water, with hotter baths indoors, which we definitely took advantage of.

If you value a more relaxed experience, GO IN THE MORNING. There was a distinct difference in the energy before our 11am massage and afterwards. If we ever get the chance to come again, we'd definitely come first thing in the morning. The afternoon crowd was larger and more boisterous, especially in the outdoor baths. Not bad, per se, but we definitely enjoyed the early morning...