The Széchenyi Baths are the largest thermal baths in Budapest, located in Pest in the ‘City Woods’ (‘Városliget’). It’s our favourite bath in Budapest, thanks to its architecture, its immense neo-baroque yellow courtyard and the 21 baths, all mixed, that make it up.
The Széchenyi Baths, opened in 1913, are the largest and most famous thermal baths in the Hungarian capital, Budapest. The impressive Neo-Renaissance décor combines frescoes, domes, sculptures and thermal baths!
You’ll find 3 outdoor baths with temperatures ranging from 27 to 38°C, 18 indoor thermal baths with temperatures ranging from 18 to 38°C, as well as hamam areas (moist heat via steam of up to 50°C) and saunas (dry heat of up to 90°C with a humidity level of no more than 30%).
These superb thermal baths are also ideal for swimmers, with the central 50-metre outdoor pool (you must wear a swimming cap for this pool alone).
Discover these unique thermal baths of Budapest with this beautiful video:
The History of the Széchenyi Baths
The origins of the Széchenyi Baths date back to the beginning of the 20th century, when an artesian well was drilled in 1879, revealing a hot spring rich in minerals. In response to the growing popularity of thermal baths in the Hungarian capital, the city decided to build a grandiose facility in Városliget Park. Designed by Hungarian architect Győző Czigler in a sumptuous neo-Baroque style, the baths were inaugurated in 1913.
From the moment they opened, the baths were a huge success, attracting both the people of Budapest and foreign visitors from all over Europe. In 1927, the complex was extended to include new pools and a balneotherapy section.
Originally, the baths were strictly segregated between men and women, but this rule was relaxed in 1981, allowing mixed access to all the baths.
The benefits of these baths
The Széchenyi baths are fed by a thermal spring rich in minerals that offer numerous benefits for health and well-being.
They are particularly effective in relieving joint and muscle pain, especially that associated with arthritis and rheumatism, thanks to the presence of calcium, magnesium and sulphate.
The warmth of the water also improves blood circulation by dilating the vessels, which can relieve certain vascular problems.
The water in the Széchenyi baths also has a beneficial effect on the skin: minerals such as sulphur and bicarbonate can help soothe skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Finally, these baths are an excellent way to reduce stress and anxiety, offering deep relaxation in a soothing and sumptuous setting.
The warmth of the spa water also promotes restful sleep, making it a real oasis for those seeking to combine well-being and relaxation.
Preparing for your visit to the Széchenyi baths:
A visit to these Budapest thermal baths takes some preparation!
Flip-flops are essential, as the floors are very slippery.
Don’t forget your towel, and for extra comfort, you can also bring a bathrobe, as the real Hungarian regulars do.
Swimwear, sandals, bathing caps and towels are also sold on site.
Important: Bring your swimming cap if you want to swim in the pool. Bathing caps are not compulsory in the other indoor and outdoor pools, or in the spa areas (sauna, hammam).
Finally, there are no restrictions on men’s swimwear: shorts, boxer shorts and swimming trunks are all permitted in Budapest’s thermal baths.
How do I get to the Széchenyi baths?
The Széchenyi baths are located in the 14th district of Budapest on the Pest side, within the magnificent Városliget park.
The Széchenyi baths are easily accessible by public transport: metro line M1 stop ‘Széchenyi fürdő’ as well as by trolley bus number 72.
Address: Széchenyi Baths, Állatkerti krt. 9-11, 14th district, Pest – map –
The various entrances to the complex:
The imposing building of the Széchenyi thermal baths has several entrances but the main entrance to the baths is on the boulevard ‘Állatkerti krt’ opposite the Budapest Circus and the superb Budapest Zoo (these two activities can be discovered in our article Budapest for children on this link).
This entrance leads to the changing rooms, which open onto the 3 outdoor pools.
On the other side of these pools, there are two entrances to the long building housing the indoor baths, steam room and sauna (underground). When you enter the thermal baths, you’ll notice a strong smell of sulphur emanating from the baths, an olfactory symbol of the virtues of the thermal waters!
The other entrance to the baths is on the Avenue Kós Károly sétány side.
OUR TIP FOR YOUR TICKET
Prepare for your visit and avoid the long queues (especially at weekends, during school holidays and Christmas and New Year’s Eve) with our queue-saver tickets:
Information on the Széchenyi Baths and special tickets – click here
Address: Széchenyi Spa, Állatkerti krt. 9-11, 14th district, Pest – map.
Opening hours: 07:00 to 20:00 every day.
Christmas opening times: 24 December: 07:00 to 14:00, 25 December: 10:00 to 19:00, 31 December: 07:00 to 18:00, 1 January: 10:00 to 19:00.
BEERSPA Session at the Széchenyi baths
Discover the BeerSpa in Széchenyi baths:
Relax for 45 minutes in 36 degree thermal water enriched with malt, hops and yeast. At the same time, you can drink as many pints of beer as you like thanks to the taps on the side of the vats! (High quality craft beer with 4% alcohol). You will also enjoy an entrance to the Széchenyi bath complex before or after your BeerSpa for as long as you like!
Information Beer Spa + entrance to Széchenyi baths, Tickets – click here
SPARTY evening at the Széchenyi baths:
Throughout the year (except January), every Saturday evening the Széchenyi baths host a Spa Party called SPARTY in a unique setting. Dj’s, laser show and dancers will amaze you and provide a unique night!
Information SPARTY event and Tickets – click here
Discover the video of the Sparty Parties on this link.
