Széchenyi Thermal Baths: a complete guide
- things to do
- January 3, 2024
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Welcome to the ultimate guide to the Széchenyi Thermal Baths, one of Budapest’s crown jewels. Whether you’re planning a relaxing day or a rejuvenating experience, it’s essential to know many things about Széchenyi.
And you’ll find them in this 2024 guide. We’ll tell you all the things you can do at Széchenyi, the costs involved, what you need to take, and how to navigate this huge Spa.
Quick links:
• Széchenyi: the largest and most popular
• What to expect / things to do
• Széchenyi baths entry fee
• Széchenyi opening hours
• Top tips to visit Széchenyi thermal baths
• The best time to visit Széchenyi
• How to get to Széchenyi thermal baths
• Széchenyi during winter
• Bottom line: is it worth visiting the Széchenyi thermal baths?
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Széchenyi: the largest and most popular thermal bath in Budapest
Széchenyi Bath stands out as Budapest’s largest and most popular thermal spa, and it also ranks among Europe’s most expansive natural hot spring spa baths. Approaching its 111th anniversary in 2024, Széchenyi Bath has welcomed many million visitors, who have relished its therapeutic warm waters and delightful aquatic amenities through its storied past.
What to expect and things to do
Quite frankly, these baths are incredible. Whether it’s a hot or a cold day, you’ll get to know what Budapest’s thermal baths really feel like. But amidst the hustle and bustle (especially during rush hours), you might miss out on all the things that you can do in there. So here we go:
1. Enjoy the outdoor pools
Divided into two primary areas, the outdoor section is the favorite of most visitors. This picturesque setting is framed by the building’s pastel-yellow facade, and consists of three distinct pools: two thermal pools—with temperatures ranging from a warm 30°C to a toasty 38°C (86°F to 100.4°F)—and a full-sized 50-meter swimming pool maintained at a cooler 26-28°C (78.8-82.4°F).
The outdoor thermal pool is a hub of tranquility, particularly in the colder months, offering a therapeutic escape into its warm embrace. It’s a local’s retreat for unwinding, with some even enjoying a good read or a game of chess amidst the steamy waters.
But come summer, the vibe shifts slightly: the activity pool will also invite you with its refreshing cooler waters and a funny whirlpool, while the surrounding terrace invites sunbathers to bask in the sun’s glow.
Oh, and about the swimming pool, don’t forget to wear a swim cap if you plan to go in.
2. Admire the surrounding architecture
Ok, this might come quite naturally, even if you don’t do it in detail. Of course that the main point will be to enjoy the spa, but the surrounding building creates the perfect atmosphere for that.
So, despite all the excitement, try to take a moment to appreciate the grandeur of the entrance hall dome, adorned with impressive artwork (by the artist Zsigmond Vajda’s) that captures solar and zodiacal motifs along with mythological water elements.
3. Relax indoors
Inside, Széchenyi Baths houses 15 baths, with temperatures spanning from 18°C to 40°C (64.4-104°F).
While some are less frequented (except by regulars), the most visually captivating areas are not to be missed. These include a beautifully curved central pool and a Romanesque enclave adorned with maroon columns. Also available are a hot plunge pool, a cooler counterpoint, and a suite of saunas and steam rooms for a complete thermal experience.
4. Try the indoor therapeutic pool
For people experiencing any kind of health problem that thermal baths might be good for, then the best idea would be the indoor therapeutical pool.
• Water temperature: 28-40 degrees Celsius
• Water depth: 1.0-1.3 meters
• Recommended soaking time: 20 minutes
Recommended for degenerative joint diseases, chronic arthritis, orthopedic treatments, etc., these thermal water contain calcium-magnesium bicarbonate, sulphate, sodium, fluoride, and metaboric acid.
The thermal water’s heat dilates blood vessels, lowering blood pressure, relaxing muscles, and allowing skin mineral absorption. Treatment lasts 20 minutes, but it requires a medical prescription.
5. Have fun at the SPARTY
Last but not least, for those who are curious about mixing nightlife with wellness, the Sparty transforms Széchenyi into a nocturnal festival of water and music for a great part of the year, on Saturdays, from 9:30 PM to 2:00 AM.
This is a unique Budapest party experience, attracting a lively crowd ready to revel till the break of dawn. It’s also a tad more expensive than just a normal visit to Széchenyi, but totally worth it if fun is what you’re looking for.
Buying Sparty tickets
Széchenyi SPARTY tickets also come at a higher price than just going to the baths during the day, as this is a completely experience. You can check here the availability to all the scheduled SPARTY events at Széchenyi, through our partner GetYourGuide. This is a great option if you’re looking to join the next SPARTY (likely happening on the next Saturday), as the tickets sell out quite fast.
Prices:
• Basic ticket: €65.00 per person. It Includes the entrance with one locker (standard wardrobe-type box with a lock on them). The locker is 120x30x65 cm.
• Premium ticket: €81.00 per person. Comes with the entry ticket, 3 drink coupons with €23 value, €2 recup and a locker box (wardrobe type) with lock.
* Before purchasing your ticket, choose the currency you want to pay in to avoid conversion charges from your bank. Click on the profile button (top right corner), and select your currency.
6. Pamper yourself with a massage
Beyond the pools, the baths also offer a variety of massages, from a brief aromatic touch to a more indulgent harmony aroma session.
Prices for these massages start at 10,800 HUF (approximately $30 USD, £24 GBP, €27 EUR).
7. Go for a...Beer Spa
For an unconventional twist, the beer spa is an intriguing option. Here, you can indulge in a beer-infused soak, with unlimited beer on tap. Makes you wonder, right?
And while it may come with a higher price tag, it’s an experience that stands out in Budapest’s array of attractions.
8. Mix it up with a Pálinka tour
Another way to enjoy the baths is by mixing it with a guided visit to the Pálinka Museum. You have a full day ticket to enjoy the Széchenyi Baths, that’s assured.
But that’s not all: you’ll also learn about the typical Hungarian drink called Pálinka, which you also get to try, on a different tour. Oh, and you choose to have that tour on the same day or on a different day of the baths visit. Have a look:
9. Combine it with a Dinner Cruise
If you feel like doing something very special beyond just thermal bath, here’s a good opportunity. You can book a 2-hour dinner cruise with live music as an add-on to your Széchenyi full-day ticket. It’s a good deal for active couples who want to try the local culture and have a romantic time while in Budapest.
You might also like to read:
• Best luxury day spas in Budapest
• Széchenyi Thermal Baths: full guide
• Gellért Thermal Baths: full guide
• Budapest Thermal Baths: times and prices
Széchenyi Baths entry fee
1. Daily Entrance Tickets
• ‘Good morning Budapest’ ticket (entrance until 9 am): 8,400 HUF on Monday to Friday, 9700 HUF on Fridays
• Daily ticket with locker usage: 10,500 HUF on Monday to Thursday, 12,000 HUF on Friday to Sunday, 13,000 HUF on holidays
• Fast Track ticket (available only online): 12,500 HUF on Monday to Thursday, 14,000 HUF on Fridays, weekends and holidays
• Discounted ticket (20% off): if you get a Budapest Card, you get a 20% discount when entering the Széchenyi Baths, plus many other perks (free unlimited public transportation, airport transfer, etc.)
Get a 20% discount at Széchenyi Baths with the Budapest Card.
✔️ From €39.00 for the Card
✔️ 20% discount at Széchenyi
✔️ Free entry in selected Museums
✔️ Unlimited public transportation
✔️ Airport transfers
✔️ Pay in your own currency
✔️ Book now, pay later
✔️ Free cancellation up to 24h before
✔️ Choose the duration: 1-5 days
2. Massages
• Classical massages: 20 minutes – 18,000 HUF
• Aroma massage: 20 minutes – 18,000 HUF
• Refreshing massage: 20 minutes – 18,000 HUF
• Premium massages (60 minutes) for 1 person: 26,000 HUF
• Luxury refreshing massage: 26,000 HUF
• Harmony aroma massage: 26,000 HUF
3. Products (currently they don't have rental service)
• Towel: 6,000 HUF
• Bathrobe: 12,000 HUF
• Bathing suit: 6,000 HUF
• Swim cap: 2,000 HUF
4. Private Spa Packages
If you’re keen to have some more exclusivity, the private spa might just be what you’re looking for. Have a look on the available packages:
DELUXE RELAXING ROOM PACKAGE:
Prices:
• Without massage: 44,000 HUF.
• With massage: 52,000 HUF.
• 2 people without massage: 32,500 HUF per person.
• 2 people with a 45-minute massage: 45,000 HUF per person.
• Bath ticket for 4 hours, which grants access to a private room equipped with a private bathroom (shower).
• Entry to Dayspalm relaxing area and VIP bar, where you can indulge in cocktails and snacks.
• Admission to both indoor and outdoor pools, as well as saunas.
• Complimentary 0.33l of mineral water.
• A cozy bathrobe, a soft towel, comfortable slippers, and a swimming cap.
• In-room amenities such as shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion.
• Access to a hair dryer for your convenience.
• A delightful chocolate dessert.
• A special Budapest Spas Handmade Soap.
• Your choice of either a 0.75l bottle of sparkling wine (Hungária extra dry) or a 0.2l soft drink.
SUPERIOR RELAXING ROOM
Prices:
• Without massage: 34,500 HUF
• With massage: 43,000 HUF
• 2 people without massage: 26,500 HUF per person
• 2 people with a 45-minute massage: 39,000 HUF per person
It includes:
• Bath ticket for 4 hours
• Access to their Dayspalm relaxing area and VIP bar for cocktails and snacks
• Admission to indoor and outdoor pools, saunas
• Complimentary 0.33l of mineral water
• Choice of sparkling wine (Hungária extra dry) 0.2 l or a soft drink 0.2 l
• Indulgence in a chocolate dessert
• Provision of a comfortable bathrobe, towel, slippers, and a swimming cap
• In-room toiletries, including shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion
• Access to a hair dryer
• Their dedicated colleagues are available for personalized massage offers on-site
PAMPERING PACKAGE – THALASSO PRIVATE SPA PACKAGE
Price: 46,000 HUF per person
It includes:
• Bath ticket for 4 hours
• Access to indoor and outdoor pools, saunas
• Luxurious relaxing room, which includes a private shower and a private bathroom
• Detox body ritual by Thalion (60 minutes)
• Complimentary 0.33l of mineral water
• Provision of a comfortable bathrobe, towel, slippers, and a swimming cap
• Access to a hair dryer
• In-room toiletries, including shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion
• Indulgence in a chocolate dessert
• Budapest Spas Handmade Soap
• Choice of sparkling wine (Hungária extra dry) 0.2 l or a soft drink 0.2 l
5. Thalasso therapy (out of the Private Spa package)
You can also experience the rejuvenating benefits of Thalasso Therapy, where they’ll pamper you with healing sea minerals, trace elements, algae, and mud from Thalion, a leading company in this field. These treatments provide physical and mental harmony, relaxation, and personalized beauty rituals, utilizing the sea’s natural goodness.
Prices:
• Back relaxation (45 minutes): 17,000 Ft
• Marine energy wrap (60 minutes): 22,000 Ft
• Detox body ritual (90 minutes): 33,000 Ft
• Intense marine slimming (60 minutes): 35,000 Ft
Since you’re here, you might be curious about the second most famous thermal baths: check our guide about Gellért thermal baths in Budapest.
Széchenyi opening hours
To ensure a seamless experience, better to know their opening hours. Planning ahead can make all the difference, especially when considering crucial details such as the cash desks closing at 7 PM, or the 20-minute rule, as guests need to vacate the pool areas before their closing time. With that in mind:
Thermal baths
• Weekdays: from 7 am to 8 pm
• Weekends: from 8 am to 8 pm
*Pools and pool areas must be vacated 20 minutes before closing time.
Additional Facilities Opening Hours
• Saunas and hot air chambers: from 10 am to 7.30 pm
• Program sauna: weekdays from 7 am to 10 am
• Private Spa: every day from 9 am to 6 pm (from Kós Károly sétány)
• Private Medical Spa: weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm
• Daysplam: weekdays from 9 am to 6 pm, weekends from 10 am to 6 pm
Other Information
• Drinking fountain: Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00-17:00, closed on Sunday and Monday.
Top tips to visit Széchenyi thermal baths
1. Lockers or cabins? Choose wisely.
There are two options to safeguard your belongings: lockers or private cabins. Measuring a roomy 120cm by 30cm by 65cm, these ample lockers are a great choice if you’re traveling light and don’t mind using the gender-separated communal areas. For those seeking more privacy and security, the cabins are better. For a small price difference, you can store valuable items and switch attire in your own space.
2. Bring your own things.
You need flip-flops to Széchenyi baths, as well as bathing suit and towel. Bringing them from home will just make your visit more economical, but you can also buy these on-site. If you do so, these are the prices: flip-flops will cost you 4,000 HUF (approximtely $11 USD, £9 GBP, €10 EUR) and towel and bathing suit will be HUF 6,000 each ($17 USD, £14 GBP, €16 EUR). It’s just more economical and convenient to bring your own. Oh, and don’t forget your shower essentials (no need for hair dryers, theirs are free to use).
3. Planning a swim? Bring a swim cap.
In the swimming pool, donning a swim cap is mandatory; however, this rule does not apply to the other 17 pools within the complex. Buying one on-site will cost you 2,000 HUF (around $6 USD).
4. Pay attention not to get lost.
Navigating to the outdoor pool can be a bit of a puzzle due to the subtle signage, adding an element of adventure to your visit. After entering the baths and scanning your wristband, proceed straight past the cabins, then veer right and continue towards the back of the facility. You’ll eventually spot an inconspicuous glass door at the far corner; this is your gateway to the open-air pool. Otherwise, just let your intuition guide you to the farthest right or left until the glass door.
5. Don’t lose your wristband.
Your entry into Széchenyi Baths comes with a plastic wristband, which serves a dual purpose – not only does it act as your admission pass, but it also functions as a secure access device for your locker or cabin. Ensure you fasten it correctly to avoid any problems during your visit.
6. Use the Budapest Card to get a discount.
Unlock a 20% discount on your Széchenyi Baths visit by wielding the Budapest Card. This valuable pass not only slashes your entry fee but also grants free public transport, free entry to the best museums, free walking tours, and more entry discounts.
7. Shower before taking a dip.
It’s customary to rinse off under the showers before immersing yourself in the thermal baths. Remember to do this to avoid any disapproval from the locals. There are shower facilities conveniently located throughout the complex.
8. Nudity is not allowed.
Since this is a public bath, the requirement for clothing is strictly enforced.
9. Dry your swimsuit before leaving.
Going to Széchenyi Baths might be your first item in a full day’s checklist, but that doesn’t mean you have to tote a soggy swimsuit around Budapest. The baths are equipped with nifty spin dryers that whisk away most of the moisture from your swimwear in moments. Plus, they offer convenient plastic bags to stash your damp attire.
The best time to visit Széchenyi thermal baths
For a serene experience
For a calm experience at Széchenyi Baths, set your alarm for an early morning visit. With doors opening at 6 AM, you’ll have a rare opportunity to enjoy the tranquil waters practically alone, save for a few regulars. The early hours offer a contrast to the evenings, with the calm of dawn giving way to the bustling atmosphere of a midday crowd. As the morning progresses, more tourists come, especially from 8:30-9 AM. By midday, the space becomes more densely populated.
For a cheaper entrance
Opt for a weekday visit to Széchenyi Baths for a twin benefit: not only are the tickets cheaper compared to weekends, but you’ll also enjoy a less crowded bath.
For those with packed itineraries, consider an evening soak. Széchenyi Baths offers a reduced rate for entry after 7 PM, allowing for a calm dip until 10 PM. It’s an ideal way to rest after the day’s adventures, in warm, therapeutic waters.
Also, the “Good morning Budapest”, with entrance until 9 AM on weekdays, is considerably cheaper: 7,500 HUF
How to get to Széchenyi thermal baths
Navigating to Széchenyi Baths is straightforward and adds to the charm of your adventure. Nestled in Budapest City Park (called Városliget), in the city’s northeastern quadrant, it’s a stone’s throw from the central buzz and the plethora of sights Budapest boasts.
Take the M1 metro line
You can hop on the M1 metro line, the city’s historic underground, at any stop from Vörösmarty Square through to Széchenyi Fürdő station, whisking past key attractions like Deák Ferenc Tér, the Opera, and Hősök tere (Heroes’ Square).
The metro service in Budapest is renowned for its punctuality and efficiency, with tickets priced at 450 HUF per ticket (packs of 10 will be cheaper).
Or just go by foot
For those who a leisurely walk, the route from Deák Ferenc Tér is a picturesque option. You can stroll down Andrássy Avenue, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and take in the grandeur of the tree-lined boulevard en route to Heroes’ Square. From there, a simple straight traverse across the bridge and a short walk will lead you to the welcoming entrance of Széchenyi Baths on your left, completing the pleasant trek in under an hour.
Széchenyi during winter
During the winter season, the baths are also open, thanks to a significant change in 1963, when they decided to remain open year-round. Visitors can enjoy the complex even on Christmas, December 31st, and January 1st. Also, improvements were made a long time ago to provide heating in corridors, lockers, and changing rooms.
Winter is, in fact, one of the best times to visit Széchenyi.
Picture yourself in the outdoor pools, surrounded by the grandeur of the magnificent building, and the stark contrast between the cold weather outside and the warm, soothing waters of the baths. You might even be treated to the sight of snow falling, adding to the enchanting atmosphere. So, if you’re up for a memorable adventure, don your warm bathrobe and flip flops, and embrace the magic of winter at Szechenyi Baths.
Bottom line: is it worth visiting the Széchenyi thermal baths?
Absolutely, a visit to the Széchenyi Thermal Baths comes highly recommended. Besides being aesthetically stunning, these baths offer a rich, relaxing experience. You’ll find that the well-organized facilities make for a seamless visit. While there are various options, including saunas that cater to those seeking a heat-infused retreat, many visitors find the outdoor pools alone to be a delightful source of entertainment and relaxation for a couple of hours.
The sheer size and variety of pools, the architectural grandeur, and the health benefits associated with thermal waters add to the list of reasons why Széchenyi Thermal Baths should be on your itinerary.