Budapest is world renowned for its thermal springs.
After having experienced the novelty of this experience, I would recommend it to anyone going to Budapest to make it a point to visit the thermal baths.
Why are there thermal baths in Budapest?
Budapest lies on a geographical fault line caused by the convergence of the Buda Hills with the plains. This collision has created pools of warm mineral-rich water springs. These mineral springs are known for their healing and soothing properties and for treating many skin ailments too.
This natural wonder has been beautifully harnessed in the form of thermal spas at various sites in the city. In all, there are 9 thermal spas in Budapest.
Although the quality of natural spring water is the same, each spa has a different vibe and infrastructure.
We visited the Sźechenyi Thermal Baths, one of the biggest in Budapest with 15 indoor and 3 outdoor thermal pools.
Here are some handy tips and things you should know before you visit...
Swimwear is compulsory across all thermal baths. There are no exceptions to this rule.
You're expected to wear flip-flops during your time at the baths. This is important from the hygiene perspective as there are no showers around each pool. Visitors are expected to enter the pools with clean feet. So, don't forget to carry your flip-flops.
It's also a good idea to carry your towels and wraps, soaps, shampoo or whatever you need. Your Standard ticket does not include any complimentary goodies. There is a shop where you can buy these things in case you forget to carry them but they add to the cost.
You are not expected to wear a shower cap in the thermal pools unless you plan to use the outdoor big swimming pool.
Locker facilities are available to keep your possessions. They can be operated with the wristband that is put around your wrist for the entire length of your stay on the premises.
Try to reach the venue of the baths as early as possible. Massive crowds throng the pools as the day progresses.
Weekends are very crowded, weekdays by comparison see less crowd. Try to plan your visit on a working day.
Same-day tickets are easily available at the counter for regular use of the pool and spa facility. If you're looking for some specific service like a special massage or a facial, then it's better to make online bookings beforehand.
Thermal pools are safe in all respects. They are family-friendly but kids only above 14 are allowed into the pools.
Photography is not prohibited inside or outside the facility. Remember to carry a ziplock pouch to keep your phone with you without getting it wet.
I'd like to mention here that many people are locals who have come solely to avail the medicinal benefits of the mineral pools. Although no one objects to taking pictures, it's polite to get their permission before doing so or wait to get the pool all to yourself. Looking at the crowds, that might not happen, so taking permission is your best bet I guess!
Alcoholic beverages are allowed inside the spa complex. You can also buy them at the small cafeteria. There is the unstated rule that these may be consumed in a civil manner without disrupting the decorum of the place.
And now our day at the Sźechenyi Thermal Baths complex
We reached the baths on a warm July morning, as early as 8 am. There were no queues at the ticket counter when we arrived. We opted for the Standard Ticket which includes using the locker facility. The tickets come with a wristband that you can use to operate your locker. Independent cabins for changing and storing your possessions are also available with some ticket packages.
The complex lies very close to Budapest City Park and is just about an 8 to 10-minute walk away from the famous Heroes Square.
Special discounts are offered for early check-ins on certain days of the week.
You may refer to the official website for more info and offers before your visit
There is a Subway station and a tram line stop right next to the spa complex. Metro Line 1 from the City Centre, Deak Square, goes directly. We took tram line 72 from our place to reach the spa.
The main entry to the spa is from the Circus entrance. After purchasing the tickets, we were led to the locker rooms on the lower level with toilets, changing and showering facilities. There are separate locker areas for men and women. The area and toilets were fairly clean albeit with very basic amenities.
The locker area is massive with a long corridor branching into many sections. Each section has about 100-odd lockers. I'd read somewhere before our visit that it's quite easy to get lost in the maze or lose track of your locker. I made it a point to remember my locker number and the section where it was located.
After changing into our swimwear, we headed straight to the outdoor thermal pool. The water temperature in the pool is maintained at a warm 38 degrees Celcius. There are steps all around the pool for people to just sit and relax and soak in the goodness of the spring water. In the centre, is the whirlpool. It's like going on a merry-go-round in water, walking or floating along as the powerful gusts of water sway you around. The whirlpool is as much fun doing as it's watching other people shriek and shout as they go around in a circle. This outdoor pool also has a jacuzzi and powerful water jets that have a small queue around them with people waiting for their turn to experience it.
After flapping around in the outdoor pool for almost an hour, we decided to go and experience the indoor thermal pools. The inside pools looked like a more serious business to me, no fun and frolic here. It was quieter and there were a lot of elderly people relaxing in the thermal pools.
There are 15 pools of varying sizes, depths and water temperatures indoors ranging from quite warm to tepid to very cold in some pools. The water temperature is monitored vigilantly.
There are open storage units next to each pool where you can put your bags, phones etc. There is also a sauna and a steam room inside for anyone to use.
After spending a good 2 hours exploring the indoor pools, we stepped outside. It was almost noon by then. The scenario around the outdoor pools had completely transformed. There were so many people in the big pool. There was a nice vibe around the place. What immediately struck was the way people just went about their own business, tourists having fun and clicking pictures while the regulars just soaking in the goodness of the water.
The locker rooms were also bursting with people by then. There was a queue in front of the toilet. It was not as clean as we'd left it in the morning, everything was wet everywhere. But there was decorum as people waited patiently for their turn to use the washrooms or even the hair dryers fixed outside in the corridor.
We spent a good 4 to 5 hours at the spa complex. I can safely say that a trip to Budapest would be incomplete without a visit to its famous thermal baths.
It was an experience of a different kind, certainly a not-to-miss kind!
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