Spa resorts, rejuvenate with local ingredients

Thermal baths and their benefits were first discovered by the Celts, before being taken up by the Romans. It was then the Turks, during their occupation of Hungary in 1526, who introduced this culture to the country. Easy for Hungary, with its hundreds of natural hot springs. Now firmly established in the lives of its inhabitants, the tradition of bathing has endured through the ages. The spas are real meeting places and are packed all year round.

The Romans already knew that bathing is good for you. It's not for nothing that you'll come across a good proportion of the town's elderly in the thermal baths, as regular bathing can cure rheumatism,arthritis, muscular pains and so on. Although these treatments can also be preventive, if you don't really feel concerned by these benefits, you should know that the baths also reduce stress and facilitate intestinal activity thanks to the mineral salts. Welcome to a relaxing holiday in every way.

Indeed, the choice can be confusing. The city is home to 10% of the country's spas. But each spa has its own particularities, and therefore its own audience. All that's left to do is choose the one that's right for you.

The Géllert baths are the most famous in the city. As well as taking a dip, it's an opportunity to visit one of the capital's must-sees. Coming to this resort means discovering an architecture dating from the beginning of the last century. The mixed sections include a wave pool and a communal hot tub. The majority of the building is unisex, which is something to think about if you want to stay with friends or partners of the opposite sex. As a result, many people take advantage of the facilities by being completely naked, which is obviously forbidden in the mixed-sex areas. However, a must-see also means a little more expensive than the other baths.

Practical information

🚌 Transport: Gellért is located on the Buda side of town and is therefore a little far if you live in the city centre. That said, it can be an opportunity to visit the must-see sights in the area, such as the castle or the Fishermen's Bastion. To get to the thermal baths, simply take tram lines 19, 41, 47, 48 or 49 and get off at "Szent Gellért tér - Műegyetem M".

The Rudas baths are one of the most important in Budapest, but also one of the oldest. They were built in the middle of the 16th century during the Ottoman occupation. The architecture is similar to that of the baths in Istanbul. The structure has been a mix of modern and ancient since it was enlarged in 1896. Be careful, because unlike the previous baths, there are no sections reserved for one sex here, although the baths are not mixed. During the week, the baths are for men only, with the exception of Tuesday, which is ladies' day. The baths are open to everyone at the weekend. Saturdays and Sundays are the perfect opportunity to enjoy a full day at the spa as a couple or with friends, with dinner and champagne included.

Practical information

🚌 Transport: The Rudas baths are also located on the Buda side, west of the Danube. To get there you can either take the tram with lines 17,19, 41, 56 and 56A or take the bus with lines 7, 107, 907, 973 and 973A. In both cases, the stop bears the name of the baths.

Széchenyi is the ideal place to lose yourself in the city's largest baths while admiring the neo-Gothic architecture. Of the 15 different pools, it's the outdoor ones that are the most memorable, with water at 37°, even though it can sometimes be below zero in the air in winter, it's an experience not to be missed. You need to be mentally prepared for the moment you leave the water! Perfect for party-goers, you can reserve a place for a dip from 9.30pm to 2am with friends. Of course, the bar remains open throughout the evening. With music, light shows and dancers, the atmosphere is guaranteed.

Practical information

🚌 Transport: The area is extremely well served by transport. To get to the Széchenyi baths the closest is still bus line 72M, which drops you off in front. But if you take tram lines 1, 1M, 14, 17, 41 and get off at the "Kacsóh Pongrác út" stop or metro line M1 to "Hősök tere" you can walk leisurely through the Vàrosliget park and even pass by Heroes' Square before reaching the baths.