Thermal Baths of Budapest

So, what exactly is a thermal bath? Dotting Budapest and its outskirts, thermal baths are often swimming-pool-sized filled with natural mineral water from underground hot springs. Many people believe the waters offer healing properties, but everyone agrees that Budapest's thermal baths are 100% vacation-worthy relaxation!

• Szechenyi is the most well-known and the most popular with tourists. This means it gets crowded on busy days, but the Szechenyi bath complex is so large that you can find a quiet spot somewhere inside. Don't miss the jet-propulsion whirlpool in one of the outdoor pools -- or compete with your friends over a game of chess in the in-pool chess boards. Eighteen separate pools, plus saunas and massage opportunities, plus seasonal Saturday night parties: Szechenyi has something for every guest aged 2 to 102 years!

• Rudas overlooks the Danube -- and you can have the best viewing spot of the city from the rooftop hot tub! Indoors, enjoy a selection of co-ed thermal pools. If you are interested in the Turkish baths, note that they are co-ed only on weekends; check the website for gender-specific days. Prefer to relax after touring the city? Rudas offers late-night hours on Friday and Saturday nights!

• Gellert is often called the 'Grand Dame" of Budapest's thermal baths. Offering thermal experiences for more than 100 years, this Art Nouveau palace offers 10 separate pools, both indoors and out. Like Rudas, Gellert allows admission to those age 14 years and older.

Best thermal bath for kids: Palatinus offers a family-friendly bathing experience. Located on Margaret Island, Palatinus is open with some pools open year-round, though some features, like the slides, are only available during the summer.

Best thermal baths for locals: Lukacs and Dandar are visited regularly by locals, though visitors are welcome. Dandar is next door to the Unicum factory. Spend time learning the history of and sampling the national drink of Hungary before relaxing in the cozy Dandar thermal baths. Lukacs offers great customer service to regulars and visitors, and the massage services are top-notch. Fun Fact: the springs that feed the Lukacs baths have been in use since the 12th century!

Beer Spas: In recent years, both Szechenyi and Lukacs have begun offering "beer spa" experiences, where a Bath Master will show you the hops, malt, yeast, and beer salt -- all beer ingredients -- before adding them to your 45-minute personal bathing experience. Add a free-flowing keg next to your personal pool, and your afternoon is complete! Both beer spas are available as independent experiences and in addition to full-day admission to all the thermal baths.

All that bathing (and sightseeing!) in Budapest is sure to leave you hungry and thirsty! And fortunately for you, Budapest is full of amazing foodie experiences.

• Stand (two Michelin stars) and its more casual little sister Stand 25 offer Hungarian cuisine with a modern twist. The chefs here are regulars in the international Bocuse d'Or gastronomic competitions, placing multiple times since opening in 2018. Offering both traditional and vegetarian options in their eight-course tasting menu, Stand is a treat for the senses! Reservations are recommended for both Stand and Stand 25.

• For sweets, Malna, the Pastry Shop offers some of the best pastries in all of Budapest. Found in the part of the city known as Obuda, Malna, features traditional Hungarian confectionary and modern sweets that combine the perfect tastes with the perfect textures. While in Obuda, be sure to visit the Vasarely Museum for an exquisite view of contemporary art!

• And if it's drinks you want, check out one of Budapest's popular ruin bars! Szimpla Kert was the original and still the most popular. Created in a ruined building, hence the name "ruin bar," Szimpla Kert offers a local farmers market on weekend mornings and an assortment of drinks, music, games, and silent film screenings late into the evenings. If the line at Szimpla Kert is too long, as it often is on Friday nights, head to nearby Instant or -- for a more upscale option -- Mazel Tov!

• Or choose a private culinary experience with Cooking Hungary! Marti, the adorable founder of Cooking Hungary and a professional chef, offers both cooking classes and private dining experiences. Advance booking required.