Budapest is a city of numerous delights, but one you can't fail to miss is the city's numerous thermal baths. Hungary's capital sits on over 100 hot springs, and the residents have made the most of this by building lavish bathhouses all across the city. They house not only indoor baths but also swimming pools, spas, and all manner of wellness options that you can indulge in for a fraction of what you'd pay in other parts of Europe. Head there during the day for swimming and relaxing, or party the night away as the most famous baths turn into spa-clubs when the sun goes down.
The city has dozens of baths to choose from, but we're giving you a closer look at two of the most famous: Szechenyi Baths, the biggest and most popular boasting a whopping 18 pools within what looks like a giant yellow palace, and Gellert Baths, which sits on the banks of the river Danube and boasts incredible art nouveau architecture around its 12 baths and pools.
Szechenyi Baths
Entrance to Szechenyi Baths with access to a changing cabin will cost you under €20 during the week.
Szechenyi Baths
You can add a number of extras to your booking, from towel hire to spa treatments. The baths do get very busy (and noisy), but there's plenty of room, and if you can't bear the busy warm days, the baths are open year-round.
Szechenyi Baths
On most Saturday nights, Szechenyi Baths hosts "sparties" with drinks and revelry into the early hours. When the temperatures drop, the action moves to the indoor Lukacs Baths.
Gellert Baths
The Gellert Baths can be found inside the Gellert hotel and comprise a number of pools and baths. As with Szechenyi, entry during the week with a changing cabin is just shy of €20.
Gellert Baths
Spa treatments at the baths are an incredibly good value, with a 50-minute massage for two coming in at around £80.
Gellert Baths
The heated pools and baths range between 21 degrees Celsius and 40 degrees Celsius. The outdoor pool has a wave machine.