When thinking of where to go for a winter getaway, many people look for places where the weather is better, such as the Caribbean. A different approach is to go somewhere you’ll enjoy the cold!
Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is ideal because it sits right on top of around 100 thermal springs. The locals have taken advantage of this by building baths and spas all over the city. These provide the perfect way to warm up before or after some sightseeing. Whereas they’re especially enjoyable in the winter, they’re popular with tourists all year round.
Most of the thermal baths allow you to purchase a day pass, meaning you can stay as long as you want. Some also have tickets for shorter amounts of time, typically less than two hours. As well as the hot mineral waters, some have other facilities, such as swimming pools, saunas, steam rooms, and spa services.
The Top Thermal Baths to Visit
When it comes to thermal baths in Budapest, you’re spoilt for choice. It’s helpful to pick where you want to go in advance to ensure you come prepared — for instance, some baths require you to bring your own sandals, towel, and a swim cap. In all the baths, you’ll need a bathing suit because nudity is no longer allowed.
Széchenyi Baths
The most famous of the thermal baths in Budapest is Széchenyi. It also receives the most visitors — but it’s expansive enough to accommodate the masses. It’s made up of 15 indoor pools and one large outdoor pool. The building is stunning Baroque Revival architecture, which includes a dome lined with mosaics on the interior. If you want to avoid the crowds, come on a weekday or early in the morning.
Rudas Thermal Bath
Dating back to 1571, Rudas Thermal Bath is ideal for an authentic Turkish bath experience. It has various elements of Ottoman architecture, including domed ceilings with colored glass and an indoor octagonal pool surrounded by archways and pillars. It’s important to note that bathing is gender segregated on weekday mornings (the only thermal bath to do this in Budapest) but mixed on weekends.
Gellért Baths
For a completely different atmosphere, head to Gellért Baths. Its Nouveau-inspired interior design includes arches with mosaics extending up to the ceiling and carved columns around the pools. There are both indoor and outdoor pools — if you bathe outside, you’ll have views of the Buda Hills.
Mandala Bath
Some of the smaller spas may be ideal if you’re looking for a quieter experience. One option is Mandala Bath, which is a more modern space than many of the others. There are various pools of different temperatures as well as a massage chair and steam cabin.
Thermal Beerspa Budapest
For a unique experience, try Thermal Beerspa Budapest. As the name suggests, you drink beer as you bathe. You’ll receive your own private hot tub with a beer tap next to you, which you can use to serve yourself as many drinks as you like as you relax in the hot water. The spa is within the larger establishment Lukács Bath, meaning it’s possible to try a traditional thermal bath in the same visit.
Other Things to See and Do
While you’re in Budapest, you’ll definitely want to spend some time out of the water. Don’t miss these top sites and activities.
River Cruises
Budapest is on the River Danube, which gives you the chance for another water-based activity while you’re in the city: a river cruise. There are several companies offering tours along the river, including daytime and evening cruises as well as dinner cruises. If you take a tour during the day, you may have the option of stopping at Margaret Island. All the boats are covered in a glass dome, which offers panoramic views without exposing you to the cold.
St. Stephen’s Basilica
One of the most impressive buildings in Budapest is St. Stephen’s Basilica. The massive church features ornate carvings, a spectacular dome, and a gold glow everywhere you look. Climb to the top for views of the city below — it’s open until late, meaning you can use the chance to see the city during the daytime or at sunset.
Buda Castle
Visiting Buda Castle is one of the best ways to experience the history of Budapest. To reach the castle, you’ll need to climb a steep hill — but you can always take the funicular if you don’t feel up to walking. There’s also a shuttle bus that will take you to different points around the grounds. Make sure you also visit the Hungarian National Gallery and Budapest History Museum, which are housed within the castle.
Shoes on the Danube Bank
The iron shoes along the bank of the Danube form a memorial created in 2005 to remember the victims of the Holocaust. They are placed to look like the people wearing them stepped out of their shoes and disappeared. It’s a moving way to represent the tragedy and encourage people to reflect on the horrors of the past.
Where to Eat Hungarian Food
Although Hungary is not especially famous for its cuisine, it actually has a lot to offer. Make sure you try at least a few of the traditional dishes. Some of the top restaurants in Budapest include:
- Hungarikum Bisztro — The concept is traditional Hungarian cuisine, not overcomplicated and made with recipes that remind locals of their childhood.
- Belvárosi Lugas Restaurant — Located right by St. Stephen’s Basilica, this restaurant has interesting options like deer stew, dumplings, and chicken paprikash.
- Restaurant Rosenstein — A family-run restaurant, you’ll find traditional options like Hungarian fish soup, goulash, and goose confit.
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