When planning our trip to Budapest, we knew a thermal bath experience was a must. Since Paul had already been to Gellért, we chose to visit the iconic Széchenyi Thermal Bath together.

With its grand neo-baroque setting, mineral-rich waters, and a mix of indoor and outdoor pools ranging from 18°C to 40°C (64°F to 104°F), Széchenyi offered a relaxing, enjoyable and memorable experience during our visit in the Hungarian capital.

We share our experience, useful tips and all you need to know before you visit Széchenyi Thermal Bath in Budapest.

1. Overview

When we decided we are going to Budapest, we knew we wanted to visit a thermal bath in Hungary. A few thermal Budapest baths came up on our shortlist including Széchenyi Thermal Bath and Gellért Thermal Bath.

Paul had already visited Budapest Bath Gellert during a previous trip, so we decided to visit together Széchenyi Thermal Bath.

Located in Budapest’s City Park, Széchenyi Thermal Bath (pronounced Say-chain-nee) is not only the largest medicinal bath in Europe but also one of the most iconic landmarks in Hungary. With its striking neo-baroque architecture and outdoor pools, it offers a truly unique spa experience for both locals and tourists.

Originally opened in 1913, the bath is fed by two natural thermal springs and renowned for its therapeutic waters rich in minerals. Whether you’re visiting for relaxation, health benefits, or just to soak in the grandeur, we can now confirm that Széchenyi is a must-visit attraction in Budapest.

At Budapest spa bath Széchenyi there are 15 indoor pools and 3 large outdoor pools, each filled with mineral-rich thermal water. If you are wondering what is the Széchenyi thermal bath temperature, it ranges from 18°C to 40°C (64°F to 104°F).

The outdoor pools are especially iconic—one features massaging water jets, another is for lap swimming, and the third is a fun whirlpool that gently spins you in circles. Inside, the experience continues with steam rooms, saunas, and plunge pools, perfect for alternating hot and cold therapy.

2. How to get to Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Széchenyi Thermal Bath is located in Budapest’s City Park (Városliget), near Heroes’ Square and the Budapest Zoo. You can go there by public transport and is just a short ride from the city centre.

We took the M1 (yellow) metro line (Budapest’s oldest underground line) and got off at Széchenyi fürdő station. The bath entrance is right next to the station exit but it depends which entrance you are going to.

You can also use Bus 72 and trolleybus 75 that stop nearby. Use Google Maps or other maps application for the best route from your location to the Széchenyi Thermal Bath.

Tip: Depending on how long you plan to stay at the thermal bath, you can combine your visit with nearby attractions like Heroes’ Square, Vajdahunyad Castle, or the Museum of Fine Arts to make a full day out of it.

3. Széchenyi Thermal Bath Opening Times

Széchenyi Thermal Bath is open daily, including national and bank holidays. However, opening hours may vary on certain dates, so it’s advisable to check in advance.

In general the opening hours for Széchenyi Thermal Bath are:

• Monday to Friday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Saturday & Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

You probably want to note that the saunas & steam rooms are opened 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM.

We should note that you are expected to leave 20-30 minutes before closing time otherwise the staff will ask you to leave.

4. Best Time to Visit the Széchenyi Baths

The best time to visit Széchenyi Thermal Bath depends on the experience you are after. For a quiet and relaxing soak, early mornings or late evenings on weekdays are ideal.

We went just after lunchtime on a weekday in April and the bath was full, so we had to wait over 45 minutes to get in. After 5:30 PM the bath got emptier and definitely more enjoyable. In hindsight, we would have visited first thing in the morning.

From our research, we read that winter visits are magical with mist rising from the hot pools, whereas summer brings a lively, sun-soaked vibe—though it gets crowded, so early arrival is key. Spring and autumn offer the perfect balance of mild weather and fewer tourists.

Tip: Try the Sparty (Bath Party) which are held on Saturday nights during the warmer months. The Sparty combines lights, music, and the thermal pools for a truly unique Budapest nightlife experience.

5. Tickets for Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Széchenyi spa offers a variety of ticket options, catering to different needs and budgets. In my opinion, there are too many ticket options on offer which may be confusing if you are wondering what is the Széchenyi thermal bath entrance fee.

In general, the tickets vary by price depending on the day you visit and whether you want a locker or cabin. Széchenyi thermal bath prices differ based on whether you visit Monday to Thursday, Friday and weekends or during peak times. It’s also cheaper if you visit before 9 AM.

Special experiences like the Beer Spa and Palm House Package are also available for an additional fee.

During our visit to Széchenyi Thermal Bath, we used the Budapest Card, which gave us a fantastic 20% discount on the ticket price.

This allowed us to buy tickets on the day only from a specific entrance! If you don’t have the Budapest Card, we would strongly encourage booking Széchenyi thermal bath tickets in advance.

The baths can get crowded, especially during peak hours, and booking ahead helps you avoid long queues and potential disappointments. By securing your tickets online, you’ll save time and ensure a smoother, more enjoyable experience.

6. Lockers and Changing Rooms at Széchenyi Thermal Bath

At Széchenyi Thermal Bath, you can choose between lockers or cabins for changing and storage, this also affects the price of the ticket.

• Széchenyi Thermal Bath lockers are the standard, more budget-friendly option with access to communal changing rooms, suitable for smaller bags and personal items.

• Széchenyi Thermal Bath cabins offer a private space to change and store your belongings. This is ideal if you want more privacy or carrying larger items like backpacks or suitcases.

Both options are secured with a wristband provided at entry, so your items remain safe while you enjoy the baths. Unlike the wristbands at Therme Bucharest, you cannot use your wristband to pay for food and drinks you consume, so make sure you have cash or card on you for payment at Széchenyi Thermal Bath.

You also have small lockers outside which are perfect for small items. We kept our sauna hats and phones there.

After you are done with you visit, you can use the showers adjacent to the lockers. There are facilities to dry your swimwear as well as hair dryers. We were one of the last ones to visit and I really didn’t appreciate the rude behaviour from staff members who wouldn’t even let me dry my hair without shouting out loud that the baths have now closed.

In case you forgot to bring your swimwear, towel or flip flops, you can buy these at the entrance before entering the changing rooms.

7. Pools, Saunas and Steam Rooms at Széchenyi Thermal Bath

At this Budapest spa, you will find 15 indoor pools, 3 outdoor pools and a number of saunas and steam rooms for you to visit during your stay at Széchenyi Thermal Bath.

We found the map above to be very useful in locating the places we wanted to visit. At first, Széchenyi spa might seem like a labyrinth and we did get lost once but then we figured our where we are going and which saunas we are visiting.

7.1. Széchenyi Thermal Bath: Outdoor Pools

The outdoor pools at Széchenyi Thermal Bath are the highlight of the entire experience, especially for first-time visitors. You would have seen many photos set against the backdrop of grand Neo-Baroque architecture, which really attracted our attention too.

There are three large outdoor pools open year-round:

7.1.1. Relaxation Pool

A warm, shallow thermal pool with temperatures around 37–38°C (around 100°F), perfect for soaking and socializing. This is the most popular pool, often featured in photos and videos with steam rising in colder months.

7.1.2. Whirlpool Pool (Adventure Pool)

This fun pool includes a circular whirlpool current that gently pushes you around in a loop. It’s especially enjoyable and a hit with both adults and kids. We absolutely loved this and went a few times during our visit. It was a real highlight!

7.1.3. Swimming Pool

Kept at a cooler 26–28°C (around 80°F), this lap pool is ideal for actual swimming. A swim cap is required for entry, which you can bring or rent on-site.

This pool is between the relaxion pool and the whirlpool. During our visit the Széchenyi Thermal Bath swimming pool was closed for renovation.

Despite the large space, the outdoor area can get busy (as we experienced this ourselves), so arriving early helps if you want a quieter experience.

7.2. Széchenyi Thermal Bath: Indoor Pools

Széchenyi Thermal Bath boasts 15 indoor pools, each offering a unique experience within its grand Neo-Baroque architecture.

These pools vary in temperature from 18°C to 40°C (64°F to 104°F), catering to different preferences and therapeutic needs. These include different pools as well as cold plunge pools and hot plunge pools.

The ambiance inside is serene and less crowded compared to the outdoor pools, making it ideal for those seeking tranquillity.

We did try some of the pools inside but most of our time in between the saunas and steam rooms was spend in the outdoor pools.

7.3. Széchenyi Thermal Bath: Saunas and Steam Rooms

Széchenyi Thermal Bath offers a variety of saunas and steam rooms, adding to its full wellness experience beyond the pools.

Inside this Budapest bathhouse, you’ll find several traditional Finnish saunas, salt inhalation rooms and steam rooms, each designed to relax your muscles, open your pores, and detox your body.

Temperatures in these Budapest saunas typically range between 50°C and 90°C (122°F to 194°F), while the steam rooms are filled with moist heat that’s perfect for clearing your airways and soothing your skin.

As you know from our visits to Therme Bucharest, we particularly enjoy our saunas. We really liked the Volcano Sauna which was rather hot even for us. We also interacted with some locals in some of the steam saunas and they were happy to recommend their favourite saunas in Budapest.

After a sauna session, you can take a plunge in one of the cold pools nearby to boost circulation and feel completely refreshed. These facilities are included in the entry ticket, and they’re a great way to enhance the thermal bath experience.

Whether you’re looking to relax in warm waters, invigorate yourself with a cold plunge, or enjoy the therapeutic effects of steam, the indoor facilities at Széchenyi Thermal Bath offer a rejuvenating retreat.

7.4. Széchenyi Thermal Bath: Massage and Beer Spa Experience

In addition to its famous thermal pools, Széchenyi Bath offers a range of wellness treatments to elevate your visit. You can indulge in massage therapies such as relaxing aroma massages or energising refreshing massages

For something more unique, Széchenyi also features a Beer Spa, where you can relax in tubs filled with thermal water and natural beer ingredients like hops and malt, all while enjoying unlimited self-poured draft beer. Although this is not our cup of team, it sounds like a fun and relaxing twist on the traditional spa day, perfect for couples or groups looking for something memorable.

8. Food and Drinks at Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Széchenyi Thermal Bath offers convenient on-site dining options to keep you refreshed during your visit. The main cafeteria, located near the outdoor swimming pool, provides a variety of simple snacks and fast-food-style warm meals.

It’s a self-service eatery with indoor and terrace seating, offering affordable prices, though it’s not a fine dining experience. There is also a bar from where you can get alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

We went after lunch and before dinner, so didn’t have any food during our visit. Unlike Therme Bucharest, the dining options are very limited and you need to make sure to bring cash or card for payments as your bracelet can’t be used for payment.

9. Practical Tips for Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your visit to Széchenyi Thermal Bath:

• Bring essentials: Pack your own towel, flip-flops, and swimwear. Towels and swimwear are available to buy in case you forget to bring yours.
• Swim cap is required for the swimming pool: if you plan to swim in the outdoor lap pool, don’t forget a swimming cap, as it’s mandatory there. Alternatively you can buy one on the spot.
• Visit early or late: for a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds, aim to arrive early in the morning or later in the evening. Midday gets busiest even on week days as we experienced this ourselves.
• Buy tickets in advance: if you don’t have a Budapest Card (which gives you a 20% discount), book your tickets online to skip the queue and guarantee entry during busy times.
• Stay hydrated: bring a reusable water bottle—it’s important to stay hydrated, especially after spending time in hot pools and saunas.
• Bring shampoo and shower gel: I was wondering if shower gel is provided and although there were signs of these, the shower cabin I went to had no shower gel, so I was happy I brought my own.
• Photography: you can take photos outside, but be respectful of others’ privacy, especially in quieter or indoor areas. We had to be mindful with the photos we take especially inside the thermal bath.
• Allow sufficient time for exploring: set aside at least 2–3 hours to enjoy all the facilities, including indoor pools, saunas, and steam rooms—not just the iconic outdoor baths. We spent 5 hours at Széchenyi Thermal Bath and could have easily stayed the whole day.

10. Is It Worth Visiting Széchenyi Thermal Bath in Budapest?

If you have limited time in Budapest, you might be wondering is it worth going to the thermal baths in Budapest. The short answer is YES, it is part of the experience and even if you go for just 3 hours, you won’t regret it.

In our opinion, Széchenyi Thermal Bath is worth visiting when in Budapest. It’s not only one of the largest and most iconic spa complexes in Europe, but also offers a uniquely Hungarian experience combining wellness, history, and culture in one stunning setting.

Unfortunately we found the saunas and in general Széchenyi Thermal Bath a bit run down and not very well maintained. There were signs of renovation happening here and there but in comparison to our experience at Therme Bucharest, the level of cleanliness and hygiene at Széchenyi Spa was disappointing.

So, if you are in Budapest you should definitely allocate some time for visiting one of the iconic spas. Whether you visit Gellért Thermal Bath, Széchenyi Thermal Bath or any of the other spas available, it’s up to you, but do make time to experience a thermal bath in Budapest.

11. Final thoughts

At Széchenyi Thermal Bath you can expect a mix of historic charm and modern wellness with a vast outdoor pool complex, steaming thermal waters, indoor spa rooms, and saunas. Don’t forget to bring your swimwear, towel and flip-flops.

The atmosphere is lively yet relaxing and the place attracts both locals and tourists. Whether you’re soaking in the warm mineral-rich waters or interacting with locals in the sauna, it’s a unique Budapest experience that blends relaxation, culture, and fun all in one place.

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