Visit details
- Destination: Széchenyi thermal bath, Budapest, Hungary
- Date of visit: December 2025 (gloomy day / cold winter weather)
- Who with: my husband
- Booked via: Get Your Guide (online) to skip wait times + book a preferred time slot during the holidays
- What we paid: about 60 euros as a couple
- Ticket included: locker rental, cocktails, and fruit bowls at the Palm House upstairs
My First Thermal Bath Experience in Budapest
I visited the Széchenyi Thermal Bath in Budapest, Hungary, with my husband. It was my first thermal bath experience, and it was incredibly relaxing!
I visited in December 2025 on a gloomy day. The warm thermal bath was the perfect feeling in the cold winter weather! I’ve started to look into natural healing and wellness options because of chronic pain I have.
The thermal water felt amazing since it’s full of calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate, all known to help with joint pain and recovery.
We paid about 60 euros as a couple, and we booked online at Get Your Guide to skip the wait times. This made the process stress-free and simple, as we were able to book our preferred time slot, especially as we were traveling during the holidays in December.
Who Széchenyi Thermal Bath Is Great For
The Széchenyi thermal bath is great for first-time visitors (it’s iconic and good for all ages), couples who are looking for a romantic activity, families (kids love the water), and wellness lovers (there are massages and medicinal pools).
It happens to be one of those attractions that appeals to a wide range of travelers – whether you’re looking to experience a new activity, have a romantic getaway, or simply seek relaxation.
I would even recommend this place for solo travelers. It was a great place to meet people or just unwind in a historic setting.
Best Time to Visit for a Quieter Experience
Like with most activities, the early morning and weekdays will be your best chance at quiet times and the most enjoyable time with the least amount of people.
Think those Instagram-worthy shots and a peaceful oasis where you can really clear your mind. It was so easy to spend hours here – there was always something new to explore from the different pools, saunas, and steam rooms.
I was impressed with how massive this facility was. It felt almost overwhelming, like I just entered a wellness city within a city! It has three huge outdoor pools, 15 indoor thermal pools, and sauna/steam rooms.
The Indoor Thermal Pools
We started in some of the indoor thermal pools, which were architecturally just as beautiful as the outdoor pools. The beautiful columns, high ceilings, decorative tiles, and neo-baroque architecture made the interior feel elegant and historic, rather than your normal spa.
It felt like I was stepping back in time. The indoor thermal pool I really enjoyed had different medicinal water activities to do that helped target pressure points and pain.
The pools featured gentle whirlpools, underwater jets, and varying water temperatures, allowing you to move from one pool to another depending on how your body felt. I definitely enjoyed the indoor pools more than the outdoor.
I loved the small, quiet pool with bubbling and warm water where I could float and really feel my muscles letting go of any tension. It was truly meditative and a time of complete calmness, and I also felt like I was bathing in a palace!
The Outdoor Pools (Crowds, Atmosphere, and Winter Magic)
We then spent the majority of our time in the large outdoor pools. These were significantly more crowded and louder. Despite the crowds, it was a very lively and social atmosphere.
There was something about the warm water, the steam above the water, and the cold winter air that truly made this visit more magical and relaxing. It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I can’t recreate anywhere else.
Photo Tip: Bring a Waterproof Phone Pouch
My only regret and also recommendation is a waterproof phone pouch to get the perfect photos. I ended up taking my protective case off halfway through because it wasn’t taking clear photos.
The steam that rises over the baths made it tricky to take photos, but also created an ethereal and dreamlike scene that I’ll always remember.
Post-Bath Wind-Down: Palm House Upstairs
After enjoying the thermal bath, we went to enjoy cocktails and fruit bowls at the Palm House upstairs, which was included in our ticket price. The greenhouse environment was filled with palms and tropical plants.
It was a perfect blend of botanical beauty and wellness, and a nice escape from the cold outside. Sipping a cocktail surrounded by tropical plants felt very restorative.
It gave us a chance to sit, warm up, and reflect on our experience without being rushed. It was nice to slow down and appreciate our surroundings.
Guests are required to show up with their swimsuit and flip-flops. We rented bathrobes, and my husband rented a head cover. They have basic options to rent, so bring your own if you would like.
Our ticket included the locker rental, so definitely pack your own essentials to elevate your experience and minimize what you’re renting. Also, don’t forget to bring a change of dry clothes to change into – I definitely did!
Final Thoughts
Overall, I would highly recommend the Széchenyi thermal bath for any first-timers, and even experienced goers! It was definitely worth the price for a day trip for all the facilities offered.
This is easily a huge highlight of my Budapest trip. I felt relaxed, recharged, and ready to take on the rest of my trip.
I had a new appreciation for this combination of beauty, history, and wellness all in one place. It was truly an escape from reality, and I dream of returning one day!
Marissa Chiechi is a Los Angeles–based public relations and marketing professional and travel contributor with 10+ years of experience across the consumer, fashion, and lifestyle industries. With a passion for discovering new cultures, traditions, and cuisines, she brings a global lens to every story. Her work combines strategic brand storytelling with cultural insight, helping modern brands connect authentically with today’s audiences.
