Széchenyi Thermal Baths in City Park
Budapest is famous for healing thermal waters that run under the ground throughout the city. They’ve been used for medicinal and recreational purposes for centuries. Széchenyi Thermal Baths, build in 1913, is the largest spa complex in Europe and the most famous of all the baths here in Budapest. The water in the thermal pools, high in calcium, magnesium and hydrogen carbonate, is deemed to be good for pains in the joints, arthritis, blood circulation and disorders of the nervous system
The Neo-baroque palace was specifically built for hosting Szechenyi Baths. Budapest has long been known for its thermal waters starting with the Roman settlers who built the first spa baths, through the 16th century Turkish occupiers who built many of the Turkish style baths, to the 19-20th century natural medical trends that promote aqua therapies and their deeply beneficial effects. Of course, Széchenyi isn’t just visited for the healings that can occur, there is also weekend all night “Sparties” happening with drinks and music and party goers who’s first thought is not how healing will these waters be. That is an assumption on my part though, I am open to being proven wrong.
The giant building is sometimes hard to navigate so do not hesitate to ask how to get to the outside pools, as those are really the best part of all if you ask me. One of the most iconic signatures of these baths is the locals, usually old men, playing chess in the water. I’ve been here dozens of times, during many different times of day and through every season, I’ve literally never been here when they aren’t here as well. Different ones, same ones…not sure, just always old men playing chess on a waterproof board in the same spot, year in and year out.
Getting there: You can walk there quite easily from most places in central Pest. It’s at the end of Andrassy Avenue just past Hero’s Square inside of City Park. You can also take the metro M1 line and get off at Hősök Tere (Here’s Square) and see the square as well as walk into the park OR you can get off at the next stop which is Széchenyi Fürdő, right at the baths.
Good information to know These baths are co-ed all the time, so bathing suits are required everywhere. There are 2 entrances, one on the side of the building closest to where you come up from the Metro and the front of the building is quite majestic, and just a bit farther to walk. The locker rooms are seperate, navigating each entrance is completely different. I like the side entrance if you’ve been there before, the front entrance is by far worth experiencing, it’s beautiful. You can buy entrance tickets at either location.
