Gellért
This bath located in an Art Nouveau building mellowed by age has been open to visitors since 1918. Beautiful interiors, elegance and the most comprehensive service offering. The original Art Nouveau furniture, colourful mosaics, marble towers, stained-glass windows and statues are an artistic experience in their own right. XI., Kelenhegyi út 4., (+36-1) 466-6166, Mo-Su 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Entrance fee: HUF 2,700 to 4,050
Széchenyi
Széchenyi, also known under the playful name “Szecska” is one of the biggest bath complexes in Europe. It offers a vivid social life. Only by sitting in the steam and listening to others, you will learn more about public life than by reading any newspaper. Following the chess party with one eye only and catching only one or two bids will get you further than chasing for sharp-sighted comments in the office tea kitchen. To top it all off, bathing is an activity that will give you a feeling of satisfaction by only the mere appearance of doing sports.
Rác – reconstructed tarnish
The Rác bath complex, which will again welcome visitors in 2011 according to the plans, is situated at a special venue, where the Gellért Hill and Tabán meet. In the course of the reconstruction the bath will regain its old splendour, and the range of services will become wider: a luxury hotel and restaurants will be also built. I, Hadnagy u. 3-10.
Király
The construction of this Turkish bath began in 1565, with the thermal water coming from the Lukács Bath. One of its pools is still in the mediaeval room with its dome, which will guarantee a historical visit. II., Fő u. 84., (+36-1) 202-3688, Tu, Th, Sa: men’s day, Mo, Fr: women’s day, We, Su: mixed day Mo, We, Su 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tu, Th, Fr, Sa 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Entrance fee: HUF 2,200
Lukács
Visitors will get to the bath located in Buda among hospitals on small streets covered by cobblestones. The entrance hall contains hundreds of marble plates by recovered patients saying thank you and expressing appreciation for the bath. The Lukács is widely respected and has a select circle of guests with several well-known artists, politicians and other public figures among them. II., Frankel Leó u. 25-29., (+36 1) 326-1695, Mo-Su 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Entrance fee: HUF 1,300 to 3,000
RUDAS
This bath, located in the narrow strap of land between Gellért Hill and the Danube, has a ritual effect on many. The hot steam, the sauna, divided into smaller units with gradually ascending temperatures, sheets warmed on preheated tiles, and pools with several different temperatures ensure the comfort and a perfect bath experience for visitors. Rudas also gives you the opportunity to have a nap in the relaxation room, since the whole facility is about nothing else but your refreshment. The bath looks back on a history of around 500 years. I., Döbrentei tér 9., (+36 1) 356-1010, Mo, We, Th, Fr: men’s day, Tu: women’s day, Sa-Su and Fr-Sa 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.: mixed. Swimming pool: Mo-We 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Th-Su 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Steam bath: Mo-Su 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Entrance fee: HUF 2,800 to 3,300
Potable Mineral Water and Tap Water
Although mineral water contains several elements needed by the healthy organism, it is important to know that there are also several medical conditions that can be treated by drinking them. A couple of glasses of any Budapest thermal water may have a positive effect on your body. However, consuming them as part of a cure and choosing consciously, they may even make you fitter. If you want to do this, you should first consult your physician. In Széchenyi, Rudas and Lukács drinking halls, and in front of Gellért, an open-air spring await thirsty visitors. The most well-known mineral waters with a healing effect available in pharmacies and major stores include Parádi and Salvus. They are also being sold in sulphurous varieties with a characteristic odour, which in itself makes it worthwhile to try it out. It is also important to know that tap water in Budapest is one of the best in Europe, making it an ideal thirst quencher.
