Rudas Baths | The iconic Turkish thermal baths in Budapest
Step into nearly 500 years of wellness tradition at Rudas Baths, one of Budapest’s most iconic and historic thermal bath complexes. Originally built during the Ottoman era in the 16th century, Rudas combines timeless architecture with modern spa experiences, offering visitors a truly unique escape in the heart of the city.
TL;DR
Core access: All tickets give full-day entry to Rudas Baths with thermal pools, steam rooms, and sauna areas.
Weekday vs weekend: Weekdays include a locker. Weekends include a private changing cabin.
Easy upgrades: Save big by pairing your spa visit with a Danube cruise or a Hungarian Parliament tour.
Historic setting: Enjoy one of Budapest’s oldest Ottoman-style bathhouses with mineral-rich waters.
Peak hours: Afternoons get busy. Mornings offer quieter pools and smoother entry.
Facilities on-site: You can rent towels, slippers, or robes if needed.
Booking tip: Weekends get crowded. Book early for preferred dates.
Best value pick:Combo: Full-Day Rudas Thermal Spa Tickets + Hungarian Parliament Audio Guided Tour
What to expect at Rudas Baths in Budapest
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Step into Ottoman elegance
Enter through the riverside facade and walk straight into a 16th-century Ottoman bath chamber where warm, mineral pools glow under a traditional domed ceiling, while surrounded by centuries-old stone columns and illuminated by soft, natural light filtering through the dome.
Indulge in the soaking rituals
Move between hot, warm, and cool pools in a sequence designed to rejuvenate muscles and calm the mind. The stone pillars, thermal echoes, and centuries-old architecture make the experience feel intimate and authentically Budapest.
Enjoy modern comforts and spa
While the baths are steeped in history, they also offer modern wellness facilities. From therapeutic massages to steam rooms and saunas, the spa services are ideal for easing stiffness, clearing the senses, and experiencing the traditional Hungarian spa routine.
Bathe in the rooftop pool with a view
One of Rudas’ most impressive features is its rooftop thermal pool, offering stunning panoramic views over the Danube River and the city skyline. Whether you visit during the day or catch a magical sunset, the experience of floating above Budapest is truly extraordinary and perfect for photos.
Explore more with combos
Plan 2–4 hours to enjoy the pools and saunas at an easy pace, then carry the relaxation into the city by pairing your visit with a Danube cruise or Parliament tour through convenient combo options.
Things to know before booking Rudas Thermal Baths tickets
What's included: All Rudas Baths tickets include full-day entry with access to the thermal pools and sauna world, but some wellness services or treatments inside the complex require a separate purchase on-site. Access to the iconic rooftop thermal pool is included with your ticket.
Locker and cabin access vary by weekday or weekend: Weekday entry includes a locker for storage, while weekend entry comes with a private cabin offering more comfort and space. Pick based on how much privacy or storage you need.
Peak times can affect crowd levels: Rudas gets busy from late morning to early evening, especially on weekends. Arriving before 10am usually means quieter pools, smoother entry, and easier access to saunas.
Coed and non-coed days: Certain parts of Rudas Baths, like the Turkish Baths area, have gender-specific days and hours (men-only, women-only). Full coed access is available daily during the morning hours. Find more information on this below.
Swim gear and essentials aren’t included: You can rent towels, robes, and slippers at the spa, but bringing your own is cheaper and faster. A swim cap is mandatory in some pools.
Age restrictions: Only guests aged 14 years and older are allowed entry to Rudas Baths. It's not suitable for young children.
Full-day entry to Rudas Baths + Parliament entry with 45-min audio tour in 23 languages
Guarantees Parliament access, which often sells out, alongside a spa session
Culture-focused travelers looking for a structured 2-in-1 plan
Explore the pools & facilities of Rudas Baths
Rudas Turkish bath
The Turkish bath is the oldest part of the Rudas Thermal Spa with a large Turkish dome and an octagonal pool below it. The bathhouse will take you back in time with its ancient concrete pillars and miniature holes that let light seep in from the top of the dome.
Healing thermal baths
Rudas Baths are renowned for its thermal baths and pools, each infused with natural thermal spring water that's been soothing tired muscles for centuries. These mineral-rich waters are not just relaxing, but they're also believed to have therapeutic benefits.
Rooftop pool
Picture this: you're soaking in a warm pool on the rooftop, and as you look around, the majestic Danube River and the city's skyline unfold before you. That's the magic of the Rudas rooftop pool. It's like a luxurious soak with a breathtaking view thrown in for good measure.
Indoor swimming pool
The indoor swimming pool in the Rudas Bathhouse will blow your mind as it is designed with two stories and has a balcony overlooking the pool and a deck of chairs to lay back on the second floor. The pool temperature is maintained at 84.2°F - perfect for a relaxing dip.
Therapy pools
Got some aches and pains that need tending? The therapy pools at Rudas Baths have got your back (and your neck, and your shoulders... you get the picture). The strategically placed jets and bubbles are like personal masseuses, working their magic on your sore muscles.
Massage services
Rudas Baths go beyond just pools – their massage services are a treat for your senses. Whether you're in the mood for an aromatic journey, a focused medical massage, or an invigorating underwater jet massage, the skilled therapists here have got your relaxation needs covered.
Rudas Night bath
Visit Rudas Baths at night for a unique bathing experience. Soak in the warm waters under the starlit sky as the sun sets, and the city lights begin to twinkle. The ambiance is magical, offering a serene retreat from the bustling city life.
Rudas Bistro
Hungry after a dip in the soothing waters? Look no further than Rudas Bistro! This charming spot within the baths is a paradise for your taste buds. Treat yourself to mouthwatering Hungarian dishes and international delights.
Drinking fountains
While you're indulging in the baths, make sure to stop by the drinking fountains. These aren't your ordinary fountains – they're infused with natural mineral water that's said to have healing properties. Take a sip and refresh your senses, all while treating your body to a dose of wellness.
Bathing in carbonated water
Indulge in the invigorating sensation of bathing in carbonated water, a distinctive feature of Rudas Spa Baths. Feel the gentle effervescence as you soak away your stresses and let the bubbles work their magic on your body and mind.
Accessible with a medical prescription only.
Medical tub bath
Step into the healing waters of the medical tub bath if the shared pool is not accessible for you due to any medical conditions. Immerse yourself in the soothing thermal waters offering relief for various ailments and promoting overall well-being.
Accessible with a medical prescription only.
Underwater jet massage
Feel the stress melt away with the Underwater Jet Massage at Rudas Spa. Let the powerful jets target and soothe your muscles, offering a therapeutic massage while you immerse yourself in the warm embrace of the thermal waters.
One of the features that sets Rudas Baths apart from other thermal baths in Budapest is its traditional gender-specific bathing schedule. While most modern thermal complexes are coed every day, Rudas preserves a centuries-old tradition by offering designated hours for men-only and women-only bathing in its historic Turkish thermal section.
Turkish Baths gender days schedule:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday morning, and Friday morning: Men only
Age restrictions: Children under the age of 14 are not permitted to enter the Rudas Baths.
Mandatory swimming caps: Don't forget to pack your swimming cap! It's mandatory to wear one in the swimming pools. If you don't have one, you can purchase it at the baths.
Gender-segregated Turkish bath: If you're visiting between Monday and Thursday, note that the Rudas Turkish bath is gender-segregated on these weekdays. Check the schedule to plan your visit accordingly.
Pregnancy considerations: Pregnant guests should consult their doctor before visiting the spa. While the baths offer relaxation, certain treatments may not be suitable during pregnancy. Massages, for instance, are not provided to pregnant women as a precautionary measure.
Szechenyi Baths Address: Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 9-11, 1146 Hungary.
Gellert Baths Address: Budapest, Kelenhegyi út 4, 1118 Hungary
Lukacs Baths Address:Frankel Leó út 25-29, 1027 Budapest, Hungary
Kiraly Baths Address: Budapest, Döbrentei tér 9, 1013 Hungary
Visitor tips and guidelines
Arrive early: Try to arrive early in the day, especially during peak tourist seasons, to avoid crowds and secure a good spot.
Book in advance: Book your Rudas bath tickets in advance to avoid the disappointment of sold-out tickets on your preferred day.
Bring your own towel and bathrobe: While towels and bathrobes are available for rent, bringing your own can save you time and money.
Hydrate: Remember to stay hydrated, especially if you're enjoying the various heated pools and steam rooms. Bring a reusable water bottle to keep yourself refreshed throughout your visit.
Explore the architecture: Take some time to admire the beautiful architecture of the Rudas Baths, which showcase a blend of Turkish and Renaissance styles. Don't forget your camera!
Consider booking a massage: Treat yourself to a relaxing massage session to complement your bath experience. Choose from a variety of massage options offered at the baths for ultimate relaxation.
Frequently asked questions about Rudas Baths
Rudas thermal baths tickets start from $NaN. It typically includes full-day access to the Rudas Thermal Baths with sauna access, locker access (on weekdays), and a private changing & storage cabin (on weekends).
Absolutely! The mineral-rich thermal waters are said to work wonders on various ailments. These waters are like Mother Nature's healing elixir, soothing sore muscles, boosting circulation, and much more.
You'll find Rudas Baths nestled in the heart of Budapest, overlooking the mesmerizing Danube River. The exact address is Döbrentei tér 9, 1013, Hungary.
The mornings are usually quieter, so if you're up for a peaceful soak, the early bird gets the thermal worm! However, any time you choose will prove to be a magical experience.
Remember to pack your swimsuit, towel, and flip-flops (essential for that comfy shuffle between pools).
Rudas Baths have specific timings for gender-separated bathing and mixed-coed bathing. Be sure to check the schedule before you go to ensure you're heading in at the right time for your preference.
The foundation stone of Rudas Baths was laid way back in 1550 during the Ottoman era. Talk about historical hot tubs!
Prepare to be amazed! Inside, you'll find a range of pools, from the main swimming pool to various thermal baths with different temperatures. There's even a rooftop pool with breathtaking views of the city.
You can float away your stress in the warm thermal waters, indulge in a soothing massage, or simply unwind in the steam room. It's your relaxation playground.