How can I reach Szechenyi Baths?

Take Metro Line M1 to Széchenyi fürdő station, or use trolleybus 72 or 75. The baths are located inside Budapest’s City Park near Heroes' Square.

Why should I visit Szechenyi Baths?

It’s one of Europe’s largest and oldest thermal bath complexes, offering natural hot spring pools, saunas, medical treatments, and a unique outdoor bathing experience in all seasons.

Do you need to book tickets to Szechenyi Baths?

Advance booking is recommended for <link linkType="internal" newTab="true" url="" id="ngWttpMX" shortCodeType="link" relationTo="pages" documentId="6808c50acb31da4df3814eaf" text="Szechenyi Thermal baths" uid="www.budapest-baths.com.szechenyi-baths.about" />, especially during weekends or holidays, to avoid queues and ensure availability of extras like massages or private cabins.

Can I visit with the kids?

Yes, but children under 14 are not advised to use thermal pools, and kids under 2 years old are not allowed in any of the pools.

How long should I spend at Szechenyi?

Most visitors spend 2 to 4 hours exploring pools, saunas, and relaxation areas. Longer stays are common if adding spa or medical services.

What to bring to Szenchenyi baths?

Bring swimwear, towel, slippers, and a swim cap if using the lap pool. A waterproof pouch is also useful for valuables or phones.

Plan Your Visit to Szechenyi Baths | Location & How to Get There

What is the best time to visit Szechenyi Baths?

Szechenyi Thermal Baths are open year-round, but your experience can vary significantly depending on when you go. Here’s a breakdown to help you choose the best time for your visit:

Visiting in winter (November to February) offers a striking contrast between warm pools and cold air, especially magical when there’s snow.
Spring and autumn (March to May, September to October) provide mild weather and fewer crowds, making pool use comfortable without summer heat.
Weekdays, particularly Tuesday to Thursday mornings, tend to be much less crowded than weekends or holidays when the baths fill up with tourists and locals. Visit anytime from 7am to 9am to beat the crowds.
While entry prices are stable year-round, booking online in advance can save money and guarantee access to extras like massages or private cabins, which sell out quickly during peak summer months.

Getting to Szechenyi Baths

Historic Budapest metro station with vintage train on old subway line.

Metro: Take Metro Line 1 (M1), Budapest’s oldest metro line. Get off at Széchenyi furdo station, it's directly next to the baths.
Tram: Tram lines 1 and 1A stop near City Park. From there, it’s a 10 to 15 minute walk to the entrance.
Bus: Buses 72 and 105 stop nearby. Bus 72 runs through central Pest, while Bus 105 connects with other metro and tram lines.
Trolleybus: Trolleybus line 72M stops at Állatkert, which is a short walk away from the baths.

Szechenyi Thermal baths location

Driving: You can drive to Szechenyi Baths via the Grand Boulevard or Andrassy Avenue. Parking is available in a nearby paid lot, but spaces fill up quickly.
Taxi: Taxis like Főtaxi or apps like Bolt can drop you off directly at the entrance. This is a good option during bad weather or if carrying bags.
Car sharing: Services like MOL Limo or GreenGo offer shared electric cars, but you must still find legal parking in the City Park area.

Know before you go

Széchenyi Spa thermal pools in Budapest with private cabin and massage experience.

Szechenyi Baths can get very busy, especially during weekends and tourist seasons. Booking your ticket in advance is recommended, as it helps you avoid long queues at the entrance. The baths have a set daily capacity, so same-day entry isn’t always guaranteed. Online reservations also let you secure extras like massages or private cabins, which often sell out early. Planning ahead ensures a smoother experience and better access to the facilities you want to use.

Szechenyi Thermal baths map

Woman entering thermal bath at Széchenyi Spa, Budapest.

All visitors must wear appropriate swimwear. Modesty swimwear covering the entire body, such as long-sleeved garments, is not permitted.
Non-slip slippers or flip-flops are mandatory throughout the facility, except inside the pools. These can be purchased on-site if needed. Towel rental is only available with the exclusive Palm House package.
Personal photography is allowed; however, professional photo shoots require prior permission.
You may bring your own food and non-glass beverages. Alcohol consumption is prohibited within the pools and is only allowed in designated areas.Smoking is only permitted in designated smoking areas within the facility.
Children under 14 are not recommended to use thermal pools. Children under 2 years old are not permitted in the pools.
Lockers and private cabins are available for storing personal belongings. Additional safety boxes can be rented for valuables.
Respectful behavior is expected at all times. Running, diving, or disruptive conduct is not allowed.
Individuals with medical conditions should consult a doctor before using thermal pools. Shower before entering the pools is mandatory.

Szechenyi Thermal baths rules

Restroom entrance in American Museum of Natural History with directional signage.

Toilets
Lockers
Showers
Changing rooms
Towel, bathrobe & slipper rentals
Cafe & restaurant

Szchenyi baths services

Bring a waterproof phone pouch if you plan to take photos, as there are no secure areas poolside to leave valuables.
Wearing slippers is mandatory and walking barefoot is not allowed, especially in wet areas outside the pool, so bring along your flip-flops.
Thermal water can dehydrate you, especially if you use saunas or stay for several hours. Drink water regularly.
Start with indoor thermal pools and saunas, then finish in the outdoor pools to avoid re-entering indoor wet areas after drying off.
Swim caps are required only in the dedicated swimming pool, not in the thermal or leisure pools.

Dining at Szechenyi Baths is designed for convenience, offering options that cater to various tastes and preferences. Whether you're looking for a quick snack between spa sessions or a more substantial meal, the on-site eateries provide a range of choices to satisfy your appetite.

Szechenyi Bath Cafeteria: Located adjacent to the outdoor swimming pool, the Szechenyi Bath Cafeteria offers a selection of quick and satisfying meals. You can choose from items like grilled sausages, sandwiches, and fries, as well as beverages including beer and soft drinks. The cafeteria provides both indoor seating and an outdoor terrace, allowing you to enjoy your meals in a relaxed setting.

Szechenyi Bar: The Szechenyi Bar provides various meal options, including traditional Hungarian dishes such as goulash soup and beef stew. For lighter fare, you can choose Greek salad or mozzarella sandwiches. The bar also serves a range of drinks to complement your meal.

Szechenyi Garden Restaurant: Situated just a short walk from the baths, the Szechenyi Garden Restaurant offers a more upscale dining experience. The menu features traditional Hungarian dishes with a modern twist, including goulash soup, chicken paprikash, and Somlói galuska, a layered dessert with chocolate sauce. It's perfect for a leisurely meal after your spa visit.

Budget: easyHotel Budapest Oktogon (1.2km), Benczur Hotel (600m), Hotel Lion (1.5km)

Mid-range: Hotel Moments Budapest (1.1km), Danubius Hotel Astoria City Center (3.2km), Hotel Parlament (2.7km)

Luxury: Parisi Udvar Hotel Budapest – The Unbound Collection by Hyatt (3.4km), Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest (4.5km), Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest (3.9km)