12 Historic European Spas and Bathhouses for a Wellness Getaway | Condé Nast Traveler
"While visiting Széchenyi Gyogyfürdo, Europe’s largest thermal bathing facility, is on many
Budapest
visitors’ lists, and a worthy detour, we can’t help but be drawn to another of the artsy Eastern European city’s thermal baths. Rudas Baths’ 21 hot springs are the prominent feature behind the 16th-century facility, which welcomes guests 14 and older. Traditional water massage treatments incorporate Swedish techniques, and handmade soap made with macadamia oil for ultra silky skin, is used to cleanse and soften the body. The domed space (built during the time of Ottoman rule) delivers self-care in an atmosphere that’s both calming and thought-provoking." - Stacey Lastoe
I Visited Some of Europe's Most Charming Spa Towns by Train — Here's What It Was Like
"A 450-year-old Turkish bath with five pools surrounded by arch-topped columns and domed ceilings, featuring a modern thermal pool with a view overlooking the Danube." - Carole Rosenblat
"With six thermal pools, a large swimming pool, a wellness area, and an oft-Instagrammed rooftop jacuzzi, Rudas has been a full-service spa bathhouse since its restoration and renovation in 2014. Its center, however, reveals a centuries-long history: the octagonal pool under a domed ceiling and surrounded by old stone vaults and pillars, dates to 1550, the Ottoman occupation of Budapest, and is thus literally steeped in history. Though it initially only served men, Rudas now separates genders on weekdays (Tuesdays are for women) and offers coed bathing on weekends. Tip: single-gender bathing can be fabulously pressure-free and almost spiritual; Rudas is the only place that this is still possible. And Fridays and Saturdays, Rudas stays open until 4a.m. Tickets can be booked online."
Rudas Thermal Bath is a great mix of history and relaxation. The rooftop hot tub was the highlight—modern, super clean, and with an amazing view of the Danube. The rest of the bath was clean too, though older and more traditional. Peaceful atmosphere. Just check gender-specific days before you go. Recommended!
dinko stoyanow
Google
The Thermal bath complex is relaxing, soothing, comforting and very clean.
Around 5 saunas, 2 steam baths, one amazing panorama thermal pool, a lot of indoor pools.
The only negative feedback that I will give is for the towels, slippers and pool hats. You can't rent it and if you forgot to bring from home you should buy it there and the price is not low for a simple towel. Around 17 euro per towel, pool hat 5 euro
Chantal Bergeron
Google
I'm a solo tourist and I literally spent 7.5 hours here! Perfect relaxation. Between the Steam rooms, saunas, rooftop pool, many other pools and thermal baths it is a relaxing Paradise. They even have quiet relaxation rooms and I took a nap. Online I had seen people complain of sewer smell but honestly I smelled that around Budapest in general and it wasn't bad here. You don't need a lock for your locker, just bring a towel, flip flops and a swimsuit if you don't want to pay for one at the shop
Joshua Harden
Google
Came here on the 24th August for my 35th birthday 🎂
It was an absolutely amazing experience ✨️ The three course meal at the Bistro was incredible. Much needed after 3 hours of relaxing 😌
Highly recommend 👌
Ben Jno
Google
Very nice traditional thermal bath, less packed on weekdays. The Turkish bath is amazing it was such a soecial experience. The sauna world with the cold plunge is also nice. I visited many times
Devi Rayne (Raynevious)
Google
Night time baths experience - incredible & spontaneous idea!
We went there at 11PM, there were still quite few people, but as the midnight came, it got a bit less crowded. You can do a lot here - just chill in turkish hot bath, go to sauna, swim in pool with music, relax and watch the beautiful Budapest from the hot tub on the roof + have a drink, as there is bar/bistro too.
Worth it? Definitely! I'd definitely go again, and even later. I'm wondering how does it look like to have a dip here at 2AM.
R F
Google
The premises are nice, the cleanliness is worse - during the entire period of our visit, the floors were not maintained once. But this is probably a problem of the whole city. What disappointed us very much was the behavior of the staff (from the cashier on the ground floor to the lifeguards at the pools). Very unpleasant looks, no smile, unwilling, they don't want to speak English - they don't like tourists. They like to talk about the guests among themselves over walkie-talkies. For us, the first and last visit. I recommend visiting other thermal baths in the city.
JR Suarez
Google
Check before you go ask the Turkish traditional area sometimes may only or female only. There is also a newer modern area that is always mixed but the real experience is the Turkish area. There is a panorama pool in the newer area. Generally is very busy and I think it should be better maintained as people like to bring drinks to the panoramic pool, then leave the glasses around and the wind does the rest… so not great. Also the all inclusive ticket doesn’t include cabins… who knows why. You need a cap if you want to use the swimming pool.