Taking a bath in Budapest - Made easy
Bathing in Budapest
The bathing culture of Budapest started with the Romans who built the first baths over the many hot springs of Pannonia. In modern Hungary bathing has become an everyday activity for the locals and thousands of tourists every year. The “modern” baths of Budapest with their refreshing and healing water have become a refuge for weary souls looking for some relaxing times and revitalizing treatments for both body and soul. The myths about the complicated Hungarian bathing procedures should not discourage you from having this unique experience. Mainly the problem is with English. Older Hungarians cant speak it! But that not a problem if you know how it works!
Gearing up!
This is what you’ll need at the thermal baths of Budapest:
- a bag,
- a towel,
- some money, (to eat and drink, bathroom),
- shower gel,
- a cap (or rent it at the bath) some baths require it for some of the pools,
- a pair of slippers to stay away from feet infections.
Tickets & Fees
The entry fees to the Budapest thermal baths cost usually between 1000-3000 ft (4-12 Euros) Gellert and Szécsény thermal baths being the most expensive. This is the price for entrance to the pools and thermal baths of the facility. If you want massage, water therapies or other treatments you have to pay extra for it and you’ll have an extra ticket you’ll have to show the masseur. Here’s how the entrance fee works:
- you pay the fee as if your gonna spend the whole day at the bath.
- if you leave within 2 hours you get back a larger amount (say 400 ft).
- if you leave within 3 hours you get back a lesser amount (say 200 ft).
- if you spend more than 3 hours you get back 0.
The furdöneni & báci (the bathaunt & uncle) - the keymasters of the baths
This is the really tricy part. The biggest question is why the keymasters exist at all? But we wont dive into the Communist and Taylorist theories of work organization here. The important thing for you to know is that you will depend on them if you choose a locker or cabin, and you probably will. If you want them to look after you stuff and want good service you tip them in advance (at least 200 ft but not more than 500). And here’s how it works:
- show them your ticket and they find you a locker and open it for you. At some baths you will get an own key and the keymaster doublelocks the cabin with his key.
- after you’ve changed you go to them and they’ll understand your ready and close the locker/ cabin for you.
- when you want something from the locker or want to go home you find your keymaster to open your locker/ cabin.
- If you didn’t tip them in advance and you want a smile before you leave now´s the time, they’ll expect it.
Rules and common courtesy
- You have to take a shower and wash yourself with soap before entering the baths and pools.
- Be quiet and act calmly! Don’t run speaking loudly or jump into the water.
- At some baths swimming caps are mandatory. As how it works at the ticket desk.
Tips
- Be careful with the steambaths they can be very hot!
- Don’t plan anything advanced physical stuff afterwards.
- The ticket booth close one hour before the baths close.
Thats it! Now your well prepared to visit a traditional Hungarian bath and have a unforgettable relaxing and refreshing experience. Enjoy!
Related: The Turkish Baths of Budapest
