Budapest has for itself earned the nickname of being the ‘“City of Baths “. The geographical
location indicates that Budapest lies on a fault line ( a fracture between two blocks of rock) which has given rise to these thermal baths that are fed by around 120 hot springs. The city houses an array of thermal baths which date back to the sixteenth century. The baths come with a cautionary warning according to which you can not stay in the thermal pools any longer than twenty minutes and also you can’t swim in the pools if you are under fourteen. A “hot favourite “ among the visitors are the Gellert Baths. These are one of the most alluring bathing destinations with their mosaic floors, walls and stained glass windows. Rudas Baths are a Turkish-influenced bathing complex which has an octagonal pool and dates back to Ottoman rule. Lukacs Baths which opened in the 1880’s date back to the 12th century and treat various ailments where you can book massage and reflexology sessions. The Thermal Bath Budapest itinerary takes you to Kialay Baths is a Turkish bath where the main pool sits under an Ottoman dome which is laced with skylights.
Szechenyi Baths
The Szechenyi Baths are the Thermal Bath of Budapest which are housed in a neo-Baroque palace in Budapest’s City Park. Szechenyi is the largest thermal bath complex which was built in 1913. The baths have fifteen indoor pools along with three huge outdoor pools that have varying temperatures. To avoid any kind of confusion it is better to consult a map before you lose your path in this labyrinth-like complex. The other facilities available here are steam rooms, saunas, aqua fitness equipment as well as whirlpools and jets. You can relax outside in the pools which have a temperature of 33 C and 38C. Thermal water is rich in magnesium, calcium and hydrogen carbonates which are considered useful in easing joint pains and arthritis and help in improving blood circulation. Szechenyi Baths are open year-round where the locals can play chess on floating boards and have fun at the Sparty as they say.
Gellert Baths
The Thermal Bath Budapest logbook comes in handy as you visit the Gellert Baths. These are the second most popular baths after the Szechenyi Baths of Budapest. The Gellert baths are attached to Hotel Gellert which is an Art Nouveau landmark which dates back to 1918. These are friendly indoor bath pools which are dotted with turquoise mosaics and ceramics and receive ample sunshine which passes through the sky windows as these pools lie hidden in the indoor bathing area. Make sure you visit the outdoor thermal pools which look over the Buda Hills and remain open throughout the year for locals as well as tourists.
Rudas Baths
Besides the Szechenyi Baths Budapest, another tourist attraction are the Rudas Baths. The baths are dimly lit and have an octagonal bath chamber which was built by the Ottoman pasha Sokollu Mustafa and dates back to the sixteenth century. The other point of interest is the hot tub which is lies perched on top of the building with magical views upfront. Because of the magnificent views, the visitors find it a little hard to leave the place in a jiffy therefore the temperature of the bathtub is not too warm.
Kiraly Baths
Next up on the checklist of Thermal Bath Budapest are the Kiraly Baths. These happen to be part Ottoman and partly nineteenth-century baths which are the smallest and the cosiest bath on the checklist. Kiraly uses underground pipes which were built by the Turkish pasha away from the water source and within the city walls to make sure that bathing could continue without any interruption in case even if war broke out. Another highlight of the baths is the interior garden with a wooden hot tub and cots that can be used for relaxing and also rejuvenating.
Veli Bej Baths
According to some facts from 1673 written accounts, it is believed that Veli Bej was the biggest and the most gorgeous bath during the Ottoman Empire. After some timely renovations, the old and the new have blended together. The Turkish domes and ogee arches ( the S-shaped curve ) lead the way to modern time steam rooms and saunas. The Veli Bej Baths are maintained by a Roman Catholic order which does not run for any kind of profit
Fisherman’s Bastion
Besides the Thermal Bath Budapest enjoy some sightseeing as you visit the Fisherman’s Bastion. The Fisherman’s Bastion is situated across the street from Buda Castle which is a beautiful tower and resembles the castle walls. The point of interest about the bastion is that its main structure runs parallel to the Danube River. The Bastion is a seven-stone tower which represents Hungary’s chieftains. The tower has a striking resemblance to the Walt Disney Logo. Fisherman‘s Bastion is designed by Frigyes Schulek as the bastion divides the courtyard into two parts where the northern part houses the statues of Julians and Gellert monks and the southern part boasts about the bronze statue of St Stephen. From here you get to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city and visit the nearby restaurant which serves Swiss Cuisine.
Szechenyi Chain Bridge
Szechenyi Chain Bridge is the first and foremost permanent bridge which connects Buda and Pest. Enjoy a walking tour as you pass through the city and stroll across the bewitching stone bridge. The most eye-catching view is of the Danube flowing under the bridge. The bridge looks mesmerising at night when it gets completely decked up in lights and the lights reflect back from the water underneath it. The Szechenyi Chain Bridge plays host to some of the biggest cultural festivals on the weekends in summer.
Walking Tours
The best way to enjoy viewing the monuments of Budapest is by taking guided walking tours. Where you join groups and learn some interesting facts about the city. You can choose from different kinds of tours like afternoon tours, private tours or try segway sightseeing and even a night walking tour.