Where to Go Swimming in Budapest

A Brief History of Bathing in Budapest

Budapest rests atop 100+ thermal springs. These warm, mineral-rich sources flow naturally from underground. Romans first built baths here, using waters for healing and leisure. Turkish invaders later added hammams with ornate designs and social customs.

Bathing here blends wellness with culture. It’s not just swimming; it’s centuries of tradition captured in stone and steam. Waters reach 20°C up to 77°C (68°F to 170°F), offering soothing relief and unique experiences. Visitors mention mystic steam, colorful mosaics, and gentle chatter filling the air, making every visit special.

Budapest today balances old-world charm with modern swimming options, offering diverse pools and baths for every taste.

Thermal Baths: Budapest’s Core Swimming Spots

Thermal baths form Budapest’s swimming backbone. Heated mineral pools help joint aches, soothe muscles, and offer relaxation. Here’s the cream of the crop.

Széchenyi Baths — Massive Outdoor Spa

• Location: Városliget, Állatkerti körút 9-11
• Hours: Year-round, 6 AM–10 PM
• Transport: Metro M1 (Széchenyi Fürdő)

Széchenyi Baths — Prices (2025)

• Adult single entry (includes locker rental): 6,800 HUF
• Evening entry (after 6 PM, limited hours): 5,800 HUF
• Family ticket (2 adults + 2 kids, valid all day): 15,000 HUF

Széchenyi, Europe’s largest medicinal bath, offers 18 pools: 3 outdoor, 15 indoor. Pools range 27–40°C. Outdoor pools steam in winter, creating surreal scenes. Locals play water chess; tourists relax in warm water.

Extras include saunas, steam rooms, massages. “Sparties” with DJs enliven evenings. Visitors love winter swims amid cold air and warm water—a memorable contrast.

Gellért Baths — Art Nouveau Charm

• Location: Kelenhegyi út 4, inside Hotel Gellért
• Hours: Daily 6 AM–8 PM
• Transport: Metro M4 (Szent Gellért tér), tram 19

Gellért Baths — Prices (2025)

• Adult single entry (lockers included): 7,000 HUF
• Outdoor pool only (summer season): 4,500 HUF
• Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children): 16,000 HUF

Gellért combines Art Nouveau beauty with thermal luxury. Indoor pools showcase mosaics and stained glass. The summer wave pool adds fun. Saunas and wellness treatments abound.

Visitors praise its calm, refined atmosphere—a break from crowded baths.

Rudas Baths — Ottoman Heritage Meets Modernity

• Location: Döbrentei tér 9, near Danube River
• Hours: Weekdays 6 AM–8 PM; night sessions Fri & Sat 10 PM–2 AM
• Transport: Tram 4 or 6 (Döbrentei tér)

Rudas Baths — Prices (2025)

• Adult day ticket (lockers extra): 5,500 HUF
• Evening/night ticket (from 6 PM): 4,000 HUF
• Mixed-gender night sessions (Fridays & Saturdays only): 4,500 HUF

Rudas blends Ottoman architecture with modern facilities. The domed octagonal pool impresses. Turkish steam rooms and saunas soothe visitors. Night sessions mix genders and offer rooftop Jacuzzi views of the Danube.

Evening visits create an atmospheric, social mood.

Lukács Baths — Healing Mineral Waters

• Location: Frankel Leó út 25-29
• Hours: Daily 6 AM–8 PM
• Transport: Tram 17, bus 29

Lukács Baths — Prices (2025)

• Adult single entry (includes swimming pool): 5,000 HUF
• Medical treatments (by appointment): Varies
• Family ticket (up to 4 people): 13,000 HUF

Lukács focuses on wellness. Its mineral pools support joint and muscle health. It’s quieter than bigger baths, favored by locals. Offers medical baths, physiotherapy, mud treatments.

Veli Bej Baths — Quiet Ottoman Retreat

• Location: Táncsics Mihály u. 33
• Hours: Daily 6 AM–8 PM
• Entry: ~4,000 HUF
• Transport: Tram 2 or 19

Veli Bej offers authentic Ottoman style with domes and arches. Smaller pools provide a calm, less touristy atmosphere. Perfect for a peaceful soak.

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Outdoor Pools and Beaches: Summer Highlights

When heat rises, Budapesters flock to open pools and beaches for relief. Here are prime spots.

Palatinus — Family Splash Central

• Location: Margaret Island
• Season: May–September
• Hours: 9 AM–7 PM
• Transport: Bus 26, bike paths
• Prices (2025):
• Adult: 3,000 HUF
• Child (6–14): 1,500 HUF
• Family (2+2): 7,000 HUF

Largest outdoor complex in Budapest with wave pools, slides, paddling pools, grassy sunbathing areas. Cafes and snacks complete the day.

Dagály — Sporty and Relaxed

• Location: Királyok útja 59, near Árpád Bridge
• Season: May–September
• Hours: 7 AM–8 PM
• Transport: Metro M3 (Dózsa György út)

Dagály — Prices (2025)

• Adult day ticket: 2,200 HUF
• Student ticket: 1,200 HUF
• Family ticket: 6,000 HUF

Olympic-size lap pool, leisure pools for families, sauna, fitness. Hosts swim competitions and festivals.

Római Lido — Riverside Hangout

• Location: Királyok útja 135, near Danube River
• Season: May–September
• Hours: 9 AM–8 PM
• Transport: Bus 34, 96
• Price: ~2,000 HUF adults

Urban beach with pools, playgrounds, boat rentals, riverside cafes. Hosts summer concerts.

Lupa Beach — Lakeside Leisure

• Location: 15 km north, near Dunakeszi
• Season: May–September
• Transport: Bus 335 from Újpest
• Prices (2025):
• Adult: 3,500 HUF
• Child: 2,000 HUF

Clean lake with sandy beach, watersports, volleyball, playgrounds, bars.

Csillaghegy — Oldest Open-Air Bath

• Location: Békásmegyer side
• Season: June–August
• Hours: 9 AM–7 PM
• Price: ~1,500 HUF
• Transport: Bus 38

Traditional pool, quiet atmosphere, basic amenities.

Paskál Bath & Lido — All-Season Swimming

• Location: Paskál utca 8-10
• Open: Year-round 6 AM–9 PM
• Transport: Metro M2 (Örs vezér tere)
• Prices (2025):

Heated indoor/outdoor pools, saunas, aqua fitness, family zones.

Pünkösdfürdő Beach — Green Escape

• Location: Pünkösdfürdő út 4
• Season: May–September
• Hours: 9 AM–8 PM
• Price: ~1,800 HUF

Pools with slides, picnic and barbecue zones, sports fields.

Water Parks: Beyond Swimming Pools

For thrills, try Budapest’s water parks, mixing slides and fun with swimming.

Aquaworld — Indoor Water Adventure

• Location: Íves út 16
• Open: Daily 9 AM–9 PM
• Transport: Bus 276

Aquaworld — Prices (2025)

• Adult ticket: 8,500 HUF
• Child ticket (3–14 years): 6,500 HUF
• Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children): 25,000 HUF

Aquaworld has 16 pools, 11 slides, wave pool, lazy river, spa, kids’ zones, restaurants, bars. Budapest’s top beer spa for families and adventurers.

Swimming Tips for Budapest Visitors

• Bring your towel and swimwear to avoid high rental fees.
• Check if swim caps are needed—many baths require them.
• Early mornings or evenings avoid crowds.
• Book tickets online via thermal baths and spas portals for convenience and discounts.
• Carry cash; cards aren’t always accepted.
• Shower well before pool entry.
• Respect silence and local rules.

Getting Tickets and Reaching Pools

Public transit covers all major pools and baths. Consider combining swimming with a walking tour or a Danube cruise for full experience.

Transportation to Pools and Baths

• Széchenyi Baths — Metro M1 (Széchenyi Fürdő station)
• Gellért Baths — Metro M4 (Szent Gellért tér station)
• Rudas Baths — Tram 4 or 6 (Döbrentei tér stop)
• Lukács Baths — Tram 17 or Bus 29
• Palatinus — Bus 26 (Margaret Island)
• Dagály — Metro M3 (Dózsa György út station)
• Aquaworld — Bus 276

Budapest Card holders get discounts or priority entry.

Final Thoughts

Budapest swimming spans historic baths, modern parks, lakeside beaches. Each site blends relaxation, culture, and fun. Find your “swimming pool near me” or explore famed spas. After swimming, unwind with a dinner cruise on the Danube. Dive in, enjoy Budapest’s water culture fully.