When Caleb and I were in Budapest, we were determined to visit all six of the most popular thermal baths, and Rudas Baths was one of our favorites. We might have dropped our jaws when we witnessed the EPIC panoramic views of the city from the rooftop pool.
However, because each bathhouse is unique, we had no idea what to expect the first time we went. So, in this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know to navigate the vast bathhouse like a local.
We believe this is the most romantic thermal spa in the city, so if you’re a couple looking for a little oh-la-la, you should get your bathing suit on and go over to Rudas as soon as possible. Let’s plunge in!
How to Get There:
Rudas Bath is located across the gorgeous Liberty Bridge, near the more famous Gellert baths, and just outside the main tourist zones.
We believe that walking is the finest method to go about the city and the ideal way to burn off the Hungarian food and wine we were constantly eating (hello, sour cream on everything!) So we strolled for around 25 minutes from the city center.
If you prefer to utilize public transportation, take the M4 metro line (green line) to the Szent Gellert Ter stop and walk for about 5 minutes. Alternatively, you can use buses 7, 8E, 108E, 110, or 112 and trams 15, 19, 56, and 56A. The bus/tram stop is named Rudas Gyógyfürdő.
The Best Time To Visit:
We believe the greatest time to visit Veli Bej bath is during the week, around an hour before sunset. This allows you plenty of time to change before heading up to the panoramic pool to enjoy the sunset over the city. It’s very beautiful. We built our three-day schedule around this period for you!
We’ll say this is probably one of the most popular times, so expect a crowd. But it’s popular for a reason: it’s incredibly beautiful. If you go during the week, it will be less crowded than on weekends.
The Basics You Should Know Before Going:
The Prices
Prices vary depending on the day and time of travel, thus consider the following while calculating your trip cost:
The daily ticket to all zones (Turkish bath AND wellness area) costs HUF 9300 on weekdays and HUF 12,200 on weekends. During the holidays and peak season, it rises to HUF 13 200.
If you only wish to visit Rudas’ Turkish bath, you must do it on a weekday and pay HUF 6400. The same timing and pricing apply to a visit to only the wellness area.
If you want to visit Rudas thermal baths at night, you may only do so on weekends for HUF 12,600.
PRACTICAL TIP: If you want to access the Turkish bath area, you should be aware that it is occasionally restricted to men or women. Tuesdays are for ladies, while Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings are for males. The co-ed Turkish bath is open Thursday and Friday afternoons and all day Saturday and Sunday.
NOTE: During the high season, which typically lasts until August, the Turkish bath is coed daily.
The Opening Hours
The baths are open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Sunday, with the cash desks closing one hour earlier. Additionally, it would help if you left the pools 20 minutes before they closed.
How to Buy Tickets
You can get them at the pay desk when you arrive, but we found it easier to purchase them online and then present the QR code in the confirmation email you’ll receive upon arrival.
What To Bring
If you visit the Turkish bath during a specified gender time, you are not required to wear a swimsuit, and this is the only time nudity is permitted!
If you’re attending during co-ed time or using any of Rudas’ other services, you’ll need a bathing suit! When packing for your trip, remember to bring a bathing suit. Also, bring your towel and flip-flops to avoid having to buy them on-site.
How Long Do You Need to Spend in Rudas Baths?
We spent two hours at Rudas Baths and thought it was an ideal amount of time. However, we did not go to the Turkish bath (it was not co-ed that day), so if it is something you want to do, plan on spending at least 3-4 hours.
Locking Up Your Stuff
When you buy your tickets at the door, you will be issued a bracelet. This bracelet serves as your locker key, and you’ll need it to access various places once inside the spa. Do not leave it in your locker or lose it; doing so will cost you money!
To lock your locker, scan your bracelet on the locker you want and turn the knob to red.
To unlock it, scan your bracelet on your locker and turn the knob to green.
You’ll be able to choose between lockers (included in the standard ticket price) and cabins (cabins cost an additional HUF 1000 and just one person must pay for them, allowing everyone to use the cabin). Cabins are simply small changing rooms with lockers inside.
We simply did the lockers without the cabin, which was fine. However, it’s important to note that the changing rooms are communal. There are separate restrooms and showers, however!
Quick Amenities Overview:
Turkish Bath (Indoor)
The Turkish bath is the oldest part of Rudas Bathhouse. According to our study, it features an octagonal pool with a domed ceiling and massive pillars, similar to the original hammams we saw in Turkey. We bet it looks like our favorite secret bath in Budapest, Veli Bej.
The main pool is 36ºC (97ºF), with other side pools ranging from 28-42ºC (82-108ºF). If you’re feeling hot, there’s also a chilly plunge pool!
Remember, this is not always co-ed, so time your visit accordingly if you wish to visit (unlike us).
Wellness Thermal Bath (Interior)
We think the wellness area is unimpressive because it resembles large swimming pools. Many visitors like the calming jets and pool temperatures ranging from 32-42ºC (90-108ºF).
We should also mention that the hot pool has an “eggy” scent, but none of the other pools do. Thank goodness.
Swimming Pool (Indoor)
Budapest thermal baths feature a large swimming pool with a temperature of 29ºC (84ºF). We normally only see locals here, and you must swim laps inside; you cannot simply hang out. You must also wear a swimming cap if you intend to swim!
Rooftop Pool
This is what you came for!! This is the most Instagrammable thermal bath in Budapest. The rooftop pool is a dome-like construction offering panoramic views of the entire city! I
It’s small, so it can become crowded, especially at sunset, but it’s still a must-do. People frequently queue up (as much as you can in a small bath?) to take pictures together, and they are usually willing to take your photo.
However, we had to wait around 30 minutes for two adolescent girls to obtain the perfect bikini-overlooking-Budapest photo. Be warned, this will most likely happen to you as well. 👀
PRACTICAL INFO: This is the most difficult thermal bath to bring your phone. There is nowhere to place it in the panoramic pool, so you awkwardly hold it over the water while attempting to relax without killing your phone.
Sauna World
If you become tired of the water, Ruda has several saunas and steam rooms, just like any other bath.
The aroma sauna is 40-45ºC (104-113ºF), whereas the Finnish sauna is searing at 90-100ºC (194-212ºF). We liked the aroma sauna because it wasn’t too hot and, as the name implies, smelled excellent. We believe it might have been eucalyptus.
PRO TIP: If you plan on using the sauna, bring two towels. One to sit on and one to wipe yourself down because the one you sit on will become SOAKED.
You can even enter a steam chamber (which we despised, to be honest). It’s like we can’t breathe since it’s so steamy), or go to a dry salt room.
Exactly What You’ll Do From Start to Finish:
Here’s a fast guide on touring Rudas Thermal Bath like a pro so you don’t get lost or confused and get the most out of your stay!
To receive your wristband, just purchase a ticket and present your confirmation number. To enter the bathhouse, walk down the hallway between the pay desk and the snack bar and scan your bracelet at the turnstile.
Then stroll down to the locker room, change, and do your thing.
After changing and showering, exit the lockers and follow the hallways. Like other thermal baths, it’s a bit of a maze and labyrinth, but you can get through it!
The first room you’ll encounter is the sauna world. You can stay there for a while or continue through it until you reach the swimming pool. Continue walking to the other end of the swimming pool, scan your wristband to descend a small set of stairs, and then turn right.
You’ll notice several cubbies, so drop your shoes there and walk into the health plaza. You can relax here, take a contrast bath, or continue up to the roof.
If you’re on a “mission rooftop,” continue wandering around the left side of the wellness pool until you locate some secret stairs. Bring these up to the panoramic pool!
PRACTICAL INFORMATION: There are a few cubbies here as well, but we don’t advocate keeping anything in them because it’s difficult to see from within the panoramic pool, and you don’t want your belongings stolen!
BAM! You recently visited Rudas Baths and enjoyed some spectacular views. Do you feel like a bowl of Jell-O?
Tips to Make the Most of Your Visit:
- If you plan on visiting the panoramic pool, arrive at least an hour before sunset. You want to leave yourself enough time to change, get to the pool, and so on without having to rush and miss the sunset!
- Bring a waterproof camera or one of those waterproof iPhone baggies to wrap around your neck. This will make capturing shots in the rooftop pool a lot easier.
- Take a shower before bathing. This is necessary for all thermal baths in Budapest. Please obey the rules and keep things clean for everyone!
- Use the magnificent drinking faucets located throughout the bathhouse. They’re clean and great!
You’re now an expert at visiting the Rudas baths in Budapest! While not as beautiful as Szecheyni or Gellert, we appreciate that it feels more local, and the rooftop pool is stunning. If you have any questions, please post a comment and let us know.
Conclusion:
The Rudas Baths in Budapest provide a unique blend of history, culture, and relaxation, making it a must-see for any visitor to the city. As one of the oldest and most authentic thermal baths, they offer a look into Hungary’s long bathing culture, which dates back to Ottoman times.
For newbies, exploring the baths may appear daunting, but with a little planning—whether it’s comprehending the numerous pools, saunas, and services available, or knowing the optimum times to visit—you can truly enjoy this peaceful haven.
The Rudas Baths, with their gorgeous architecture and healing thermal waters, promise a revitalizing and memorable experience. So, whether you’re looking for wellness, cultural immersion, or simply relaxation, the Rudas Baths are a must-see site in Budapest.
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