Where to Go Swimming in Budapest
October 20th, 2021
Summer in Budapest is a magical time...but the heat can still pack a mean punch. If the summer sun becomes too much to bear, we wouldn’t blame you if you just wanted to spend a lazy day sipping fröccs and relaxing poolside. But where to go? If you’re wondering where to swim in Budapest, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Don’t forget!
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In most, if not all baths, flip flops/slippers are mandatory. Pick up a cheap pair in the city, or buy their more expensive counterparts directly at the baths.
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Flexible schedule? You may be able to get a morning or end-of-day ticket for half the price! Check each pool’s schedule and pricelist to find out more.
Széchenyi Baths
The aristocratic yellow arcades of Széchenyi Baths have always been a favorite of tourists. Located in City Park, the Széchenyi Baths with their saunas, massages, and numerous indoor and outdoor pools are quite accessible.As we said: many tourists come here simply to take in Széchenyi’s incredibly aesthetic surroundings, but it’s also the perfect place to come for a relaxing soak (as long as there aren’t too many other tourists there). And if you like parties, you should come back in the evening--don’t miss the legendary Sparty, complete with techno music, light shows, and other live entertainment.
A day ticket with a locker costs ~18 €
Aquaworld
As you can probably guess from the name, Aquaworld has no shortage of water. In fact, it is not a pool so much as it is a resort! It also happens to be one of the most popular family friendly activities in Budapest--and it’s even more appealing on a hot summer’s day. With waterslides and daily activities for the kids, and spas (and childcare) for the adults, Aquaworld is positioned to be a convenient summer getaway just 20 minutes north of Budapest. Come for the day, or check in to the resort and make it a long weekend!
Adult day ticket: ~20 €
Palatinus
Palatinus is quite an oasis already, but even more so as it's on Margaret Island--the pedestrian paradise in the middle of Budapest. Palatinus also has its own dose of history--the baths are over 100 years old (although the latest renovation took place in 2017). Its accessible location as well as its wealth of options (the bath has 15 pools, including an indoor spa, an outdoor pool, and a wave pool) have made it a family-friendly favorite in Budapest. Not to mention the water slides!
Weekend ticket with a cabin: ~ 9 €
Gellért Baths
Cross the Danube over to the Buda side and you will find another one of Budapest’s most popular historic thermal baths. Come to Gellért for a taste of something both classic and updated, with Gellért’s jaw dropping architecture and detail, softened with modern additions. You can splash the day away in historic opulence as well as modern comfort. Even though Gellért’s main focus is on its indoor spa, you won’t want to miss the cozy rooftop pool .Go around sunset if you can--the view of a rosy Budapest evening is breathtaking.
Weekday ticket with locker: ~18 €
Dagály
A bit further north than tourists usually go, but still well within Budapest lies Dagály baths. This new bath and spa complex is at the upper edge of the 13th district, surrounded by newly constructed apartment buildings and the young professional/young family crowds which inhabit them. This is a quiet area of suburban Budapest, and the peacefulness permeates Dagály. The thermal bath has sleek facilities and a modern vibe, and everything you need to spa the day away. 3 different kinds of saunas, a salt room, and massages are just a few of the offerings. Simply hop on the Metro 3 until Forgách Utca, and then enjoy the 10 minute stroll to Dagály. Also, since this bath is frequented more by locals than by tourists, you also pay a local’s price.
Weekend ticket: ~6 €
If you’re wondering where to go swimming in Budapest, no worries! Soak up the summer sun at one of these Budapest pools!
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