Top Turkish Baths in Budapest

Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, visited by millions of tourists each year. Many of the tourists that visit Budapest, come for its amazing thermal waters and baths. Some tourists even come especially for the Turkish baths in Budapest.

The great number of Turkish baths is due to the Ottoman reign during the 16th and 17th centuries. Some of the Turkish baths built then are still operational, with some being more renovated than others.

Here is an overview of some of the best Turkish baths in Budapest. Each one of them is special in its way and worth the visit.

Kiraly Baths

Almost half a century ago, it was Pasha Arslan’s idea to build the baths from scratch. He wanted to have a thermal bath within the city walls which would be available even if the city was under siege.

The construction of Kiraly Baths continued after the death of Pasha Arslan. It was Sokoli Mustafa that completed its construction. After the defeat of the Turks, this Turkish bath was seized by the König family.

Today, it is as much of a Turkish bath as it is a witness of another age. It is a monumental building that draws its thermal waters from the wells that also supply the Lukacs Baths. The Kiraly Baths feature three medicinal pools, Jacuzzi, and a plunge pool.

Rudas Baths

Rudas Baths date from the 16th century when the Ottomans concurred Budapest. Today’s bath is divided into two sections. There is the old part that was built by the Turks during the 16th century, and then there is the modern part that was completed in 2014.

The old part is truly authentic with its octagonal swimming pool, semi-circular arches, the gates, the pillars, and so on. The Rudas Bathrooms have six steam pools, a rooftop pool, an immersion pool, two hot water sitting pools, and a Juventus pool.

Veli Bej Baths

During the Turkish reign, Veli Bej was the single biggest bath in the country. There are chronicles dating back to 1673 that speaks of its gorgeousness and size. Recently, the bath was completely renovated and it was made a blend between the old and the modern. The Veli Bej Baths didn’t lose any of its Turkish charms which are nicely blended with the modern additions.

Nowadays, the bath is run by a Roman Catholic Order. They don’t seem to use it for profit, which makes it one of the cheapest ones in Budapest. Plus, it is not on the radar of mainstream tourism, which means it is somewhat a less crowded option. Veli Bej has seven indoor pools.

Rácz Bath

Same as the Veli Bej baths, Rácz Bath also dates from the 16th century. Rácz Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is also part of the Racz hotel. The oriental atmosphere is felt across many parts of the bath. Then there is the part that has been designed by Miklós Ybl, one of Europe’s leading architects during the late 19th century.