Take a Bath in Budapest

Yes we are implying that you need one but only because it may be the most luxurious bath that you may ever live to experience! Budapest may be the capital of Hungary now but during the 1^st century the Romans colonized the area only to enjoy and utilize the natural thermal springs next to the River Danube. Later during the Turkish occupation in the years 1541-1686, new Turkish bath houses were built which are still in use today. The architecture is preserved but technological advancement on the inside has only made them even more comfortable and enjoyable. So come watch your worries melt away and experience the amazing healing powers of these marvels of nature and book your flights to Budapest.

This city sits on a relatively thin layer of earth above some natural thermal springs which help to power its many baths and spas. These thermal springs are known for their amazing healing powers and people from all over the world travel here just to take a bath! Since as mentioned earlier they still possess their original Ottoman architecture consisting of beautiful colored glass windows, octagonal pools and cupolas they offer a cheap entry price and expert masseuses who will knead all your tensions out. Some offer natural steam rooms and saunas but all of them will contain different sized pools with varying water temperatures. These spas will also offer you a wide variety of medical treatments, even the messages are of two types; one in the Orvosi which is a relaxing and medical type massage and the other is the Vìzi which is a water based rigorous massage. The most famous bathhouses are:

The Széchenyi Spa: If you are a fan of spas and wellness then this is the place for you. Here you can get a glimpse of the luxurious Hungarian lifestyle. You will be initially led to a series of indoor pools that are almost piping hot – reaching up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Outside are the warm water pools where you can float away blissfully. You can join in and socialize in the smaller pools with chest high water, listen to the discussions on politics or the juiciest gossips or even join in a game of chess or backgammon on the floating boards or simply relax with a good book.

The Rudas Baths: These baths are centrally placed in a narrow strip of land right between the Danube River and Gellért Hill. They are also an outstanding example of Turkish architecture. First built in 1550, it centrally features a cupola which is 10 m in diameter and is supported by eight carved pillars, underneath is a beautiful octagonal pool upon which light shines from the cupola. Peach colored marble stone covers the floor and walls and with candles lit around the pool and its white and peach outlining stripes in the pool, its beauty holds no bounds.

The Gellért Baths: This is a much more upscale and luxurious bath house as compared to the Széchenyi Spa as this is open in a fancy hotel setting. It is also much more expensive and lacks the good local company you would have found at the Széchenyi and exposure to local flavor, stories and proud history. But if fancy setting and exclusiveness drives you then this is the place for you. The main hall is tipped with a vaulted glass roof and behind roman styled columns is the amazing Art-Nouveau paintings gallery. This spa is decorated by a wealth of original art pieces including sculptures, artistic mosaics, and beautiful stained glass windows.

There are also many other spas that Budapest has to offer including the Király and Rák but these three top the lists by far. So plan your trip to the literally hot city of Budapest and reap the healing powers of their hot springs. Budapest will most definitely be the Hungarian spice you need for your European trip.