Széchenyi Bath

Why yes, we did find time for one more bath visit before boarding. One very nice perk of river cruising is that you can drop off your bags very early in the morning. We headed to the dock at 8am, and then had the morning and early afternoon for another visit.

Széchenyi (pronounced (SHAY-chay-nyee) is the most famous of Budapest's many baths and the moment you step inside the stunning architecture tells you why. The downside is that it's packed to the gills with tourists and can be difficult to find room in pools and seating.

I think Gellert is my favorite of this trip, but I would never turn down another visit here. The surrounding park is gorgeous too!

The waters have:
Calcium
Magnesium
Hydro-carbonate
Sulphate
Sodium
Fluoride
Metaboric acid

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The grand dame of Budapest’s thermal baths, Széchenyi is all about old-world elegance and steamy fun. Set in City Park behind Heroes’ Square, it’s one of Europe’s largest spa complexes - with 18 pools, saunas, steam rooms, and chess-playing locals who practically live in the hot water. The neo-Baroque yellow façade gives it a palace-like feel, and the outdoor pools are open year-round, even in the snow. Yes, it’s touristy - but also genuinely loved by locals, especially in the early mornings and late evenings.Read more