Budapest’s Thermal Baths in 2025: Renovations, Reopenings, and What to Expect This Summer
Budapest’s legendary thermal baths are woven into the city’s culture, offering an irresistible blend of history, wellness, and relaxation. As summer 2025 approaches, foreign visitors will discover a city in the midst of a bathing renaissance, with major renovations, new facilities, and some of the most affordable and authentic spa experiences in Europe. Here’s your guide to what’s new, what’s being restored, and how to enjoy Budapest’s baths at their best this year.
Dandár Bath: The Affordable Gem Reborn
Tucked away in Budapest’s Ferencváros district, Dandár Bath has long been a favorite among locals for its healing waters and wallet-friendly prices. This nearly century-old bathhouse, first opened in 1930, has recently undergone a comprehensive renovation. After years of wear and tear, the building’s structure needed urgent attention, prompting a full-scale restoration that included new waterproofing, modern tiling, and crucial reinforcement of the main ceiling.
The renovation was split into two phases to minimize disruption. By December 2024, the outdoor twin pools and sauna world reopened, allowing guests to return for winter dips and sauna sessions. The indoor thermal pools, however, required more time due to unexpected structural issues. Now, as summer 2025 arrives, the fully refurbished indoor section is set to welcome guests once again, boasting a fresh, modern look while preserving the bath’s historic charm.
Best deals of Budapest
Dandár Bath remains one of Budapest’s most affordable options, making it especially attractive for budget-conscious travelers. The bath is open daily from 9 am to 7 pm, though it’s important to note that children under 14 are not permitted. For now, the steam chamber is out of order due to technical reasons, but all other services are available. The reopening of the indoor pools marks a new chapter for Dandár, promising a clean, comfortable, and relaxing environment for all who seek the healing power of Budapest’s famous waters.
Palatinus Bath: Margaret Island’s Summer Hotspot
If you’re looking for a classic summer bathing experience, Palatinus Bath on Margaret Island is hard to beat. With its sprawling lawns, 11 outdoor and 4 indoor pools, and family-friendly atmosphere, Palatinus is a magnet for both locals and tourists. The majority of outdoor pools open by late May, and by mid-June, even the wave pool and slide pool are ready for action.
Palatinus is also known for its value, but visitors should be aware that seasonal pricing comes into effect from May 31, 2025, with ticket prices rising to reflect peak demand. Even with these increases, Palatinus remains one of the most accessible large baths in the city. Whether you’re swimming laps, soaking in thermal waters, or just lounging in the sun, this is the place to embrace Budapest’s summer spirit.
Széchenyi Bath: Grand Renovations at a City Icon
No list of Budapest baths is complete without mentioning Széchenyi, the city’s largest and most iconic spa complex. Opened in 1913, Széchenyi has enchanted generations with its neo-Baroque architecture and vast array of indoor and outdoor pools. In 2025, the baths are undergoing a significant three-year renovation, with the current focus on the complete overhaul of the famous 50-meter outdoor swimming pool.
Despite the construction, Széchenyi remains open to guests, with only one of its 18 pools affected at any given time. The rest of the complex—including the beloved outdoor thermal pools, saunas, and wellness areas—continues to operate as usual. The renovations are designed to preserve the bath’s historic character while upgrading technical systems, waterproofing, and guest amenities. Visitors can expect improved comfort, new sun terraces, and even a future cocktail terrace for that perfect post-soak refreshment.
What’s Next for Budapest’s Baths?
Budapest’s commitment to preserving and enhancing its bathing culture is evident in the scale of these renovations. The city’s spa operator has invested heavily in both restoration and modernization, ensuring that these historic sites remain accessible and attractive for years to come. While some baths, like Gellért, are preparing for even more extensive renovations in the near future, others such as Lukács and Rudas continue to welcome guests with recent upgrades and expanded wellness services.
Ticket prices across the city’s baths have seen a modest increase in 2025, generally in line with inflation, but Budapest’s spas remain a bargain compared to similar facilities in Western Europe. Discounts for local residents, students, and pensioners are widely available, and new pass systems make regular visits even more affordable.
Planning Your Visit
If you’re visiting Budapest this summer, be sure to check the latest updates on each bath’s official website, as renovation schedules and pool availability may change. For the most authentic experience, consider starting your day with a morning soak at Dandár, then heading to Palatinus for an afternoon of sun and swimming, and finishing with an evening at Széchenyi, where you can relax under the stars in steaming thermal waters.
Budapest’s baths are more than just places to swim—they are living pieces of the city’s history, centers of wellness, and vibrant social hubs. As they emerge from renovation, they offer the perfect blend of tradition and modern comfort, inviting travelers from around the world to discover why Budapest is truly the City of Spas.
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