Summer in Budapest: Cool Down in the City’s Baths and Pools

Recent summers in Budapest have been scorching hot, with temperatures soaring to uncomfortable levels. However, the Hungarian capital offers a perfect escape from the heat with its numerous baths and pools scattered throughout the city. Whether you’re a local or a foreign tourist visiting Hungary, these refreshing oases provide a much-needed respite from the summer heat.

Budapest is renowned for its thermal baths, which are open year-round, but the city also boasts several outdoor pools and lidos that come to life during the summer months. These seasonal attractions feature swimming pools, wave pools, water slides, and paddling pools, surrounded by vast green spaces where you can relax and soak up the sun.

As the meteorological summer begins on June 1st, several outdoor pools and baths in Budapest are set to open their doors. The Csillaghegyi Árpád Forrásfürdő (Csillaghegy Árpád Spring Bath) will unveil its outdoor section, while the Palatinus, Paskál, and Pesterzsébet Jódos-Sós Gyógy (Pesterzsébet Iodine-Salt Spa) will also open their seasonal areas. The Palatinus, located on Margaret Island, will have its swimming pool and thermal north-south pool ready for visitors, with the wave pool and water slide opening on June 15th.

For those seeking a more traditional summer experience, Budapest’s classic lidos, situated in expansive green areas, are a must-visit. The Római Strandfürdő (Római Beach Bath) is expected to open on June 17th, while the Pünkösdfürdői Strandfürdő (Pünkösdfürdő Beach Bath) will welcome visitors from June 22nd.

In addition to the aforementioned baths and pools, there are several other notable spots to cool down in Budapest during the summer:

• Széchenyi Thermal Bath: One of the largest thermal bath complexes in Europe, offering both indoor and outdoor pools.
• Gellért Thermal Bath: A stunning Art Nouveau bath with indoor and outdoor pools, as well as saunas and steam rooms.
• Dandár Baths: A lesser-known gem with indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, and a steam room.
• Dagály Baths: A modern complex with indoor and outdoor pools, a wave pool, and water slides.

To celebrate the start of the summer season, the Palatinus will host an opening event on June 15th, while the Paskál will be the venue for the Night of the Baths on July 27th.

So, if you find yourself in Budapest during the hot summer months, be sure to take advantage of the city’s numerous baths and pools. Whether you prefer the grandeur of historic thermal baths or the lively atmosphere of seasonal lidos, you’ll find the perfect spot to cool down and enjoy the summer in the Hungarian capital.