About Széchenyi Baths
Budapest’s grand yellow palace of pools in City Park — 18 pools including huge outdoor ones steaming dramatically in winter air. The water is rich in calcium and magnesium, and locals genuinely use it as their neighbourhood bath.
Buy tickets online to skip the queue, bring flip-flops, and try the outdoor pools after dark in winter for the full steam-and-snow effect.
Highlights
Naturally heated water at 27–38°C across pools.
Maintained public pools, easy and affordable.
Fun and relaxing for all ages.
Paid – from ~€25
What to expect
Warm, maintained pools that suit all ages and swimming levels.
Changing rooms, lockers and usually a café or picnic area.
Affordable tickets, often with family and season passes.
Many sit in parks — bring a picnic and stay a while.
Getting there
Szechenyi sits in City Park (Varosliget) at the end of Andrassy Avenue - take Metro line M1 (yellow) to Szechenyi furdo station, which surfaces right outside. It is equally easy from the centre by tram or on foot through the park.
Who it suits
Everyone: couples, friend groups, solo travellers and families. The outdoor pools are social and lively; the indoor thermal sections are calmer and more traditional. Chess players gather at the outdoor boards - watching them is half the fun.
Safety & etiquette
Pool temperatures range from 27C to 38C - move between them rather than staying in the hottest. The famous outdoor pools steam dramatically in winter; bring flip-flops for the cold walk between pools. Swim caps are required in the lap pool only.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book Szechenyi Baths in advance?
Strongly recommended. Buy tickets online to skip the long ticket queues, especially on weekends and in summer. You will choose a locker or cabin ticket - cabins (private changing rooms) are worth the small extra.
What are the opening hours of Szechenyi Baths?
Typically 7am-8pm daily, with the outdoor pools the star attraction. Hours shift seasonally and during events (including the famous weekend sparties), so check the official site on the day.
Can you play chess at Szechenyi Baths?
Yes - the floating chess boards in the outdoor pool are real, and the regulars are welcoming to respectful newcomers. Mornings are best for a game.
What should I bring to Szechenyi?
Swimwear, a towel and flip-flops. You can rent or buy all three on site, but bringing your own saves money and time. A waterproof phone pouch is handy for photos.
Is Szechenyi good in winter?
It is arguably best in winter: 38C water steaming into freezing air, snow on the palace roof. The outdoor pools stay open year-round.
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