Kiraly Bath is the oldest thermal bath in Budapest, along with Rudas Bath, one of the medieval Turkish baths built by the Ottoman Turks in the 16th century.
Kiraly Bath, the iconic 16th century bath in Budapest is currently closed due to reconstructions works scheduled for 2021-2024 (or later). Kiraly Bath will re-open once the works have been completed. Currently there is no date set for the reopening. Kindly consider choosing an alternative bath: in characteristics and size you may wish to check out Rudas Baths or Veli Bej baths, both of which feature a Turkish bath hall from the Middle Ages.
If you love to visit historical places with a special atmosphere, you will surely enjoy the time travel back to the Middle Ages, when, instead of Hungarian kings, Turkish pashas ruled the Buda Castle, and used the geothermal spring waters under the Buda Hills to build their ritual bathing places.
Unlike the contemporary Turkish steam baths, the Turkish baths in Budapest are actual warm thermal spring baths with hot waters in octagonal pools (so-called ilidzas rather than hammams). In addition to the historical pool, there are 3 smaller pools (plus a modern jacuzzi pool for 4-5 people).
The Turkish bath in Kiraly Bath has a characteristic dim light, as the pool gets its light from the 16th-century dome holes covered in glasses.
The bath has not been restored for many decades, which gives it an even more fascinating historical appeal, where the Turkish details are mixed with the medicinal bathing culture of the 1890s, and the practical, ahistorical approach of the Communist Budapest era.
Kiraly Bath is open every day 9 am to 9 pm, and the once-famous men-only bath is now completely mixed, unisex every day.
We recommend Kiraly Bath for history fans/history buffs, and those seeking for hidden gems in Budapest.
Are the Kiraly Baths open? I will be there in August.
Hello Kris,
Unfortunately, Kiraly Bath in Budapest has been closed down until further notice. Please check back in August whether there has been any updates about the opening hours.
Alternatively, you may wish to check other historical baths, like Veli Bej (another Turkish baths from the 16th – 17th century)
are any of the baths open on xmas day or boxing day and can you pre book
Hello Beverley,
for the festive season, online bookings are not available for fast track tickets and massages (neither are cabins as they tend to be booked up very quickly). Please find more details on the link below:
https://bathsbudapest.com/dec
Let me also recommend you an informative Budapest Guide for the month of December including Christmas events http://budapestchristmas.com/
Wishing you a great winter spa holiday in the Hungarian capital!
Hi,
is there any area where men can go naked? Thank you in advance,
Hello Daniel,
Rudas Baths has men only days, please find more details on the link below:
https://bathsbudapest.com/rudas-bath
Hello, is it possible to rent swimwear? If so what are your sizes for womens swimwear?
Dear Mark,
please, contact Kiraly Bath directly about swimwear rental on the kiraly@spabudapest.hu e-mail address. Enjoy your time in the Bath.
What is the temperature in your thermal bath?
Dear Larry,
the pools are of 32-40 °C (most of them in the 33 degrees range, some are cooling plunge pools in the 20 °C-ish, others hot spring pools around 38 °C
Have a nice time in Budapest.