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.
When will Kiraly reopen? Thank you.
Hello Cindy, Kiraly Baths will probably start to receive its multi million facelift soon. The reconstruction works will very likely take a few years. There is, unfortunately, no official opening date yet. Ideally in 2026 but it could be later.