Margaret Island Day Spa – Relaxed Thermal Bath

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Budapest, a day at Thermal Margaret Island is the perfect way to relax and recharge. Situated on the peaceful island in the heart of the Danube, this spa offers a serene setting surrounded by nature. With its variety of pools, saunas, and massage rooms, as well as a lovely bistro, you’ll leave feeling completely refreshed. Open every day from 7 am to 9 pm.

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Inclusions – Grand Spa – Thermal Bath Entry & Towel Rental

• Full-day access to Day Spa (7 am 9 pm), Margaret Island
• 5 Thermal Pools
• Use of indoor pools, thermal pools, and saunas
• Use of outdoor pool from late spring to mid autumn
• Towel Rental (included in the base fee)
• Access to the natural surroundings of Margaret Island for relaxation
• Bathrobe is available for rent (add on fee)
• Access to healthy foods & drinks in the Bistro
• Genuine natural hot spring waters cooled down to 26 – 38°C (various pools)

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Descriptive Reviews on Tourist Sites: don’t take our word for it, see what other travellers say, sharing their experience at the Grand Spa. We believe it offers a perfect setting for pampering and rejuvenation.

It was so quiet and the view was gorgeous. Small but all the nicer for that. The larger spa pool was so relaxing. There are 3 pools all at varying degrees of heat. We tried all 3 and were so relaxed afterwards.

Thermal Margaret Island (St. Margaret’s Spa) is an amazing spot – beautifully designed, super stylish, and incredibly clean. Unlike the more famous Budapest baths, it’s not overcrowded, which makes the experience much more relaxing and enjoyable. There are several types of saunas, cold plunge pools, and lovely hot thermal baths. Everything is thoughtfully arranged, and the atmosphere is truly special – surrounded by palm trees and lush greenery, creating a scenic and tranquil setting. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning views directly onto the gardens of Margaret Island, adding even more beauty to this peaceful oasis in the city.

this place is absolutely wonderful. it’s ideal if you want to avoid touristic places with a lot of people. It’s very chilled and quiet. Everyone who works here is so nice and really takes care of you from the reception, to the baths, to the therapies. highly recommended and I will definitely come back soon, maybe using the hotel as well. Loved it ! Thank you so much

Many reviews also mention the exceptional cleanliness, thoughtful layout, and attentive staff. From reception to therapies, visitors feel well cared for, and many say they would happily return — some even considering staying at the connected hotel for a longer retreat experience.

History of Thermal Bathing on Margaret Island Budapest

The Man Who Unlocked Budapest’s Thermal Waters: Vilmos Zsigmondy

In the second half of the 19th century, mining engineer Vilmos Zsigmondy (not to be confused with Academy award winner Hungarian film director Zsigmond Vilmos) set out to prove that valuable thermal waters existed east of the River Danube. The waters lay deep beneath the earth’s surface, too deep to reach them with simple drills. So he developed pioneering deep-rock drilling technology to reach them.

Margaret Island Transformed into a Thermal Bath Resort

In 1867, he drilled a well on Margaret Island, Budapest, bringing 43.8°C thermal water to the surface from a depth of 118.5 metres. This discovery marked the beginning of Margaret Island’s transformation into a recognised thermal spa destination. The original well still exists today near the island’s Fish Pond, commemorated by a memorial plaque.

St Margaret’s Spa – today: Day Spa Margaret Island

Building on this success, Archduke Joseph commissioned Miklos Ybl – whose architectural legacy in Budapest includes the – now UNESCO heritage – Hungarian State Opera House, the neo-Renaissance Buda Castle Garden Bazaar, and several grand palaces – to prepare a comprehensive development plan for the island. By 1873, the medicinal bath, villas, restaurants, engine house and the Neo-Renaissance Grand Hotel had been completed. An artificial waterfall was also created as part of the landscaped design. The elegant St Margaret’s Spa became one of the island’s architectural jewels. Though it was later damaged during the WW2 and, sadly, demolished after the 1956 flood, he same thermal spring waters that once filled its pools continue to flow today — and are the waters you can bathe in at the modern day spa on Margaret Island.

Following his success on Margaret Island, engineer Zsigmondy continued his work in City Park Budapest between 1868 and 1878. There, a far deeper artesian well was drilled to 970 metres. Completed in 1878, it successfully tapped into the thermal source that would later supply what became the Széchenyi Thermal Bath. This achievement confirmed the vast geothermal wealth beneath Budapest and paved the way for the construction of one of the city’s most iconic thermal baths — but its origins can be traced back to the pioneering work first proven on Margaret Island.