What Shall I Take With Me to the Spa Baths of Budapest?

When you are planning to visit thermal baths, lidos and water parks in Budapest, You may wish to pack the following bath kit when visiting one of the major thermal spa Baths for a pamper day (tips only).

The most important items include:

• Money for the entrance fee (and for the cafe if you get hungry / thirsty), or the confirmation email and QR Code (digitally on your mobile or printed) if you have previously booked your ticket. Make sure not to bring too much cash, just what you will definitely use.
• Swimwear (bikini is OK, classic one piece is OK, full-body swimsuits and burkinis are OK, speedo is OK, swim trunks are OK). Kindly check the Dresscode here for further details.
• Bring your own towel, swimwear, flip flops etc. to reduce costs. Towel rental or bath robe rental is available in the pricier Szechenyi Bath Palm House (Dayspalm) package only, not included in the default price for fast track or standard tickets.
• Flip flops / slippers: compulsory items and as such perfect for use in wet areas to avoid any contamination of common skin conditions (like folliculitis, cellulitis and chlorine rash) typically acquired at publicly shared pools. The thermal baths are essentially public spaces. Waterproof slippers are recommended as fabric ones can quickly become soggy when lounging by the pool. Did you know that walking barefoot on the stone pavements and non slip areas by the pools after soaking your legs in the warm thermal waters will simply harden the skin of your soles also potentially causing skin cracks? Please stay on the safe side. Not only for hygiene but also for foot care the Bath management made it obligatory to wear slippers or flip flops.
• Food or drink (in non glass containers) if you plan to stay longer hours in the baths. There is normally a buffet or a cafeteria where prices vary, but if you want to indulge yourself you can bring your own lunch box. Please make sure to eat in the designated areas and to keep yourself hydrated.
• Ticket for the public transport or Budapest pass or Budapest Card: the city has an excellent and very frequent public transport system. The metro station called Szechenyi Furdo is just a few steps (and stairs) from Szechenyi Bath (M1 yellow lin), while the tram stop at Gellert Bath or Rudas Bath will drop you off at the thermal spa from a minute walk to the entrance. No need for cars, unless you are really in need of a car or taxi.

We recommend the following items to take with you to the baths:

• Soap, shampoo (there are showers but no complimentary soap or shampoo dispensers). Shampoo can be purchased with special bath kits in certain spas.
• Hairdryer: there are public standard hairdryers in the changing rooms but you can also bring your own.
• A waterproof container, e.g. wallet or purse if you want to take your money with you in the baths too (you can also store your money in the lockers or cabins, but make sure it is not a large sum). Some larger pouches also protect mobile phones if you are planning to stay connected in the water.
• Swimming cap: mandatory when swimming in the swimming pools (to do laps), otherwise not needed in any of the thermal baths, plunge pools, etc. only in the swimming pool.
• Drinks and foods: there are simple cafes in every Budapest Spa Baths but you can bring your own drinks and picnic basket too. On hot summer days make sure you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Smoking is prohibited in every Baths of Budapest (inside and outside, by the pools too), you may leave those nasty cigarettes at home.
• Optional personal items you would miss: comb or hairbrush, body lotion, make up, hair gel, etc.
• No valuables please. Don’t bring your jewellery or other expensive personal items to the baths. While those enjoying a spa day will be provided with a locker, it is usually best to leave valuable items – such as electronic devices and jewellery – at home.
• Case for your glasses or sunglasses: protect fragile items while staying in the water.

For winter visits having a bathrobe –  as the outdoor pools can only be entered from the outside – seems to be a good idea. In winter it is also important to have slippers to protect your feet. The distance you need to take from indoors to the outdoor pool is not long, but just because locals (and Scandinavians) are used to cooler temperatures by the bath, you may need some warm garment so that you can enjoy the winter baths beautifully steaming… Believe us, it is an unforgettable experience.

Please make sure you do not lose your wristband. There is a serious penalty fee for a lost wristband. Likewise, if your bath sheet / towel rented from the Bath (in the Dayspalm package), gets stolen or is taken away accidentally, we are sorry to say that you will need to cover the costs. Make sure to stack some other recognisable items on top of the towel / bath robe so that others cannot pick them up accidentally.