Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Budapest (August 2, 2025)
I didn’t know this when I went there, but the Széchenyi Medicinal Bath in Budapest is the largest medicinal bath in Europe. Its water is supplied by two thermal springs, one at 74 °C and the other at 77 °C. Components of the thermal water include sulfate, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate and a significant amount of metaboric acid and fluoride according to Wikipedia. It was also featured on The Bachelor according to a new friend from Tennessee who was also visiting on Saturday.
Regardless, this was one of the most spectacular bath houses I’ve ever had the privilege to be part of. It was sheer dumb luck that I picked this one as I was simply going for what was closest to my hotel (i.e. walkable) so that I could combine a nice stroll with a long soak. But when you see the pictures I took you’ll know what I’m talking about: DAMN! It was like spending the day at a mansion.
Talk about the ultimate “Spa Day.” You could hang out in the steam room, any temperature to your liking Sauna (from “mild” to “regular” to “Are You Freaking Serious?” level heat). All the pools are arranged so that you can do a cold plunge at various places while the majority of the pools are more like massive hot tubs again with various degrees of heat so that you can plan your needs accordingly. Outside there are giant jets for water-based back and neck massages as well as whirl pools where people have a blast spinning around.
Of course, there’s food, drinks and everything you could desire to stay here all day. While this part wasn’t for me, I found something that my brother-in-law Jack Robson would Loooooove:
Yep, my brother-in-law is not alone. This combines two favorites — unlimited beer on tap WHILE you’re in a hot tub. And doesn’t the “All natural ingredients” used for beer actually make drinking beer sound, well, “healthy?” We know it’s not, but the way it’s sold sure makes you wonder about the health benefits of drinking beer made from all nature ingredients ;-)
The only thing that could make this day any better would be a Thai Massage. Luckily, there’s a place right across from my hotel with an opening. Spa Day Complete!
So it’s fair to say that this “slowing down” part of the World Tour suits me just fine. I could repeat this day several days in a row and not get tired of it. Even the walk in the nearby park was part of the relaxing full day experience.
This park does it RIGHT. Did you notice the pony rides for kids? And there a high stakes balance bridges (in addition to the normal foot bridges) you can walk across the water and maybe go for an unexpected swim in your clothes. There are also pedal boats you can rent as well as a giant trampoline area. Food, views, grass and all sorts of areas of the park to hang out. I’m so glad this is so close to my hotel. I’ll be back here often.
