Széchenyi Thermal Bath

Opened in 1913 in Budapest’s City Park, the Széchenyi Bath is one of the largest medicinal bath complexes in Europe. Its neo-Baroque yellow buildings surround outdoor pools fed by natural hot springs, with more than a dozen indoor thermal pools, saunas and steam rooms inside.

Spend a few hours moving between the warm outdoor pools, where locals play chess on floating boards, and the indoor baths. It is especially memorable on a cold winter day, with steam rising into the air.

Bring swimwear and flip-flops, and hire a towel or cabin on site. Mornings are calmest. Combine the visit with Heroes’ Square and Vajdahunyad Castle, both a short walk away in City Park. Evening visits, when the pools are lit and the air is cool, are especially atmospheric.