A Turkish style medicinal bath has been on this spot since the middle of the 16th Century when Hungary was part of the Ottoman Empire. You can tell it’s in the Turkish style by the beautiful domed roof and octagonal shape of the pool. When the light is right outside it streams in though the coloured glass of the roof to charming effect.

There’s a slightly challenging system for using the baths – involving keys and electronic swipe cards and small modesty cloths and the question of where to keep your keys after locking your other clothes and possessions away safely inside one of the cabins; but the main things you need to know are that they have men only and women only or mixed sessions, that you should shower before you hit the baths and that the various baths are at temperatures of 16, 28, 30, 33 36 and 42 degrees. There’s an order to use them in, but it’s not strictly adhered to – possibly because it removes something of the aura of relaxation. There are also two steam rooms, three saunas, also in increasing temperatures and a frigid plunge pool. You also need to bring your own towels and footwear or buy some there and on mixed bathing days you need to show up with a swim suit – but once you get past all of that, these baths have a reputation for being relaxing, clean and authentic.

If it looks strangely familiar, though you’ve never been to Budapest, it could be that you recognise it from Red Heat, the action film staring James Belushi and Arnie.

There’s a charge to use the baths and you can pay extra for a massage etc.

Local Rudas Baths information.

Written by  World Reviewer Staff.

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