Budapest: Things to do Discover one of the nicest cities in Europe
Spas and baths
Budapest is special because it is the only big city in the world that is rich in medicinal water springs as well. Every day nearly 70 million litres of thermal water are coming from the 118 natural sources and bored wells at 21 to 78 °C. Bath culture has for centuries been a common everyday treasure of the city. It is exciting and relaxing, modern and traditional, and usual and special at the same time. If you know the offering of lidos and swimming pools, you can choose the appropriate bath according to your state of mind, the time of the day or any special services in which you are interested. The next chapter provides sports options in Budapest to those who would prefer to stay in the dry.
Concerts, Festivals, Entertainment
Besides countless classical cultural experiences, Budapest offers great opportunities in pop music as well. Unlike other large cities of Europe, Budapest does not have an entertainment quarter, but even more nightspots. Concerts, parties, music, dancing and alcohol. Jazz, rock, pop, drum’n’bass, hip-hop and minimal. DJs, VJs, MCs, a strong party culture, and even karaoke and retro disco. There even has been a goa party on a hill near the city – and we haven’t even talked about the Sziget Festival.
Lidos and Aqua Fun
Some time ago, going to the lido in the city used to be worth a holiday, as in those decades Hungarians had way less possibilities to travel. So families would virtually move out to some of them (an emblematic beach accessory of that period was the cooling bag). It was possible to rent a cabin or a cottage for the whole season, so all you needed to do was to go home to sleep in the evenings. Some signs of this pleasant weathering are still visible on some of the locations, while state-of-the-art water parks have also been seeking to establish themselves on the market.
Sports
You can easily cram some really special sports experiences into the days spent in Budapest. It does not matter if you visit the unique system of caves in Buda, the golf links in the Budapest area, or some covered ice rinks, you are poised to have a good time.
Bathing Culture
Gellért
This bath located in an Art Nouveau building mellowed by age has been open to visitors since 1918. Beautiful interiors, elegance and the most comprehensive service offering. The original Art Nouveau furniture, colorful mosaics, marble towers, stained-glass windows and statues are an artistic experience in their own right. XI., Kelenhegyi út 4., (+36-1) 466-6166, Mo-Su 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.,
Széchenyi baths
Széchenyi is the largest medicinal bath in Europe. Its water is supplied by two thermal springs, their temperature is 74 °C (165 °F) and 77 °C (171 °F), respectively.
Széchenyi Bath is just 20-30 min pleasant walk from the apartment!
Rác – reconstructed tarnish Spas and baths
The Rác bath complex is situated at a special venue, where the Gellért Hill and Tabán meet. In the course of the reconstruction the bath will regain its old splendour, and the range of services will become wider: a luxury hotel and restaurants will be also built. I, Hadnagy u. 3-10.
Király Spas and baths
The construction of this Turkish bath began in 1565, with the thermal water coming from the Lukács Bath. One of its pools is still in the mediaeval room with its dome, which will guarantee a historical visit. II., Fő u. 84., (+36-1) 202-3688, Tu, Th, Sa: men’s day, Mo, Fr: women’s day, We, Su: mixed day Mo, We, Su 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tu, Th, Fr, Sa 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.,
Lukács Spas and baths
Visitors will get to the bath located in Buda among hospitals on small streets covered by cobblestones. The entrance hall contains hundreds of marble plates by recovered patients saying thank you and expressing appreciation for the bath. The Lukács is widely respected and has a select circle of guests with several well-known artists, politicians and other public figures among them. II., Frankel Leó u. 25-29., (+36 1) 326-1695, Mo-Su 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Entrance fee: HUF 1,300 to 3,000
Rudas Spas and baths
The bath looks back on a history of around 500 years.
This bath, located in the narrow strap of land between Gellért Hill and the Danube, has a ritual effect on many. The hot steam, the sauna, divided into smaller units with gradually ascending temperatures, sheets warmed on preheated tiles, and pools with several different temperatures ensure the comfort and a perfect bath experience for visitors. I., Döbrentei tér 9., (+36 1) 356-1010, Mo, We, Th, Fr: men’s day, Tu: women’s day, Sa-Su and Fr-Sa 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.: mixed. Swimming pool: Mo-We 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Th-Su 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Steam bath: Mo-Su 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.