Originally, soaking in hot water with strangers wasn’t on my Budapest itinerary. It was almost winter, around 10°C, and not really my thing. But, my friend Chaw had it on her bucket list, and I’m happy I agreed to join her.
The experience was unique—how often can you say you’ve bathed in the Roman Baths in Budapest? We opted for Szechenyi Bath—it might not be the prettiest, but it’s the most popular. Plus, it’s close to the landmarks we planned to visit afterward.
Bath Experience (5/10)
So, there were two types of baths, each with a bunch of pools to choose from. You had your indoor and outdoor options, and personally, I’m all about that outdoor vibe – you know, more room to breathe!
The indoor one was fancy with beautiful details, but it felt more like a “let’s suck it up and take a quick photo” situation. Plus, I have to admit, not the best smell in there.
As for the Roman bath experience, I was left wondering – should I be feeling squeaky clean, super relaxed, or just blissfully calm? Who knows, right? But what I do know is I just soaked it all in, enjoyed the beauty, and marveled at how they did things back in the good old days.
Oh, and the outside bath and its pools are really nice – it’s actually the only saving grace for the score. That, and the overall architecture and history.
Changing Room (7/10)
There wasn’t a door in the cubicle—quite surprising. I’m not sure if it’s just a part of Southeast Asian culture, but it was a bit of a culture shock for me. The absence of a door felt weird. However, what really impacted the experience negatively was the overpowering smell of butter and popcorn; it was quite off-putting. Other than that, the place was clean.
Price (7/10)
he price is quite reasonable, especially when considering the overall architecture and beauty of the place; I’m willing to pay extra for that. However, if the cost exceeds $30, I might reconsider and let my friend enjoy the swim on her own.
We chose to go early in the morning to take advantage of the discount available before 9 am on weekdays. If you visit the bath on a weekday (Monday to Thursday) morning before 9 am, you can snag a ticket for $24 instead of the regular $35. It’s worth noting that discount tickets cannot be purchased in advance.
Conclusion
While the overall score may not be high, the experience is something I’ll remember and proudly talk about. It’s unique and undoubtedly one of the reasons why I fell in love with Budapest. The value is more apparent if you visit on a weekday before 9 am.
