Rudas Baths

A16th-century Ottoman spa in Budapest, blends historic domed pools with modern wellness and a rooftop hot tub overlooking the Danube.

Rudas Baths in Budapest is one of the city’s most atmospheric and historic thermal baths, with origins tracing back to the 16th century during the Ottoman occupation. The heart of the complex is the octagonal Turkish pool, surrounded by massive stone columns and topped with a domed ceiling pierced by small, star-shaped windows that let in shafts of natural light, creating a mystical ambiance. 

Over the centuries, Rudas has been expanded and modernized, so today visitors can experience a blend of tradition and comfort, with steam rooms, saunas, and wellness areas complementing the old thermal pools. One of its highlights is the rooftop hot tub, which offers sweeping views of the Danube and the Pest skyline, making it a unique spot to soak while gazing over the city. Unlike some of the larger bath complexes in Budapest, Rudas retains a more intimate and authentic feel, providing both locals and travelers with a restorative experience that combines history, culture, and relaxation in one place. 

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Budapest
Buda Castle
The historical residence of Hungarian royalty, this impressive palace complex has seen a series of transformations since the mid-13th century.
Gellért Hill
Named after a saint who was rolled to his death from here in a barrel, this hill offers magnificent views of the Budapest skyline.
Gellért Baths
This thermal spa is part of the famous Géllert Hotel, containing eight pools in elegant Art Nouveau style.
Great Market Hall
Budapest's oldest and largest indoor market, selling a vast range of local delicacies.
Hungarian Goulash
Hungary is the birthplace of goulash, a delicious meat stew spiced with paprika.
Inner-City Mother Church of the Blessed Virgin
In 1046, Bishop St Gellert was buried at Budapest's Inner City Parish Church, the main parish church which stands today.

Related Tours

Buda Castle District: Private Tour including Gellért Hill

On your private walking tour of Budapest, your expert local guide will take you to some of the most important historical and cultural sites of Buda. Once the capital of Hungary, the Buda area of the town contains monuments that define the city’s legacy.

On your private tour, you will:

  • Commence your tour on Castle Hill, which offers phenomenal panoramas of the city;
  • Visit the stunning Matthias Church with tickets included;
  • Enjoy a short stop at the Fisherman's Bastion (with tickets included), and admire the panoramic views;
  • Explore the gardens of Buda Castle and learn about the Hungarian monarchy;
  • Discover Gellért Hill, a 235-meter-high hill overlooking the Danube;
  • Visit Rudas thermal baths, a 16th-century Ottoman bathhouse renowned for its historic domed pool and soothing thermal waters;
  • Your tour ends with tickets included to enjoy the thermal baths at your leisure, be sure to bring your swimsuit and flip-flops for a perfect end to the day!


Budapest is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, home to an incredible array of World Heritage Sites and stunning architecture that draws millions of tourists yearly. The Danube River splits the Buda side of the city from the Pest, which, having both been independent cities originally, were unified to become Budapest in 1873. The multitude of hot springs has made the city famous for its public baths, which come in a variety of architectural styles from the Turkish era to Art Nouveau. 

Your private guide will begin your tour on Castle Hill, which stands more than 100 m above the Danube and offers outstanding panoramas of the city. Here you will find the stunning Matthias Church, dating back five centuries. The Fisherman’s Bastion is also worth your attention, a terrace with stunning views dedicated to the fisherman who defended the city walls in the Middle Ages. Buda Castle is the historical residence of the Kings and Queens of Hungary, an imposing building that has undergone a series of transformations since the mid-13th century. On this tour, you will explore the gardens with your guide.

As you wander to Gellért Hill, enjoy yet another stunning vantage point to admire the city in all its glory. The hill was named after Saint Gerald, who was thrown to his death here. Once you make your way down from Gellért Hill, you’ll arrive at Rudas Baths, a 16th-century Ottoman spa and one of Budapest’s most authentic thermal experiences. Here, your guide will leave you to enjoy the bathhouse and its soothing pools at your leisure, with tickets included!

Please note that children below 14 years are not allowed to enter the Thermal Pools.
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