In this article, you can read everything you need to know about Palatinus Bath. When thinking of Budapest, thermal baths are a distinctive aspect of its heritage, along with its stunning architecture and rich history. So, which bath you should choose? Among the various options, Palatinus Bath stands out as a great family-friendly choice on Margaret Island. I tried it with my son, and it’s perfect for a fantastic day out in the summer, thanks to its outdoor swimming pools.
Table of Contents
The History of Palatinus Bath
Originally opened in 1919, Palatinus Bath has a rich history. Thermal bathing is not just fun; it’s also a significant aspect of Hungarian society. Named after Palatine Joseph, it was the first bath in Budapest where visitors could enjoy outdoor bathing.
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Initially, Palatinus Bath was just a Danube-cage swimming pool, but in 1921 a large 5,000-square-meter pool along with two smaller pools were built. Until World War II, the large pool at Palatinus Bath was the largest in Europe!
Due to a sudden increase in popularity, the baths were extended in 1936, a project completed by István Janáky and György Masirevich. The goal was to build a spa facility that could accommodate ten thousand people while preserving the green spaces and landscaping. The new building featured clean, minimalist design elements characteristic of the Bauhaus style.
In the 1960s, several renovations were undertaken in the spa area. Also, new Mettlachi tiles replaced the previously concrete pool floor. In 2002, the pools were updated to meet modern needs and were equipped with water circulation systems.
The main large pool was divided into three sections: a swimming pool, a fun pool, and an open-air bath pool while maintaining the appearance of a continuous water surface.
Today, the Palatinus Bath complex combines stunning Bauhaus architecture with modern facilities, ensuring a comfortable experience for all visitors. Open year-round, it features 15 pools.
Palatinus Bath: Pools and Amenities
Palatinus Bath offers a wide variety of pools and amenities. It’s perfect for both families and individuals seeking relaxation and wellness. One of the highlights is that nearly all the pools are outdoors, making it perfect for summer outings with kids.
I visited with my son and enjoyed almost all the pools together. Also, he had a great time playing with other children in the kids’ pools while I swam in the lanes.
At Palatinus Bath, there are wave and slide pools available, too. Unlike Aquaworld Water Park, which we visited in winter and has more indoor attractions, Palatinus Bath has a more relaxing atmosphere with only one pool with big water slides.
Thermal Pools
The heart of the Palatinus Bath is undoubtedly its thermal pools, fed by natural hot springs. These pools vary in temperature, ranging from the cold pool at 18°C to the hottest plunge pool at 42°C, with most pools around 30°C.
While I’m not an expert, the minerals in the thermal water offer healing benefits for the skin and muscles. However, spending a whole day in hot water is incredibly relaxing!
Adventure Pools
If you want more than just relaxation, the slide and wave pools provide an exciting experience. With thrilling water slides and rolling waves, you can tap into your inner child and enjoy a fun-filled day. If you visit with your family, the kids will enjoy these pools.
Saunas
At Palatinus Bath, several different types of saunas are available, each providing unique health benefits. The warmth helps to soothe tired muscles, improve circulation, and promote overall well-being.
Unfortunately, I didn’t try them because I was with my son, and kids cannot go in the saunas. If you’re at the Palatinus Bath alone or with other adults, saunas are a great way to relax between dips in the thermal and adventure pools.
Amenities for a Relaxing Day
Alongside the pools, Palatinus Bath offers numerous amenities to ensure a full day of relaxation. Sunbathing areas, cosy lounges, and restaurants with outdoor seating serving Hungarian and international street food such as lángos, pita, and salads make it easy to unwind.
We enjoyed a light lunch in the dining area before heading back to the water, and I also treated myself to a delicious coffee from a food truck in front of the bath area.
Practical Information for Visiting the Palatinus Bath
We visited the Palatinus Bath in the summer, at the end of August. It was already low season, so it was a sunny day without being too crowded. The high season for the baths in Budapest is from July to mid-August.
What to Bring
When packing for a day at the Palatinus Bath, remember to bring essential items such as towels, swimwear, and flip-flops so you won’t have to buy them there. Additionally, consider including a swimming cap and goggles if you plan to swim in the lanes.
Also, remember to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated, as well as a cap and sunscreen. At the Palatinus Bath, there are several places to refill your water bottle.
Be sure to apply sunscreen regularly, as it can quickly wear off after spending a lot of time in the water. I experienced sunburn even while wearing a cap and sunscreen!
For children and those with sensitive skin, a long-sleeved swimsuit similar to those worn by surfers is a great alternative.
Lockers
To secure your personal belongings, lockers are available on-site. At the entrance, you’ll get an electronic plastic bracelet to keep on you at all times. You’ll use it to open and close your locker as many times as you want.
Opening Hours
Palatinus Bath is open year-round, every day from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. You must leave the pools and pool areas 20 minutes before closing time. If you’re running late, the staff will let you know when it’s time to leave.
Admission Fee
Tickets for Palatinus Bath cost HUF 3,400 for adults on weekdays and HUF 3,700 on weekends.
While a discounted 2-hour ticket is available, I don’t recommend it because the Palatinus Bath complex is very large, and you won’t be able to enjoy all the pools in just two hours. An afternoon ticket is a better option if you can’t spend the whole day and plan to stay until closing time.
There are also discounts available for children and families of three or more, which must include at least one child. Additionally, holders of the Budapest Card receive a 20% discount on daily tickets. Read my article to discover how much you can save with the Budapest Card.
How to Get to the Palatinus Bath
To reach the Palatinus Bath from the centre of Budapest, take bus number 26, which crosses Margaret Island. For the best route from your location, check Google Maps. You can find more information about public transport in my article about how to get around Budapest.
Palatinus Strand
Budapest, Soo Rezso Setany 1, Margaret Island 1007
Where to stay in Budapest
Budapest offers a wide range of beautiful hotels to choose from. Hampton By Hilton Budapest City Centre (here my review) is located in the heart of Budapest, just 600 metres from St. Stephen’s Basilica. They offer a delicious breakfast and have a restaurant and a bar on-site. For those looking for a hotel with unique and stunning decor, Stories Boutique Hotel is a 4-star property situated 500 meters away from the Hungarian State Opera. They have a restaurant on-site that serves à la carte, a continental or vegetarian breakfast. If you prefer an aparthotel, Zoya Luxury Residence is an excellent option with units with a coffee machine, a dishwasher, a microwave and parking space.
In conclusion, Palatinus Bath is a fantastic destination for a family-friendly day out, offering a perfect blend of relaxation, fun, and a taste of Hungarian culture through its thermal baths. I’d love to hear about your experiences at Budapest baths: feel free to share if you enjoyed Palatinus Bath or are planning to visit your next time in Budapest.
