Budapest’s beaches set to expand: New free bathing spots on the Danube

Budapest residents and visitors may soon have more options for cooling off during the hot summer months. According to Ildikó Szűts, CEO of Budapest Spas cPlc. (Budapest Gyógyfürdői és Hévízei Plc., BGYH), the city is exploring the possibility of opening two new free beaches along the Danube this summer. These would complement the existing beach on Római-part, which has been a popular spot for years.

The potential new beaches are part of a broader initiative by the Budapest City Council to investigate river bathing opportunities, Népszava writes. One intriguing possibility is the reopening of a barge beach that operated in 2009 between the Elizabeth and Chain bridges on the Pest side. While the original vessel still exists, its condition remains uncertain, making it unlikely to reopen this summer.

Budapest’s thriving bath culture

The city’s thermal baths have seen a significant surge in popularity, especially among foreign tourists. In 2024, Budapest’s baths welcomed nearly 4 million visitors, with BGYH’s revenue reaching HUF 26.3 billion (EUR 65.3 million) and pre-tax profits of HUF 6.6 billion (EUR 16.4 million). This success has led to modest price increases, with a 5% hike expected this year following last year’s 10% increase.

Despite these increases, Budapest’s baths remain relatively affordable by international standards. Szűts suggests that tourists could easily absorb an additional 2-3 euro price hike, which could help fund an expanded discount system for Hungarian visitors.

Balancing tourism and local access

The new city council has requested several improvements from BGYH, including:

• Lower ticket prices for Budapest residents
• Extended opening hours
• Digitalisation of the Zsigmondy discount card
• Implementation of an online booking system

While these changes aim to increase accessibility and reduce queues, they present challenges. Some historic baths are already operating at full capacity, and extending hours would increase operational costs, Népszava writes.

Financial considerations and future plans

The revenue from Budapest’s baths plays a crucial role in maintaining and renovating these historic facilities. This year alone, the Széchenyi Bath requires HUF 1 billion (EUR 2.5 million) for ceiling repairs. The company also provides various discounts to domestic visitors, valued at HUF 3.7-4 billion (EUR 9.2-9.9 million) annually, with 1.7 million people using discounted tickets last year.

As Budapest continues to balance the needs of tourists and locals, these potential new beaches on the Danube represent an exciting development in the city’s bathing culture. However, their opening remains contingent on water quality and physical feasibility. If successful, they could provide a refreshing and free option for those looking to escape the summer heat in the Hungarian capital.

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