Stay late, pay less: Budapest’s thermal baths roll out new hours and discounts!
Budapest’s world-famous thermal baths are a must-visit for anyone in Hungary, whether you’re a tourist, a foreign student, or an expat seeking relaxation and a taste of local culture. In 2025, the city’s iconic bathhouses are more accessible than ever, thanks to extended opening hours and a host of new discounts designed to welcome both residents and visitors.
Extended evening hours: Soak late all summer
From 1 July 2025, Budapest introduces a new three-month pilot program: every evening, one of the city’s main baths will remain open until 10 PM, Blikk reported based on Dávid Vitézy’s Facebook post. This means you can unwind in thermal waters after a long day of sightseeing, work, or study. The schedule rotates weekly, so a different bath stays open late each night:
- Monday: Paskál
- Tuesday: Lukács
- Wednesday: Csillaghegy
- Thursday: Dandár
- Friday: Széchenyi
- Saturday: Gellért
- Sunday: Pesterzsébet
This initiative allows more flexibility for evening visits and is especially handy during the hot summer months. Note that Rudas Bath already offers late-night bathing on Fridays and Saturdays, so it’s not part of this new rotation.
Discounted entry: Who can save, and how?
Budapest’s bath culture is now more affordable, especially for students, seniors, and local residents. Here’s how you can make the most of the available discounts:
For students
- 50% off entry to the four historic baths (Széchenyi, Gellért, Rudas, Lukács) once a month.
- 50% off at other participating baths once a week.
- 80% off if you enter within the last two hours before closing at any participating bath.
- Eligibility: You must be a student living or studying in Budapest, with a valid student pass purchased via the BudapestGO app. Don’t forget your student ID for entry. Read more about this discount HERE!
For Budapest residents
- Morning and evening discounts: All Budapest residents can enjoy half-price tickets during the first two hours after opening and the last two hours before closing at city baths and pools during the summer (check out the accepting places of the Budapest Card HERE!).
- Zsigmondy Club Card: For HUF 5,000 (EUR 12.5), this annual card grants significant discounts at Széchenyi, Gellért, and Rudas baths: weekday entry for HUF 5,000, weekends for HUF 5,500 (EUR 13.75), for up to four hours per day. Read more about the club card HERE (in Hungarian)!
For seniors
- Senior Wednesday: Residents aged 65+ can purchase a five-entry pass at half price for selected baths, valid for 180 days. The pass is valid only at the chosen location.
Practical tips and what’s new in 2025
- Booking & entry: To avoid queues, especially during peak hours and holidays, consider booking your time slot in advance: some baths are piloting this system.
- Renovations: Széchenyi Baths are undergoing a multi-phase renovation but remain open. Gellért Baths will close for major renovations from October 2025, so plan your visit before then if you want to experience its Art Nouveau grandeur.
- Bath etiquette: Most baths require swimwear, and some have age restrictions for certain pools. Always check the bath’s website for specific rules and amenities.
- Night bathing: Rudas Bath is famous for its late-night sessions on Fridays and Saturdays, offering a unique, atmospheric experience.
Why visit Budapest’s baths?
Budapest’s baths are more than just places to swim: they are historic, architectural treasures and social hubs. Whether you want to soak in mineral-rich waters, enjoy a sauna, or simply relax on a sunny terrace, there’s a bath for every taste and schedule. With new discounts and longer opening hours, 2025 is the perfect year to discover (or rediscover) these iconic spots.
Don’t miss your chance to experience one of Budapest’s most cherished traditions: now more accessible than ever.
Read more news about Hungary’s baths on Daily News Hungary!
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