Funny Do’s and Don’ts in a Hungarian Thermal Bath

A relaxing soak in a Hungarian thermal bath is a quintessential experience during the colder months.The therapeutic waters invite an international crowd from all over the globe. It’s the perfect place to unwind and let loose. However, some visitors tend to take it quite literally. Here are our top 5 tips for first-timers who want to avoid any awkward faux pas when visiting a Hungarian Thermal Bath. Come to warm yourself up in one of Budapest’s great mineral springs!

Hungarian thermal baths are architectural wonders and are must-visit attractions for everyone. Over the centuries, the therapeutic baths have washed a pool of different nations from the Celts and the Romans to the Ottoman Turks. During the communist era, the steamy bathhouses often operated as covert meeting points. Spies and secret agents often frequented these wellness spots to exchange confidential information. The loud gushing of water masked all the murmured political discussions while the steam rising off the hot pools provided the perfect coverage. Now, you could conclude that whatever happens in the steam, stays in the seam. Though we suggest you hold back a little. 

Keep the conversation light 

It’s absolutely alright to engage in a light-hearted conversation with a stranger next to you while soaking up the therapeutic properties of the waters. Even when there is a language barrier, people are usually flattered by your interest and curious to talk to you. However, basic politeness goes a long way in every Hungarian thermal bath.

Even if you feel particularly chatty that day, avoid disturbing your fellow bathers with the following topics: politics, religion, the lengthy medical history of your arthritis, or lame and outdated pick-up lines.

Instead, stay on the safe side and choose your icebreaker wisely! Weather and water temperature discussions are always safe bets. 

Avoid too much PDA 

Outdoor pools are charming both day and night but they take on an entirely different vibe after dark. When the crowd begins to thin and the lights twinkle with a romantic glow, it’s not just the open-air pool that tends to get steamy. 

The thick mist lingering above the Hungarian thermal baths creates a feeling of privacy. Plus,  you can barely see farther than your nose. Whetever amorous thoughts this evokes in you, just nip them in the bud.

You don’t want to accidentally cause a Hungarian grandma paddling nearby to have a heart attack.

Nor do you wish to get caught by the lifeguard in a compromised position with your sweetheart. The same rule of thumb goes to the changing cabins.

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Hygiene & politeness

You should always think twice about what kind of souvenir you want to bring home from your visit to a Hungarian thermal bath. Don’t forget to take your flip-flops and always rinse your feet before entering the pool.

Wearing those unflattering swim caps is mandatory in some places. They protect you both from germs and unwanted attention. 

Hungarian thermal baths get packed during weekends when the value of the best spots rises up like prime real estate. You see families with children having fun in the swirl pool at Szechenyi bath, elderly couples enjoying a lovely neck massage under the fountains, and even some funny characters meditating in the waters without a single care in the world.

Hungarian thermal bath etiquette warns against splashing, occupying the massaging spots for an extended time, and passing gas underwater – even if it’s easy to blame the bubbles on the water jet.  

Dress code or lack of it

Hungarian thermal baths are usually mixed and open for both sexes. That means, to some visitors’ disappointment, bathing suits are kept on in all the baths with one exception. Nevertheless, you can expect lots of exposed skin. We encourage you to stay away from staring. However, stealing a couple of looks here and there doesn’t do any harm. That being said, always make sure that your new-found love interest isn’t already coupled with someone else. 

There is a loose code of conduct when it comes to what to wear at the baths. Still, pick something that actually qualifies as swimwear.

Although, if you get too caught up in deciding what to wear, you can also opt to go without. You can venture in the premises wearing only a tiny apron in Rudas Bath. They hold women’s day every Tuesday, while men can enjoy the freedom of nakedness all the other days of the week. 

Understand your body’s limits

When you visit a Hungarian thermal bath, it’s important to keep some health precautions in mind. We get that, it’s key to stay hydrated especially after all that sweating in the sauna. However, you might want to ditch the pálinka and order a healthier beverage at the buffet instead.

Extreme heat and alcohol are a dangerous combo. 

Although, if you travel a bit further east to Russia, drinking vodka while soaking in the waters is a perfectly acceptable bath activity. 

The temperature of some pools in the Hungarian thermal baths reaches up to 42° C (108° Fahrenheit) that can make some people dizzy. When you begin to feel like a lobster being cooked in hot sauce, jump into the ice-cold plunge pool for a quick refresher.

We wish all of you a happy bath time!