Budapest Spas Experience Surge in Visitor Numbers in 2024

BUDAPEST, Hungary — Nearly all units of the capital city’s spa management company reported significant increases in guest numbers in 2024, with outdoor pools and seasonal beaches leading the way, according to a recent report by Termál Online.

The Széchenyi Spa emerged as the most popular destination, attracting nearly 1.4 million visitors last year. In stark contrast, the Gellért Spa, the second-most visited, welcomed only 420,000 guests. Other notable facilities that reported between 300,000 and 400,000 visitors include Lukács Spa (382,000), Paskál Spa (359,000), Palatinus Beach (337,000), Csillaghegy Beach Spa (320,000), and Rudas Spa (311,000).

The Pesterzsébet Spa narrowly missed the 300,000 mark, bringing in 284,000 guests. In comparison, the significantly smaller Dandár Spa recorded 55,000 visitors. The management company’s two seasonal beaches also contributed to the numbers, with Római Spa and Pünkösdfürdő Spa hosting 67,000 and 37,000 guests, respectively. Experts attribute the surge in visitors largely to favorable summer weather compared to previous years.

Looking ahead, new discounts will soon be available for residents in Budapest. The Budapest General Assembly has approved a program allowing local students to visit historic spas, including Gellért, Széchenyi, Rudas, and Lukács, once a month at a 50 percent discount. Additionally, they can enjoy half-price access to other Budapest spas and beaches once a week. In a further incentive, students will receive an even steeper discount of 80 percent during the last two hours before closing.

Alongside the offers for students, all Budapest residents will benefit from half-price entry to the city’s spas during the first two hours of the morning and the last two hours of the evening starting this summer. This initiative is aimed at increasing accessibility to the popular facilities.

In efforts to improve efficiency and guest experience, online appointment booking will be introduced at major spas beginning in May. The Rudas Spa will be among the first to offer this new service, intending to reduce wait times for patrons.

Overall, the growing popularity of Budapest’s spas highlights a positive trend in local tourism, as more visitors seek out wellness and relaxation experiences in the city.