The back story 1
A swimming nation.
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The back story
A swimming nation
Hungary’s first Olympic champion was a swimmer who designed a pool: why Budapest loves to swim.
9 of the best · Budapest, Hungary
The Best Pools, Gyms & Spas in Budapest
Swim where Hungary’s Olympians train, find a gym, and recover in the thermal baths. For the baths in depth, see our Thermal Baths guide.
Our 9 favourites, listed A–Z · Updated October 2026
What's onThis week in Budapest
Insiders' picks
Three of our favourites from this list, vetted by people who know and love Budapest.
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Olympic pools on the island
Hajós Alfréd Swimming Pool
The national swimming complex on Margaret Island, named after Hungary’s first Olympic champion.
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Budapest’s most famous bath
Széchenyi Thermal Bath
The great neo-Baroque bath palace of City Park, opened in 1913, with steaming outdoor pools you can use all year round.
Állatkerti körút 9-11Explore View on map
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Ottoman dome and rooftop pool
Rudas Baths
A 16th-century Ottoman bath at the foot of Gellért Hill, with an octagonal pool under a domed roof and a rooftop hot tub over the Danube.
Döbrentei tér 9Explore View on map
The full list: Fitness + Pools, A–Z
Neighbourhood
Swimming pools 2
Lap pools.
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Training pools
Császár-Komjádi Pool
A sports pool complex on the Buda bank, popular with lap swimmers.
Árpád fejedelem útja 8Explore View on map
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Olympic pools on the island
Hajós Alfréd Swimming Pool
The national swimming complex on Margaret Island, named after Hungary’s first Olympic champion.
Thermal baths 4
Soak and recover.
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A local favourite
Lukács Baths
A historic bath in Buda loved by locals, with thermal pools, outdoor swimming pools and plaques of thanks from grateful bathers.
Frankel Leó út 25-29Explore View on map
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Ottoman dome and rooftop pool
Rudas Baths
A 16th-century Ottoman bath at the foot of Gellért Hill, with an octagonal pool under a domed roof and a rooftop hot tub over the Danube.
Döbrentei tér 9Explore View on map
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Budapest’s most famous bath
Széchenyi Thermal Bath
The great neo-Baroque bath palace of City Park, opened in 1913, with steaming outdoor pools you can use all year round.
Állatkerti körút 9-11Explore View on map
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A hidden Ottoman bath
Veli Bej Bath
A beautifully restored 16th-century Ottoman bath in Buda, hidden within a hospital complex and far from the crowds.
Árpád fejedelem útja 7Explore View on map
Gyms 2
Fitness clubs.
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Gym chain
Life1 Fitness
A Hungarian gym chain with clubs across the city, including near Corvin and Nyugati.
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Danube-side fitness
Marriott Fitness & Health Club
The fitness club of the Budapest Marriott, open to non-guests.
Apáczai Csere János utca 4Explore View on map
Many lap pools require a swimming cap. Ask gyms about day passes.
Explore more of Budapest
46 of the best Restaurants
30 of the best Cafés
22 of the best Bars6 of the best Thermal baths4 of the best Medical3 of the best Property
39 of the best Hotels37 of the best Sights
16 of the best Parks50 of the best Culture8 of the best Cinema
28 of the best Shopping
15 of the best Nightlife11 of the best Transport & cruises
5 of the best Cars