Which thermal baths are open at Christmas?

The three big baths, Széchenyi, Rudas and Lukács, are open every day, including over the holidays. Opening hours can change on 24-26 December, 31 December and 1 January, so check each bath’s website a few days before you go. Széchenyi is normally open from 6:00 to 22:00.

The famous Gellért would normally be on this list, but it has been closed for renovation since October 2025 and is expected to reopen in 2028.

Book ahead. Budapest expects record numbers of visitors over Christmas, and the baths get busier every festive season. Buy your ticket in advance, especially for Széchenyi. Tickets on the baths’ own websites are slightly cheaper, but they are non-refundable, so read the cancellation terms.

Rudas over the holidays. On normal weekdays the Turkish section has separate days for women and men. Over the holidays the whole bath is co-ed.

With children. Since 1 August 2025, a strict 14+ rule applies at Lukács, Rudas, Széchenyi and Dandár. Families should plan around Palatinus, Dagály or Pesterzsébet. More in Are kids allowed to visit thermal baths in Budapest?

A quiet option. Veli Bej is a small, historic Turkish bath in Buda. It is co-ed, swimwear is required, and tickets are for three hours. In winter the afternoons often fill up and guests wait for a number, so mornings are calmer. Its listed hours run until 22 December and again from 27 December, so expect it to close for a few days around Christmas, and check before you go.

Local tip. Go on a weekday morning or in the evening to avoid the biggest crowds. Bring your own towel, see What to bring to thermal baths in Budapest?