Palatinus Baths

In the heart of  Margaret Island, a green oasis suspended over the Danube between Buda and Pest, lies the Palatinus Thermal Baths, Budapest’s first open-air thermal complex opened in 1919. With a surface area of 75,000 square metres, this establishment is the ideal choice for families looking for a spa experience different from the classic historical baths of Budapest, combining wellness, fun and nature.

The facility has 11 pools in total, including the iconic wave pool built in 1937 and decorated with surrealist mosaics by artist Endre Bálint. In 2017, a major renovation was completed that added four heated indoor pools, transforming the Palatinus into a year-round spa complex. The waters come from the thermal springs of Margaret Island at 70°C, rich in calcium, magnesium and bicarbonates, and are particularly indicated for musculoskeletal disorders and neurosis.

Unlike the Széchenyi or Gellért Baths, which favour a historical and adult atmosphere, the Palatinus offers giant slides with a stopwatch and multimedia system, pools with artificial waves and counter-current, and children’s play areas. The location on the pedestrian island, surrounded by 100 hectares of parkland with century-old trees, makes it possible to combine a visit to the thermal baths with walks, picnics and discovering the island’s attractions such as the musical fountain and medieval ruins.

What to do at Terme Palatinus

The three outdoor thermal pools maintain temperatures between 30-36°C and remain accessible even in winter thanks to the natural geothermal water. The main pool of over 5,000 square metres was the largest in Europe when it was built in 1921. You can alternate the hot pools with cooler ones following the principles of thermotherapy, benefiting from the healing properties of the mineral-rich water. The thermal pools are particularly suitable for those suffering from joint pain, spinal problems or simply seeking muscle relaxation after long walks to Budapest.

The wave pool is activated several times a day, creating artificial waves that reach considerable heights, a favourite attraction for children and youngsters. The system is announced via loudspeakers also in English. Next to it is the artificial counter-current pool where you can swim against the flow of water for a more intensive workout. During the summer season (May-September), there are also leisure pools with room temperature water, ideal for swimming.

The four giant slides offer different courses for different adrenalin levels. The multimedia slide includes a sound system and light effects during the descent, while the faster ones have a stopwatch for challenges between friends. Children have dedicated pools with shallow water and water games. The indoor wellness area inaugurated in 2017 includes a thermal pool with whirlpool jets, Finnish sauna, Turkish bath and geothermal sauna that uses the natural heat of the springs.

The complex has spacious lawns where you can lie in the sun between pools, bars and restaurants with terraces serving Hungarian and international dishes. At the entrance, you will receive an electronic bracelet to open your assigned locker. The 15,000-square-metre rose garden in front of the spa is worth a visit, especially in spring when hundreds of varieties bloom at the same time. The facility maintains a less formal family atmosphere than the historical thermal baths, with picnic facilities in the surrounding green areas.

Admission tickets

A daily entrance ticket costs 3,400 HUF on weekdays and 3,700 HUF on weekends and holidays. The price includes unlimited access to all pools operating during the season, a locker with an electronic wristband and use of the green areas. During the winter, the fee is reduced as some seasonal pools are closed.

There is also a 2-hour ticket at a lower rate, which is not recommended due to the size of the complex and the many attractions. It is better to opt for the day or afternoon ticket if you arrive after 15:00. Budapest Card holders get a 20% discount on the day ticket, a significant advantage considering that the card also includes unlimited transport and free admission to other attractions.

Children under 14 can only enter the thermal pools with a doctor’s prescription, due to the high water temperature. The other pools, however, are suitable for all ages. Swimming caps must be worn in the swimming pools; they are optional in the thermal pools and relaxation areas.

Opening Hours

Terme Palatinus is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. throughout the year, including holidays. Admission is permitted until 18:00, and the ticket offices close one hour before closing time. The pools and surrounding areas must be cleared 20 minutes before closing time, so at 6.40 p.m. staff begin to warn bathers.

During the summer season (May-September), all 11 pools including slides, wave pool and leisure pools are operational. From September to May, the three naturally heated thermal pools, the four indoor pools in the wellness area and the sauna areas remain open. The giant slides and wave pool are closed during the winter period. Check on the official website which pools are active during your visit.

The best times to visit the Palatinus are weekday mornings when it is less crowded, or late afternoons. On summer weekends and during school holidays, the complex can be very popular with Hungarian families. For a quieter experience, prefer the months of April-May or September-October when the weather is still pleasant but there are fewer visitors.

How to get to Terme Palatinus

Terme Palatinus is located in the centre ofMargaret Island, a 2.5 km long pedestrian island on the Danube. The most convenient way to reach them is by bus 26, the only public transport crossing the island. Starting from the M2 Nyugati pályaudvar metro station in the centre of Pest, bus 26 stops directly in front of the entrance to the baths at the ‘Palatinus fürdő’ stop. The journey takes about 10 minutes and conveniently connects the city centre with the thermal baths.

Alternatively, take tram 4 or 6 to the ‘Margitsziget / Margit híd’ stop, which is located in the middle of Margaret Bridge. From here, enter the island and walk 10-15 minutes northwards following the signs for Palatinus, enjoying the walk through the greenery. This access from Margaret Bridge is the most used as it is closest to the city centre and easily connects with the areas of Pest where the Parliament is located.

From the north end of the island, which can be reached with the M2 metro stop Árpád Híd, you can either cross the Árpád Bridge and walk south for about 1 km or take bus 16 or 26 into the island. By bicycle, the island can be reached from both bridges via protected cycle paths. On the island, you can also rent bicycles at various rental points to move faster between attractions.

Margaret Island is closed to car traffic, so it is not possible to drive directly to the thermal baths.