Soak in the Széchenyi thermal baths

This is the quintessential Budapest experience and unlike anything else in Europe. The city sits on natural hot springs, and the grand Széchenyi Baths are the most famous: a vast neo-baroque palace of steaming outdoor and indoor pools where locals play chess in the water and tourists soak away the day. It's a paid attraction but worth every forint, and an evening visit costs less and comes with a magical sunset-steam atmosphere. We'll explain the ticket options, what to bring, and the best time of day to go.