Another hot summer means Budapestians will be drawn more and more to the many local swimming pools and aquatic parks in the city to cool off. There are a wide variety of pools to choose from; below we offer you a list of the best swimming pools in Budapest.
Best Swimming Pools in Budapest #1: Palatinus
Located in a beautiful setting on Margaret Island, the Palatinus water park is always a popular place in the summer. The complex boasts 11 pools, including two thermal pools, two children’s pools and two swimming pools.
Location: Margaret Island, District 13
Opening hours: May to September (weather permitting), 9 am to 8 pm daily
Best Swimming Pools in Budapest #2: Római
Római, or the Roman, outdoor pool is located in one of the oldest parts of Budapest. Archeological finds from the area date back to the Roman times. Római houses three pools, including a swimming pool and a children’s pool.
Address: Rozgonyi Piroska utca 2
Location: Óbuda, District 3
Opening hours: May to September (weather permitting), 9 am to 8 pm daily
Best Swimming Pools in Budapest #3: Pünkösdfürdő
The Pünkösdfürdő open-air baths, established on the banks of the Danube, is a popular recreation spot, hosting three pools, including a children’s pool.
Address: Királyok útja 272
Location: Óbuda, District 3
Opening hours: May to September (weather permitting)
Monday – Friday: 9 am to 8 pm
Saturday – Sunday: 8 am to 8 pm
Best Swimming Pools in Budapest #4: Paskál
Built in 1989, Paskál is one of the newest open-air pools in Budapest. There are two pools, one of which is a children’s pool.
Address: Egressy út 178/F
Location: Pest, District 14
Opening hours: May to September (weather permitting), 9 am to 8 pm daily
Best Swimming Pools in Budapest #5: Aquaworld
Aquaworld Budapest is a large indoor water park, open all year round. It consists of 17 pools, including a swimming pool, a wave pool, a surf pool and 11 slides. There is a separate area for small children, with pools and playhouses. In the summer, additional outdoor facilities are open on a fully landscaped beach area.
Address: Íves út 16
Location: Pest, District 4
Opening hours: year-round, 6 am to 10 pm daily
Best Swimming Pools in Budapest #6: Csillaghegyi
Csillaghegyi Bath has a unique setting: it is situated in a park separated into several terraces that have been carved into a mountainside. Two pools are located on the bottom terrace, with the children’s pool on the top terrace. In the winter the main swimming pool is covered with a heated tent.
Address: Pusztakúti út 3
Location: Óbuda, District 3
Opening hours: year-round
Summer: 6 am to 8 pm daily
Winter: 7 am to 7 pm Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm on the weekends
Best Swimming Pools in Budapest #7: Lupa Beach
Lupa Beach opened in Budakalász in 2016 and just an hour’s journey away from the city center. You can enjoy a great tropical beach experience while walking on soft white sand and drinking cocktails under the shade of palm trees.
Address: Budakalász, Tó u. 1, 2011
Location: Budakalász
Opening hours: from 9 am the beach is open after sunset
Best Swimming Pools in Budapest #8: Gellért Baths and Széchenyi Baths
In addition to the seasonal outdoor pools listed above, both Gellért Baths and Széchenyi Baths have great outdoor pools.