Though there are many baths that travelers can visit in Budapest—including the popular Szechenyi and Gellért thermal baths—Lukács is a fitting choice if you're hoping to avoid tourist crowds. Admission tickets grant access to baths, saunas, and soaking pools that can leave any weary traveler feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Bathers can opt for basic tickets, upgraded spa packages with extra perks, or use a Budapest Card for discounted (or free) entry.
Lukács Thermal Bath is located on the Buda side of the city, just across the river from the Margaret Bridge. Though you can hop on the 17, 19, or 41 trams to reach the baths—via the Szent Lukács Gyógyfürdo stop—you can also walk from Pest. It's about a 20-minute walk from Budapest-Nyugati train station, and the stroll offers views of the Hungarian Parliament Building as you cross the Danube.
Lukács Thermal Bath is open from early until late, and hosts special events on Friday evenings and parties on Saturday evenings. Expect more bathers on summer weekends, and fewer crowds early in the week. Outdoor pools are lovely to visit on sunny days. Check the website calendar for an up-to-date schedule.
Right in the middle of the Danube River, just a stone's-throw from Lukács Bath, you can easily stroll across the Margaret Bridge and wander around Margaret Island. This expansive Budapest park is a playground for locals and tourists alike, known for its walking paths, green lawns, and a quirky musical fountain. If you poke around a little, you might even stumble across the island's picturesque monastery ruins.
