With summer underway, travelers are looking for relaxing vacations to disconnect from the problems of everyday life. According to Hilton’s 2025 Trends Report, travelers are looking for more laid-back vacations that prioritize mental health recovery, also known as “soft travel.’’
Budapest, known as the “Spa Capital of the World” for its abundance of thermal baths, spas, and wellness activities, presents a fantastic option for travelers looking for a relaxing experience.
There are no flights from the U.S. to Budapest’s Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD), but most flights require only one stop, such as in London, Paris or Madrid. But Budapest’s reputation as the “Spa Capital of the World,’’ as well as Hungary’s history and culture, makes the effort more-than worth the effort.
Here are some of the most relaxing ways to spend your time in Budapest:
- Thermal Baths: Home to more than 100 thermal springs, Budapest’s thermal baths are some of the most iconic landmarks in the city. The most famous of these baths is Széchenyi Bath, a Neo-Baroque masterpiece and the largest medicinal bath in all of Europe. Established in the 16th century by the Ottomans, Rudas Bath and its rejuvenating waters are the oldest bath house in Budapest. Many natural minerals are found in the water from these springs, including sulfate, calcium, and magnesium, supporting the claim that Hungary’s waters have medicinal properties.
- Spas: Due to Budapest’s lengthy history with thermal baths, the city’s culture has been synonymous with relaxation for centuries. Because of this, Hungary has developed hundreds of modern spas that utilize the rejuvenating properties of the country’s thermal springs for their treatment. The vast majority of Budapest’s luxury hotels have their own top-of-the-line spas, including the Four Seasons Gresham Palace, the Aria Hotel, and Matild Palace’s Turkish-style spa. Omorovicza, a skincare company that traces its roots to an Budapesti thermal bath established over 450 years ago, has a brick-and-mortar spa in Hungary’s capital, known by many as the best in the city for skin revitalization.
- Wellness: Aside from pure relaxation, Budapest is also home to many wellness activities that are sure to help visitors unwind. One of the most uniquely serene activities offered in the city is a paddleboarding tour on the Danube. Here, visitors can glide along the historic river while taking in Budapest’s Neo-Baroque skyline from a different point of view. Additionally, Hungary’s capital is also home to many yoga studios with picturesque views. Visitors can make the trip to Buda Hills, via hiking or a chairlift, to the Normafa Hotel & Retreat for one-of-a-kind wellness treatments and yoga classes, or opt for Várkert Bazár with views of the Danube.
Feature Photo: Szechenyi Bath (Newlink)