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Szechenyi Baths ~ S+S+S & S

Because Z and I ocassionally have different viewpoints on the same subject matter, I’m posting my take on the Szechenyi Baths.
I loved both times we visited the baths. After, my second visit, I concluded that the Szechenyi baths are for those who enjoy S+S+S & S. I guess I should break that down. Selfies+Suntans+Single & Sleep. Not necessarily in that order.
On on our two visits to the baths, we spent 6+ hours, so I had quite a bit of time to observe. I found the baths to be overcrowded. The great majority of the people were in the age range of mid teens to late 20’s. They spent most of the day parading their wares from the outdoor baths to the indoor baths, taking selfies and pics of one another. The outdoor large thermal pool looked like a sea of I-Phones extended up to the sky. Once they got bored with the pool photo opportunities, they were off to the selfies in the indoor thermal baths. This made it almost impossible to find a bath that was not overcrowed with people conducting their own private photo shoots.
The outdoor baths were not as popular as the indoor baths. If I had to guest, I would bet that most of the younger generation are not thrilled by the idea of standing in a 100 degree thermal pool in 80 degree weather. Heck, they are not interested in the mineral benefits of the water. That’s for old people, like me, who wake up with a different pain every day. So, what’s better than selfies? Sunbathing and sleeping, of course. This makes it almost impossible to find an open lounge chair. The next best thing is lying out on the concrete slab. So here you have it, my take on the Szechenyi Baths. To be fair, we also visited the Gellert Baths. See our Post Gellert Baths. I’m still debating on which was my favorite. I may have to go back to lovely Budapest to make up my mind. That would be difficult, but I would have to manage.

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The Gellert Baths, Budapest

The Gellert Baths are considered to be the most opulent in Budapest. Although they are only a few years younger than Szechenyi Baths, the general upkeep of Gellert has kept them in much better condition. Without exaggeration this place qualifies for the description, “Stunning!” It is not only the most beautiful spa I have ever seen, it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen, period. Also, if you are traveling with children, Gellert boasts a large outdoor wave pool that kids will love.
That said, Gellert is not perfect. As other reviewers have noted, the place is a winding maze of steps and passages that can be confusing and grueling. Also the best hot pools at Gellert are inside, which is better for winter but feels confining on a beautiful summer day. There is a small outdoor hot pool, but in nice weather it is much too crowded. And finally, Gellert allows too much smoking in outdoor areas. Europeans will smoke anytime they get the chance, but at least at Szechenyi they make some attempt to control it.
So which is best, Gellert or Szechenyi? (Szechenyi is covered in a previous blog post.) Gellert is definitely more upscale. But even with the upkeep issues, my vote still goes to Szechenyi. I like the easy access outdoor spaces and the size of the outdoor hot pool. When we were there, they were even showing World Cup games on a huge big screen TV.
The Gellert and Szechenyi Baths are wonderful. You shouldn’t have to make a choice. Go to both.

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Szentendre, Hungary: Day Trip

I have always believed the old quote, “There is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” So when Yvonne came up with the idea of a boat trip out of Budapest to Szentendre, I was all over it.
Szentendre is a quaint village about an hour and a half up the Danube from Budapest. Ninety minutes up, but only an hour back because you are going with the flow coming home. The village itself is like a moment cut from time. More 17th century than 21st. Cobblestone streets. The standard tourist shops. Yvonne found a great little jewelry place with some real deals. We had delicious Hungarian cuisine and admittedly a pizza while relaxing in a restaurant and gazing at the Danube. Perfect weather. A wonderful relaxing day. So why were we so tired when we got back? Sometimes taking it easy is hard.

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Vajdahunyad Castle and Heroes Square, Budapest

I am grouping together the Vajdahunyad Castle and Concert with the nearby Heroes Square, and the City Park amusement area. The Zoo and Szechenyi Baths are also in the same park. The little paddle boats in the lake are really cute and the park itself is stunning. There is no entrance fee to the park but the attractions have individual fees. Prices are very reasonable considering the quality of the venues. Two Tickets to the concert were $23. You could easily spend a day or several days here, depending on the number of attractions you are interested in. It’s a great place for a picnic but there are restaurants available as well, if you prefer. City Park is not on the normal tourist track, but it is centrally located. It is on the Pest side of the Danube and easily accessed from public transportation. Your stop will be called “Hosok Ter” which is Hungarian for “Heroes Square.” To enter the park, walk down the sidewalk behind the monuments and across the bridge. You will love this place. A definite Savvy Senior thumbs up.

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The Streets of Budapest

For some reason I wasn’t too excited about coming to Budapest. We have been “on the road” for over three months. I am a bit travel weary. After London, Berlin, Prague, and Vienna, what else could Budapest have to offer?

It turns out, a lot. Budapest has become my favorite city, and the only one that I would like to turn into an extended stay on a future trip. Here’s why:

Budapest has it all. Art, music, architecture, history, local and international cuisine, handicrafts, and traditional culture all wrapped up in a vibrancy and with prices that are a Savvy Seniors dream.

Budapest stands back with a wink and says, “Ok, you have seen castles but check this out. You like art? What about an entire Frida Kahlo exhibit straight from the museum in Mexico? Want music? Try a symphony orchestra, in an enchanted castle setting. Tired? A dip in a natural hot mineral bath would hit the spot.”

And then to add the “piece de resistance” Budapest wraps this up in a metro system that is bar none for efficiency, and comfort.

(I am covering the Szecheny Baths and the Vajdahunyad Castle in other posts, so please check those out, as well) For right now, let’s take a stroll around the streets of Budapest.

Pics of our first day in Budapest, including a few of the lovely Urania theater:

Budapest night scapes:

Budapest, a few of the rest:

The Gellert side of town. The exquisite Gellert Baths and Gellert mountain. The guide books talk about Gellert “Hill” like it is a walk in the park. Don’t believe them. Yvonne and I made the grueling trek nearly to the top but the last hundred yards or so were torture. This is not a hike for the elderly or those not in good physical shape. Check out the pics and our satisfied smiles at the top. You can see the tower at the top of some of the other pics on the right side:

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Szecheny Mineral Springs and Baths, Budapest

Putting together a bucket list? Don’t forget to leave a few blank spaces for discoveries you will write in as you go. The Szechenyi Baths, in Budapest is just such a place. I had never heard of Szechenyi when we started planning our trip. Eighteen separate pools and hot tubs. Numerous steam baths and dry saunas, some with aromatherapy. Massage and other holistic medicinal therapies.  A fun pool. All of this housed in a gorgeous, almost palace like, facility completed in 1913. The wow factor is huge.

People have been drawn to the natural hot springs around Budapest since the early bronze age. In fact the springs were what brought the Romans here in the 2nd century BC. With the spine warming tingle of naturally hot mineral water, it is easy to see why the Romans wanted to build their territorial capital here.  The waters are invigorating, especially if you have joint problems like I do. Szechenyi is the oldest mineral bath located on the Pest side of the Danube. Since the water is hot, almost 170 degrees fahrenheit, the outdoor pools can be open all year. It is an unforgettable place and a most memorable day. Truly, one for the bucket list!