6 Days of Thermal Bliss: A Spa-Centric Escape in Budapest

This trip in 20205 was not my first time in Budapest. About 20 years ago I traveled with my mother to her homeland Romania with some days spent in Budapest as well. Things have changed since then but having spent my childhood listening to the Hungarian language and eating Hungarian food, it was a bit like coming home.

If you’re dreaming of a city escape where culture, history, and wellness come together in perfect harmony, look no further than Budapest. Our recent 6-day vacation in Hungary’s enchanting capital was exactly that—a rejuvenating blend of spa indulgence, architectural wonders, and culinary delights. For the younger crowd (and dare I say I am still one of them 😊) there is a super lively bar and restaurant scene that took me personally by surprise.

Our base for the trip was the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus, and it couldn’t have been better situated. Nestled in the heart of Budapest, this refined hotel put us within walking distance of many central attractions, high-end shops, and charming cafés. After long days of sightseeing and soaking, it was a joy to return to its calm, modern comfort. Beyond the amazing facility, vast breakfast and lovely spa what really stood up was the staff and service. I celebrated my birthday during our visit and without prior notification, the staff proactively sent up balloons, cake (twice) and a lovely gift in form of a box of chocolate. They catered for our every need, and I am glad to say kept the high Kempinski standard I normally look for when I choose one of their hotels. Without a doubt this is the hotel I would return to.

Budapest offered the perfect mix of relaxation and discovery. Whether soaking in centuries-old baths, gazing out from a hilltop over the Danube, or indulging in gourmet Hungarian dishes, every moment felt enriching. If you’re looking for a vacation that nourishes both body and soul, make Budapest your next destination.

Accommodation Tip: The Kempinski Hotel Corvinus was the perfect choice for us. My only wish was that we would be staying on a higher floor which is a tip for you. On the lower floors the view is quite limiting. To add to all the benefits already shared, they have multiple dining options which makes it easy if you are looking for a quick snack or having dinner on site. Top Tip: opt for their “Afternoon Tea” experience in the Living Room venue. Wow triple wow. Two layers of yummy sandwiches and cakes accompanied by a great tea selection. Much more than I would normally expect from an afternoon tea platter.

Excursion Tip #1: Do some Thermal Spa Hopping!

Budapest is famously built on a patchwork of thermal springs, and we took full advantage. Over our six days, we visited three of the city’s most iconic and distinct thermal spas:

Széchenyi Thermal Bath – Located in the City Park, this sprawling neo-baroque bathhouse is one of Europe’s largest. The outdoor pools were magical, especially under the soft morning steam, and the interior thermal rooms were both relaxing and full of character.

Ensana Thermal Margaret Island – Tucked away on lush, tranquil Margaret Island, this spa had a more therapeutic, wellness-focused feel. The setting felt like a world away from the bustle of the city, ideal for deep relaxation.

Rudas Thermal Baths – With origins dating back to the 16th century, Rudas offered a uniquely atmospheric experience. I was looking forward to the rooftop pool, which offered a surreal view of the Danube, but it was a bit small & packed for my taste. A MUST which is a bit hidden is the Turkish Bath Hall. Now that is a dip back in time!

Excursion Tip #2: No visit to Budapest is complete without seeing its architectural gem—the Hungarian Parliament Building. We joined a guided tour that brought the building’s intricate neo-Gothic grandeur to life. Seeing the Holy Crown and the lavish interiors was a definite highlight. As you exit the building and walk back towards the city center on the Danube, you will find the sad & emotional reminder of the Jewish Holocaust in form of the "Shoe Exhibit". A symbol to shoes left behind of the Jews who were killed at the Danube banks.

Excursion Tip #3:  Exploring Buda. On our final day, we crossed the Danube to explore the historic Buda side. We decided to skip the Buda Castle as we already visited it in the past, but should you have not seen it yet, its worth a stop. We rather focused on the marvelous Fisherman’s Bastion which has sweeping views of the city and the Parliament building across the water—a picture-perfect way to close our trip. Across from it you can also visit the well worth Mattias Church. If you love photography this entire area is heaven and worth visiting at the golden hour.

Gastronomy tips: Hungarian cuisine surprised and delighted us! Here are my top 5:

Gundel – This elegant restaurant served up timeless Hungarian classics with finesse. The Gundel pancake is every bit as decadent as its reputation suggests. It is on the expensive side so do come prepared!

New York Café – Often dubbed the “most beautiful café in the world,” it more than lives up to the title. Sitting beneath gold-trimmed ceilings and ornate frescoes while sipping coffee felt like stepping into another era. Not cheap either but how else would you get your Instagram pose? 😊

Ruszwurm Bakery- OMG the Ruszwurm cake which is a classic Hungarian creamy pastry is to die for and can not be missed. The little pastry shop is on the Buda side of the water right across the Mattias Church structure.

Granny’s Langos- Langos is a classic Hungarian deep-fried bread. Similar to Pizza, it can be topped with different ingredients but really the traditional simple cheese and sour cream is the best in my humble opinion. We found many touristic venues that sell Langos but this place felt really family like and had a wonderful original flavor to it.

Meshuga- This Israeli Middle- Eastern spot in the trendy “Gozsdu Court” is full of life, music and really good food. The kind you can really feel like you are in Tel-Aviv. The entire area transforms in the evening to a loud fun bar and restaurant area any day of the week and is worth spending an evening or two.