Rainbath at Széchenyi

Széchenyi thermal baths..... no matter how touristy they tell you it is , I tell you , this is an absolute must do.

There are 2 entrances and at first I went to the smaller one by the side nearest to the underground exit.

Was told to proceed instead, to the main entrance.

Reason : the side entrance had no more private cabins

Upon paying 5000 forints , I got this watch which acts like a keycard access at the entrance and cabin room 

Just could not believe that there were soooo many private cabins ! Attendants here give basic instructions in English . The watch again comes in handy as they can tell from one scan which number cabin is yours. Plus you again have to scan the watch just outside the door to your private cabin so it's very secure. 

On the outside are 3 pools. 

One has a swirling pool at the far end...

.....a swimming pool in the middle ....

....and another pool where old men like to play chess.

You can leave your towel ( which you brought on your own ) hanging here like this but make sure you keep an eye on it , or it might get stolen. 

Seeing how this was summer I never dreamt of this scene.

Taking Silad's advice to come here on a rainy day " because that's what Hungarians do " well it was the best thing I'd ever done, strange as it seems. 

When cold wind and rain bring out a cloud of steam from the hot pools , all that etheralness seems to do wonders towards completely destressing and relaxing you .

Soaked and sauna-ed for hours.

There are hot pools of various degrees from hot to icy cold even a water exercise pool with trainer conducting classes open to all . Plus every kind of sauna you never expected to find under one roof. Menthol infused , dry ,  changing lights ....tried everyone of them !

Of course , I got hungry in no time.

Rain , hot , cold , steam , fuh let's eat ! 

Actually apart from feeling hungry ,it was freezing cold , so no sitting outside for me thank you.

Ended up with a vegetable soup because I just did not want to end up with more salty foods and yeab , it was ok. Warmed me up a bit.

There are shower and even hairdryer facilities and that's why my hair is this dry even after 18 pools .

If you have more time and moolah you might also want to engage their massage services.

Check out the male masseuse in all white , seated.

There is a money changer on this side for your convenience...

...as well as a small stall selling spa souveniers...

....such as colourfu towels

...and a soap collection featuring all the other famous spas in Budapest. Budapest is after all the spa capital of the world !

Had a great time , walked out happy as a well soaked prune. So glad I did this . Do go when it is raining or drizzling , you won't regret it unless you really hate rain!

Location : Budapest